The Danish Lady came nearer, and stroked his hair.
But old Kata took his hand, and said:
“Welcome now! God has forgiven you.”
The man sat still, with a face of despair, the tears pouring down his cheeks.
“God can never forgive me,” he said.
“He can,” said old Kata earnestly. “God can forgive all sins of all mankind. And you have borne His punishment with patience.”
“I have borne His punishment, yes. And now there is only death.”
The old woman’s wrinkled face lit with a smile.
“Be glad of that,” she said.
Guest the One-eyed sat drinking in the peace that flowed to him through the gentle touch of Alma’s fingers as they stroked his hair. Old Kata watched him, and understood.