And Humbert himself knelt before the altar during that psalm, fully vested, but as in times of fast and penitence.
When he rose, I came up the aisle towards him, and my mail clanged noisily as I walked in the hush.

At the chancel steps I stood, helm in hand, and did reverence, not daring to speak first.
"What is it ?" asked the bishop, when he turned and saw me.

"Speak, Wulfric, my son.

Is all well ?" "I have heavy news, father," I answered.

"Close on us are the Danes, and you must fly.