CHAPTERXVIII：THEMAIDGIVESWALTERTRYST
Now，onthemorrow，whenWalterwasawake，hefoundtherewasnoonelyingbesidehim，andthedaywasnolongerveryyoung;sohearose，andwentthroughthegardenfromendtoend，andallabout，andtherewasnonethere;andalbeitthathedreadedtomeettheLadythere，yetwashesadatheartandfearfulofwhatmightbetide。
Howsoever，hefoundthegatewherebytheyhadenteredyesterday，andhewentoutintothelittledale;butwhenhehadgoneasteportwoheturnedabout，andcouldseeneithergardennorfence，noranysignofwhathehadseenthereofbutlately。Heknithisbrowandstoodstilltothinkofit，andhisheartgrewtheheavierthereby;
butpresentlyhewenthiswaysandcrossedthestream，buthadscarcecomeupontothegrassonthefurtherside，erehesawawomancomingtomeethim，andatfirst，fullashewasofthetideofyesterdayandthewondrousgarden，deemedthatitwouldbetheLady;butthewomanstayedherfeet，and，stooping，laidahandonherrightankle，andhesawthatitwastheMaid。Hedrewanightoher，andsawthatshewasnoughtsosadofcountenanceasthelasttimeshehadmethim，butflushedofcheekandbright—eyed。
Ashecameuptohershemadeasteportwotomeethim，holdingouthertwohands，andthenrefrainedher，andsaidsmiling："Ah，friend，belikethisshallbethelasttimethatIshallsaytothee，touchmenot，nay，notsomuchasmyhand，orifitwerebutthehemofmyraiment。"
Thejoygrewupinhisheart，andhegazedonherfondly，andsaid：
"Why，whathathbefallenoflate？"
"Ofriend，"shebegan，"thishathbefallen。"
Butashelookedonher，thesmilediedfromherface，andshebecamedeadlypaletotheverylips;shelookedaskancetoherleftside，whereasranthestream;andWalterfollowedhereyes，anddeemedforoneinstantthathesawthemisshapenyellowvisageofthedwarfpeeringroundfromagreyrock，butthenexttherewasnothing。ThentheMaid，thoughshewereaspaleasdeath，wentoninaclear，steady，hardvoice，whereinwasnojoyorkindness，keepingherfacetoWalterandherbacktothestream："Thishathbefallen，friend，thatthereisnolongeranyneedtorefrainthylovenormine;thereforeIsaytothee，cometomychamber（anditistheredchamberoveragainstthine，thoughthouknewestitnot）
anhourbeforethisnextmidnight，andthenthysorrowandmineshallbeatanend：andnowImustneedsdepart。Followmenot，butremember！"
Andtherewithsheturnedaboutandfledlikethewinddownthestream。
ButWalterstoodwondering，andknewnotwhattomakeofit，whetheritwereforgoodorill：forheknewnowthatshehadpaledandbeenseizedwithterrorbecauseoftheupheavingoftheuglyhead;
andyetshehadseemedtospeakouttheverythingshehadtosay。
Howsoeveritwere，hespakealoudtohimself：Whatevercomes，I
willkeeptrystwithher。
Thenhedrewhissword，andturnedthiswayandthat，lookingallaboutifhemightseeanysignoftheEvilThing;butnoughtmighthiseyesbehold，savethegrass，andthestream，andthebushesofthedale。Sothen，stillholdinghisnakedswordinhishand，heclombthebentoutofthedale;forthatwastheonlywayheknewtotheGoldenHouse;andwhenhecametothetop，andthesummerbreezeblewinhisface，andhelookeddownafairgreenslopebesetwithgoodlyoaksandchestnuts，hewasrefreshedwiththelifeoftheearth，andhefeltthegoodswordinhisfist，andknewthattherewasmightandlonginginhim，andtheworldseemedopenuntohim。
Sohesmiled，ifitweresomewhatgrimly，andsheathedhisswordandwentontowardthehouse。
CHAPTERXIX：WALTERGOESTOFETCHHOMETHELION’SHIDE
Heenteredthecoolduskthroughtheporch，and，lookingdownthepillaredhall，sawbeyondthefountainagleamofgold，andwhenhecamepastthesaidfountainhelookeduptothehigh—seat，andlo！
theLadysittingtherecladinherqueenlyraiment。Shecalledtohim，andhecame;andshehailedhim，andspakegraciouslyandcalmly，yetasifsheknewnoughtofhimsaveasthelealservantofher，ahighLady。"Squire，"shesaid，"wehavedeemeditmeettohavethehideoftheservantoftheEnemy，theliontowit，whomthouslewestyesterday，foracarpettoourfeet;whereforegonow，takethywood—knife，andflaythebeast，andbringmehomehisskin。
Thisshallbeallthyserviceforthisday，somaystthoudoitatthineownleisure，andnotwearythyself。Maygoodgowiththee。"
Hebentthekneebeforeher，andshesmiledonhimgraciously，butreachedoutnohandforhimtokiss，andheededhimbutlittle。
Wherefore，inspiteofhimself，andthoughheknewsomewhatofherguile，hecouldnothelpmarvellingthatthisshouldbeshewhohadlaininhisarmsnight—longbutoflate。
Howsothatmightbe，hetookhiswaytowardthethicketwherehehadslainthelion，andcamethitherbythenitwasafternoon，atthehottestoftheday。Soheenteredtherein，andcametotheveryplacewhereastheLadyhadlain，whenshefelldownbeforetheterrorofthelion;andtherewasthemarkofherbodyonthegrasswhereshehadlainthatwhile，likeasitweretheformofahare。
ButwhenWalterwentontowherehehadslainthatgreatbeast，lo！
hewasgone，andtherewasnosignofhim;buttherewereWalter’sownfootprints，andthetwoshaftswhichhehadshot，onefeatheredred，andoneblue。Hesaidatfirst：Belikesomeonehathbeenhere，andhathhadthecarcaseaway。Thenhelaughedinverydespite，andsaid：Howmaythatbe，sincetherearenosignsofdraggingawayofsohugeabody，andnobloodorfuronthegrassiftheyhadcuthimup，andmoreovernotramplingoffeet，asiftherehadbeenmanymenatthedeed。Thenwasheallabashed，andagainlaughedinscornofhimself，andsaid：ForsoothIdeemedIhaddonemanly;butnowforsoothIshotnought，andnoughttherewasbeforetheswordofmyfather’sson。AndwhatmayIdeemnow，butthatthisisalandofmerelies，andthatthereisnoughtrealandalivethereinsaveme。Yea，belikeeventhesetreesandthegreengrasswillpresentlydepartfromme，andleavemefallingdownthroughtheclouds。
Therewithheturnedaway，andgathimtotheroadthatledtotheGoldenHouse，wonderingwhatnextshouldbefallhim，andgoingslowlyasheponderedhiscase。Socamehetothatfirstthicketwheretheyhadlosttheirquarrybywater;soheenteredthesame，musing，andbathedhiminthepoolthatwastherein，afterhehadwanderedaboutitawhile，andfoundnothingnew。
Soagainhesethimtothehomewardroad，whenthedaywasnowwaning，anditwasnearsunsetthathewascomenighuntothehouse，thoughitwashiddenfromhimasthenbyalowbentthatrosebeforehim;andthereheabodeandlookedabouthim。
Nowashelooked，overthesaidbentcamethefigureofawoman，whostayedonthebrowthereofandlookedallabouther，andthenranswiftlydowntomeetWalter，whosawatoncethatitwastheMaid。
Shemadenostaythentillshewasbutthreepacesfromhim，andthenshestoopeddownandmadethesigntohim，andthenspaketohimbreathlessly，andsaid："Hearken！butspeaknottillIhavedone：Ibadetheeto—night’smeetingbecauseIsawthattherewasoneanighwhomImustneedsbeguile。Butbythineoath，andthylove，andallthatthouart，IadjuretheecomenotuntomethisnightasIbadethee！butbehiddeninthehazel—copseoutsidethehouse，asitdrawstowardmidnight，andabidemethere。Dostthouhearken，andwiltthou？Sayyesornoinhaste，forImaynottarryamomentoftime。Whoknowethwhatisbehindme？"
"Yes，"saidWalterhastily;"butfriendandlove——"
"Nomore，"shesaid;"hopethebest;"andturningfromhimsheranawayswiftly，notbythewayshehadcome，butsideways，asthoughtoreachthehousebyfetchingacompass。
ButWalterwentslowlyonhisway，thinkingwithinhimselfthatnowatthatpresentmomenttherewasnoughtforitbuttorefrainhimfromdoing，andtoletothersdo;yetdeemedhethatitwaslittlemanlytobeasthepawnupontheboard，pushedaboutbythewillofothers。
Then，ashewent，hebethoughthimoftheMaiden’sfaceandaspect，asshecamerunningtohim，andstoodbeforehimforthatminute;
andalleagernesshesawinher，andsoreloveofhim，anddistressofsoul，allblenttogether。
Socamehetothebrowofthebentwhencehecouldseelyingbeforehim，scarcemorethanabow—shotaway，theGoldenHousenowgildedagainandreddenedbythesettingsun。Andeventherewithcameagayimagetowardhim，flashingbackthelevelraysfromgoldandsteelandsilver;andlo！therewascometheKing’sSon。Theymetpresently，andtheKing’sSonturnedtogobesidehim，andsaidmerrily："Igivetheegoodeven，myLady’sSquire！Iowetheesomethingofcourtesy，whereasitisbythymeansthatIshallbemadehappy，bothto—night，andto—morrow，andmanyto—morrows;andsoothitis，thatbutlittlecourtesyhaveIdonetheehitherto。"
Hisfacewasfullofjoy，andtheeyesofhimshonewithgladness。
Hewasagoodlyman，buttoWalterheseemedanillone;andhehatedhimsomuch，thathefounditnoeasymattertoanswerhim;
butherefrainedhimself，andsaid："Icantheethank，King’sSon;
andgooditisthatsomeoneishappyinthisstrangeland。"
"Artthounothappythen，SquireofmyLady？"saidtheother。
Walterhadnomindtoshowthismanhisheart，nay，norevenacornerthereof;forhedeemedhimanenemy。Sohesmiledsweetlyandsomewhatfoolishly，asamanluckilyinlove，andsaid："Oyea，yea，whyshouldInotbeso？HowmightIbeotherwise？"
"Yeathen，"saidtheKing’sSon，"whydidstthousaythatthouwertgladsomeoneishappy？Whoisunhappy，deemestthou？"andhelookedonhimkeenly。
Walteransweredslowly："SaidIso？IsupposethenthatIwasthinkingofthee;forwhenfirstIsawthee，yea，andafterwards，thoudidstseemheavy—heartedandill—content。"
ThefaceoftheKing’sSonclearedatthisword，andhesaid："Yea，soitwas;forlookyou，bothwaysitwas：Iwasunfree，andIhadsownthetruedesireofmyheartwhereasitwaxednot。ButnowIamonthebrinkandvergeoffreedom，andpresentlyshallmydesirebeblossomed。Naynow，Squire，Ideemtheeagoodfellow，thoughitmaybesomewhatofafool;soIwillnomorespeakriddlestothee。
Thusitis：theMaidhathpromisedmeallmineasking，andismine;
andintwoorthreedays，byherhelpingalso，Ishallseetheworldagain。"
QuothWalter，smilingaskanceonhim："AndtheLady？whatshallshesaytothismatter？"
TheKing’sSonreddened，butsmiledfalselyenough，andsaid："SirSquire，thouknowestenoughnottoneedtoaskthis。WhyshouldI
telltheethatsheaccountethmoreofthylittlefingerthanofmywholebody？NowItelltheehereoffreely;first，becausethismyfruitionoflove，andmyfreeingfromthralldom，is，inaway，ofthydoing。Forthouartbecomemysupplanter，andhasttakenthyplacewithyonderlovelytyrant。Fearnotforme！shewillletmego。Asforthyself，seethoutoit！ButagainItelltheehereofbecausemyheartislightandfullofjoy，andtellingtheewillpleasureme，andcannotdomeanyharm。Forifthousay：HowifI
carrythetaletomyLady？Ianswer，thouwiltnot。ForIknowthatthinehearthathbeensomewhatsetonthejewelthatmyhandholdeth;andthouknowestwellonwhoseheadtheLady’swrathwouldfall，andthatwouldbeneitherthinenormine。"
"Thousayestsooth，"saidWalter;"neitheristreasonmywont。"
Sotheywalkedonsilentlyawhile，andthenWaltersaid："ButhowiftheMaidenhadnay—saidthee;whathadstthoudonethen？"
"Bytheheavens！"saidtheKing’sSonfiercely，"sheshouldhavepaidforhernay—say;thenwouldI——"Buthebrokeoff，andsaidquietly，yetsomewhatdoggedly："Whytalkofwhatmighthavebeen？
Shegavemeheryea—saypleasantlyandsweetly。"
NowWalterknewthatthemanlied，soheheldhispeacethereon;butpresentlyhesaid："Whenthouartfreewiltthougotothineownlandagain？"
"Yea，"saidtheKing’sSon;"shewillleadmethither。"
"Andwiltthoumakeherthyladyandqueenwhenthoucomesttothyfather’sland？"saidWalter。
TheKing’sSonknithisbrow，andsaid："WhenIaminmineownlandImaydowithherwhatIwill;butIlookforitthatIshalldonootherwisewithherthanthatsheshallbewell—content。"
Thenthetalkbetweenthemdropped，andtheKing’sSonturnedofftowardthewood，singingandjoyous;butWalterwentsoberlytowardthehouse。Forsoothhewasnotgreatlycastdown，forbesidesthatheknewthattheKing’sSonwasfalse，hedeemedthatunderthisdoubletrystlaysomethingwhichwasa—doinginhisownbehalf。Yetwasheeagerandtroubled，ifnotdown—hearted，andhissoulwascastaboutbetwixthopeandfear。
CHAPTERXX：WALTERISBIDDENTOANOTHERTRYST
Socameheintothepillaredhall，andtherehefoundtheLadywalkingtoandfrobythehigh—seat;andwhenhedrewnighsheturnedonhim，andsaidinavoicerathereagerthanangry："Whathastthoudone，Squire？Whyartthoucomebeforeme？"
Hewasabashed，andbowedbeforeherandsaid："OgraciousLady，thoubadestmeservice，andIhavebeenaboutit。"
Shesaid："Tellmethen，tellme，whathathbetided？"
"Lady，"saidhe，"whenIenteredthethicketofthyswooningIfoundtherenocarcaseofthelion，noranysignofthedraggingawayofhim。"
Shelookedfullinhisfaceforalittle，andthenwenttoherchair，andsatdowntherein;andinalittlewhilespaketohiminasoftervoice，andsaid："DidInottelltheethatsomeenemyhaddonethatuntome？andlo！nowthouseestthatsoitis。"
Thenwasshesilentagain，andknitherbrowsandsetherteeth;andthereaftershespakeharshlyandfiercely："ButIwillovercomeher，andmakeherdaysevil，butkeepdeathawayfromher，thatshemaydiemanytimesover;andknowallthesicknessoftheheart，whenfoesbenigh，andfriendsafar，andthereisnonetodeliver！"
Hereyesflashed，andherfacewasdarkwithanger;butsheturnedandcaughtWalter’seyes，andthesternnessofhisface，andshesoftenedatonce，andsaid："Butthou！thishathlittletodowiththee;andnowtotheeIspeak：Nowcomethevenandnight。Gothoutothychamber，andthereshaltthoufindraimentworthyofthee，whatthounowart，andwhatthoushaltbe;doonthesame，andmakethyselfmostgoodly，andthencomethouhitherandeatanddrinkwithme，andafterwardsdepartwhitherthouwilt，tillthenighthasworntoitsmidmost;andthencomethoutomychamber，towit，throughtheivorydoorinthegalleryabove;andthenandthereshallItelltheeathing，anditshallbeforthewealbothoftheeandofme，butforthegriefandwoeoftheEnemy。"
Therewithshereachedherhandtohim，andhekissedit，anddepartedandcametohischamber，andfoundraimenttherebeforerichbeyondmeasure;andhewonderedifanynewsnarelaytherein：yetiftherewere，hesawnowaywherebyhemightescapeit，sohediditon，andbecameasthemostgloriousofkings，andyetlovelierthananykingoftheworld。
Sithencehewenthiswayintothepillaredhall，whenitwasnownight，andwithoutthemoonwasup，andthetreesofthewoodasstillasimages。Butwithinthehallshonebrightwithmanycandles，andthefountainglitteredinthelightofthem，asitrantinklingsweetlyintothelittlestream;andthesilvernbridgesgleamed，andthepillarsshoneallroundabout。
Andthereonthedaiswasatabledightmostroyally，andtheLadysittingthereat，cladinhermostgloriousarray，andbehindhertheMaidstandinghumbly，yetcladinpreciouswebofshimmeringgold，butwithfeetunshod，andtheironringuponherankle。
SoWaltercamehiswaystothehigh—seat，andtheLadyroseandgreetedhim，andtookhimbythehands，andkissedhimoneithercheek，andsathimdownbesideher。Sotheyfelltotheirmeat，andtheMaidservedthem;buttheLadytooknomoreheedofherthanifshewereoneofthepillarsofthehall;butWaltershecaressedoftwithsweetwords，andthetouchofherhand，makinghimdrinkoutofhercupandeatoutofherdish。Astohim，hewasbashfulbyseeming，butverilyfearful;hetooktheLady’scaresseswithwhatgracehemight，anddurstnotsomuchasglanceatherMaid。Longindeedseemedthatbanquettohim，andlongeryetenduredthewearinessofhisabidingthere，kindtohisfoeandunkindtohisfriend;forafterthebanquettheystillsatawhile，andtheLadytalkedmuchtoWalteraboutmanythingsofthewaysoftheworld，andheansweredwhathemight，distraughtashewaswiththethoughtofthosetwotrystswhichhehadtodealwith。
AtlastspaketheLadyandsaid："NowmustIleavetheeforalittle，andthouwottestwhereandhowweshallmeetnext;andmeanwhiledisporttheeasthouwilt，sothatthouwearynotthyself，forIlovetoseetheejoyous。"
Thenshearosestatelyandgrand;butshekissedWalteronthemoutheresheturnedtogooutofthehall。TheMaidfollowedher;butorevershewasquitegone，shestoopedandmadethatsign，andlookedoverhershoulderatWalter，asifinentreatytohim，andtherewasfearandanguishinherface;buthenoddedhisheadtoherinyea—
sayofthetrystinthehazel—copse，andinatriceshewasgone。
Walterwentdownthehall，andforthintotheearlynight;butinthejawsoftheporchhecameupagainsttheKing’sSon，who，gazingathisattireglitteringwithallitsgemsinthemoonlight，laughedout，andsaid："Nowmayitbeseenhowthouartrisenindegreeaboveme，whereasIambutaking’sson，andthatakingofafarcountry;whereasthouartakingofkings，orshaltbethisnight，yea，andofthisverycountrywhereinwebothare。"
NowWaltersawthemockwhichlayunderhiswords;buthekeptbackhiswrath，andanswered："Fairsir，artthouaswellcontentedwiththylotaswhenthesunwentdown？Hastthounodoubtorfear？
WilltheMaidverilykeeptrystwiththee，orhathshegiventheeyea—saybuttoescapetheethistime？Or，again，mayshenotturntotheLadyandappealtoheragainstthee？"
Nowwhenhehadspokenthesewords，herepentedthereof，andfearedforhimselfandtheMaid，lesthehadstirredsomemisgivinginthatyoungman’sfoolishheart。ButtheKing’sSondidbutlaugh，andanswerednoughtbuttoWalter’slastwords，andsaid："Yea，yea！
thiswordofthineshowethhowlittlethouwottestofthatwhichliethbetwixtmydarlingandthine。Doththelambappealfromtheshepherdtothewolf？EvensoshalltheMaidappealfrommetothyLady。What！askthyLadyatthyleisurewhatherwonthathbeenwithherthrall;sheshallthinkitafairtaletotelltheethereof。ButthereofismyMaidallwholenowbyreasonofherwisdominleechcraft，orsomewhatmore。AndnowItelltheeagain，thatthebeforesaidMaidmustneedsdomywill;forifIbethedeepsea，andIdeemnotsoillofmyself，thatotheroneisthedevil;
asbelikethoushaltfindoutforthyselflateron。Yea，alliswellwithme，andmorethanwell。"
Andtherewithheswungmerrilyintothelittenhall。ButWalterwentoutintothemoonlitnight，andwanderedaboutforanhourormore，andstolewarilyintothehallandthenceintohisownchamber。Therehedidoffthatroyalarray，anddidhisownraimentuponhim;hegirthimwithswordandknife，tookhisbowandquiver，andstoledownandoutagain，evenashehadcomein。Thenhefetchedacompass，andcamedownintothehazel—coppicefromthenorth，andlayhiddentherewhilethenightwore，tillhedeemeditwouldlackbutlittleofmidnight。
CHAPTERXXI：WALTERANDTHEMAIDFLEEFROMTHEGOLDENHOUSE
Thereheabodeamidstthehazels，hearkeningeverylittlestsound;
andthesoundswerenoughtbutthenightvoicesofthewood，tillsuddenlythereburstforthfromthehouseagreatwailingcry。
Walter’sheartcameupintohismouth，buthehadnotimetodoaught，forfollowinghardonthecrycamethesoundoflightfeetclosetohim，theboughswerethrustaside，andtherewascometheMaid，andshebutinherwhitecoat，andbarefoot。Andthenfirsthefeltthesweetnessofherfleshonhis，forshecaughthimbythehandandsaidbreathlessly："Now，now！theremayyetbetime，oreventoomuch，itmaybe。Forthesavingofbreathaskmenoquestions，butcome！"
Hedalliednot，butwentassheled，andtheywerelightfoot，bothofthem。
Theywentthesameway，duesouthtowit，wherebyhehadgonea—
huntingwiththeLady;andwhilestheyranandwhilestheywalked;
butsofasttheywent，thatbygreyofthedawntheywerecomeasfarasthatcoppiceorthicketoftheLion;andstilltheyhastenedonward，andbutlittlehadtheMaidspoken，savehereandthereawordtoheartenupWalter，andhereandthereashywordofendearment。Atlastthedawngrewintoearlyday，andastheycameoverthebrowofabent，theylookeddownoveraplainlandwhereasthetreesgrewscatter—meal，andbeyondtheplainroseupthelandintolonggreenhills，andoverthoseagainwerebluemountainsgreatandfaraway。
ThenspaketheMaid："OveryonderlietheoutlyingmountainsoftheBears，andthroughthemweneedsmustpass，toourgreatperil。
Nay，friend，"shesaid，ashehandledhissword—hilt，"itmustbepatienceandwisdomtobringusthrough，andnotthefallowbladeofoneman，thoughhebeagoodone。Butlook！belowthererunsastreamthroughthefirstoftheplain，andIseenoughtforitbutwemustnowrestourbodies。MoreoverIhaveataletotelltheewhichisburningmyheart;formaybetherewillbeapardontoaskoftheemoreover;whereforeIfearthee。"
QuothWalter："Howmaythatbe？"
Sheansweredhimnot，buttookhishandandledhimdownthebent。
Buthesaid："Thousayest，rest;butarewenowoutofallperilofthechase？"
Shesaid："IcannottelltillIknowwhathathbefallenher。Ifshebenottohandtosetonhertrackers，theywillscarcehappenonusnow;ifitbenotforthatone。"
Andsheshuddered，andhefeltherhandchangeasheheldit。
Thenshesaid："Butperilornoperil，needsmustwerest;forI
telltheeagain，whatIhavetosaytotheeburnethmybosomforfearofthee，sothatIcangonofurtheruntilIhavetoldthee。"
Thenhesaid："IwotnotofthisQueenandhermightinessandherservants。Iwillaskthereoflater。Butbesidestheothers，istherenottheKing’sSon，hewholovestheesounworthily？"
Shepaledsomewhat，andsaid："Asforhim，therehadbeennoughtfortheetofearinhim，savehistreason：butnowshallheneitherlovenorhateanymore;hediedlastmidnight。"
"Yea，andhow？"saidWalter。
"Nay，"shesaid，"letmetellmytalealltogetheronceforall，lestthoublamemeovermuch。Butfirstwewillwashusandcomfortusasbestwemay，andthenamidstourrestingshallthewordbesaid。"
Bythenweretheycomedowntothestream—side，whichranfairinpoolsandsticklesamidstrocksandsandybanks。Shesaid："Therebehindthegreatgreyrockismybath，friend;andhereisthine;
andlo！theuprisingofthesun！"
Soshewentherwaystothesaidrock，andhebathedhim，andwashedthenightoffhim，andbythenhewascladagainshecamebackfreshandsweetfromthewater，andwithherlapfullofcherriesfromawildingwhichoverhungherbath。Sotheysatdowntogetheronthegreengrassabovethesand，andatethebreakfastofthewilderness：
andWalterwasfullofcontentashewatchedher，andbeheldhersweetnessandherloveliness;yetwerethey，eitherofthem，somewhatshyandshamefacedeachwiththeother;sothathedidbutkissherhandsonceandagain，andthoughsheshranknotfromhim，yethadshenoboldnesstocastherselfintohisarms。
CHAPTERXXII：OFTHEDWARFANDTHEPARDON
Nowshebegantosay："Myfriend，nowshallItelltheewhatIhavedonefortheeandme;andifthouhaveamindtoblameme，andpunishme，yetrememberfirst，thatwhatIhavedonehasbeenfortheeandourhopeofhappylife。Well，Ishalltellthee——"
Buttherewithalherspeechfailedher;and，springingup，shefacedthebentandpointedwithherfinger，andshealldeadlypale，andshakingsothatshemightscarcestand，andmightspeaknoword，thoughafeeblegibberingcamefromhermouth。
Walterleaptupandputhisarmabouther，andlookedwhitherwardshepointed，andatfirstsawnought;andthennoughtbutabrownandyellowrockrollingdownthebent：andthenatlasthesawthatitwastheEvilThingwhichhadmethimwhenfirsthecameintothatland;andnowitstoodupright，andhecouldseethatitwascladinacoatofyellowsamite。
ThenWalterstoopeddownandgathisbowintohishand，andstoodbeforetheMaid，whilehenockedanarrow。ButthemonstermadereadyhistacklewhileWalterwasstoopingdown，andoreverhecouldloose，hisbow—stringtwanged，andanarrowflewforthandgrazedtheMaid’sarmabovetheelbow，sothatthebloodran，andtheDwarfgaveforthaharshandhorriblecry。ThenflewWalter’sshaft，andtruewasitaimed，sothatitsmotethemonsterfullonthebreast，butfelldownfromhimasifheweremadeofstone。
Thenthecreaturesetuphishorriblecryagain，andloosedwithal，andWalterdeemedthathehadsmittentheMaid，forshefelldowninaheapbehindhim。ThenwaxedWalterwood—wroth，andcastdownhisbowanddrewhissword，andstrodeforwardtowardsthebentagainsttheDwarf。Butheroaredoutagain，andtherewerewordsinhisroar，andhesaid"Fool！thoushaltgofreeifthouwiltgiveuptheEnemy。"
"Andwho，"saidWalter，"istheEnemy？"
YelledtheDwarf："She，thepinkandwhitethinglyingthere;sheisnotdeadyet;sheisbutdyingforfearofme。Yea，shehathreason！Icouldhavesettheshaftinherheartaseasilyasscratchingherarm;butIneedherbodyalive，thatImaywreakmeonher。"
"Whatwiltthoudowithher？"saidWalter;fornowhehadheardthattheMaidwasnotslainhehadwaxedwaryagain，andstoodwatchinghischance。
TheDwarfyelledsoathislastword，thatnowordcamefromthenoiseawhile，andthenhesaid："WhatwillIwithher？Letmeather，andstandbyandlookon，andthenshaltthouhaveastrangetaletocarryoffwiththee。ForIwilllettheegothiswhile。"
SaidWalter："Butwhatneedtowreakthee？Whathathshedonetothee？"
"Whatneed！whatneed！"roaredtheDwarf;"haveInottoldtheethatsheistheEnemy？Andthouaskestofwhatshehathdone！ofwhat！
Fool，sheisthemurderer！shehathslaintheLadythatwasourLady，andthatmadeus;shewhomallweworshippedandadored。O
impudentfool！"
Therewithhenockedandloosedanotherarrow，whichwouldhavesmittenWalterintheface，butthatheloweredhisheadintheverynickoftime;thenwithagreatshoutherushedupthebent，andwasontheDwarfbeforehecouldgethisswordout，andleapingaloftdealtthecreatureastrokeamidmostofthecrown;andsomightilybesmote，thathedravetheheavyswordrightthroughtotheteeth，sothathefelldeadstraightway。
Walterstoodoverhimaminute，andwhenbesawthathemovednot，hewentslowlydowntothestream，wherebytheMaidyetlaycoweringdownandquiveringallover，andcoveringherfacewithherhands。
Thenhetookherbythewristandsaid："Up，Maiden，up！andtellmethistaleoftheslaying。"
Butsheshrunkawayfromhim，andlookedathimwithwildeyes，andsaid："Whathastthoudonewithhim？Ishegone？"
"Heisdead，"saidWalter;"Ihaveslainhim;therelieshewithclovenskullonthebent—side：unless，forsooth，hevanishawaylikethelionIslew！orelse，perchance，hewillcometolifeagain！Andartthoualieliketotherestofthem？letmehearofthisslaying。"
Sheroseup，andstoodbeforehimtrembling，andsaid："O，thouartangrywithme，andthineangerIcannotbear。Ah，whathaveIdone？
Thouhastslainone，andI，maybe，theother;andneverhadweescapedtillboththesetwainweredead。Ah！thoudostnotknow！
thoudostnotknow！Ome！whatshallIdotoappeasethywrath！"
Helookedonher，andhisheartrosetohismouthatthethoughtofsunderingfromher。Stillhelookedonher，andherpiteousfriendlyfacemeltedallhisheart;hethrewdownhissword，andtookherbytheshoulders，andkissedherfaceoverandover，andstrainedhertohim，sothathefeltthesweetnessofherbosom。
Thenheliftedheruplikeachild，andsetherdownonthegreengrass，andwentdowntothewater，andfilledhishattherefrom，andcamebacktoher;thenhegavehertodrink，andbathedherfaceandherhands，sothatthecolourcameabacktothecheeksandlipsofher：andshesmiledonhimandkissedhishands，andsaid："Onowthouartkindtome。"
"Yea，"saidhe，"andtrueitisthatifthouhastslain，Ihavedonenoless，andifthouhastlied，evensohaveI;andifthouhastplayedthewanton，asIdeemnotthatthouhast，Ifullsurelyhavesodone。Sonowthoushaltpardonme，andwhenthyspirithascomebacktothee，thoushalttellmethytaleinallfriendship，andinallloving—kindnesswillIhearkenthesame。"
Therewithhekneltbeforeherandkissedherfeet。Butshesaid：
"Yea，yea;whatthouwillest，thatwillIdo。Butfirsttellmeonething。Hastthouburiedthishorrorandhiddenhimintheearth？"
Hedeemedthatfearhadbewilderedher，andthatshescarcelyyetknewhowthingshadgone。Buthesaid："Fairsweetfriend，Ihavenotdoneitasyet;butnowwillIgoanddoit，ifitseemgoodtothee。"
"Yea，"shesaid，"butfirstmustthousmiteoffhishead，andlieitbyhisbuttockswhenheisintheearth;orevilthingswillhappenelse。Thisoftheburyingisnoidlematter，Ibidtheebelieve。"
"Idoubtitnot，"saidhe;"surelysuchmaliceaswasinthisonewillbehardtoslay。"Andhepickeduphissword，andturnedtogotothefieldofdeed。
Shesaid："Imustneedsgowiththee;terrorhathsofilledmysoul，thatIdurstnotabideherewithoutthee。"
Sotheywentbothtogethertowherethecreaturelay。TheMaiddurstnotlookonthedeadmonster，butWalternotedthathewasgirtwithabigungainlysax;sohedrewitfromthesheath，andtheresmoteoffthehideousheadofthefiendwithhisownweapon。
Thentheytwaintogetherlabouredtheearth，shewithWalter’ssword，hewiththeuglysax，tilltheyhadmadeagravedeepandwideenough;andthereintheythrustthecreature，andcoveredhimup，weaponsandalltogether。
CHAPTERXXIII：OFTHEPEACEFULENDINGOFTHATWILDDAY
ThereafterWalterledtheMaiddownagain，andsaidtoher："Now，sweetling，shallthestorybetold。"
"Nay，friend，"shesaid，"nothere。Thisplacehathbeenpollutedbymycravenfear，andthehorrorofthevilewretch，ofwhomnowordsmaytellhisvileness。Letushenceandonward。ThouseestI
haveoncemorecometolifeagain。"
"But，"saidhe，"thouhastbeenhurtbytheDwarf’sarrow。"
Shelaughed，andsaid："HadIneverhadgreaterhurtfromthemthanthat，littlehadbeenthetalethereof：yetwhereasthoulookestdolorousaboutit，wewillspeedilyhealit。"
Therewithshesoughtabout，andfoundnighthestream—sidecertainherbs;andshespakewordsoverthem，andbadeWalterlaythemonthewound，which，forsooth，wasoftheleast，andhedidso，andboundastripofhisshirtaboutherarm;andthenwouldshesetforth。Buthesaid："Thouartallunshod;andbutifthatbeseento，ourjourneyshallbestayedbythyfoot—soreness：Imaymakeashifttofashiontheebrogues。"
Shesaid："Imaywellgobarefoot。Andinanycase，Ientreattheethatwetarryherenolonger，butgoawayhence，ifitbebutforamile。"
Andshelookedpiteouslyonhim，sothathemightnotgainsayher。
Sothentheycrossedthestream，andsetforward，whenamidstallthesehapsthedaywasworntomidmorning。Butaftertheyhadgoneamile，theysatthemdownonaknollundertheshadowofabigthorn—tree，withinsightofthemountains。ThensaidWalter："NowwillIcuttheethebroguesfromtheskirtofmybuff—coat，whichshallbewellmeetforsuchwork;andmeanwhileshaltthoutellmethytale。"
"Thouartkind，"shesaid;"butbekinderyet，andabidemytaletillwehavedoneourday’swork。Forwewerebesttomakenolongdelayhere;because，thoughthouhastslaintheKing—dwarf，yettherebeothersofhiskindred，whoswarminsomepartsofthewoodastherabbitsinawarren。Nowtrueitisthattheyhavebutlittleunderstanding，less，itmaybe，thantheverybrutebeasts;
andthat，asIsaidafore，unlesstheybesetonourslotliketohounds，theyshallhavenoinklingofwheretoseekus，yetmighttheyhappenuponusbymeremisadventure。Andmoreover，friend，"
quothshe，blushing，"Iwouldbegoftheesomelittlerespite;forthoughIscarcefearthywrathanymore，sincethouhastbeensokindtome，yetisthereshameinthatwhichIhavetotellthee。
Wherefore，sincethefairestofthedayisbeforeus，letususeitallwemay，and，whenthouhastdonememynewfoot—gear，getusgoneforwardagain。"
Hekissedherkindlyandyea—saidherasking：hehadalreadyfallentoworkontheleather，andinawhilehadfashionedherthebrogues;soshetiedthemtoherfeet，andarosewithasmileandsaid："NowamIhaleandstrongagain，whatwiththerest，andwhatwiththyloving—kindness，andthoushaltseehownimbleIshallbetoleavethisland，forasfairasitis。Sinceforsoothalandofliesitis，andofgrieftothechildrenofAdam。"
Sotheywenttheirwaysthence，andfarednimblyindeed，andmadenostaytillsomethreehoursafternoon，whentheyrestedbyathicket—side，wherethestrawberriesgrewplenty;theyatethereofwhattheywould：andfromagreatoakhardbyWaltershothimfirstoneculver，andthenanother，andhungthemtohisgirdletobefortheirevening’smeal;sithencetheywentforwardagain，andnoughtbefellthemtotellof，tilltheywerecome，whenasitlackedscarceanhourofsunset，tothebanksofanotherriver，notrightgreat，butbiggerthanthelastone。TheretheMaidcastherselfdownandsaid："Friend，nofurtherwillthyfriendgothiseven;nay，tosaysooth，shecannot。Sonowwewilleatofthyvenison，andthenshallmytalebe，sinceImaynolongerdelayit;andthereaftershallourslumberbesweetandsafeasIdeem。"
Shespakemerrilynow，andasonewhofearednothing，andWalterwasmuchheartenedbyherwordsandhervoice，andhefelltoandmadeafire，andawoodlandovenintheearth，andsithencedightedhisfowl，andbakedthemafterthemannerofwood—men。Andtheyate，bothofthem，inalllove，andingood—likingoflife，andweremuchstrengthenedbytheirsupper。Andwhentheyweredone，Walterekedhisfire，bothagainstthechillofthemidnightanddawning，andforaguardagainstwildbeasts，andbythattimenightwascome，andthemoonarisen。ThentheMaidendrewuptothefire，andturnedtoWalterandspake。
CHAPTERXXIV：THEMAIDTELLSOFWHATHADBEFALLENHER
"Now，friend，bytheclearofthemoonandthisfirelightwillI
tellwhatImayandcanofmytale。Thusitis：IfIbewhollyoftheraceofAdamIwotnotnorcanItelltheehowmanyyearsoldI
maybe。Forthereare，asitwere，shardsorgapsinmylife，whereinarebutafewthingsdimlyremembered，anddoubtlessmanythingsforgotten。IrememberwellwhenIwasalittlechild，andrighthappy，andtherewerepeopleaboutmewhomIloved，andwholovedme。Itwasnotinthisland;butallthingswerelovelythere;theyear’sbeginning，thehappymid—year，theyear’swaning，theyear’sending，andthenagainitsbeginning。Thatpassedaway，andthenforawhileismorethandimness，fornoughtIremembersavethatIwas。ThereafterIrememberagain，andamayoungmaiden，andIknowsomethings，andlongtoknowmore。Iamnowisehappy;Iamamongstpeoplewhobidmego，andIgo;anddothis，andIdoit：nonelovethme，nonetormentethme;butIwearmyheartinlongingforIscarceknowwhat。NeitherthenamIinthisland，butinalandthatIlovenot，andahousethatisbigandstately，butnoughtlovely。Thenisadimtimeagain，andsithenceatimenotrightclear;aneviltime，whereinIamolder，wellnighgrowntowomanhood。Thereareamanyfolkaboutme，andtheyfoul，andgreedy，andhard;andmyspiritisfierce，andmybodyfeeble;andI
amsettotasksthatIwouldnotdo，bythemthatareunwiserthanI;andsmittenIambythemthatarelessvaliantthanI;andIknowlack，andstripes，anddiversmisery。Butallthatisnowbecomebutadimpicturetome，savethatamongstalltheseunfriendsisafriendtome;anoldwoman，whotellethmesweettalesofotherlife，whereinallishighandgoodly，orattheleastvaliantanddoughty，andshesettethhopeinmyheartandlearnethme，andmakethmetoknowmuch……Omuch……sothatatlastIamgrownwise，andwisetobemightyifIdurst。YetamInoughtinthislandallthiswhile，but，asmeseemeth，inagreatandafoulcity。"
"Andthen，asitwere，Ifallasleep;andinmysleepisnought，savehereandthereawilddream，somedeallovely，somedealhideous：
butofthisdreamismyMistressapart，andthemonster，withal，whoseheadthoudidstcleaveto—day。ButwhenIamawakenfromit，thenamIverilyinthisland，andmyself，asthouseestmeto—day。
Andthefirstpartofmylifehereisthis，thatIaminthepillaredballyonder，half—cladandwithboundhands;andtheDwarfleadethmetotheLady，andIhearhishorriblecroakashesayeth：
’Lady，willthisonedo？’andthenthesweetvoiceoftheLadysaying：’Thisonewilldo;thoushalthavethyreward：now，setthouthetokenuponher。’ThenIremembertheDwarfdraggingmeaway，andmyheartsinkingforfearofhim：butforthattimehedidmenomoreharmthantherivettinguponmylegthisironringwhichherethouseest。"
"SofromthattimeforwardIhavelivedinthisland，andbeenthethralloftheLady;andIremembermylifeheredaybyday，andnopartofithasfallenintothedimnessofdreams。ThereofwillI
telltheebutlittle：butthisIwilltellthee，thatinspiteofmypastdreams，oritmaybebecauseofthem，Ihadnotlostthewisdomwhichtheoldwomanhaderstlearnedme，andformorewisdomIlonged。Maybethislongingshallnowmakeboththeeandmehappy，butforthepassingtimeitbroughtmegrief。ForatfirstmyMistresswasindeedwaywardwithme，butasanygreatladymightbewithherboughtthrall，whilescaressingme，andwhileschastisingme，ashermoodwent;butsheseemednottobecruelofmalice，orwithanysetpurpose。Butsoitwas（ratherlittlebylittlethanbyanygreatsuddenuncoveringofmyintent），thatshecametoknowthatIalsohadsomeofthewisdomwherebyshelivedherqueenlylife。ThatwasabouttwoyearsafterIwasfirstherthrall，andthreewearyyearshavegonebysinceshebegantoseeinmetheenemyofherdays。NowwhyorwhereforeIknownot，butitseemeththatitwouldnotavailhertoslaymeoutright，orsuffermetodie;butnoughtwithheldherfrompilingupgriefsandmiseriesonmyhead。Atlastshesetherservant，theDwarf，uponme，evenhewhoseheadthouclavestto—day。ManythingsIborefromhimwhereofitwereunseemlyformytonguetotellbeforethee;butthetimecamewhenheexceeded，andIcouldbearnomore;andthenIshowedhimthissharpknife（wherewithIwouldhavethrustmethroughtotheheartifthouhadstnotpardonedmee’ennow），andItoldhimthatifheforboremenot，Iwouldslay，nothim，butmyself;andthishemightnotawaywithbecauseofthecommandmentoftheLady，whohadgivenhimthewordthatinanycaseImustbekeptliving。
Andherhand，withal，fearheldsomewhathereafter。Yetwasthereneedtomeofallmywisdom;forwithallthisherhatredgrew，andwhilesragedwithinhersofuriouslythatitovermasteredherfear，andatsuchtimesshewouldhaveputmetodeathifIhadnotescapedherbysometurnofmylore。"
"Nowfurther，IshalltelltheethatsomewhatmorethanayearagohithertothislandcametheKing’sSon，thesecondgoodlyman，asthouartthethird，whomhersorcerieshavedrawnhithersinceI
havedwelthere。Forsooth，whenhefirstcame，heseemedtous，tome，andyetmoretomyLady，tobeasbeautifulasanangel，andsorelyshelovedhim;andheher，afterhisfashion：buthewaslight—minded，andcold—hearted，andinawhilehemustneedsturnhiseyesuponme，andoffermehislove，whichwasbutfoulandunkindasitturnedout;forwhenInay—saidhim，asmaybeIhadnotdonesaveforfearofmyMistress，hehadnopityuponme，butsparednottoleadmeintothetrapofherwrath，andleavemewithouthelp，oragoodword。But，Ofriend，inspiteofallgriefandanguish，Ilearnedstill，andwaxedwise，andwiser，abidingthedayofmydeliverance，whichhascome，andthouartcome。"
TherewithshetookWalter’shandsandkissedthem;buthekissedherface，andhertearswetherlips。Thenshewenton："Butsithence，monthsago，theLadybegantowearyofthisdastard，despiteofhisbeauty;andthenitwasthyturntobesweptintohernet;Ipartlyguesshow。Foronadayinbroaddaylight，asIwasservingmyMistressinthehall，andtheEvilThing，whoseheadisnowcloven，waslyingacrossthethresholdofthedoor，asitwereadreamfelluponme，thoughIstrovetocastitoffforfearofchastisement;
forthepillaredhallwavered，andvanishedfrommysight，andmyfeetweretreadingaroughstonepavementinsteadofthemarblewonderofthehall，andtherewasthescentofthesaltseaandofthetackleofships，andbehindmeweretallhouses，andbeforemetheshipsindeed，withtheirropesbeatingandtheirsailsflappingandtheirmastswavering;andinmineearswasthehaleandhowofmariners;thingsthatIhadseenandheardinthedimnessofmylifegoneby。"
"AndtherewasI，andtheDwarfbeforeme，andtheLadyafterme，goingoverthegangwayaboardofatallship，andshegatheredwayandwasgottenoutofthehaven，andstraightwayIsawthemarinerscastabroadtheirancient。"
QuothWalter："Whatthen！Sawestthoutheblazonthereon，ofawolf—likebeastrampingupagainstamaiden？Andthatmightwellhavebeenthou。"
Shesaid："Yea，soitwas;butrefrainthee，thatImaytellonmytale！Theshipandtheseavanishedaway，butIwasnotbackinthehalloftheGoldenHouse;andagainwerewethreeinthestreetoftheself—sametownwhichwehadbutjustleft;butsomewhatdimwasmyvisionthereof，andIsawlittlesavethedoorofagoodlyhousebeforeme，andspeedilyitdiedout，andwewereagaininthepillaredhall，whereinmythralldomwasmademanifest。"
"Maiden，"saidWalter，"onequestionIwouldaskthee;towit，didstthouseemeonthequaybytheships？"
"Nay，"shesaid，"thereweremanyfolkabout，buttheywereallasimagesofthealienstome。Nowhearkenfurther：threemonthsthereaftercamethedreamuponmeagain，whenwewereallthreetogetherinthePillaredHall;andagainwasthevisionsomewhatdim。Oncemorewewereinthestreetofabusytown，butallunliketothatotherone，andthereweremenstandingtogetheronourrighthandsbythedoorofahouse。"
"Yea，yea，"quothWalter;"and，forsooth，oneofthemwaswhobutI。"
"Refrainthee，beloved！"shesaid;"formytaledrawethtoitsending，andIwouldhavetheehearkenheedfully：formaybethoushaltonceagaindeemmydeedpastpardon。Sometwentydaysafterthislastdream，IhadsomeleisurefrommyMistress’sservice，soI
wenttodisportmebytheWelloftheOak—tree（orforsoothshemighthavesetinmymindthethoughtofgoingthere，thatImightmeettheeandgivehersomeoccasionagainstme）;andIsatthereby，nowiselovingtheearth，butsickatheart，becauseoflatetheKing’sSonhadbeenmorethaneverinstantwithmetoyieldhimmybody，threateningmeelsewithcastingmeintoallthattheworstcoulddotomeoftormentsandshamesdaybyday。Isaymyheartfailedme，andIwaswellnighbroughttothepointofyea—sayinghisdesires，thatImighttakethechanceofsomethingbefallingmethatwerelessbadthantheworst。ButheremustItelltheeathing，andpraytheetotakeittoheart。This，morethanaughtelse，hadgivenmestrengthtonay—saythatdastard，thatmywisdombothhathbeen，andnowis，thewisdomofawisemaid，andnotofawoman，andallthemightthereofshallIlosewithmymaidenhead。Evilwiltthouthinkofmethen，forallIwastriedsosore，thatIwasatpointtocastitallaway，sowretchedlyasIshrankfromthehorroroftheLady’swrath。"
"ButthereasIsatponderingthesethings，Isawamancoming，andthoughtnootherwisethereofbutthatitwastheKing’sSon，tillI
sawthestrangerdrawingnear，andhisgoldenhair，andhisgreyeyes;andthenIheardhisvoice，andhiskindnesspiercedmyheart，andIknewthatmyfriendhadcometoseeme;andO，friend，thesetearsareforthesweetnessofthatpasthour！"
SaidWalter："Icametoseemyfriend，Ialso。NowhaveInotedwhatthoubadestme;andIwillforbearallasthoucommandestme，tillwebesafeoutofthedesertandfarawayfromallevilthings;
butwiltthoubanmefromallcaresses？"
Shelaughedamidstofhertears，andsaid："O，nay，poorlad，ifthouwiltbebutwise。"
Thensheleanedtowardhim，andtookhisfacebetwixtherhandsandkissedhimoft，andthetearsstartedinhiseyesforloveandpityofher。
Thenshesaid："Alas，friend！evenyetmaystthoudoommeguilty，andallthylovemayturnawayfromme，whenIhavetoldtheeallthatIhavedoneforthesakeoftheeandme。O，ifthentheremightbesomechastisementfortheguiltywoman，andnotmeresundering！"
"Fearnothing，sweetling，"saidhe;"forindeedIdeemthatalreadyIknowpartlywhatthouhastdone。"
Shesighed，andsaid："Iwilltelltheenext，thatIbannedthykissingandcaressingofmetillto—daybecauseIknewthatmyMistresswouldsurelyknowifaman，ifthou，hadstsomuchastouchedafingerofmineinlove，itwastotrymehereinthatonthemorningofthehuntingshekissedandembracedme，tillIalmostdiedthereof，andshowedtheemyshoulderandmylimbs;andtotrytheewithal，ifthineeyeshouldglisterorthycheekflushthereat;
forindeedshewasraginginjealousyofthee。Next，myfriend，evenwhilesweweretalkingtogetherattheWelloftheRock，Iwasponderingonwhatweshoulddotoescapefromthislandoflies。
Maybethouwiltsay：Whydidstthounottakemyhandandfleewithmeaswefledto—day？Friend，itismosttrue，thatwereshenotdeadwehadnotescapedthusfar。Forhertrackerswouldhavefollowedus，setonbyher，andbroughtusbacktoanevilfate。
ThereforeItelltheethatfromthefirstIdidplotthedeathofthosetwo，theDwarfandtheMistress。Fornootherwisemightestthoulive，orIescapefromdeathinlife。Butastothedastardwhothreatenedmewithathrall’spains，Iheededhimnoughttoliveordie，forwellIknewthatthyvaliantsword，yea，orthybarehands，wouldspeedilytamehim。NowfirstIknewthatImustmakeashowofyieldingtotheKing’sSon;andsomewhathowIdidtherein，thouknowest。ButnonightandnotimedidIgivehimtobedme，tillafterIhadmettheeasthouwentesttotheGoldenHouse，beforetheadventureoffetchingthelion’sskin;anduptothattimeIhadscarceknownwhattodo，saveevertobidthee，withsoregriefandpain，toyieldtheetothewickedwoman’sdesire。Butaswespaketogethertherebythestream，andIsawthattheEvilThing（whoseheadthouclaveste’ennow）wasspyingonus，thenamidstthesicknessofterrorwhichevercameovermewhensoeverIthoughtofhim，andmuchmorewhenIsawhim（ah！heisdeadnow！），itcameflashingintomymindhowImightdestroymyenemy。ThereforeI
madetheDwarfmymessengertoher，bybiddingtheetomybedinsuchwisethathemighthearit。Andwotthouwell，thathespeedilycarriedherthetidings。MeanwhileIhastenedtolietotheKing’sSon，andallprivilybadehimcometomeandnotthee。
Andthereafter，bydintofwaitingandwatching，andtakingtheonlychancethattherewas，Imettheeasthoucamestbackfromfetchingtheskinofthelionthatneverwas，andgavetheethatwarning，orelsehadwebeenundoneindeed。"
SaidWalter："Wasthelionofhermakingorofthinethen？"
Shesaid："Ofhers：whyshouldIdealwithsuchamatter？"
"Yea，"saidWalter，"butsheverilyswooned，andshewasverilywrothwiththeEnemy。"
TheMaidsmiled，andsaid："Ifherliewasnotlikeverysooth，thenhadshenotbeenthecrafts—masterthatIknewher：onemaylieotherwisethanwiththetonguealone：yetindeedherwrathagainsttheEnemywasnoughtfeigned;fortheEnemywasevenI，andintheselatterdaysneverdidherwrathleaveme。Buttogoonwithmytale。"
"Nowdoubtthounot，that，whenthoucamestintothehallyestereve，theMistressknewofthycounterfeittrystwithme，andmeantnoughtbutdeathforthee;yetfirstwouldshehavetheeinherarmsagain，thereforedidshemakemuchoftheeattable（andthatwaspartlyformytormentalso），andthereforedidshemakethattrystwiththee，anddeemeddoubtlessthatthouwouldstnotdaretoforgoit，evenifthoushouldstgotomethereafter。"
"NowIhadtrainedthatdastardtomeasIhavetoldthee，butI
gavehimasleepydraught，sothatwhenIcametothebedhemightnotmovetowardmenoropenhiseyes：butIlaydownbesidehim，sothattheLadymightknowthatmybodyhadbeenthere;forwellhadshewottedifithadnot。ThenasthereIlayIcastoverhimthyshape，sothatnonemighthaveknownbutthatthouwertlyingbymyside，andthere，trembling，Iabodewhatshouldbefall。ThusI
passedthroughthehourwhenasthoushouldesthavebeenatherchamber，andthetimeofmytrystwiththeewascomeastheMistresswouldbedeeming;sothatIlookedforherspeedily，andmyheartwell—nighfailedmeforfearofhercruelty。"
"PresentlythenIheardastirringinherchamber，andIslippedfromoutthebed，andhidmebehindthehangings，andwasliketodieforfearofher;andlo，presentlyshecamestealinginsoftly，holdingalampinonehandandaknifeintheother。AndItelltheeofasooththatIalsohadasharpknifeinmyhandtodefendmylifeifneedwere。Sheheldthelampupaboveherheadbeforeshedrewneartothebed—side，andIheardhermutter：’Sheisnottherethen！butsheshallbetaken。’Thenshewentuptothebedandstoopedoverit，andlaidherhandontheplacewhereIhadlain;andtherewithhereyesturnedtothatfalseimageoftheelyingthere，andshefella—tremblingandshaking，andthelampfelltothegroundandwasquenched（buttherewasbrightmoonlightintheroom，andstillIcouldseewhatbetid）。Butsheutteredanoiselikethelowroarofawildbeast，andIsawherarmandhandriseup，andtheflashingofthesteelbeneaththehand，andthendowncamethehandandthesteel，andIwentnightoswooninglestperchanceIhadwroughtoverwell，andthineimagewerethyveryself。Thedastarddiedwithoutagroan：whyshouldIlamenthim？
Icannot。ButtheLadydrewhimtowardher，andsnatchedtheclothesfromoffhisshouldersandbreast，andfella—gibberingsoundsmostlywithoutmeaning，butbrokenhereandtherewithwords。
ThenIheardhersay：’Ishallforget;Ishallforget;andthenewdaysshallcome。’Thenwastheresilenceofheralittle，andthereaftershecriedoutinaterriblevoice：’Ono，no，no！I
cannotforget;Icannotforget;’andsheraisedagreatwailingcrythatfilledallthenightwithhorror（didstthounothearit？），andcaughtuptheknifefromthebedandthrustitintoherbreast，andfelldownadeadheapoverthebedandontothemanwhomshehadslain。AndthenIthoughtofthee，andjoysmoteacrossmyterror;
howshallIgainsayit？AndIfledawaytothee，andItookthinehandsinmine，thydearhands，andwefledawaytogether。Shallwebestilltogether？"
Hespokeslowly，andtouchedhernot，andshe，forbearingallsobbingandweeping，satlookingwistfullyonhim。Hesaid："I
thinkthouhasttoldmeall;andwhetherthyguileslewher，orherownevilheart，shewasslainlastnightwholayinminearmsthenightbefore。Itwasill，andilldoneofme，forIlovednother，butthee，andIwishedforherdeaththatImightbewiththee。
Thouwottestthis，andstillthoulovestme，itmaybeoverweeningly。WhathaveItosaythen？Iftherebeanyguiltofguile，Ialsowasintheguile;andiftherebeanyguiltofmurder，Ialsowasinthemurder。Thuswesaytoeachother;andtoGodandhisHallowswesay：’Wetwohaveconspiredtoslaythewomanwhotormentedoneofus，andwouldhaveslaintheother;andifwehavedoneamisstherein，thenshallwetwotogetherpaythepenalty;forinthishavewedoneasonebodyandonesoul。’"
Therewithheputhisarmsaboutherandkissedher，butsoberlyandfriendly，asifhewouldcomforther。Andthereafterhesaidtoher："Maybeto—morrow，inthesunlight，Iwillasktheeofthiswoman，whatsheverilywas;butnowletherbe。Andthou，thouartover—wearied，andIbidtheesleep。"
Sohewentaboutandgatheredofbrackenagreatheapforherbed，anddidhiscoatthereover，andledherthereto，andshelaydownmeekly，andsmiledandcrossedherarmsoverherbosom，andpresentlyfellasleep。Butasforhim，hewatchedbythefire—sidetilldawnbegantoglimmer，andthenhealsolaidhimdownandslept。
CHAPTERXXV：OFTHETRIUMPHANTSUMMERARRAYOFTHEMAID
WhenthedaywasbrightWalterarose，andmettheMaidcomingfromtheriver—bank，freshandrosyfromthewater。Shepaledalittlewhentheymetfacetoface，andsheshrankfromhimshyly。Buthetookherhandandkissedherfrankly;andthetwowereglad，andhadnoneedtotelleachotheroftheirjoy，thoughmuchelsetheydeemedtheyhadtosay，couldtheyhavefoundwordsthereto。
Sotheycametotheirfireandsatdown，andfelltobreakfast;anderetheyweredone，theMaidsaid："MyMaster，thouseestwebecomenighuntothehill—country，andto—dayaboutsunset，belike，weshallcomeintotheLandoftheBear—folk;andbothitis，thatthereisperilifwefallintotheirhands，andthatwemayscarceescapethem。YetIdeemthatwemaydealwiththeperilbywisdom。"
"Whatistheperil？"saidWalter;"Imean，whatistheworstofit？"
SaidtheMaid："TobeofferedupinsacrificetotheirGod。"
"Butifweescapedeathattheirhands，whatthen？"saidWalter。
"Oneoftwothings，"saidshe;"thefirstthattheyshalltakeusintotheirtribe。"
"Andwilltheysunderusinthatcase？"saidWalter。
"Nay，"saidshe。
Walterlaughedandsaid："Thereinislittleharmthen。Butwhatistheotherchance？"
Saidshe："Thatweleavethemwiththeirgoodwill，andcomebacktooneofthelandsofChristendom。"
SaidWalter："Iamnotallsosurethatthisisthebetterofthetwochoices，though，forsooth，thouseemesttothinkso。Buttellmenow，whatlikeistheirGod，thattheyshouldofferupnew—comerstohim？"
"TheirGodisawoman，"shesaid，"andtheMotheroftheirnationandtribes（orsotheydeem）beforethedayswhentheyhadchieftainsandLordsofBattle。"
"Thatwillbelongago，"saidhe;"howthenmayshebelivingnow？"
SaidtheMaid："Doubtlessthatwomanofyoreagoneisdeadthismanyandmanyayear;buttheytaketothemstillanewwoman，oneafterother，astheymayhappenonthem，tobeinthesteadoftheAncientMother。Andtotelltheetheverytruthrightout，shethatliethdeadinthePillaredHallwaseventhelastofthese;andnow，iftheyknewit，theylackaGod。Thisshallwetellthem。"
"Yea，yea！"saidWalter，"agoodlywelcomeshallwehaveofthemthen，ifwecomeamongstthemwithourhandsredwiththebloodoftheirGod！"
Shesmiledonhimandsaid："IfIcomeamongstthemwiththetidingsthatIhaveslainher，andtheytrowtherein，withoutdoubttheyshallmakemeLadyandGoddessinherstead。"
"Thisisastrangeword，"saidWalter"butifsotheydo，howshallthatfurtherusinreachingthekindredsoftheworld，andthefolkofHolyChurch？"
Shelaughedoutright，sojoyouswasshegrown，nowthatsheknewthathislifewasyettobeapartofhers。"Sweetheart，"shesaid，"nowIseethatthoudesirestwhollywhatIdesire;yetinanycase，abidingwiththemwouldbelivingandnotdying，evenasthouhadstite’ennow。But，forsooth，theywillnothinderourdepartureiftheydeemmetheirGod;theydonotlookforit，nordesireit，thattheirGodshoulddwellwiththemdaily。Havenofear。"Thenshelaughedagain，andsaid："What！thoulookestonmeanddeemestmetobebutasorryimageofagoddess;andmewithmyscantycoatandbarearmsandnakedfeet！Butwait！Iknowwellhowtoarraymewhenthetimecometh。Thoushaltseeit！Andnow，myMaster，wereitnotmeetthatwetooktotheroad？"
Sotheyarose，andfoundafordoftheriverthattooktheMaidbuttotheknee，andsosetforthupthegreenswardoftheslopeswhereastherewerebutfewtrees;sowenttheyfaringtowardthehill—country。
Atthelasttheywerecometothefeetoftheveryhills，andinthehollowsbetwixtthebuttressesofthemgrewnutandberrytrees，andthegreenswardroundaboutthemwasboththickandmuchflowery。
Theretheystayedthemanddined，whereasWalterhadshotaharebytheway，andtheyhadfoundabubblingspringunderagreystoneinabightofthecoppice，whereinnowthebirdsweresingingtheirbest。
Whentheyhadeatenandhadrestedsomewhat，theMaidaroseandsaid："NowshalltheQueenarrayherself，andseemlikeaverygoddess。"
Thenshefelltowork，whileWalterlookedon;andshemadeagarlandforherheadofeglantinewheretheroseswerethefairest;
andwithmingledflowersofthesummershewreathedhermiddleabout，andletthegarlandofthemhangdowntobelowherknees;andknotsoftheflowersshemadefasttotheskirtsofhercoat，anddidthemforarm—ringsaboutherarms，andforankletsandsandalsforherfeet。ThenshesetagarlandaboutWalter’shead，andthenstoodalittleofffromhimandsetherfeettogether，andliftedupherarms，andsaid："Lonow！amInotasliketotheMotherofSummerasifIwerecladinsilkandgold？andevensoshallIbedeemedbythefolkoftheBear。Comenow，thoushaltseehowallshallbewell。"
Shelaughedjoyously;buthemightscarcelaughforpityofhislove。Thentheysetforthagain，andbegantoclimbthehills，andthehoursworeastheywentinsweetconverse;tillatlastWalterlookedontheMaid，andsmiledonher，andsaid："OnethingIwouldsaytothee，lovelyfriend，towit：wertthoucladinsilkandgold，thystatelyraimentmightwellsufferafewstains，orhereandtherearentmaybe;butstatelywoulditbestillwhenthefolkoftheBearshouldcomeupagainstthee。Butastothisfloweryarrayofthine，inafewhoursitshallbeallfadedandnought。
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