“Yes,” answered she. “And I would that the amulet may bring him his wish. I am glad that he hath taken it.”
“But not I,” remarked Edward, detaching an amulet from his own chain. “Bare is it without an ornament. Take this in its place, Egwina. No charm hath it but the well wishes of the donor.”
He clasped the amulet on the chain, and threw it over her shoulders.
Egwina’s eyes shone.
“I cared not for the amulet of Hakon jarl,” she said, “but this will I prize because thou, the king’s son, hath given it.”
“Ye must to your rest now, people,” called Elswitha, coming up to them. “To-morrow will we set forth to join the king in the forest. So hie ye to rest, for we must start early enough to end the journey by nightfall.”
With merry good-nights the group separated, Ethelfleda carrying Egwina with her to her own bower.
[CHAPTER XV—THE BEGGAR OF ATHELNEY]
Joyfully did Alfred greet them on their arrival at Athelney.
“Well hast thou done, little one,” he said to Egwina. “Never will Alfred forget how leal thou hast been to him.”