But when the meal was over, the new-comers rose to their feet, and bowed
before Ralph and Ursula, and the elder took up the word and said:
"Ye fair people, have ye any errand in the wilderness, or are ye
chance-comers who have strayed thus far, and know not how to return?"
"Father," said Ralph, "we have come a long way on an errand
of life or death; for we seek the WELL at the WORLD'S END.
And see ye the token thereof, the pair of beads which we bear,
either of us, and the fashion whereof ye know."
Then the elder bowed to them again, and said: "It is well;
then is this our errand with you, to be your way-leaders as far
as the House of the Sorceress, where ye shall have other help.
Will ye set out on the journey to-day? In one hour shall
we be ready."
"Nay," said Ralph, "we will not depart till tomorrow morn, if it may be so.
Therewith I bid you sit down and rest you, while ye hearken a word which I
have to say to you."
So they sat down again, and Ralph arose and took Ursula
by the hand, and stood with her before the elder, and said:
"This maiden, who is my fellow-farer in the Quest,
I desire to wed this same night, and she also desireth me:
therefore I would have you as witnesses hereto.
But first ye shall tell us if our wedding and the knowing
each other carnally shall be to our hurt in the Quest;
for if that be so, then shall we bridle our desires and perform
our Quest in their despite.
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