“So you carried the basket like any thrall, and had my Yuletide gift to her in payment,” he said, with his eyes twinkling; “I will ask if she has lost it presently, and you will be avenged.”

He laughed again, and then said more gravely, but with a smile not far off: 

“Go to, Oswald, don’t ask me to make the ways of a damsel plain to you, for that was more than Solomon himself could compass.  But I think I know what is wrong.  Her father has been making a jest to her of the way you worded your vow, laughing mightily after his manner, and she is revenging herself on you.  Never mind.  Wait till you come back from this journey, and then see how things are with her.  Now let us talk of your errand, for it is important.”

Then we went slowly together, and he told me how that he had foreseen for a long time that Owen would return to his uncle and take his right place again.  Also he told me that Morgan had a strong party on his side, and that we might have trouble with them if Owen was taken into favour again.

“As I hope he may be,” he added with a sigh; “for I have seen the war cloud drifting nearer every year under the guidance of Morgan and his fellows.”

Then we turned into the courtyard, and he went to speak to Owen in the hall, turning with a last smile to bid me hide the brooch, lest Elfrida should hear some jesting about that next.  So I pinned it under my cloak, and then went and donned my arms, and saw to all things for the journey, both for Owen and myself; and so at last the hour came when I led the men round to the great door of the hall, and sent one to say that all was ready.

Now the king came forth, and with him was Owen.  Ina wore his everyday dress, but my foster father was fully armed, and as those two stood there I thought that I had never seen a more kingly looking pair, silent and thoughtful both, and with lines of care on their foreheads, and both in their prime of life.

Behind me I heard Thorgils say to Godred, the chief house-carle:  “If there were choice, I would take the king that wears the war gear.  That is the only dress that to my mind fits a man who shall lead warriors.”

Now the king came and spoke with me, bidding me be on my guard against any attack while we were at Norton, telling me plainly also that he deemed that there was danger to both of us at the first, somewhat in the way in which the abbot had already spoken to me.  I daresay the words were his, for he had been counselling Owen.

Then the queen came forth with her ladies, and there was an honour for us, for she herself brought the stirrup cup to Owen, bidding him farewell, at the same time that the king must needs send Elfrida with another cup to me, saying that it was my due for last night’s omission.  But there was no smile as she set it in my hand, and she waited with head turned away until I gave it back to her, as if she looked at Owen rather than any one else.  Then it was only a short word of farewell that she said to me, and yet it did seem that her eyes were less grave than she would seem in face as she turned back to the other ladies on the hall steps.