The bishop drew the youth gently into a deep embrasure, where a
curtain before the opening veiled a window seat, for the feast was
now over, and the guests were mingling in general conversation.
"Father," said Etienne "am I, whom he has made an orphan, a fit
witness?"
"My son," said Geoffrey, "I respect an orphan's feelings, yet in
justice to the lad whom, as thou sayest, I once befriended, I must
ask a few questions. He appeared to me naturally affectionate and
ingenuous--one who would love those who treated him well, but who
would grievously resent scorn and contempt; tell me honestly, didst
thou receive him as a brother, as thou wert bound to do,
considering the alliance between thy father and his mother, or
didst thou regard him simply as thy rival?"
Etienne hesitated.
"My son, thou cravest knighthood; the true knight is bound to speak
the truth."
"I own, father, that I felt him my rival."
"And never thought of him as a brother?"
"Never."
"Then, naturally, this led to injurious words and contemptuous
deeds?"
"I cannot deny it; nor do I now regret it, knowing what he is."
"Perchance, my son, thou hast had much to do with making him what
he is. One more thing: of course Wilfred would naturally sympathise
with the old retainers of his father.
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