Page:The Sundering Flood - Morris - 1898.djvu/295

 CHAPTER LII. THE MEETING OF OSBERNE AND ELFHILD.

T last, when it was some five weeks from the time of that felony, and Osberne was on his legs again, and had gone to and fro in the Wood nigh to the hermit's cell, now he began to think he must get him home to the house of Longshaw, and thence away to the Dale with a trusty guide; and the hermit would not say him nay, whereas his strength was but just come back to him.

On a time he went abroad from the cell, and was girt to Board-cleaver lest he should come across aught ill; he went somewhat further than he had been wont, till the day was beginning to draw toward sunset. It was now the latter end of May, and the leaves and boughs were at their fairest; the sky was bright and blue, and the birds were singing in heavenly choir, and he scarce thought it good to go back speedily to the dark cell. So he went on a little further and a little further, till he was ware in the glade before him of one whom, as she drew nigher to him, he saw to be a seemly dame as for her years, straight and tall; neither was she clad in rags, but in a comely black gown and white coif. Nevertheless, as 't is said, Once bit, twice shy, so it was with him, and he was for giving her the go-by. But she would not have it so, and she greeted him and said: Hail