I know
your ways now, Torfrida."
CHAPTER XV.
HOW EARL TOSTI GODWINSSON CAME TO ST. OMER.
The winter passed in sweet madness; and for the first time in her life,
Torfrida regretted the lengthening of the days, and the flowering of the
primroses, and the return of the now needless wryneck; for they warned her
that Hereward must forth again, to the wars in Scaldmariland, which had
broken out again, as was to be expected, as soon as Count Robert and his
bride had turned their backs.
And Hereward, likewise, for the first time in his life, was loath to go to
war. He was, doubtless, rich enough in this world's goods. Torfrida
herself was rich, and seems to have had the disposal of her own property,
for her mother is not mentioned in connection therewith. Hereward seems to
have dwelt in her house at St. Omer as long as he remained in Flanders. He
had probably amassed some treasure of his own by the simple, but then most
aristocratic, method of plunder. He had, too, probably, grants of land in
Holland from the Frison, the rents whereof were not paid as regularly as
might be. Moreover, as "_Magister Militum_," ("Master of the Knights,") he
had, it is likely, pay as well as honor. And he approved himself worthy of
his good fortune. He kept forty gallant housecarles in his hall all the
winter, and Torfrida and her lasses made and mended their clothes.
Pages:
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242