I think the old priest, who was so used to deal with men, saw what was written in my face, for he smiled a little and said: "Women have time to think, but a warrior of today has had none.
What think you of your meeting with Hertha ?" Then I said, being sure that Ailwin understood the puzzle that was in my mind: "Father, I know not what to think.

We are bound--but now it is likely that we should not know one another if we met; in truth, I think I fear to meet her." "Is there any other maiden ?" he asked, still smiling.
"Once I thought there was--and not so long ago either," I said honestly, "but I remembered in time.

Now I will say truly that there is not." I had no longing for Penhurst now.
Then there came across me a strange feeling that one might hardly call jealousy--though it was near it--and I said: "Has she seen any other who would make her wish to forget ?" "Truly she has not," Ailwin laughed; "how should she ?" "I know not where she has been, father," I said with a lighter heart, although but an hour ago I thought that I should have been glad to hear that it was so.
"Ah--I forgot," Ailwin said in some little confusion as I thought, and he was silent.

But now I would say more.
"Well, then, father, both of us are heart whole, as it seems.

But I know not if she would be pleased with me as I am now." Ailwin looked up quickly at me, and then said: "One cannot tell.