Now Alsi thought that it was impossible that this churl, as he deemed him, would not be overjoyed to hear of the match he had made for him, and he must needs know it soon.  Yet there was that about Havelok that puzzled him, for his ways were not those of a churl, and he spoke as a freeman should speak.

So much the more likely that the people would believe him when he said that Goldberga wedded him of her own wish, he thought.  It was as well that he was not altogether a common-seeming man.

“You have seen the damsel already,” he said therefore.  “Now I will not say that this match is altogether of my choosing; but I have an oath to keep, and it seems that I can only keep it by making you her husband.  But, as I say, she is willing, and, I will add, well dowered.”

Now it grew plain to my brother that there was something strange in all this, so he said, “An oath is a thing that must not be hindered in the fulfilling, if a man can further it.  But what has a king’s oath to do with me?”

“I have sworn to find her the goodliest and mightiest man alive; and, though I must needs say it to your face, there is none like yourself.  No flattery this to bend you to my will, but sober truth—­at least, as I see it.”

At that Havelok grew impatient.

“Well, if that be so, who is the bride?” he asked, not caring to give the king his title, or forgetting to do so, for on him was coming the feeling that he was this man’s equal here in the palace.  And at last, not seeming to notice this, Alsi answered plainly.

“The Princess Goldberga.”

Then Havelok stared at him in blank wonder for some moments; and Alsi grew red under his gaze, and his eyes were shifty, and would not meet the honest look that was on him.

Then at last said Havelok slowly, and watching the king intently all the while, “What this means I cannot tell.  If you speak truth, it is wonderful; and if not, it is unkingly.”

“On my word as a king, truth it is,” said Alsi hastily, for there was that in Havelok’s face that he did not like.

One might think that the king was growing afraid of his own kitchen knave.

“If that is so, there is no more to be said,” answered Havelok.  “Yet you will forgive me if I say that I must have this from the lips of the princess herself as well.  It may be that her mind will change.”

“That is but fair,” answered Alsi; “and you are a wise man.  The mind of a damsel is unsteady, whether she be princess or milkmaid; but have no fear.”

“No man fear I; but I do fear to hurt any lady, and I would not do that.”