I liked you when as a lad, the son of the Red Axe, you had come to my father's house about some boyish freak.

I have not done ill by you since that day.

And now that you are a leader of men and of rank and honor here in my husband's country of Plassenburg, I would be your well-wisher still.

I am conscious of no reason for my having forfeited your liking.

But that I would know for certain--and now." As she threw back her head and let her clear emerald eyes rest upon me, I never saw woman born of woman look more innocent.