The Brethren | Page 6

Rosamund; also at your
back and at Godwin's left arm and side-face, till in truth I thought
myself kneeling in Stangate Priory staring at my father's effigy upon
his tomb, while Prior John pattered the Mass. Why, if you stood it on
its feet, it is Godwin, the same crossed hands resting on the sword, the
same cold, silent face staring at the sky."
"Godwin as Godwin will no doubt one day be, or so he hopes-- that is,
if the saints give him grace to do such deeds as did our sire,"
interrupted his brother.
Wulf looked at him, and a curious flash of inspiration shone in his blue
eyes.
"No, I think not," he answered; "the deeds you may do, and greater, but
surely you will lie wrapped not in a shirt of mail, but with a monk's
cowl at the last--unless a woman robs you of it and the quickest road to
heaven. Tell me now, what are you thinking of, you two--for I have
been wondering in my dull way, and am curious to learn how far I
stand from truth? Rosamund, speak first. Nay, not all the truth--a maid's
thoughts are her own-- but just the cream of it, that which rises to the
top and should be skimmed."
Rosamund sighed. "I? I was thinking of the East, where the sun shines
ever and the seas are blue as my girdle stones, and men are full of
strange learning--"
"And women are men's slaves!" interrupted Wulf. "Still, it is natural
that you should think of the East who have that blood in your veins,

and high blood, if all tales be true. Say, Princess"--and he bowed the
knee to her with an affectation of mockery which could not hide his
earnest reverence--"say, Princess, my cousin, granddaughter of Ayoub
and niece of the mighty monarch, Yusuf Salah-ed-din, do you wish to
leave this pale land and visit your dominions in Egypt and in Syria?"
She listened, and at his words her eyes seemed to take fire, the stately
form to erect itself, the breast to heave, and the thin nostrils to grow
wider as though they scented some sweet, remembered perfume. Indeed,
at that moment, standing there on the promontory above the seas,
Rosamund looked a very queen.
Presently she answered him with another question.
"And how would they greet me there, Wulf, who am a Norman D'Arcy
and a Christian maid?"
"The first they would forgive you, since that blood is none so ill either,
and for the second--why, faiths can be changed."
Then it was that Godwin spoke for the first time.
"Wulf, Wulf," he said sternly,"keep watch upon your tongue, for there
are things that should not be said even as a silly jest. See you, I love my
cousin here better than aught else upon the earth--"
"There, at least, we agree," broke in Wulf.
"Better than aught else on the earth," repeated Godwin;"but, by the
Holy Blood and by St. Peter, at whose shrine we are, I would kill her
with my own hand before her lips kissed the book of the false prophet."
"Or any of his followers," muttered Wulf to himself, but fortunately,
perhaps, too low for either of his companions to hear. Aloud he said,
"You understand, Rosamund, you must be careful, for Godwin ever
keeps his word, and that would be but a poor end for so much birth and
beauty and wisdom."

"Oh, cease mocking, Wulf," she answered, laying her hand lightly on
the tunic that hid his shirt of mail."Cease mocking, and pray St. Chad,
the builder of this church, that no such dreadful choice may ever be
forced upon you, or me, or your beloved brother--who, indeed, in such
a case would do right to slay me."
"Well, if it were," answered Wulf, and his fair face flushed as he spoke,
"I trust that we should know how to meet it. After all, is it so very hard
to choose between death and duty?"
"I know not," she replied; "but oft-times sacrifice seems easy when
seen from far away; also, things may be lost that are more prized than
life."
"What things? Do you mean place, or wealth, or--love?"
"Tell me," said Rosamund, changing her tone,"what is that boat rowing
round the river's mouth? A while ago it hung upon its oars as though
those within it watched us."
"Fisher-folk," answered Wulf carelessly."I saw their nets."
"Yes; but beneath them something gleamed bright, like swords."
"Fish," said Wulf;"we are at peace in Essex." Although Rosamund did
not look convinced, he went on:"Now for Godwin's thoughts-- what
were they?"
"Brother, if you would know, of the East also--the East and its wars."
"Which have brought us no great luck," answered Wulf,"seeing that our
sire was slain in