CHAPTER XVI. BIRDALONE MEETETH HABUNDIA AGAIN; AND LEARNETH HER
FIRST WISDOM OF HER



When morning was, Birdalone arose, and longed sore to go into the
wood to seek Habundia again, but durst not, lest the witch-wife
should come to hand again earlier than might be looked for. So she
abode quiet and did what was toward near about the house. All that
day the witch came not back, nor the next; but the morrow thereafter,
when Birdalone arose, she found the wonted aspect of her mistress in
the wonted place, who, when she saw the maiden, greeted her, and was
somewhat blithe with her; and Birdalone would have asked her leave to
go to the wood, but she trusted little in her unwonted soft mood;
which yet lasted so long that on the third day she herself bade
Birdalone go take her pleasure in the wood, and bear back with her
what of venison she might.

Forthwith went Birdalone as glad as might be, and met her friend at
the Oak of Tryst, and told her closely how all had betid; and
Habundia said: Here, then, thou hast learned how to sail the lake.
But hast thou learned enough to try the adventure and not to fail?
Even so I deem, said Birdalone; but this I would say, that meseemeth
it better that I follow the witch down to the boat one more time at
least; for this first time it was dark; and moreover shall I not be
surer of the spell if I hear it said oftener, lest it be not ever the
same words? What sayest thou? She said: Thou art right herein,
and, since the adventure may not be tried till next June is at hand,
there is time enough and to spare. And now for this hour that is we
need talk no more of it. Only, my sweet, I beseech thee be wary; and