g veterans. And the English are not all bad. I have learned that
these many days whilst our guests have been with us. I have thought at
times that they would be true friends and allies, and that we might do
well to copy them in many ways. In truth, if the choice lies betwixt
being rent in pieces by each other and giving homage to the great
Edward, who can be merciful and just, I would rather choose the latter.
For there must be something grand and noble about him by what our little
maid says; and to pay homage is no such hard thing. Why, does not he
himself pay homage to the King of France for the lands he holds in his
kingdom?"

A look of relief crossed the face of the mother as she heard these words
from her first-born son. She took his hand in hers and said earnestly:

"Wendot, I am glad to hear thee speak thus, for thou art the heir of
Dynevor, and upon thee much may fall some day. Thou knowest what thy
brothers are -- I speak of Llewelyn and Howel. I cannot but fear for
them -- unless, indeed, the rapacious greed I sometimes see in Llewelyn
proves stronger than his fierce hatred to the English, and he prefers to
do homage for his lands rather than lose them. But thou art the head of
the family, and the chief power will rest with thee when thy father is
gone. I counsel thee, if the time comes when thou must make thy choice,
be not led away by blind hatred of the English. They may prove less
cruel foes than thine own countrymen are to one another. If Wales may
not be united under one native king, let her think well ere she rejects
the grace held out to all who will yield fealty to the English monarch.
That is what I wished to say to thee. Remember that the English are not
always cruel, always rapacious. There are generous, noble, honourable
men amongst them, of whom I am sure our guest is one."

"Ay, he has a grand face," said Wendot. "A face one can both love and
trust. And all that the little one tells me of the king and his family
inclines my heart towards him and his. I will remember what you have
said, mother, and will ponder your words. Methinks it is no lovely thing
to hate as Llewelyn and Howel hate; it makes men act rather as fiends
than as honourable soldiers should."

The conversation ended there, and was not renewed; but the very next day
Lord Montacute sought Wendot's room, when the lad was lying alone,
wearying somewhat of his own company, and the light sprang into his eyes
as he saw the guest approa