I trust you. And it really was very strange. I got back to work, thinking that I would greet him properly with my family later.

[ What an effort it had been to not take a second look at the newcomer, so much so that she was oblivious to anything but said effort, and the work of her hands. ]

But suddenly, a voice said "Lady Sigrid?" below me, and I got such a fright that I misstepped and tumbled off my ladder, right on top of your poor Da!