"Take this ring," continued she, "in token of my favor; and if thou
wilt serve me in one thing, I will make thee the greatest lord in my
husband's court."

"Royal lady," said Wilfrid, "I have a widowed mother in my own land
whom I cannot forsake; neither would I desert my native country to
become a peer of France. But tell me wherein I can be of service to
thee, and if it be in my power it shall be done."

"Darest thou," said the queen, "return to England and presenting
thyself before my brother Athelstane, thy king, declare to him the
innocence and the sad fate of Edwin, the Atheling, his father's son?"

"Lady, I not only dare, but I desire so to do," replied Wilfrid; "for I
fear my God, and I have no other fear."

Then the Queen of France loaded Wilfrid with rich presents, and sent
him over to England in a gallant ship to bear the mournful tidings of
poor Prince Edwin's death to England's king. She thought that when
Athelstane should hear the sad tale told in the pathetic language of
the faithful page, his heart would be touched with remorse for what he
had done.

Now King Athelstane was already conscience-stricken for his conduct
toward his brother Edwin. His ship, during the same night that he had
compelled him to enter the boat with Wilfrid, was terribly tossed by
the tempest, and he felt that the vengeance of God was upon him for his
hardness of heart. The crew of the royal vessel had toiled and labored
all night, and it was with great difficulty that the ship was at length