And as I let her go back to the hall, I asked
her the name of that old warrior to whom she spoke, for it was he, I
told her, who had tried to help me before the Moot.
And then I was sorry I had told her that, for she might ask him of the
matter and hear more than was good for her peace of mind; but it was
done, and nothing could recall it.
Yet she did not notice it then, but said his name was Wulfhere, and that
he was a stranger from Glastonbury, as she thought, lately come into her
father's service. She was going then, and I asked her to let me have
speech with him, as I thought it safe, if he were to be trusted, for I
needed his advice in some things.
She said she would sound him first, not knowing how he had seen me
already, of course, and so went quickly away towards the hall.
What I needed the old man for was but to try to repair my slip of the
tongue, and warn him of my love's ignorance of her father's unfaith to
me; but as it fell out, it was well I asked to see him.
Presently he came to me. I had to slip into the bushes and lie quiet
till I knew who it was, and when I came out he smiled gravely at me,
shaking his head, yet as one not displeased altogether.
"Well managed, master," he said, still smiling, "but I knew not that you
had so strong a rope to draw you hither.
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