Page:The Sundering Flood - Morris - 1898.djvu/373

 weird had wrought for us. And it seemed possibly not so unlike but that this bold and eager champion might go wide in the world, and somehow find out the country and the side of the river on which I was born and bred. And in the meantime was I determined above all things never to think of anyone else but this bold and beautiful champion, and even so it is with me now. And this good dame here, who is my very fostermother, and is somewhat wise, though I would hope not more so than Holy Church alloweth, has always bidden me to hope to see my champion again, and even so I do. And we both know that it is only amongst the Lord of Longshaw and his men that he is to be found. Quoth the Sub-prior: And when he is found, and ye let him know where ye are, will he come to you, think ye? Even so we believe, said the Maiden. Well, said the Sub-prior, tell me what ye would have, and it shall be done for you. Said the Carline: We would come across the water and have guide and guards through Wood Masterless to some place where we may dwell alone. Can ye do this much for us? And we shall be well willing to pay with such-like gems as ye have already seen of ours for such a small house. Well, said the Sub-prior, that may well be, and to-morrow morn I will send you down to the ferry that lieth betwixt us and a House of Friars on the further side of the water. At a writing from us these good brothers may find you some such dwelling in the Wood Masterless as ye seek,