That can surely be." Then all at once came over me one thought of how Hertha had perhaps, after all, longed and waited and prayed for my coming.

I remembered words that Ailwin had spoken that seemed to say that this might be so; and thus on the very threshold of freedom I shrank back lest I should wrong the child I had loved by breaking my troth so solemnly plighted; and I knew not what to say, while the queen looked at me wondering.
Then she smiled and said: "Maybe you cannot love the maiden.

Wait awhile, and let me hear of you again.

One may not, in kindness, force these matters.

But I will trust you to tell me if she is to wed any other than you--for her portion shall be ready for her.