"So, friends," he cried, "what say you? Am I true to the words of my
oath in allowing this marriage?"

There was not one there who did not know Havelok, whom they called
Curan; and though all thought these doings strange, there was a hum of
assent, for the oath said naught of the station in life of the
bridegroom. Good King Ethelwald had been too trustful.

"That is well," said Alsi, with a grave face. "All here will bear
witness that this was not done without counsel taken. Now, let the
bridegroom sit in his place here to my right."

He waved his hand, and Havelok sat down on the bench that faced
Goldberga; and now he looked long at her with a look that seemed to be
questioning. Alsi was going to his seat in the cross bench, where the
parents of the couple are wont to sit at a wedding while the vows are
made, but he seemed to bethink himself. It is my belief that he said
what he did in order to shame both Havelok and Goldberga.

"Why, it is not seemly that the bridegroom should sit alone without one
to be by him. Where are your friends, Curan?"

At that Alsi met with more than he bargained for. At once Berthun came
forward, and forth came I, and without a word we sat one on each side of
him. There were others who would have come also, for I saw even Eglaf
take a step towards the high place, had we not done so.

Alsi's face became black at that, for here was not the friendless churl
he was scoffing at. But he tried to smile, as if pleased.