And they led me into the courtyard; and thence to the guest chamber, and there waited Alswythe.
Now when I looked to see her greet me formally, as in the presence of the abbess, she ran into my arms, and I found that we were alone.
Then must she hear and I tell all that had happened to me since we parted; but that was too long for the telling then, for very soon the abbess came with clatter of vessels along the passage, bringing warm water and salves to bind my small wound afresh.
And in that Alswythe helped her, with many pitying words and soft touches, so that I thought it good to be hurt if such tendance might ever be had.

And many things they asked, as of Wulfhere's safety, and the collier's, and of how I got that wound, and the like.

And that last I could not tell them, marvelling myself when it came, and more that it was the only one; but I know I smote flatwise once or twice myself in the heat of fight, so doubtless it was so with others, else would Aldhelm have been in halves or thereabouts.
Then I told them of my message to the king, and at that Alswythe rejoiced.

And the abbess said that doubtless the king would reward the messenger, and what reward would I ask an he did so?
Now there was only one reward to me in all the world, and for answer I took Alswythe's hand, all wet with the water she bathed my hurt with, and kissed it.

On which the maiden blushed, and looked down, but the abbess laughed softly, saying, "Verily, I thought so," and then seemed to choke a little, turning away from us.