And that was just a wild thought, for even Thrond could not say for certain that his guess was true, and he had bidden me hold my peace; and thereon I tried to consider that it was no concern of mine where the Lady Hilda went, though it troubled me more than enough to think that she was to go to Quendritha.

So I said naught, and the king did not expect any answer.
"I suppose you have heard why we go thither," he went on quickly.
"If not, you will, and you may as well have it from myself." He glanced sidewise at me, and I bowed.

I supposed I should hear some words of policy or other.
"They--that is, our wise folk and my good mother--have been saying that I ought to marry.

They have dinned that into my ears for the last two months since I have been on the throne.

It is a matter which I had not thought of, and therefore I have been in no haste to answer them; and they have grown impatient, saying that it is for the good of the realm.