"
So they sat down side by side, and Ralph would have taken Ursula's
hand to caress it, but she drew it away from him; howbeit she found it
hard to keep her eyes from off him. The Elder looked on them soberly,
but nowise in anger, and presently began reading in the book.
What he read shall be seen hereafter in the process of this tale;
for the more part thereof had but to do with the way to the Well
at the World's End, all things concerning which were told out fully,
both great and small. Long was this a-reading, and when the Sage
had done, he bade now one, now the other answer him questions
as to what he had read; and if they answered amiss he read that
part again, and yet again, as children are taught in the school.
Until at last when he asked any question Ralph or the maiden answered
it rightly at once; and by this time the sun was about to set.
So he bade them home to his house that they might eat and sleep there.
"But to-morrow," said he, "I shall give you your last lesson from this book,
and thereafter ye shall go your ways to the Rock of the Fighting Man,
and I look not for it that ye shall come to any harm on the way;
but whereas I seem to-day to have seen the foes of Utterbol seeking you,
I will lead you forth a little."
So they went home to the house, and he made them the most cheer
that he might, and spake to them in friendly and pleasant mood,
so that they were merry.
When it was morning they went again to the ancient altar,
and again they learned lore from the Elder, till they were
waxen wise in the matters of the Well at the World's End,
and long they sat and hearkened him till it was evening again,
and once more they slept in the house of the Sage of Swevenham.
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