'What if it is to those very English sympathies that I appeal?' he asked.
Theodred, considerably affected, answered, 'Nay then, speak out.'
'And if thou canst not support me, what I say shall be as unspoken?'
'Even so.'
'Swear thou that on the bones of St. Guthlac!'
'The son of Ralph the Staller should know that an Englishman's word is as good as his oath.'
'I will trust thy good faith. A half confidence is but a fool's wisdom. The point on which the Lady Emma will ask thy guidance is as to whether she shall yet deign to be my wife.'
'Ah!' said Theodred, almost involuntarily, in a low tone; 'hast thou ventured so far? Against the king's veto?'
'By St. Eadward, yes!'
Theodred's face darkened. 'Take not the name of that holy saint, who was world-king and heaven-king also, to witness to thy sin! Thinkest thou I will aid thee in treachery to thy liege lord?'