ys of Dunstan; Alfgar and Hermann of the events of the recent
war; the good bishop and Father Cuthbert on ecclesiastical topics; the
ladies upon some question of dresses and embroidery for the
approaching festivity, which seemed to interest them deeply, when an
attendant entered, and approaching the king, whispered a message in
his ear.

"What! in this house? I will not have it. He knows how hateful his
very presence must be."

"Your sister, the Princess Elgitha?"

"Well, I will see her. No, I will not."

"It is too late, Edmund. You must see me," said a sweet voice, and a
lady, attired in mourning weeds, stood beside him. "It is but seven
months, Edmund, since we lost our father. Shall his children rend and
devour each other?"

"I do not want to rend and devour. I am no cannibal; but, Elgitha,
your wicked husband--"

"Stay, Edmund, do not slander the husband before his wife."

"This is a business! What am I to say? I cannot dissemble, and pretend
to love him, were he ten times my brother-in-law."

"Nor can I ask it," said a deep voice behind, and Edric stood before
Edmund, his eyes cast down, his hands meekly clasped. "Edmund, I have
often deeply injured you, and betrayed your confidence."

"You have indeed."

"But now I repent me of my wickedness. It burdens me so heavily that,
but for your sister, I would retire into a monastery, and there end my
days."

"It would be the best thing you could do."

"It would indeed."

This conference had taken place at the end of the great hall, which
was a very spacious chamber, and the speakers were separated by a
screen from the company.

"Edmund," cried his sister, "I see what you will do. You will make me
a widow; for Edric cannot live if you refuse him forgiveness. Night
after night he tosses on his uneasy bed, and wishes that it were day.
Surely, Edmund, you have need of forgiveness yourself, yet you refuse
to forgive."

"You preach like a bishop, but--"

"Well, you have a real bishop here. Call him, and let him judge
between us."

Edmund mechanically obeyed, and he called Father Cuthbert also, in
whose judgment he had great faith.

"What am I to do?" he said. "My country's wounds, inflicted by this
man, yet bleed. Am I to give him the hand of friendship?"

"I do not deserve it," said Edric, meekly.

"My lord," said the bishop, gravely, "man may not refuse forgiveness
to his fellow worm; but, Edric, hast thou truly repented of thy sin
before God and