You are no longer a child, and well
do I know what wisdom there is in you. I would trust you in all things
to act wisely."
Then dismounting and standing at her side he told her how the women and
children were to be taken to St. Blane's.
"The Norsemen may arrive," he said, "even before another day be gone,
and passing up Kilbrannan Sound they will doubtless make landing near
your father's castle, where it were most unwise in you to remain. Go,
therefore, to the abbey and make what womanly preparations may be
needful. There will my mother join you. With her and you do I intrust
the children of Bute, so that you may minister to their comforts until
the danger be past. You shall not lack help, but 'tis well that there be
some womanly authority whose word may be held as law in case of need.
And now, Ailsa, since it may be that we shall never meet again in this
world, fare you well!"
Then as he was about to remount he saw the tears gather in the girl's
eyes, and he put his arms about her neck and drew her to him.
"Ailsa," he murmured, "never till this moment did I know how dear you
are to me! But now when death faces me -- when another day may see me
slain -- the thought of you, my playmate, my dear friend, my loved
Ailsa, makes life on earth more precious. God watch between us in our
danger. The holy Mother protect you, and on earth or in Heaven grant
that we may meet again!"
Then holding her near him he touched her white brow with his lips and
left her sadly.
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