"Oh, I know--he never lies; but it is not from truthfulness, but pride. If you had pretended that my guardian had given a command--I would rather have leaped into the deepest part of the lake than have gone with you."
"What foolish defiance! He speaks only from anxiety."
"He speaks from arrogance. The vain fellow weaves a wreath composed of every flower to deck his curly head: Bissula, the red heather-blossom, must not be wanting."
"The red heather-blossom alone must adorn my life," said the youth earnestly.
Bissula started: every tinge of color faded from her face, and trembling violently she clasped her grandmother's arm for support.
The latter, however, with a keenly intent expression, turned her head toward Adalo. "What words were those you dared to utter?"
"Earnest ones. I am under no man's authority. I am old enough to lead a wife to my home, strong enough to protect her. Well then, Bissula, playmate of my childhood, come with me! I will give whatever Suomar demands. I love you better than any one else can do. Come with me to the Holy Mountain, that I may protect you there--my betrothed bride!"
CHAPTER VII.
The young girl clung still closer to Waldrun, but the latter started up in alarm and hastily pressed her hand upon Bissula's heart.
"How it throbs!" she murmured. Then, raising her left hand, as if to keep the youth back, her right drew the folds of her ample cloak over the brushing girl's sweet face. "Go," she said warningly. "Suspicion seizes me also. It is ignoble for you to dare utter the words of wooing to two defenceless women, confusing the girl, and inspiring vain, idle thoughts. That is not the honorable custom of our people. If your suit was serious you ought first to have spoken to Suomar, the guardian: he gives my granddaughter's hand, not she herself. Whoever means marriage deals with the guardian; whoever seeks mere amusement and dallying coaxes the girl. Go! I doubt you!"