At length, by sheer compulsion, he dragged me with him towards the park, reminding me of my vow, and bidding me, as I loved him, be his deputy in this matter.
By a lucky fortune, as we approached the gate, who should ride up on her palfrey but our maiden herself.

She was alone and without attendant.
Ludar told me afterwards that such was her wont.

Once he had offered his escort, and she had replied he might come if he could promise her merrier company than her own.

"Whereat," said Ludar, "I stayed behind." She reined up as she saw us in the path before her, and a flush of surprise and pleasure sprang to her cheeks.

How much may a man see in a moment! As she sat there, glowing with her rapid ride, and glancing from one to the other of us, I read a long history in her eyes.