Give your message to him briefly; say naught of what I have said to
you, though his heart will tell him at once what has brought me here."
Silent, and confounded by the immensity of the sacrifice she proposed, for
he knew how deep and tender was her love for Harold, Wulf knelt on both
knees and reverently placed her hand to his lips, and then without a word
left the house, half blinded with tears, signing to the servant, who was
waiting without, to follow him. When he reached Harold's house he found
that the earl was with his brother Gurth and several of his councillors. He
did not hesitate, however, but entering the room, said, "My Lord Harold, I
pray to have speech of you for a minute upon an affair of urgent
importance."
Somewhat surprised the earl followed him out.
"What is it, Wulf?" he asked as they entered Harold's private closet. "You
look pale and strange, lad."
"I have a message to give you, my lord. The Lady Edith is here, and prays
that you will go to her at once."
The earl started as if struck with a blow. "Edith here!" he exclaimed, and
then with a troubled face he took several short turns up and down the room.
"Where is she?" he said at last in a low voice.
"Her servant is without, my lord, and will conduct you to her."
"Tell Gurth and the others I am called away for an hour on urgent
business," he said. "Say nothing of Edith being here." Then he went out.
The man who was waiting doffed his hat, and at once led the way to the
house where Edith was staying.
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