Tostig is furious at what he terms the insolence of the Northumbrians, and
I would fain avoid all questions of dispute with him. It is not improbable
that the king and his councillors may be called upon to hear the complaints
of the Northumbrians, and to decide between them and Tostig. This will be
bitter enough for my brother. He may return at any moment, and I greatly
wish to avoid all argument with him before the matter is discussed in
council."
The house at Hampton was a large one, and here Edith lived in considerable
state. Grooms ran up and took the horses as Harold and Wulf dismounted. Six
retainers in jerkins embroidered with the earl's cognizance appeared at the
doors. As they entered the house, Edith came out from an inner room and
fondly embraced Harold.
"Who is this you have with you, Harold?"
"What, have you forgotten Wulf of Steyning, who has, as I told you, turned
out a great fighter, and was the captor of the castle of Porthwyn, and of
its owner, Llewellyn ap Rhys?"
"I did not know you again, Wulf," Edith said holding out her hand to him,
"but now that I hear who you are I recognize you. Why, it is four years
since I saw you, and you were then a mischievous little page. Harold has
often spoken to me about you, and your adventures in Normandy and Wales. I
did not expect to see you, Harold," she went on turning to the earl, "after
what you told me in the letter you sent me yesterday, about the troubles in
the north.
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