"We started, as thou knowest, soon after the arrival of the prisoner William Martel, to harry his lands."
"We all saw you start; and I hear the Crowmarsh people saw you too."
"And assailed us at Bensington."
"And now tell me, my Osric, didst thou not slay one of Lord Ranulph's people?"
"I did, by my good fortune, and his ill-luck."
"And so thou shouldst receive the meed of valour from the fair. Come, what sayest thou, ladies?"
"He should indeed; he is marvellous young to be so brave."
"We are short of means to reward our brave knights and squires, but take this ring;" and she gave one containing a valuable gem; "and we only grieve it is not of more worth."
So Osric, encouraged, continued his tale; and those fair ladies—and fair they were—laughed merrily at his narration of the burning of Watlington, and would have him spare no details.