"I do not see why you wanted to bring him home, Lord
Sebert. You know that Danes are odious to me since my husband, of holy memory,
fell under their axes--most detestable-- Yet I would not anger you, my
honey-sweet lord," she broke off abruptly.
For the Lord of Ivarsdale had suddenly grown very stiff and grave; there was
something curiously haughty in the quiet distinctness of his words.
"I have brought the boy home by reason of the King's command that he be held
in safety--and because it was my pleasure to succor him. And I have fetched
him up here in order that you should supply his needs, being distressed for
want of food and drink and healing salves. I am not pleased that you should
meet my wishes in so light and cold a manner. I desire your love will, as is
becoming, receive him kindly and charitably."
He raised his hand as the pertest of the maids would have answered him, and
there followed an uncomfortable pause. Then seven gowns swept the reed-strewn
floor as seven courtesies fell, and Hildelitha thrust out her palm to give the
pert maid a resounding box on the ear.
"You have heard your master, hussy! Why do you not exert yourself to bring
food? Elswitha, if you do not want the mate to that, fetch the salve out of my
chest."
In an instant all was confusion; under cover of it the fat monk returned to
his cup and the young master walked quietly to the door.
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