Cathal looked upon the woman no more, but on the ground at his feet.
“It is true, Ardanna.”
The girl laughed. It was a low, sweet, mocking laugh, but it went along Cathal’s blood like cloud-fire along the sky. It was to him as though somewhat he had not seen was revealed.
“And is it a true thing that you holy men look at women askance, and as snares of peril and evil?”
“It is true, Ardanna; but not so upon those who are sisters of Christ, and whose eyes are upon heavenly things.”
“But what of those who are not sisters of your god, and are only women, fair to look upon, fair to woo, fair to love?”
Cathal again flushed. His eyes were still upon the ground. He made no answer.
Ardanna laughed low.
“Cathal!”
“Yes, fair daughter of Ecta?”