  Ellaline DistraughtNNOW was Ellaline, the Queen, fair distraught, for that she understood not her own mind in the matter. And her heart was as water with pity of the maid, and as a sting her tongue, whenas she thought of the going of Flame, for that to her seeing he had put an affront upon their house. Yet might she not speak in wrath, when Telwyn her husband had spoken in quietness. And there came upon her a Wherefore, turning to flee away, lest speaking she do wrong, Ellaline the Queen saw some way off in the hall a figure of sorrow, Wur, the Old Gray Woman of Shadows. And being in eld, well she wot that in the coming of Wur was sign that the Lord God was minded to send upon their house sorrow and the winds of destiny, and that not for her love and grief might these things be stayed in anywise. Wherewith she kissed the maid her daughter tenderly, as in farewell, and fled away straitly, weeping. When Flame turned him to the Princess Roseheart, fain would she have had him kiss her upon the mouth, but he would not, seeking her brow instead, in all tenderness. And piteous was the face of the maid, that Flame whom she loved denied her. But the eyes of Telwyn marking the thing, it seemed good to him that Flame turned him from the lips of his love. Well did the King know the hearts of men, and right heartily did he hold in scorn those who had not the wit to fear such things as betray men unto weakness. Thereafter did Flame get him The maid Roseheart covered her eyes that she might not see the going of her beloved. And she wept full sore, and when Telwyn the King would have comforted her, Wur, the Old Gray Woman of Shadows, came unto her pitifully, and took her from the arms of her father, and folded her mantle about her, and led her away all gently. And yielding his little maid unto Wur, whom well he wot of old, the King was shaken in grief, that the thing must be and nought might stay it. |
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