She said: "Yea, that is not ill thought of; but we may not always keep our thrall in mind.

If it be so as thou deemest, we shall come to know it most like when we next fall in with her; or if she hath been shy this time, then shall she pay the heavier for it; for we will question her by the Fountain in the Hall as to what betid by the Fountain of the Rock." Spake the King's Son, faltering yet more: "Lady, were it not better to question the man himself?
the Maid is stout-hearted, and will not be speedily quelled into a true tale; whereas the man I deem of no account." "No, no," said the Lady sharply, "it shall not be." Then was she silent a while; and then she said: "How if the man should prove to be our master ?" "Nay, our Lady," said the King's Son, "thou art jesting with me; thou and thy might and thy wisdom, and all that thy wisdom may command, to be over- mastered by a gangrel churl!" "But how if I will not have it command, King's Son ?" said the Lady.

"I tell thee I know thine heart, but thou knowest not mine.

But be at peace! For since thou hast prayed for this woman--nay, not with thy words, I wot, but with thy trembling hands, and thine anxious eyes, and knitted brow--I say, since thou hast prayed for her so earnestly, she shall escape this time.

But whether it will be to her gain in the long run, I misdoubt me.