of the Four Friths. Here mayst thou lodge well and safely if thou wilt.
Or if our hall be not dainty enough for thee, then go back to Higham:
I warrant me the monks will give thee good guesting as long as thou wilt."

"Thou art kind, maiden," said Ralph, "but why should I tarry for an
host? and what should I fear in the Wood, as evil as it may be?
One man journeying with little wealth, and unknown, and he no weakling,
but bearing good weapons, hath nought to dread of strong-thieves,
who ever rob where it is easiest and gainfullest. And what worse
may I meet than strong-thieves?"

"But thou mayest meet worse," she said; and therewith fell a-weeping again,
and said amidst her tears: "O weary on my life! And why should I heed thee
when nought heedeth me, neither the Saints of God's House, nor the Master
of it; nor the father and the mother that were once so piteous kind to me?
O if I might but drink a draught from the WELL AT THE WORLD'S END!"

He turned about on her hastily at that word; for he had risen to depart;
being grieved at her grief and wishful to be away from it, since he might
not amend it. But now he said eagerly:

"Where then is that Well? Know ye of it in this land?"

"At least I know the hearsay thereof," she said; "but as now thou shalt
know no more from me thereof; lest thou wander the wider in seeking it.
I would not have thy life spilt."

Ever as he looked on her he thought her still fairer;
and now he looked long on her, saying nought, and she on him
in likewise, and the blood rose to her cheeks and her brow,