"Now how could I come upon a better sight if I were the King of a hundred
islands?" he demanded of Elfgiva.
But he did not wait for her answer; instead, he stepped forward as though to
avoid it and put a question to one of his huntsmen. And his wife turned and
spoke sharply to the blond maiden behind her, whose more than usual fairness
had given her the name of Candida, or "the white one."
"Where is Randalin? I sent the garments to. her an hour ago. She stands in
need of a taste of Teboen's rod to teach her promptness."
Little Dearwyn, watching the doorway with fluttering color, cried out eagerly,
"Here she is, lady!"
There she was, in truth, standing on the threshold with crimson cheeks and
flashing eyes. At the sight of her every huntsman uttered a whistle of
amazement, then settled into an admiring stare; and Canute, glancing over his
shoulder, laughed outright.
"What!" he said. "Have you tired of woman's clothes already?"
For, once more, Frode's daughter was attired in a man's short tunic and long
silken hose. It was a suit much richer than the old one, since silver
embroidery banded the blue, and precious furs lined the cloak; but that fact
was evidently of little comfort to her, as her eyes were full of angry tears,
and she deigned the King no answer whatever.
"I am obliged to pay dearly for your amusement, lady," she said bitterly.
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