re such as make
history for future generations.

"How the wind howls without tonight!" observed Edmund; "it makes one
value the blessing of a quiet home and a cheerful fireside. How often,
Alfgar, have you and I lain on such nights under the shelter of a
canvas tent, or even of a bush."

"Often, indeed, my liege; but those days are gone, perhaps for ever."

"They had their joys, nevertheless. There is something in a life of
adventure which warms the blood and makes time pass swiftly; my
goodwife and I sometimes tire of each other's company, as I expect
Ethelgiva and you will in time."

"Never!" said Alfgar, so fervently that there was a general smile.

"Well, time will show; meanwhile, how is the new hall at Aescendune
getting on, Elfwyn?"

"It will be ready by next spring; then the young people must make it
their home. Our home in the woods has proved a shelter to us through
such troublous days that Hilda and I are loath to leave it. But,
meanwhile, they must live with us."

"And how about the priory?"

"It will be ready before the hall."

"That is well," observed the bishop, "and as it should be--God's
house first, and then man's."

"Well, Hermann," said Edmund, addressing his young friend, whose
career in arms he had closely watched since the attack upon the hall
at Clifton, "how do you like the prospect of a long peace?"

"A peaceful life has its delights," replied Hermann, "but war has also
its charms."

"Well, thou hast passed unscathed through five great battles, or at
least without any serious wound; but remember all are not so
fortunate, and many a poor cripple sighs over Penn, Sherston,
Brentford, Otford, or Assingdun."

"The excitement of war blinds one to the risk."

"So it should, or there would be no war at all. What does my father
the bishop think of the matter?"

"That wars are necessary evils, only justifiable when fighting, as
you, my lord, have done, for home and altar, but they are no true
children of the Prince of Peace who delight in bloodshed and strife."

Edmund pondered.

"And yet I fear I must plead guilty of delighting in a gallant charge.
It stirs the blood, till it flows like fire in the veins. The feeling
is glorious."

"Yet not one to be encouraged, save when it enables one to perform
necessary deeds of daring for some worthy object, such as holy
Scripture praises in the heroes of old."

The conversation now became general. Elfwyn and Herstan talked of the
old da