tell me how Hilda hath prospered with my ailing child?"

"I will, my mother. Be cheered!--Hilda is a skilful nurse. And now
bless thee, that thou hast not reproached me that my mission failed to
fulfil my promise. Welcome even our kinswoman's sayings, sith they
comfort thee for the loss of thy darling!"

Then Harold left the room, mounted his steed, and rode through the
town towards the bridge. He was compelled to ride slowly through the
streets, for he was recognised; and cheapman and mechanic rushed from
house and from stall to hail the Man of the Land and the Time.

"All is safe now in England, for Harold is come back!" They seemed
joyous as the children of the mariner, when, with wet garments, he
struggles to shore through the storm. And kind and loving were
Harold's looks and brief words, as he rode with vailed bonnet through
the swarming streets.

At length he cleared the town and the bridge; and the yellowing boughs
of the orchards drooped over the road towards the Roman home, when, as
he spurred his steed, he heard behind him hoofs as in pursuit, looked
back, and beheld Haco. He drew rein,--"What wantest thou, my nephew?"

"Thee!" answered Haco, briefly, as he gained his side. "Thy
companionship."

"Thanks, Haco; but I pray thee to stay in my mother's house, for I
would fain ride alone."

"Spurn me not from thee, Harold! This England is to me the land of