CHAPTER XXIV.

MATILDA AND BRIHTRIK:--Matilda's arrival and enthusiastic reception in England--Origin of Matilda's popularity--Her vindictive spirit--In her early years becomes enamoured of Brihtrik--Brihtrik does not reciprocate her affection--Brihtrik leaves Bruges--Matilda's indignation at his coolness--Probability of Brihtrik's speaking too freely about the Duchess Matilda--Matilda, after the siege of Exeter keeps Brihtrik's possessions as her share of the spoil--Brihtrik is imprisoned--His death