And over the ring I passed some of the wafer, and I broke it fine so that all was well guarded.

She sat still all the time, so still as one dead.
And she grew whiter and even whiter till the snow was not more pale, and no word she said.

But when I drew near, she clung to me, and I could know that the poor soul shook her from head to feet with a tremor that was pain to feel.
I said to her presently, when she had grown more quiet, "Will you not come over to the fire ?" for I wished to make a test of what she could.

She rose obedient, but when she have made a step she stopped, and stood as one stricken.
"Why not go on ?" I asked.

She shook her head, and coming back, sat down in her place.