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 '''CHAPTER XXI. WALTER AND THE MAID FLEE FROM THE GOLDEN HOUSE'''.

HERE he abode amidst the hazels, hearkening every littlest sound; and the sounds were nought but the night voices of the wood, till suddenly there burst forth from the house a great wailing cry. Walter’s heart came up into his mouth, but he had no time to do aught, for following hard on the cry came the sound of light feet close to him, the boughs were thrust aside, and there was come the Maid, and she but in her white coat, and barefoot. And then first he felt the sweetness of her flesh on his, for she caught him by the hand and said breathlessly: Now, now! there may yet be time, or even too much, it may be. For the saving of breath ask me no questions, but come!