This page has been validated.
CHAPTER XX. WALTER IS BIDDEN TO ANOTHER TRYST.
SO came he into the pillared hall, and there he found the Lady walking to and fro by the high-seat; and when he drew nigh she turned on him, and said in a voice rather eager than angry: What hast thou done, Squire? Why art thou come before me?
He was abashed, and bowed before her and said: O gracious Lady, thou badest me service, and I have been about it.
She said: Tell me then, tell me, what hath betided?
Lady, said he, when I entered the thicket of thy swooning I found there no carcase of the lion, nor any sign of the dragging away of him.
She looked full in his face for a little, and then went to her chair, and sat down therein;
141