Page:The Way of a Virgin.djvu/160

Rh "I am willing," quoth the workman; and he hired himself to the pope. Most contented, too, was the pope's daughter, and when night came she sought the workman, saying:

"Comb me!"

"Nay, I will not comb thee for nought. Give me one hundred roubles. Buy the comb."

The pope's daughter gave him one hundred roubles, and nightly he combed her.

Came a time when the workman fell out with the pope, saying:

"Render me my wage, little father."

His wage rendered, the workman went his way. Now the pope's daughter was not present when these things were done, but when she returned to the house she inquired:

"Where is the workman?"

"He demanded his wage and is gone forhtwith to the village," quoth the pope.

"Ah! little father! what hast thou done? He hath carried off my comb!" cried the pope's daughter.

She hastened in pursuit, and came upon him by a little stream; the workman had tucked up his drawers and was fording the stream.

"Give me my comb!" cried the pope's daughter.

The workman took a stone and cast into the water.

"Pick it up," said he; and, passing to the other side of the stream, went his way.

The pope's daughter tucked up her petticoat, entered the water, and sought the comb. She rummaged at the bottom of the stream. No comb.

Chanced to pass a lord, who cried to her: