Then waxed his heart sore with the memory of that passed time,
and the sweetness of his short-lived love, though he refrained
him all he might: yet forsooth Ursula looked on him anxiously,
so much his face was changed by the thoughts of his heart.
But the elder of the way-leaders saw that he was moved, and deemed that
he was wondering at that house so trim and orderly amidst the wildwood,
so he said: "Here also do we after our behest to that marvellous
and lovely Lady, that we suffer not this house to go to ruin:
ever are some of our folk here, and every year about this season
we send two or more to take the places of those who have dwelt in
the House year-long: so ever is there someone to keep all things trim.
But as to strangers, I have never in my life seen any Seeker of
the Well herein, save once, and that was an old hoar man like to me,
save that he was feebler in all wise than I be."
Now Ralph heard him talking, yet noted his words but little;
for it was with him as if all the grief of heart which he had penned
back for so long a while swelled up within him and burst its bounds;
and he turned toward Ursula and their eyes met, and she looked shy
and anxious on him and he might no longer refrain himself, but put
his hands to his face (for they had now drawn rein at the garth-gate)
and brake out a weeping, and wept long for the friend whose feet
had worn that path so often, and whose heart, though she were dead,
had brought them thither for their thriving; and for love and sorrow
of him Ursula wept also.
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