"
And she fell a-weeping with the telling of the tale. But Ralph said
(for he knew not what to say): "Keep a good heart, maiden; maybe he is safe
and sound; oft are young men fond to wander wide, even as I myself."
She looked at him hard and said: "If thou hast stolen
thyself away from them that love thee, thou hast done amiss.
Though thou art a lord, and so fair as I see thee, yet will I
tell thee so much."
Ralph reddened and answered nought; but deemed the maiden both fair
and sweet. But she said: "Whether thou hast done well or ill, do no worse;
but abide till the Chapmen come from Higham, on their way to the Burg
of the Four Friths. Here mayst thou lodge well and safely if thou wilt.
Or if our hall be not dainty enough for thee, then go back to Higham:
I warrant me the monks will give thee good guesting as long as thou wilt."
"Thou art kind, maiden," said Ralph, "but why should I tarry for an
host? and what should I fear in the Wood, as evil as it may be?
One man journeying with little wealth, and unknown, and he no weakling,
but bearing good weapons, hath nought to dread of strong-thieves,
who ever rob where it is easiest and gainfullest. And what worse
may I meet than strong-thieves?"
"But thou mayest meet worse," she said; and therewith fell a-weeping again,
and said amidst her tears: "O weary on my life! And why should I heed thee
when nought heedeth me, neither the Saints of God's House, nor the Master
of it; nor the father and the mother that were once so piteous kind to me?
O if I might but drink a draught from the WELL AT THE WORLD'S END!"
He turned about on her hastily at that word; for he had risen to depart;
being grieved at her grief and wishful to be away from it, since he might
not amend it.
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