came to her, so wary as she was grown. She undid the bosom of her
gown, and took forth her serpent-ring; for she bore it next to her
skin, made fast to the bosom of her smock; but now she hid it
carefully in the thickest of her brow-hair, which was very thick and
soft. Withal the tress of Habundia's hair she bore ever mingled with
her own.

No sooner had she done it, but she was glad; for she heard the dame
calling her, who, when she came to the house-door, spake and said:
Now shall I fare with thee down to the water, and look to thy
garments lest they be fouled by some straying beast. And therewith
she looked curiously on Birdalone, and knit her brows when she saw
that the maiden changed countenance in nowise.

Down to the water went they, and the witch sat down close to where
Birdalone should take the water, and watched her do off her raiment,
and eyed her keenly when she was bare, but said nought. Birdalone
turned her head as she stood knee-deep, and said: How long shall I
abide, lady, if I have luck? As long as thou wilt, said the dame:
most like I shall be gone by then thou comest back, even if thou be
away no long while.

Fell Birdalone to swimming then, and when she was more than half
over, the witch, stirring no more than need was, got hold of her
raiment, which was but the old grey coat over a smock, and ransacked
it, but found nought, as well ye may wot. And when she had done, she
sat down again in heavy mood as it seemed, and watched Birdalone
swimming, and when she beheld her body come forth out of the water,
and pass out of sight amongst the flowers of the eyot, she arose and
went her ways home.