As for the Bride, she was sad, and more than
misdoubted all; but dauntless as she was in matters that try men's
hardihood, she yet lacked heart to ask of Face-of-god what had
befallen him since the autumn-tide, or where he was with her. So she
put a force upon herself not to look sad or craving when she was in
his company, as full oft she was; for he rather sought her than
shunned her. For when he saw her thus, he deemed things were
changing with her as they had changed with him, and he bethought him
of what he had spoken to Bow-may, and deemed that even so he might
speak with the Bride when the time came, and that she would not be
grieved beyond measure, and all would be well.
Now came on the thaw, and the snow went, and the grass grew all up
and down the Dale, and all waters were big. And about this time
arose rumours of strange men in the wood, uncouth, vile, and
murderous, and many of the feebler sort were made timorous thereby.
But a little before March was born came new tidings from the
Woodlanders; to wit: There came on a time to the house of a woodland
carle, a worthy goodman well renowned of all, two wayfarers in the
first watch of the night; and these men said that they were wending
down to the Plain from a far-away dale, Rose-dale to wit, which all
men had heard of, and that they had strayed from the way and were
exceeding weary, and they craved a meal's meat and lodging for the
night.
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