Spake Nicholas thereat, and said that freely would he grant it that Osberne's redes and well-doing should still be felt at Wethermel, and that for his own part the governance of an house so great and lordly as Wethermel had now become was overmuch of a burden to him, and that gladly would he take to any man whom Osberne would put in his place; and in good sooth he deemed he wotted who it would be.
Then turned Osberne unto Stephen and said: Thou, Stephen, art more in the heart of my redes than any man else, and thou art both a wise man, as I deem, and a proven champion; so if I leave thee here in my skin, wilt thou do the best for me, and be debonair with Master Nicholas here and with my grandame, and kind to all the folk? Said Stephen: I will do my best thereto, and will pray this of the folk, that they will not hate me because I am not thou. At that word all they gave him a welcome cheer, whereas their hearts burned within them for love of Osberne and for praise of his words, and for sorrow of losing him and hope of his return; so that at that point of time themseemed they might promise anything.
But Osberne said: Stephen, my friend and fellow, reach out thine hand, that I may give thee hansel before all these of what mastership there is in me. Even so did Stephen, and they clasped hands thereon.
After this Osberne looked about him and said: Lo, friends, how the dusk has been creeping on
