This conference had taken place at the end of the great hall, which was a very spacious chamber, and the speakers were separated by a screen from the company.
"Edmund," cried his sister, "I see what you will do. You will make me a widow; for Edric cannot live if you refuse him forgiveness. Night after night he tosses on his uneasy bed, and wishes that it were day. Surely, Edmund, you have need of forgiveness yourself, yet you refuse to forgive."
"You preach like a bishop, but--"
"Well, you have a real bishop here. Call him, and let him judge between us."
Edmund mechanically obeyed, and he called Father Cuthbert also, in whose judgment he had great faith.
"What am I to do?" he said. "My country's wounds, inflicted by this man, yet bleed. Am I to give him the hand of friendship?"
"I do not deserve it," said Edric, meekly.
"My lord," said the bishop, gravely, "man may not refuse forgiveness to his fellow worm; but, Edric, hast thou truly repented of thy sin before God and his Church?"
"I have indeed. I have fasted in sackcloth and ashes, I have eaten the bread of affliction."
"Where?"