"Tell her that
I am glad to hear it. She says this of her own accord, and not at your
advice?"
"She told me before I had heard a word of what the trouble was between
you. It was no word of mine."
"I am glad of it. But I will say that I am somewhat surprised."
And that was true, for this message seemed to Alsi to be nothing more or
less than that Goldberga would marry his man. When he thought for a
moment, however, he saw that it could not be thus; and also, it was
plain to him what the poor girl had in her mind. And now he chuckled to
think what a weapon he had against her. Nor would he be slow to use it.
Then the nurse said that he need have no surprise, for Goldberga was
ever gentle and willing to be led, though sometimes the pride of her
race came uppermost for a time. And then she asked if a certain priest
of the faith might come and speak with her.
Now, Alsi knew that only one could be meant--namely, the hermit who
bided at Cabourn. He had heard of him often, and would not suffer him to
be hurt, for his sister Orwenna had protected him. The heathen English
minded him not at all by this time, for he was the best leech in the
land, and so useful to them. So Alsi said pleasantly that he was quite
willing that the priest should come, deeming that he was at Cabourn, and
that it would be a day or two before he would be brought.
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