"You know very well that I do," said the sick child with a smile. "But will my mother consent?"
"Do not be uneasy. I have my methods."
She was already out of the room, and saying to the mother:
"I know what is the matter with your daughter. If you would like me to make it clear to you, have two cups of wine brought in."
Kind-Welcome made haste to arrange all on the table. The healer drank a draught of burning wine and, turning to the mother, repeated word for word what the girl had confessed to her, adding:
"And now there is nothing for it but to marry her to Erh-lang, for otherwise her death is certain."
"My husband will be away for a long time yet. I cannot decide without him."
"You have only to make the arrangements. You need not celebrate the marriage until after my Lord's return. She must be given her desire; there is no other way of saving her."
"If the young man is as desirable as all that ..." the mother murmured uneasily. "But how shall we bring the thing about?"
"I am going to speak to his elder brother. I will keep you informed."