"
"Why not?" asked Prince Edwin, reddening with sudden anger.
"King Athelstane knows that you have a better title to the throne than
himself," replied Brithric. "He knows, also, that were his valiant
Thames and Ealdormen to see you, they would be very likely to make you
king; for you are possessed of far more princely qualities than the
base-born Athelstane."
The eyes of Prince Edwin brightened at the words of Brithric, and he
grasped the arrow which he had in his hand with the air of one who
holds a sceptre. "Fie, Brithric," said Wilfrid, "how can you be so
treacherous to your royal master as to speak of him with such
disrespect, and to put such dangerous and criminal ideas into the mind
of Prince Edwin?"
"Peace, meddling brat," cried Edwin, angrily; "who asked counsel of
thee in this matter?"
"There are some things which it would be a crime to hear in silence,"
replied Wilfrid; "and I implore you, my dear, dear lord, by all the
love that once united you and your faithful page in the bonds of
friendship, not to listen to the fatal suggestions of the false
Brithric.
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