But no angel of good stood near his couch; long since had continual indulgence in evil driven his guardian away, and Satan had all his own way. The sounds of life and activity were many about the castle, and still Hugo arose not, until the third or fourth hour. Then he swallowed hastily a cup of generous Gascon wine, and a crust of toasted bread, steeped in the liquor; after which he mounted his favourite steed, a high horse of great spirit, not to say viciousness, which none save himself cared to ride, and galloped furiously for hours through the forest, startling the timid deer and her fawn from many a brake. It was evening when he returned: Wilfred had not yet been released. Count Eustace had departed, not until he had sought an interview with Wilfred, in his prison chamber, which turned out to be a fruitless one; for, terrified although he was at the loss of his letter, the youth kept his secret. It was a pity that he did so. Many a sad page yet to be written might have been saved. But was it unnatural that the poor orphan should feel an invincible reluctance to claim Norman aid? yet the Bishop of Coutances was Norman. At length, supper being ready, Hugo came in and took his usual place at the head of the high table. All trace of his mental struggles was gone. "Bring my son Wilfred down to the hall." The attendants hasted, and soon reappeared with the English heir of Aescendune. He was calm and composed--that unhappy youth; he looked the baron straight in the face, he did not honour Etienne or any one else with a single glance; but waited to be questioned. "Wilfred of Aescendune," said his stepfather, "why didst thou absent thyself yesterday, and traverse dangerous roads without permission?" No answer. "Didst thou fly because thou fearedst the combat, which thine own unmannerly insolence had brought upon thee?" "No." It was the only word Wilfred spoke, and that with emphasis. Etienne sneered. "Perhaps thou mightest not have fled hadst thou known that the combat would have been a mere form. I had instructed the marshal of the lists to prevent deadly results." Again Etienne cast a look at his companions, which seemed to give the lie to these words. "Wilt thou promise to make no further attempt to leave the demesne without permission if thou art released from superveillance?" "No," once more. "Then I will no longer retain the charge of thee. Thou shalt go and do penance at the priory of thy sainted namesake, till thou dost come to a better mind. I will send thee after supper, and give fitting charge to Father Elphege." Wilfred was forced to sit down during the meal, but he ate nothing. When it was ended, the baron called old Osbert the seneschal and gave his instructions. They led the youth away; he did not return the baron's half-ironical salutation, but departed with his guards in silence.