So they
went forth, those brethren, from the House of the Face, but when they
were gotten to the gate, who should be there but the Bride awaiting
them, and she with an ass duly saddled for bearing the yew-sticks.
Because Hall-face had told her that he and belike Gold-mane were
going to hew in the wood, and she thought it good to be of the
company, as oft had befallen erst. When they met she greeted Face-
of-god and kissed him as her wont was; and he looked upon her and saw
how fair she was, and how kind and friendly were her eyes that beheld
him, and how her whole face was eager for him as their lips parted.
Then his heart failed him, when he knew that he no longer desired her
as she did him, and he said within himself:
'Would that she had been of our nighest kindred! Would that I had
had a sister and that this were she!'
So the three went along the highway down the Dale, and Hall-face and
the Bride talked merrily together and laughed, for she was happy,
since she knew that Gold-mane had been to the wood and was back safe
and much as he had been before. So indeed it seemed of him; for
though at first he was moody and of few words, yet presently he
cursed himself for a mar-sport, and so fell into the talk, and
enforced himself to be merry; and soon he was so indeed; for he
thought: 'She drew me thither: she hath a deed for me to do.
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