Thus they went for an hour, and the elder spake not again, though it
might have been deemed by his eyes that he was eager and fain.
They also held their peace; for the hope and fear of their hearts
kept them from words.
They came to the hill-top, and found a plain land, though the close
wood still held on a while; but soon they rode into a clearing
of some twelve acres, where were fenced crofts with goats therein,
and three garths of tillage, wherein the wheat-shocks were
yet standing, and there were coleworts and other pot-herbs also.
But at the further end, whereas the wood closed in again,
was a little house builded of timber, strong and goodly,
and thatched with wheat-straw; and beside it was a bubbling
spring which ran in a brook athwart the said clearing;
over the house-door was a carven rood, and a bow and short
spear were leaned against the wall of the porch.
Ralph looked at all closely, and wondered whether this were perchance
the cot wherein the Lady of Abundance had dwelt with the evil witch.
But the elder looked on him, and said: "I know thy thought, and it
is not so; that house is far away hence; yet shalt thou come thereto.
Now, children, welcome to the house of him who hath found what ye seek,
but hath put aside the gifts which ye shall gain; and who belike shall
remember what ye shall forget."
Therewith he brought them into the house, and into a chamber,
the plenishing whereof was both scanty and rude.
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