They splashed through a ford of the river and came to the gate of the castle
as day drew on apace; Roger blew a blast on a great horn that hung
on the gate, and Ralph looking round deemed he had never seen fairer
building than in the castle, what he could see of it, and yet it was
built from of old. They waited no long while before they were answered;
but whereas Ralph looked to see armed gatewards peer from the battlements
or the shot window, and a porter espying them through a lattice,
it happened in no such way, but without more ado the wicket was opened
to them by a tall old woman, gaunt and grey, who greeted them courteously:
Roger lighted down and Ralph did in likewise, and they led their horses
through the gate into the court of the castle; the old woman going
before them till they came to the hall door, which she opened to them,
and taking the reins of their horses led them away to the stable,
while those twain entered the hall, which was as goodly as might be.
Roger led Ralph up to a board on the dais, whereon there was meat and
drink enow, and Ralph made his way-leader sit down by him, and they fell to.
There was no serving-man to wait on them nor a carle of any kind did they see;
the old woman only, coming back from the horses, served them at table.
Ever as she went about she looked long on Ralph, and seemed as if she
would have spoken to him, but as often, she glanced at Roger and forbore.
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