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Then they pitied her,
and caressed her; but Atra said: We must tarry here no more, but go
straight up to the lady, or maybe we shall lose all.
So they went their ways and came into the pleasance, and trod the
sweet greensward betwixt the garland flowers and the beauteous trees;
which now indeed, though Birdalone saw them all clear and over-clear,
were become nought to her. Those three also spake gently to her, and
now and then asked her somewhat, as if to show her that she was one
of themselves; but she spake not, or answered at random, and to say
sooth scarce heard their words: forsooth she was now become heart-
sick, and was half dead for fear; and her nakedness, which would have
troubled her little across the water, was now grown a shame and a
terror unto her, and every deal of her body quivered with the anguish
thereof.

CHAPTER III. BIRDALONE IS BROUGHT BEFORE THE WITCH-WIFE'S SISTER

So came they at last to the very house, and whereas it stood high on
the bent, a great stair or perron of stone went up to it, and was of
much majesty.


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