and yon proud duke shall not escape till he has done thee ample justice." Earl Stephen gave a cordial welcome to Robert, and greeted his countess with much affection, bnt the entrance of Henry threw him into evident perturbation, nor did it re-lieve his embarrassment to see his wife, with characteristic heroism, advance between the rival brothers, and fix her flashing eyes upon Robert. The noble conduct of the repentant duke happily avert-ed the gathering storm. - " Spare thy reproaches, sweet sister," said he, " and thou, my brother, forgive the grievous injuries thou hast suffered, and accept the only reparation that lieth in my power. I restore unto thee Cotentén, and would but for my poverty indemnify thee for thy losses. I have deter-mined on a visit to the Holy Land ; and I would dispose my worldly affairs, so that should I never return, man shall not accuse me before the throne of God." The frankness of his confession, and the seriousness of his manner, allayed the resentment of Henry, and effected an apparent reconciliation. Harmony being thus restored, Robert proceeded at proper intervals to unfold the desires and purposes that had brought him once again to counsel with Adela. Since the treaty which confirmed William in the sov-ereignty of England, not only, but secured to him several strong fortresses in Normandy, the duke had resigned himself to listlessness and luxury. In his aimless expedi-tions his attention had been frequently attracted by the appearance of a monk, who embodied in himself the spirit of a hermit, a pilgrim, and a soldier. His head was bare, his feet naked. His diminutive figure, attenuated by frequent abstinence, was wrapped in a coarse garment. His prayers were long and fervent, and the enthusiasm that gleamed in his eyes kindled the fires of holy zeal, in every town, village, and hamlet through which he passed. As he rode along, every street and highway was thronged with people, who worshipped the weighty crucifix he bore ADELA. 73