"Where is she--can I seek her?"
The old man looked at me meaningly for a minute, and I grew hot under his kindly gaze.
"What remember you of Hertha, my son?" he said gently.
"All, father," I answered; "but does she remember aught?"
"She remembers--she has never forgotten," he said.
And I had forgotten for so long. I think the old priest, who was so used to deal with men, saw what was written in my face, for he smiled a little and said:
"Women have time to think, but a warrior of today has had none. What think you of your meeting with Hertha?"
Then I said, being sure that Ailwin understood the puzzle that was in my mind:
"Father, I know not what to think. We are bound--but now it is likely that we should not know one another if we met; in truth, I think I fear to meet her."
"Is there any other maiden?" he asked, still smiling.