Page:The Sundering Flood - Morris - 1898.djvu/117

 and fairer; and her feet and legs, for still she went barefoot, since they had not the summer tan on them, looked so dainty-white to him that sore he longed to stroke them and kiss them. And this, belike, was the beginning to him of the longing of a young man, which afterwards was so sore on him, to be with his friend and embrace her and caress her.

So they met often that springtide, and oftener as the weather waxed warmer. And nought worth telling befell to Osberne that while save these meetings. But at last, when May was yet young, Osberne kept tryst thrice and Elfhild came not, and the fourth time she came and had tidings, to wit, that one of her kinswomen had died of sickness. Said she: And it was the one who was least kind to me, and made most occasion for chastising me. Well, she is gone; and often she was kind to me, and before I saw thee I loved her somewhat. But now things will go better, because the other aunt, who was kinder than the dead one, hath taken also into the house that old woman whereof I told thee, who hath taught me lore and many ancient tales; and though she be old and wrinkled, she is kind and loves me: and she is on our side, and I have told her about thee; and she in turn told me strange things and unked, which I will not and dare not tell again to thee. Wherefore now let us be glad together. Said Osberne: Yea, we will try to be glad; but see thou, I want more than this now, I want to come across to thee, and tell thee things which I cannot