All men knew it. Arnoul,
Richilda's son, was as a brother to her. And after old Baldwin died, and
Baldwin of Mons and Richilda came to Bruges, Torfrida was always with her
while Hereward was at the wars.
"The woman is a manifest and notorious witch," said the secretary.
"It seems so indeed," said William, with something like a sigh. And so
were Torfrida's early follies visited on her; as all early follies are.
"But Hereward, you say, is a good knight and true?"
"Doubtless. Even when he committed that great crime at Peterborough--"
"For which he and all his are duly excommunicated by the Bishop," said the
secretary.
"He did a very courteous and honorable thing." And Ascelin told how he had
saved Alftruda, and instead of putting her to ransom, had sent her safe to
Gilbert.
"A very knightly deed. He should be rewarded for it."
"Why not burn the witch, and reward him with Alftruda instead, since your
Majesty is in so gracious a humor?" said Ivo.
"Alftruda! Who is she? Ay, I recollect her. Young Dolfin's wife. Why, she
has a husband already."
"Ay, but his Holiness at Rome can set that right. What is there that he
cannot do?"
"There are limits, I fear, even to his power. Eh, priest?"
"What his Holiness's powers as the viceroy of Divinity on earth might be,
did he so choose, it were irreverent to inquire.
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