" After
which Hereward sent them all home except two; and waited till he should
marry Alftruda, and get back his heritage.
"And when that happens," said William, "why should we not have two
weddings, beausire, as well as one? I hear that you have in Crowland a
fair daughter, and marriageable."
Hereward bowed.
"And I have found a husband for her suitable to her years, and who may
conduce to your peace and serenity."
Hereward bit his lip. To refuse was impossible in those days. But--
"I trust that your Grace has found a knight of higher lineage than him,
whom, after so many honors, you honored with the hand of my niece."
William laughed. It was not his interest to quarrel with Hereward. "Aha!
Ivo, the wood-cutter's son. I ask your pardon for that, Sir Hereward. Had
you been my man then, as you are now, it might have been different."
"If a king ask my pardon, I can only ask his in return."
"You must be friends with Taillebois. He is a brave knight, and a wise
warrior."
"None ever doubted that."
"And to cover any little blots in his escutcheon, I have made him an earl,
as I may make you some day."
"Your Majesty, like a true king, knows how to reward. Who is this knight
whom you have chosen for my lass?"
"Sir Hugh of Evermue, a neighbor of yours, and a man of blood and
breeding.
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