The steward led us to the northern wing of the house across this court, and so took us into an antechamber, as it seemed, warm and bright, with hanging lamps, and with painted walls and many-patterned tiled floor, but for all its warmth with no fire to be seen, which was strange enough to me.
And so soon as the bright light shone on Owen I saw the steward start and gaze at him fixedly, and then as Owen smiled a little at him he fell on his knees and cried softly some words of welcome, with tears starting in his eyes.
"Oh my Lord," he said, "is it indeed you?
This is a good day .-- A thousand welcomes!" Owen raised him kindly, and set his finger on his lip.
"It is well that you have been the first to know me, friend," he said.

"Now hold your peace for a little while till we see what says my uncle.

I must have word with him at once, if it can be managed, before others know me.

It will be best." "He waits you, Lord.

It was his word that he would see the Saxon alone." Then he led us into another room like to that we left, but larger, and with rich carpets on the tiled floor, and there sat Gerent alone to wait us.