It was likely enough.
So I sat and pondered, not sadly, but looking forward ever, and, as I say, feeling that a load was lifted from me.

Then at last my thoughts came back from myself, and I turned to the sisters and told them that the queen was safe, if a prisoner.

They need not grieve for her.

The two nuns wept, but the thane's daughter smiled a little, and said, fondling the cat meanwhile on her lap: "In truth, I think that the queen will be happier in making Egil and his Danes obey her in little services than she has been in having to be guided by yourself and the abbot." "It has been hard for her," I answered; "but she owes you much, as I think." "She hates me," the girl said, half tearfully, "because I was the only one who dared speak plainly to her." "Elfric and I owe you much, Sister Sexberga," said I, naming her as I had thought of her through all the journey, because I recalled so many times when we had looked to her for help in persuading the queen to common sense, She looked astonished at this, and smiled oddly, and then I saw what I had done.
"Forgive me," I said hastily; "I know not your name.

That is what I ever called you to myself when I had to think of you in ordering matters." "Why 'Sexberga' ?" she said, looking out seawards.
"Truly I thought you like a lady of that name whom I knew.