But all the same, to one in her position, it was an affront, an insult, open and unmistakable.

So it was received by the mountaineers, whose handjars flashed out as one.

For a second it was so received even by the Voivodin, who, with face flushing scarlet, and the stars in her eves flaming red, sprang to her feet.

But in that second she had regained herself, and to all appearances her righteous anger passed away.

Stooping, she took the hand of her guest and raised it--you know how strong she is--and, holding it in hers, led him into the doorway, saying: "You are welcome, kinsman of my husband, to the house of my father, which is presently my husband's also.