I might
be, and lest my name should but prove a bar to speech with the lady, I
showed her Osric's ring, which she knew as one he was wont to give to
men as surety that they came from him on his errand. And that was
enough, for in a few minutes she came back, taking me to the guest chamber.

There I unhelmed and waited, while those minutes seemed very long,
though they were but few before the lady came in.

She started a little when she saw who I was, for she had known me well,
and knew now in what case I had been. But Alswythe had told her also of
what I had been able to do for her last night, if she had heard no more,
for news gets inside even closed walls, in one way or another, from the
lay people who serve the place.

I bent my knee to her, and she looked at me very sadly, saying: "I knew
and loved your mother, Heregar, my son, and sorely have I grieved for
you--not believing all the things brought against you. How come you
here now?"

Then I held out my hand and showed her Osric's ring, only saying that as
the good sheriff trusted me I would ask her to do so. And at that she
looked glad, and said that she would hold Osric's trust as against any
word she had heard of me in dispraise.

So I bowed, and then, thinking it foolish to waste time, begged her to
forgive bluntness, and told her of the death of Matelgar and of the sore
danger of the town, and of how Osric had hidden me take Alswythe to
Glastonbury to the bishop, and how he would himself care for her own
safety.

She was a brave lady, and worthy of the race of Offa from which she
sprung. And she heard me to the end, only growing very pale, while her
hand that rested on the table grew yet whiter as she clenched it.

"Can we not recover the body of the thane?" she asked, speaking very low.

I could but shake my head, for I knew that where he lay was now in the
hands of the Danes. True, if Osric could beat them off again he might
gain truce for such recovery on both sides; but that seemed hopeless to
me. Then I was bold to add:

"Now, lady, this matter is pressing, and in your hands I must leave it.
Trust the Lady Alswythe to me and her faithful servant, Wulfhere, and I
will be answerable for her with my life. But of her father's death I
dare not tell her."

Then she bowed her head a little, and, I think, was praying. For when
she looked at me again her face was very calm though so pale.

"Alswythe has told me of you, Heregar, my son," she said, "and