afterwards the tired visitor, with her baby, lay down on the rushes in
front of the fire, for in those days none of the working or artisan class
used beds, which were not indeed, for centuries afterwards, in usage by the
common people.

In the morning Geoffrey Ward found that his guest desired to find one Giles
Fletcher, a maker of bows.

"I know him well," the smith said. "There are many who do a larger
business, and hold their heads higher; but Giles Fletcher is well esteemed
as a good workman, whose wares can be depended upon. It is often said of
him that did he take less pains he would thrive more; but he handles each
bow that he makes as if he loved it, and finishes and polishes each with
his own hand. Therefore he doeth not so much trade as those who are less
particular with their wares, for he hath to charge a high price to be able
to live. But none who have ever bought his bows have regretted the silver
which they cost. Many and many a gross of arrowheads have I sold him, and
he is well-nigh as particular in their make as he is over the spring and
temper of his own bows. Many a friendly wrangle have I had with him over
their weight and finish, and it is not many who find fault with my
handiwork, though I say it myself; and now, madam, I am at your service."

During the night the wayfarer's clothes had been dried. The cloak was of
rough quality, such as might have been used by a peasant woman; but the
rest, though of sombre colour, were of good material and fashion. Seeing
that her kind entertainers would be hurt by the offer of money, the lady
contented herself with thanking Madge warmly, and saying that she hoped to
come across the bridge one day with Dame Fletcher; then, under the guidance
of Geoffrey, who insisted on carrying the boy, she set out from the smith's
cottage. They passed under the outer gate and across the bridge, which