And so, with flattery as well as with truth, she persuaded, if not Hereward, at least Torfrida, that he was the man destined to free England once more; and that an earldom—anything which he chose to ask—would be the sure reward of his assistance.
“Torfrida,” said Hereward that night, “kiss me well; for you will not kiss me again for a while.”
“What?”
“I am going to England to-morrow.”
“Alone?”
“Alone. I and Martin to spy out the land; and a dozen or so of housecarles to take care of the ship in harbor.”
“But you have promised to fight the Viscount of Pinkney.”
“I will be back again in time for him. Not a word,—I must go to England, or go mad.”
“But Countess Gyda? Who will squire her to Bruges?”
“You, and the rest of my men. You must tell her all. She has a woman’s heart, and will understand. And tell Baldwin I shall be back within the month, if I am alive on land or water.”