"Art not a fine woman," she remarked. "Belike thou wilt yet grow."
"Think ye I must needs become a fine woman?" said the other, smiling.
"Men like them," replied Eadburh. "All men," she added, with a meaning glance towards Ethelbert.
"What wouldst thou hint?" cried Ethelfrith; but Queen Eadburh was gone from her side.
The younger sister was not easy in heart or mind. Lately she had become aware of circumstances which she did not care to think on; and now, her sister's words! She was used to the moods of her mother; but there was also Sexwolf, the young lord who had been the Queen's constant companion for two years—he was full of smouldering fury, it was evident, and would speak to no one. Her brother was near at hand, but he always snubbed her when she talked inquisitively; he would be no help. There was thane Edric, the honest old man, seneschal of the court; she was certain he would tell her plainly anything he thought she ought to know. Why should she not take her perplexities to him? Alack! here was Eadburh again! Her she could not question. She would consult old Edric later on.
"Is a woman ever too old to love?" said Cynerith the Queen.
Ethelbert looked up quickly, surprised and a little amused. They were walking along the edge of a springing cornfield.
"Look, the bonny blossoms!" cried she.
She stooped over a patch of poppies, whose bowls seemed to burn with liquid scarlet fire. As she did so, her hand brushed against Ethelbert's as though by accident.
"Bonny, for sure," answered the young man.