" The lads now retired from the dais.
"It has been a fortunate week's work for us," Beorn said. "We have
obtained the freedom of our lord and have gained his approbation
and that of Duke William; though, indeed, it matters not greatly
as to the duke."
"I don't know, Beorn; one cannot look into the future, and there
is no saying what may happen. Anyhow, even now it may be of advantage
to us. Honourably as the duke is treating Harold, the earl is still
wholly in his power, and until we hear something of his intentions
we are all just as much prisoners as we were to Conrad, although I
admit the captivity is a very much more pleasant one."
CHAPTER VII.
THE OATH.
From Eu the party travelled back to Rouen where there were feastings
and entertainments in honour of Harold. Nothing could be more
courteous than the duke's manner to his guest. He professed an
almost fraternal affection for him, and handsome lodgings were
assigned in the town to his thanes. A solemn court was held, at
which Harold was knighted by William himself with much state and
ceremonial, according to the rites of chivalry, which had then been
but recently introduced, and had not as yet extended into England.
There were great hunting parties in the forest, and to all outward
appearance the friendship between William and Harold was of the
warmest and most sincere nature. Harold himself was really gratified
at the pains that William took to show the esteem in which he held
him, and his thanes were all well satisfied with the attentions
bestowed upon them by the Norman barons.
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