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Updated: June 10, 2025
Iduna clung to her father; Iskander stood with his eyes fixed upon the ground, but Hunniades, stern and terrible, disembarrassing himself of the grasp of his daughter, advanced and laid his hand upon the stranger. "Young man," said the noble father, "were it contrition instead of shame that inspired this attitude, it might be better.
When I return, be sure I'll summon you," and, knowing that Stauracius could not see her from where he lay, for a moment she let her splendid eyes meet my own. In them there was a message I could not mistake. "The Augusta shall be obeyed," I answered, saluting. "May the Augusta return in health and glory and more beautiful than " "Iduna the Fair!" she broke in. "Captain, you are dismissed."
Thereupon the Lady Iduna recounted to her father and Iskander, sitting between them on the margin of the fount, all that had occurred to her, since herself and Nicæus parted with Iskander; nor did she omit to relate to Hunniades all the devotion of Iskander, respecting which, like a truly brave man, he had himself been silent.
I would be no widow-maker, Iduna, nor do I wish that others should make you a widow." Iduna looked at me with her steady blue eyes. "You talk strangely, Olaf," she said, "and were it not known to be otherwise, some might hold that you are a coward. Yet it was no coward who leapt alone on board the battle ship, or who slew the great white bear to save Steinar's life.
What are you doing there, sir?" inquired the eunuch, sharply, of Nicæus, who, was tarrying behind, and kissing the hand of Iduna. "I was asking the lady for a favour to go to the coffee-house with;" replied Nicæus, "you forget that I am to have none of the hundred purses." "True," said the eunuch; "there is something in that. Here, boy, here is a piastre for you.
Yet you will perhaps think the result of all my experience very slight, for I can only say unto thee, trust not in thyself." "It is a great truth," remarked Iduna, "and leads to a higher one." "Even so," replied the Eremite. "We are full of wisdom in old age, as in winter this river is full of water, but the fire of youth, like the summer sun, dries up the stream." Iduna did not reply.
"My joy is great, sir," replied Iduna, "if I indeed rightly understand that we may count the Prince Iskander a champion of the Cross." Iskander took from his heart his golden crucifix, and kissed it before her. "This has been my companion and consolation for long years, lady," said Iskander; "you, perhaps, know my mournful history, Hunniades.
Had he perceived more indications of a very cordial feeling subsisting between Nicæus and Iduna, he would perhaps not have persisted in maintaining his disguise.
"They are ever with the champions of the Cross," replied the daughter of Hunniades. She rose, the large cloak in which she was enveloped fell from her exquisite form. "Noble Iskander, this rosary is from the Holy Sepulchre," continued Iduna; "wear it for the sake and memory of that blessed Saviour who died for our sins."
I fear me much he does not bear so contented a spirit as thyself." "He is older, and has seen more," replied Iduna. The Eremite shook his head, and leaning on his staff, returned to the cavern. Iduna remained, seated on a mossy rock, listening to the awakening birds, and musing over the fate of Iskander. While she was indulging in this reverie, her name was called.
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