Rosamund turned red, and her bosom heaved as she replied: 

“I will not answer that question.”

“And Wulf should not have asked it,” said Godwin.  “Brother, I read Rosamund’s saying thus:  Between us she finds not much to choose, or if she does in her secret heart, out of her kindness—­since she is determined not to marry for a while—­she will not suffer us to see it and thereby bring grief on one of us.  So she says, ’Go forth, you knights, and do deeds worthy of such a lady, and perchance he who does the highest deeds shall receive the great reward.’  For my part, I find this judgment wise and just, and I am content to abide its issue.  Nay, I am even glad of it, since it gives us time and opportunity to show our sweet cousin here, and all our fellows, the mettle whereof we are made, and strive to outshine each other in the achievement of great feats which, as always, we shall attempt side by side.”

“Well spoken,” said Sir Andrew.  “And you, Wulf?”

Then Wulf, feeling that Rosamund was watching his face beneath the shadow of her long eyelashes, answered: 

“Before Heaven, I am content also, for whatever may be said against it, now at least there will be two years of war in which one or both of us well may fall, and for that while at least no woman can come between our brotherhood.  Uncle, I crave your leave to go serve my liege in Normandy.”

“And I also,” said Godwin.

“In the spring; in the spring,” replied Sir Andrew hastily; “when King Henry moves his power.  Meanwhile, bide you here in all good fellowship, for, who knows—­much may happen between now and then, and perhaps your strong arms will be needed as they were not long ago.  Moreover, I look to all three of you to hear no more of this talk of love and marriage, which, in truth, disturbs my mind and house.  For good or ill, the matter is now settled for two years to come, by which time it is likely I shall be in my grave and beyond all troubling.

“I do not say that things have gone altogether as I could have wished, but they are as Rosamund wishes, and that is enough for me.  On which of you she looks with the more favour I do not know, and be you content to remain in ignorance of what a father does not think it wise to seek to learn.  A maid’s heart is her own, and her future lies in the hand of God and His saints, where let it bide, say I. Now we have done with all this business.  Rosamund, dismiss your knights, and be you all three brothers and sister once more till this time two years, when those who live will find an answer to the riddle.”

So Rosamund came forward, and without a word gave her right hand to Godwin and her left to Wulf, and suffered that they should press their lips upon them.  So for a while this was the end of their asking of her in marriage.

The brethren left the solar side by side as they had come into it, but changed men in a sense, for now their lives were afire with a great purpose, which bade them dare and do and win.  Yet they were lighter-hearted than when they entered there, since at least neither had been scorned, while both had hope, and all the future, which the young so seldom fear, lay before them.