She felt the brothers near her, and knew their friendliness from of
old, and she was happy; nor had she looked closer at Gold-mane would
she have noted any change in him belike; for the meat and the good
wine, and the fair sunny time, and the Bride's sweet voice, and the
ancient song softened his heart while it fed the desire therein.
So in a while they arose from their rest and did what was left them
of their work, and so went back to Burgstead through the fair
afternoon; by seeming all three in all content. But yet Gold-mane,
as from time to time he looked upon the Bride, kept saying to
himself: 'O if she had been but my sister! sweet had the kinship
been!'
CHAPTER X. NEW TIDINGS IN THE DALE
It was three days thereafter that Gold-mane, leading an ass, went
along the highway to fetch home certain fleeces which were needed for
the house from a stead a little west of Wildlake; but he had gone
scant half a mile ere he fell in with a throng of folk going to
Burgstead. They were of the Shepherds; they had weapons with them,
and some were clad in coats of fence. They went along making a great
noise, for they were all talking each to each at the same time, and
seemed very hot and eager about some matter.
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