carved in stone on the Churches, that it speaks of forgiveness to us;
but of that pardon we shall never taste if we forgive not our
enemies. Do you mark me, boy?"

Richard hesitated a little, and then said, "Yes, father, but I could
never have pardoned, had I been one of Ragnar's sons."

"It may be that you will be in their case, Richard," said the Duke,
"and should I fall, as it may well be I shall, in some of the
contests that tear to pieces this unhappy Kingdom of France, then,
remember what I say now. I charge you, on your duty to God and to
your father, that you keep up no feud, no hatred, but rather that you
should deem me best revenged, when you have with heart and hand,
given the fullest proof of forgiveness to your enemy. Give me your
word that you will."

"Yes, father," said Richard, with rather a subdued tone, and resting
his head on his father's shoulder. There was a silence for a little
space, during which he began to revive into playfulness, to stroke
the Duke's short curled beard, and play with his embroidered collar.

In so doing, his fingers caught hold of a silver chain, and pulling
it out with a jerk, he saw a silver key attached to it. "Oh, what is
that?" he asked eagerly. "What does that key unlock?"

"My greatest treasure," replied Duke William, as he replaced the
chain and key within his robe.

"Your greatest treasure, father! Is that your coronet?"