One never remembers how such speeches always fail at the pinch.
The light footsteps came down the steps in no long time, and then the princess entered, dressed much as yesterday, with a bright colour from the wind, and looking round to see the promised friend.
"I have kept you long, daughter," Howel said, taking her hand, "but I have been hearing good news.

Here is Oswald of Wessex, a king's thane, but more than that to us, for he is the adopted son of your own godfather, Owen of Cornwall, and he brings the best of tidings of him." Now the maiden's face flushed with pleasure, and she held out her hand to me in frank welcome.

Yet I saw a little wondering look on her face as she let her eyes linger on mine for a moment, and that puzzled me.
"You are most welcome, Thane," she said.

"It is a wonderful thing that here I should learn that my lost godfather yet lives.

You will come to Pembroke with us, and tell me of him there ?" Then Howel laughed as if he had a jest that would not keep, and he cried: "Why, Nona, that is a mighty pretty speech, but surely one asks a sick man of his health first." She blushed a little, and glanced again at me.
"Surely the thane is not hurt ?" she said.
"Yesterday he was, and that sorely.