"
"Well," said Ralph, "I thank thee for the tale thou hast told me,
and wish thee more years of peace."
"And to thee, young man," said the carle, "I wish a good wish indeed, to wit
that thou mayest see the Lady of Abundance here before thou departest."
His words once more made Ralph's heart beat and his cheek flush,
and he went back to the castle somewhat speedily; for he said
to himself, after the folly of lovers, "Maybe she will be come
even now, and I not there to meet her." Yet when he came to the
castle-gate his heart misgave him, and he would not enter at once,
but turned about to go round the wall by the north and west.
In the castle he saw no soul save the old dame looking
out of the window and nodding to him, but in the pasture
all about were neatherds and shepherds, both men and women;
and at the north-west corner, whereas the river drew quite close
to the wall, he came upon two damsels of the field-folk fishing
with an angle in a quiet pool of the stream. He greeted them,
and they, who were young and goodly, returned his greeting,
but were shamefaced at his gallant presence, as indeed was he at
the thoughts of his heart mingled with the sight of their fairness.
So he passed on at first without more words than his greeting.
Yet presently he turned back again, for he longed to hear
some word more concerning the Lady whose coming he abode.
They stood smiling and blushing as he came up to them again,
and heeded their angles little.
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