Wilfred of Aescendune, on the other hand, looked like one whose innocence was vindicated; there was an expression of joy on his face--joy, however, so tempered by other feelings, that it could not be called exultation.
"It is a forgery--a vile and shameful forgery," cried Etienne.
"Thou didst thyself recognise the mark," said the king sternly. "We pardon thine excitement, but do not forget the presence of thine elders."
"Can I sit thus tamely, and hear my dead father accused of the vilest crimes?"
"Justice shall be done his memory--justice, neither more nor less," said the Conqueror sternly.
"I claim, then, my privilege to meet the accuser in knightly combat."
"The accuser is dead. Wilt thou go to purgatory to meet him? for we trust his penitence has saved him from going farther and faring worse. Keep silence, and do not further interrupt the course of justice. We can pity thee, believing thee to be incapable of such deeds thyself."
Then, turning to the court:
"Is there any other evidence, verbal or written, bearing upon this question?"
"There is, my liege," said Bishop Geoffrey.