The tale which she selected to-night was:
GINNIFER'S DOWRY
In the days when good King Arthur ruled all the west country from Exeter
to Land's End, a maiden named Ginnifer lived with her father in a little,
round, stone hut on the top of Dartmoor. They were poor, but she was a
good girl, and she could spin, and weave baskets, and do many things
about the house. One day a young hunter knocked at the door and asked for
hospitality, and as there was much game to be had in the neighbourhood he
remained for many weeks as a guest of the cottage, going out every day
fishing or fowling, and sharing his captures with his hosts. No doubt
Ginnifer's blue eyes and gentle glances were the main attraction, and in
a short time indeed the young folk became attached to one another. It was
only when Ginnifer's father at length questioned the youth, that he
confessed to being the son of the great lord of the neighbourhood, who
lived in the big Castle beside the river beyond the moor. This was sad
news for Ginnifer, for in those days a young noble might not wed with a
poor girl, and must marry a bride who could bring a rich dowry with her
of jewels and ornaments and silver money.
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