"
In half an hour he returned. "I have to ask you to perform a last service
to your dead king," he said. "The bodies of Gurth and Leofwin have been
found and borne away by your people for burial, but none can find the body
of Harold. All the dead that were near the standard were removed last
night by the soldiers, and among the great pile of dead none can recognize
that of your king."
Well as they knew him, Wulf and Beorn were unable to recognize the body of
Harold among the ghastly heap of mutilated corpses. After a time Wulf said:
"There is one who might recognize it when all others failed. It is Edith,
whom he so long loved as his wife. She may recognize it by some mark or
sign unknown to others. If you will give me leave I will ride to Lewes,
where she is staying, and bring her hither."
"Certainly, Wulf; I will obtain a safe conduct for you from the duke."
Wulf had ridden, however, but a mile along the western road when he saw a
litter approaching borne by four men. He reined in his horse by its side.
An order was given from within, and as the bearers lowered it to the ground
Edith stepped out. She was deadly pale. Her eyes were red with weeping, and
she seemed to Wulf to have aged years since he saw her a week before.
"My presentiments have come true, Wulf," she said. "It was no surprise to
me when last night the news came that the battle was lost and Harold slain.
I had looked and waited for it.
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