that was done. And so it was that the witch did and spake in all
wise as she did before.

Another time, when November was well-nigh out, the dame arose for her
lake-faring; but this night the snow lay deep betwixt house and
water, and Birdalone thought that it would scarce do to follow.
Forsooth she knew not whether her feet would the less leave their
print in the snow because they were not to be seen. When she asked
Habundia thereof, she laughed and said: Once more thou hast been
wise, my child, for though it had been no harder to put this might
into thy ring, that whoso wore it should not touch the ground, yet it
hath not been done.

It must be told, that in this while Birdalone went oft to the
Trysting Tree, and called on her mother (as now she called her) to
come to her, and ever more and more of wisdom she won thereby.
Though the witch was oft surly with her, and spared not her girding,
yet, the needful work done, she meddled little with her. But on a
day she straightly banned her the wood, and Birdalone went
notwithstanding, and when she was there with the wood-mother nought
she told her thereof, but was blithe and merry beyond her wont. She
came back home thereafter empty handed, and stepped into the chamber
proudly and with bright eyes and flushed cheeks, though she looked
for nought save chastisement; yea, it might be even the skin-
changing. Forsooth the witch was sitting crouched in her chair with
her hands on the elbows and her head thrust forward, like a wild
beast at point to spring; but when her eye fell on Birdalone, she
faltered and drew back into herself again, and muttered somewhat
unheard; but to Birdalone spake nought of good or bad.