“The woman is a manifest and notorious witch,” said the secretary.
“It seems so indeed,” said William, with something like a sigh. And so were Torfrida’s early follies visited on her; as all early follies are. “But Hereward, you say, is a good knight and true?”
“Doubtless. Even when he committed that great crime at Peterborough—”
“For which he and all his are duly excommunicated by the Bishop,” said the secretary.
“He did a very courteous and honorable thing.” And Ascelin told how he had saved Alftruda, and instead of putting her to ransom, had sent her safe to Gilbert.
“A very knightly deed. He should be rewarded for it.”
“Why not burn the witch, and reward him with Alftruda instead, since your Majesty is in so gracious a humor?” said Ivo.
“Alftruda! Who is she? Ay, I recollect her. Young Dolfin’s wife. Why, she has a husband already.”
“Ay, but his Holiness at Rome can set that right. What is there that he cannot do?”
“There are limits, I fear, even to his power. Eh, priest?”