I asked her of what use it was to be an Empress if she could not please her own heart in this matter of a husband, which is one important to a woman.

I said also, as for such fears, that a secret marriage might be thought of, which is an honest business that could be declared when occasion came." "And what did she answer to that, Martina ?" "She fell into high good humour, called me a faithful and a clever friend, gave me a handsome jewel, told me that she would have a mission for me on the morrow--doubtless that which I now fulfil, for I have heard of no other--said, notwithstanding all the trouble as to the Augustus and his threats, that she was sure she would sleep better than she had done for nights, kissed me on both cheeks, and flung herself upon her knees at her praying-stool, where I left her.

But why are you looking so sad, Olaf ?" "Oh! I know not, save that I find life difficult, and full of pitfalls which it is hard to escape." Martina rested her elbows on the table and her chin upon her little hand, staring me full in the face with her quick eyes that pierced like nails.
"Olaf," she said, "your star shines bright above you.

Keep your eyes fixed thereon and follow it, and never think about the pitfalls.

It may lead you I know not where." "To heaven, perhaps," I suggested.
"Well, you did not fear to go thither when you would have eaten the poisoned fig last night.