'Indeed, I know not,' answered her companion. 'But surely he is too beautiful for a man.'
'Beautiful? Never say that, child; for if it be as you think, it is the beauty of a devil, and has led who knows how many into the eternal fire. Had I a hammer here, I would splinter the evil face. I would not have my boys look at it and think it beautiful.'
A heavy footstep sounded on the terrace. Turning, they saw Osuin, an armed giant, with flowing locks, and thick, tawny beard.
'Wife, a word with you,' he shouted, beckoning from some twenty paces away.
They talked together; then the lady returned, a troubled smile on her face, and said softly to Veranilda:
'Some one wishes to speak with you—some one who comes with the king's good-will.'
Veranilda looked towards Osuin.
'You cannot mean—?' she faltered.
'No other,' replied Athalfrida, nodding gaily. 'Are you at leisure? Some other day, perhaps? I will say you would be private—that you cannot now give audience.'
This pleasantry brought only the faintest smile to the listener's face.