But it has been a long way
hither, and I am very tired."
"My child! What is this? What brings you here?"
"I am doing penance for my sins."
"And your feet all cut and bleeding."
"Are they?" said Torfrida, vacantly. "I will tell you all about it when I
wake."
And she fell fast asleep, with her head in Godiva's lap.
The countess did not speak or stir. She beckoned the good prioress, who
had followed Torfrida in, to go away. She saw that something dreadful had
happened; and prayed as she awaited the news.
Torfrida slept for a full hour. Then she woke with a start.
"Where am I? Hereward!"
Then followed a dreadful shriek, which made every nun in that quiet house
shudder, and thank God that she knew nothing of those agonies of soul,
which were the lot of the foolish virgins who married and were given in
marriage themselves, instead of waiting with oil in their lamps for the
true Bridegroom.
"I recollect all now," said Torfrida. "Listen!" And she told the countess
all, with speech so calm and clear, that Godiva was awed by the power and
spirit of that marvellous woman.
But she groaned in bitterness of soul. "Anything but this. Rather death
from him than treachery. This last, worst woe had God kept in his quiver
for me most miserable of women. And now his bolt has fallen! Hereward!
Hereward! That thy mother should wish her last child laid in his grave!"
"Not so," said Torfrida, "it is well as it is.
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