addressing Prince Edwin in the language of adulation, he succeeded in
rendering his company very agreeable to him; for the prince's besetting
sin was vanity, and the artful Brithric was only too well skilled in
perceiving and taking advantage of the weak points of others.

Wilfrid beheld this growing intimacy with pain; nor did he attempt to
conceal his uneasiness whenever the prince spoke to him on the subject
of his evident dislike of the society of Brithric. "I do not respect
Brithric, my lord," replied Wilfrid; "and where esteem is wanting,
there can be no true grounds for forming friendships."

"And what are your reasons, Wilfrid, for denying your esteem to
Brithric?" said the prince. "He is obliging, and often says very
agreeable things to you."

"It costs more to win my esteem than a few unmeaning compliments, which
Brithric is accustomed to pay to every one with whom he is desirous of
carrying his point," said Wilfrid.

"And what should Brithric, who is the heir of the richest thane in my
brother's court, want to gain of a poor, landless orphan who owes his
sustenance and education to the compassion of King Athelstane?"
retorted the prince, angrily.

The pale cheek of Wilfrid flushed with unwonted crimson at this
unexpected taunt from the lips of his young lord. It was with
difficulty that he restrained the tears which filled his eyes from
overflowing, but turning meekly away, he said--

"It is the first time the Atheling has condescended to upbraid his page