“None ever doubted that.”
“And to cover any little blots in his escutcheon, I have made him an earl, as I may make you some day.”
“Your Majesty, like a true king, knows how to reward. Who is this knight whom you have chosen for my lass?”
“Sir Hugh of Evermue, a neighbor of yours, and a man of blood and breeding.”
“I know him, and his lineage; and it is very well. I humbly thank your Majesty.”
“Can I be the same man?” said Hereward to himself, bitterly.
And he was not the same man. He was besotted on Alftruda, and humbled himself accordingly.