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Though not yet five and twenty years old, Athalfrida had borne seven children, of whom five died in babyhood. A creature of magnificent form, and in earlier life of superb vigour, her paling cheek told of decline that had begun; nevertheless her spirits were undaunted; and her voice, in gay talk, in song or in laughter, sounded constantly about the halls and wild gardens.
Obeying the king's command, Athalfrida refrained from argument and condemnation, and, as Veranilda herself, when once she had told her story, never again returned to it, the subject was almost forgotten. They lived together on terms as friendly as might be between persons so different.
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. 'Is it hither that he would come? she asked, again looking anxiously towards the ruddy giant, who stamped with a beginning of impatience. 'If so it please you, little one, answered Athalfrida, changing all at once to her softest mood.
Side by side, forgetful of all but their recovered peace, they talked sweet nothings, until there sounded from far a woman's voice, calling the name of Veranilda. 'That is Athalfrida, she said, starting up. 'I must not delay. One whisper, one kiss, and she was gone.
'I would no one might ever look upon it again! cried Athalfrida, her blue eyes dark with anger and her cheeks hot. 'I would that the pestilence, which haunts its streets, might make it desolate, and that the muddy river, which ever and again turns it into a swamp, would hide its highest palace under an eternal flood. Veranilda averted her face and kept silence.
What graces they had they owed to nature, not to any cultivation of the mind. Their health Buffered in a nomadic life from the ills of the country, the dangers of the climate, and the children by whom a few were accompanied, showed a degeneracy of blood which threatened the race with extinction. Foremost in rank among them was Athalfrida, sister to the king, and wife of a brawny lord named Osuin.
'Is that one of their gods, or an emperor? asked Athalfrida. 'I have seen his face again and again since we came here. '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.
'The king leaves all to my discretion, and I ask nothing better than to do you kindness. Shall it be here, or within? Veranilda whispered 'Here'; whereupon Osuin received a sign, and stalked off. A few minutes passed, and Athalfrida, who, after caresses and tender words, had drawn apart, as if to watch her children playing, beheld the expected visitor.
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?
Osuin heard a terrible threat fall from his lips, and the same evening whispered it to Athalfrida. 'He will do well, answered his wife, with brows knit.
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