pleasant jest and laughter at us for coming thus sea clad and spray
stained into the midst of that gay company. So that for a little
time I forgot Lodbrok, who had not followed me beyond the hearth.

Then Eadgyth said to me:

"Who is that noble-looking man who stands so sadly and alone by the
fire?"

I turned, blaming myself for this forgetfulness, and there was the
Dane gazing into the flames, and seeming heedless of all that was
going on. Nor do I think that I had ever seen one look so sad as
looked that homeless man, as he forgot the busy talk and movement
around him in some thoughts of his own.

So I went to him, touching his arm gently, and he started a little.
Then his grave smile came, and he said:

"Truly, Wulfric, I had forgotten all things but my own home, and
when I woke from my dream at your touch, half thought I that you
were Halfden--that youngest son of mine of whom I told you."

Then so wistfully looked he at me that I could not forbear saying
to him:

"You must hold me as in Halfden's place, for this will be your
house, if you will, until there comes a ship that will take you
home. Gladly will some of the Frisians we know take you at least to
the right side of the broad seas."