For if aught had happened amiss at home, so that our lands, for want of the heir, had fallen into the hands of Bertric, I should be left with naught but my sword for heritage.

Then--for the king had spoken of these chances to me--I was to come straightway back to him and take service with him.

My knowledge of the ways in which Carl handled his men would be of use to him, and a place and honour would wait me.

But I would not think much of such sorrow for me, though that it was possible, of course, may have been the great reason which made me silent when there were words I had more than once had it on the tip of my tongue to say to Hilda.

Could I have known for certain that home and wealth yet waited for me, I know that I must needs have asked her to share them, now that at the end of this daily companionship I learned what my thoughts of her had grown to be.
"Ay, I shall be back with Ethelbert at some time," I said.