His brother, meanwhile,
continued to receive the most pernicious flattery from every creature
around him, except Wilfrid, the son of Cendric, who, by order of King
Athelstane, had been appointed his page of honor.
When Wilfrid was first admitted into the college he was treated with
great scorn by the royal wards. Among them were many who, in the pride
of circumstance and the vanity of youth, were so unkind as to cherish
disdainful feelings against the unfortunate Wilfrid, and to murmur at
his introduction into their society.
Prince Edwin was, however, of a more generous disposition, and by
extending his favor and protection to the forlorn youth, rendered his
residence in the college less irksome than it otherwise would have
been. But the very affection with which Wilfrid was regarded by his
young lord had the effect of increasing the hostile feeling of the
others against him; and in the absence of the Atheling, he had to
endure a thousand bitter taunts and cruel insults respecting his
father's crime and the ignominious death he had suffered.
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