But this
people! this people!" She hid her face with her hands as if to cover a
painful vision. After a time she rose to her feet and took the girl by
the hand. Leading her to the seat by the window on which she placed
herself, and making her kneel by her side, she said--
"Hilda! the chill mist closes round! my life draws to its end! Nay, weep
not, child! were it not for thee I would long ere this have prayed the
gods my masters to remove me from my sojourn among the degenerate sons
of our noble fathers; but I trembled for thy fate, sweet one!" These
last words were almost inexpressibly tender. "I dared not trust thy
slight frame to battle unsheltered with the storm. Now the blast
summoning me is sounded. I cannot much longer disobey, though I may
crave for brief respite. But I have found thee refuge! thou wilt be in
a safe haven. Stay! I must speak while the spirit is on me!"
"Mother!" sobbed the girl, clasping the old woman's knees.
"Hilda!" said Judith slowly, "call me no longer by that name! I am not
thy mother; before men only do I call thee daughter. Silence!" she
exclaimed imperatively, as Hilda looked quickly up, doubting whether she
heard aright.
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