Part 9 (2/2)
”TO MY BROTHER IN CHRIST,
”ELLA, THANE OF AESCENDUNE--
”It grieveth me much, most beloved brother, to be under the necessity of sending your son Elfric home in some little disgrace; but it is, alas a necessity that I should do so, in virtue of the authority our good lord and king, Edred, hath entrusted to me. The lad was bright, and, I think, innocent of aught like deadly sin, when he came to this huge Babel, where the devil seems to lead men even as he will, and he hath fallen here into evil company--nay, into the very company most evil of all in this wicked world, that of designing and shameless women, albeit of n.o.ble birth. It hath been made apparent to me that there is great danger to both the prince and your son in any further connection, therefore I return Elfric to your care, sincerely hoping that, by G.o.d's help, you will be enabled to take such measures as will lead to his speedy reformation, for which I devoutly pray. The bearer will give such further information as you may desire.
”Wis.h.i.+ng you health, and an abiding place in the favour of G.o.d and His saints--Your brother in the faith of Christ,
”DUNSTAN, O.S.B.”
Edwy read the letter aloud with many a vindictive comment, and then said to Redwald--”What can be done? Must this letter go?”
”Does your father know the Saint's handwriting, Elfric?”
”He never heard from him before, I believe.”
”Well, then, I will venture to enclose a different message,” and he sat down at the table, and wrote--”TO MY BROTHER IN CHRIST,
”ELLA, THANE OF AESCENDUNE--
”It rejoiceth me much, most beloved brother, to send you good tidings of the good behaviour and growth in grace of your son, whom the king hath concluded to send home for the benefit of his health, since London hath in some degree destroyed the ruddy hue of his countenance, and he needeth a change, as his paleness sufficiently declareth.
”The king hath bidden me express his great satisfaction with the lad's conduct, and the prince mourneth his enforced departure. Wis.h.i.+ng you health and an abiding place in the favour of G.o.d and His saints--Your brother in the faith of Christ,
”DUNSTAN, O.S.B.”
The boys laughed aloud as they read the forgery.
”But about the messenger--will he not tell the truth?”
”Oh, I will see to him, he is not above a bribe, and knows it is his interest to serve his future king, although Dunstan thinks him so trusty.”
All at once the booming of a heavy bell smote their ears.
”It is the bell of St. Paul's, it tolls for the death of some n.o.ble,”
said Redwald; ”what can it mean? has any member of the royal family been ill?”
They listened to the solemn dirge-like sound as it floated through the air, calling upon all good Christians to pray for the repose of the departed or departing soul. No prayer rose to their lips, and they soon returned to the subject in hand.
”When is the letter to be despatched?”
”Early in the morning the messenger will await you; and now, I should recommend some sleep to prepare for a fatiguing journey.”
Elfric and the prince returned to their chamber, but they did not take Redwald's hint, and remained talking till just before daybreak, when they were aroused by the hasty step of an armed heel, and Redwald stood before them. His demeanour was very strange; he bent down on one knee, took the hand of Edwy, who resigned it pa.s.sively to him, kissed it and cried aloud--”G.o.d save the king!”
”What can you mean, Redwald?” exclaimed both the youths.
”Heard you not the pa.s.sing bell last night? Edred sleeps with his fathers; he died at Frome on St. Clement's day.”
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