But
this young Saxon has his own estates in his own country. He would
not settle down here as a Norman baron, and I would not lose Agnes
nor be willing that she should go from us to dwell in a foreign
land. But no one can say what the future will bring about. The duke
has promised one of his daughters to Harold, and should the marriage
come off it will bind the two peoples more closely together. Besides,
you know, Edward of England has promised to Duke William that he
should succeed him."
"I was speaking to Wulf about that one day, father, and he said
that Edward had no power to make the gift, for that the people of
England chose their king themselves, and that Edward's promise would
go for nothing with them. It is not with them as it is with us,
where a prince can name his successor."
"That may be Saxon opinion, Guy, but it is not Norman, and assuredly
it is not the duke's; and friendly as are the relations between him
and Harold, it is clear that until this question is settled no
permanent friendship can be looked for between the two nations."
Wulf was sorry when the time came that he could no longer linger
at Baron de Burg's chateau. The earl had more than once sent over
to say that his presence was looked for at court as soon as he was
sufficiently recovered to attend there, but he stayed on until he
felt so thoroughly strong and well that he could not make his health
any longer an excuse.
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