was
in my mind that she would be no less glad to see me after a long
absence.

That I should find out very shortly, but the thought troubled me
little. I will say that the parting from Owen was all that was of
consequence to me, for it was hard enough. I could not tell when we
should meet again, for I must go east and he west now, and
presently all Devon, and maybe Cornwall, would lie between us, even
when our court was at Glastonbury. It would be hard to see him at
all in the coming days, for not often was Gerent here. However,
partings must needs be, and we made the least of it, and so at last
we rode together to the old bridge that crosses the Parrett, and
there bade our last farewells, and went our ways, not looking back.

It was a lonesome ride onward for me after all these days with him,
and I had not a word for my house-carles, who had ridden from
Glastonbury hither to meet me, for the first few miles. Then I
bethought myself, and drew rein a little and let them come up with
me, for I had ridden alone at their head for a while, and so heard
all the news of the court and whatever talk was going about the
place, and my mind left Norton and went on, as it were, before me
to Glastonbury and all that I should see there.

There was a warm welcome waiting for me from the many friends, and
best of all from the king himself. With him I sat long in his
chamber telling of my doings and of Owen, and hearing also of what
had been going on. At the last, when I was about to leave his
presence, he said:

"There is one matter that we must speak of tomorrow, for it is
weighty and needs thought. Let it bide now, for it is nought
unhappy, and so come to me at noon and we will speak thereof. Now
your friends will seek you, and I will not say more."

I left him then with a little wonder as to what this business might
be, but thought little of it, as it would very likely be a matter
of taking some men on some errand or the like house-carle work, and
then I bethought me that I would even go and see how fared Elfrida.
It was not unpleasant to think of taking her by surprise, for I did
not suppose that she had heard of my return yet. At all events, she
would have no chance of making up some stiff greeting for me.
Wherefore I went down the street with my head in the air, making up
my mind how I would greet her, and maybe I thought of a dozen ways
before I reached the ealdorman's door.

His welcome was hearty enough at all events,