I would even speak plainly of the matter; and at least I had not gone so far in any way that the lady could blame me for silence.

So I hardened my heart--for indeed the trouble seemed great--and spoke quickly.
"Hertha was nearer to me than sister, for we were betrothed when I was but thirteen and she eleven." I think the trouble in my voice was plain, for the lady deemed that there was some to be told.
"Where is she now ?" she asked.

"I hope that no harm came to her when the evil Danes overran your land." "I know not where she may be, dear lady," I said.

"We know that she was in safety after the first peril passed.

Now our land is in Danish hands, and I have no news from thence for four years." "There are many places here where one might hide well enough," she said thoughtfully.