So he broke the letter open and extended it to the prince, whose liberal
education had given him the faculty of reading the monkish Latin, in
which Dunstan wrote, at a glance, and he read aloud:

"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
noble 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 God'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.

"Wishing you health, and an abiding place in the favour of God 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?"