“Say, nobles and ladies,” she said, “did any of you ever see such a man?  We address him as best we may—­and we have reason to believe that he understands our language—­yet not one word does he vouchsafe to us in answer.  There he stands, like a soldier cut in iron who moves by springs, with never an ‘I thank you’ or a ‘Good day’ on his lips.  Doubtless he would reprove us all, who, he holds, talk too much, being, as we all have heard, a man of stern morality, who has no tenderness for human foibles.  By the way, General Olaf, a rumour has reached us that you have forsaken doubt, and become a Christian.  Is this true?”

“It is true, Augusta.”

“Then if as a Pagan you were a man of iron, what will you be as a Christian, we wonder?  One hard as diamond, no less.  Yet we are glad of this tidings, as all good servants of the Church must be, since henceforth our friendship will be closer and we value you.  General, you must be received publicly into the bosom of the Faith; it will be an encouragement to others to follow your example.  Perhaps, as you have served us so well in many wars and as an officer of our guard, we ourselves will be your god-mother.  The matter shall be considered by us.  What have you to answer to it?”

“Nothing,” I replied, “save that when the Augusta has considered of the matter, I will consider of my answer.”

At this the courtiers tittered, and, instead of growing angry, as I thought she might, Irene burst out laughing.

“Truly we were wrong,” she said, “to provoke you to open your mouth, General, for when you do so, like that red sword you wear, your tongue is sharp, if somewhat heavy.  Tell us, General, are your new quarters to your taste, and before you reply know that we inspected them ourselves, and, having a liking for such tasks, attended to their furnishment.  ’Tis done, you will see, in the Northern style, which we think somewhat cold and heavy—­like your sword and tongue.”

“If the Augusta asks me,” I said, “the quarters are too fine for a single soldier.  The two rooms where I dwelt before were sufficient.”

“A single soldier!  Well, that is a fault which can be remedied.  You should marry, General Olaf.”

“When I find any woman who wishes to marry me and whom I wish to marry, I will obey the Augusta’s commands.”

“So be it, General, only remember that first we must approve the lady.  Venture not, General, to share those new quarters of yours with any lady whom we do not approve.”

Then, followed by the Court, she turned and walked away, and I went about my business, wondering what was the meaning of all this guarded and half-bitter talk.