"Cuthbert," he said, "have you seen the young Dane, Alfgar, lately?"
"Not very long since," I replied; "he was at mass yesterday."
"Because I believe the lad longs to be a Christian, but does not dare speak to any one."
"He fears his stern father."
"Yes, Anlaf might slay him if he was to be baptized; yet baptized I am sure he will be, sooner or later."
"Does the boy love his father, I wonder?" said I, musingly.
"Doubtless; it would be unnatural did he not; but perhaps he loves the memory of his mother yet more. We both knew her, Cuthbert."
"Yes, when she was a bright-hearted merry village maiden. Poor Kyneswith!"
"For her sake, then, let us both try to do something for the boy."
"With all my heart. I will seek an opportunity of speaking to him, perhaps he may unburden his mind."