Saw you ever a fairer face than Etheldrida's ?" And that was the thought of all of us who so much as remembered that such a thing as a portent of ill had ever crossed the path of the king on his way hither.
So the business of eating was ended at last, and then the servants cleared the long boards which ran lengthwise down the hall for the folk of lesser rank, and there was a great shifting of places as all turned toward the high seats to hear what Offa had to say to his guests.

And when that little bustle was ended he welcomed Ethelbert kindly and frankly, and so would drink to him in all ceremony.
Then Quendritha rose from her seat and took a beaker from the steward, and filled the king's golden horn from it.

As she did so I saw Offa look at her with a little questioning smile, as if asking her somewhat; but she did not answer in words.

She passed him, and filled the cup of the young king who was her guest, and so sat down again.

Then Offa and Ethelbert pledged each other, and the cheers of all the great company rose to hail them.
Not long after that the queen and the ladies went their way, and we were left to end the evening with song and tale, after the old fashion.