stool to wit, a yew-chair, a little table, and a coffer: there was
no fire on the hearth, nought save white ashes of small wood; but it
was June, so that was of no account.

The guest sat down in the yew-chair, and the poor-wife laid her child
down gently on the floor and came and stood before the stranger, as
if abiding her bidding.

Spake the alien: Nought so uncomely or strait is thy chamber; and
thy child, which I see is a woman, and therefore belike shall long
abide with thee, is lovely of shape, and fair of flesh. Now also
thou shalt have better days, as I deem, and I pray them on thine
head.

She spake in a kind wheedling voice, and the poor-wife's face grew
softer, and presently tears fell down on to the table from her, but
she spake no word. The guest now drew forth, not three nobles, but
four, and laid them on the table, and said: Lo, my friend, the three
nobles which I behight thee! now are they thine; but this other thou
shalt take and spend for me. Go up into the town, and buy for me
white bread of the best; and right good flesh, or poulaine if it may
be, already cooked and dight; and, withal, the best wine that thou
mayst get, and sweetmeats for thy baby; and when thou comest back, we
will sit together and dine here. And thereafter, when we be full of
meat and drink, we shall devise something more for thy good speed.

The woman knelt before her weeping, but might speak no word because
of the fullness of her heart. She kissed the guest's hands, and took
the money, and then arose and caught up her child, and kissed her
bare flesh eagerly many times, and then hastened out of the house and