True, it had failed to prosper the poor English, who knelt before it, ere they went to die at Senlac; but of course that was because the Pope was against them, and had suspended the flow of spiritual benediction.
At least, so said the Normans, and they extolled the Black Cross as much as their predecessors.
"Pax vobiscum, domine," said the chamberlain, who happened to be at the quay; "thou art come, doubtless, to bewail thy sins before the cross of St. Mary's Abbey?"
"When my leisure permits, reverendissime pater; at present I seek an immediate audience of the abbot, for whom I bear sad news."
"He is riding to meet the king. Listen, dost thou not hear the trumpets?--that blast tells of their return together."
"Wilt thou grant me a chamber, that I may don meet apparel for the presence?"
"It is my duty; but of thy grace--tell me whom I entertain."
"The Lord of Aescendune, and patron of your branch house there."
The chamberlain bowed low, and turned to lead his guest within the precincts. The rowers cried "largesse," and the young noble threw them a handful of coin.
Soon Etienne was alone in a comfortable cell, and was attiring his person, a duty a Norman seldom neglected; nor did he despise the luxury of a bath, to the scorn of the un-laving natives. The Norman was the gentleman of the period, alike in etiquette, attire, and food.