The event proved that
Torfrida was right: but all she said was, "It is dangerously near to
France, at least."
"It is that. I would sooner see 100,000 French north of the Humber, than
10,000 in Kent and Sussex, where he can hurry over supplies and men every
week. It is the starting-point for him, if he means to conquer England
piecemeal."
"And he does."
"And he shall not!" and Hereward started up, and walked to and fro. "If
all the Godwinssons be dead, there are Leofricssons left, I trust, and
Siward's kin, and the Gospatricks in Northumbria. Ah? Where were my
nephews in the battle? Not killed too, I trust?"
"They were not in the battle."
"Not with their new brother-in-law? Much he has gained by throwing away
the Swan-neck, like a base hound as he was, and marrying my pretty niece.
But where were they?"
"No man knows clearly. They followed him down as far as London, and then
lingered about the city, meaning no man can tell what: but we shall
hear--and I fear hear too much--before a week is over."
"Heavens! this is madness, indeed. This is the way to be eaten up one by
one! Neither to do the thing, nor leave it alone. If I had been there! If
I had been there--"
"You would have saved England, my hero!" and Torfrida believed her own
words.
"I don't say that.
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