Yea, sister, said
Birdalone, but might not death have come of my abiding?
As she spake, in came Atra, with her head somewhat drooped, meek and
humble, her cheeks red, her hands trembling; and she said: Wilt thou
take now my word of farewell and blessing, and the kiss of peace
betwixt us, and bear away the memory of our kindness together?
Birdalone stood up proud and straight, and was somewhat pale as she
suffered Atra to kiss her cheeks and mouth, and said: Now hast thou
forgiven me that weird dragged me in betwixt thy love and thy
goodhap; and I have forgiven thee that I am led away by weird into
the waste and the wilderness of love. Farewell. Therewith she went
her way to the gate, and the others followed her not.
Without abode her Arnold and the four men-at-arms, and her palfrey
and a sumpter-horse bearing two goodly coffers, wherein Viridis had
let load raiment and other havings for her; and Arnold came up to her
smiling, and said: My lady Viridis hath given me a pouch wherein is
money to bear for thee to Greenford and hand over to thee there when
we be safe; and she hath bidden me to be in all wise obedient unto
thee, lady, which needed not, whereas now and from hence forth am I
by mine own will thy very servant to do thy pleasure always and
everywhere.
Pages:
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433