"Often, indeed, my liege; but those days are gone, perhaps for ever."
"They had their joys, nevertheless. There is something in a life of adventure which warms the blood and makes time pass swiftly; my goodwife and I sometimes tire of each other's company, as I expect Ethelgiva and you will in time."
"Never!" said Alfgar, so fervently that there was a general smile.
"Well, time will show; meanwhile, how is the new hall at Aescendune getting on, Elfwyn?"
"It will be ready by next spring; then the young people must make it their home. Our home in the woods has proved a shelter to us through such troublous days that Hilda and I are loath to leave it. But, meanwhile, they must live with us."
"And how about the priory?"
"It will be ready before the hall."
"That is well," observed the bishop, "and as it should be-- God's house first, and then man's."
"Well, Hermann," said Edmund, addressing his young friend, whose career in arms he had closely watched since the attack upon the hall at Clifton, "how do you like the prospect of a long peace?"
"A peaceful life has its delights," replied Hermann, "but war has also its charms."