CHAPTER IV.
THE PRINCESS HELENE "What devil's work is this ?" he said, frowning at her severely.
And I confess that I trembled, but not so the little maid.
"Do not be afraid, mannie," she said, laying down the axe on the stock of the couch, against which its broad red blade and glass-clear cutting edge made an irregular patch of light.

"Come and sit down beside me on your bed.

I shall not hurt you indeed, mannie, and I want to talk to you.
There is nothing but a little boy down-stairs.

And I like best to talk with men." "I declare it is the dead man's brat I saved last night for Hugo's sake!" I heard my father mutter, "the maid with the girdle of golden letters." Presently a smile of amusement struggled about his mouth at her bairnly imperiousness, but he came obediently enough and sat down.

Nevertheless he took away the heavy axe from her and said, "Put this down, then, or give it to me.