They came to the step, and Berthun stood aside to let Havelok pass, and
then Alsi held out his hand to raise my brother to the high place. But
Havelok seemed not to see that, stepping up by himself as the king bade
him come. Then the women who were in the hall spoke to one another in a
murmur that seemed of praise; but whiter and more white grew the
princess, so that I feared that she would faint. But she did not; and
presently there seemed to come into her eyes some brave resolve, and she
was herself again, looking from Alsi to Havelok, and again at Alsi.
Now, too, the king looked at him up and down, as one who measures his
man before a fight. And when he met Havelok's eyes he grew red, and
turned away to the folk below him.
"So, friends," he cried, "what say you? Am I true to the words of my
oath in allowing this marriage?"
There was not one there who did not know Havelok, whom they called
Curan; and though all thought these doings strange, there was a hum of
assent, for the oath said naught of the station in life of the
bridegroom. Good King Ethelwald had been too trustful.
"That is well," said Alsi, with a grave face. "All here will bear
witness that this was not done without counsel taken. Now, let the
bridegroom sit in his place here to my right."
He waved his hand, and Havelok sat down on the bench that faced
Goldberga; and now he looked long at her with a look that seemed to be
questioning.
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