"A curse seemed upon all our exertions this last year," said Ednoth, sorrowfully. "We were defending our hearths and our homes, yet we were everywhere outmanoeuvred and beaten. It could not have been worse had we had spies and traitors in command."
The king slightly coloured, for he resented all imputations on his favourite, and was about to make a sharp reply, when a voice which made him start, replied:
"Quite right, reverend father! as you say, success was impossible while spies and traitors commanded our forces."
All looked up in amazement; two guests had entered unbidden, and the king, the bishop, and Edric recognised Prince Edmund.
"The unseemly interruption is a sufficient introduction to the company. I need not, my friends, present to you my turbulent son Edmund, or the attendant he has picked up."
"No need whatsoever, if you will first allow us to explain the reasons of our presence here. We have somewhat startling news from the enemy."
"The enemy, by my last advices, lies quiet in the Isle of Wight," said Edric.
"I will not dispute your knowledge, my lord Edric," replied the Prince, "considering the intimacy you stand on with Sweyn."
"Intimacy! I would sooner own intimacy with the Evil One."
"You might own that, too, without much exaggeration, since the good bishop will bear me witness that he is the father of lies."