"My son," he said, "of all the women I have known, thy gentle mother bore the most beautiful and saintly character.

I would there were more such as she, in our British homes." "Father," said Hugh, brokenly, "knew you how much she had to bear?
My father's fierce feuds with all, shut her up at last to utter loneliness.

His anger against Holy Church and his contempt of Her priests, cost my mother the comfort of your visits.

His life-long quarrel with Earl Eustace de Norelle caused that our families, though dwelling within a three hours' ride, were allowed no intercourse.
Never did I enter Castle Norelle until I rode up from the South, with a message for Mora from the King.

And, to this day, Mora has never been within the courtyard of my home! When we were betrothed, I dared not tell my parents--though Earl Eustace and his Countess both were dead--lest my father's wrath might reach Mora, when I had gone.