'
Then said Hall-ward stroking his beard: 'There will be a seat
missing in the Hall of the Steer, and a sore lack in the heart of
many a man in Burgdale if the Bride come back to us no more. We
looked not to lose the maiden by her wedding; for it is no long way
betwixt the House of the Steer and the House of the Face. But now,
when I arise in the morning and miss her, I shall take my staff and
walk down the street of Burgstead; for I shall say, The Maiden hath
gone to see Iron-face my friend; she is well in the House of the
Face. And then shall I remember how that the wood and the wastes lie
between us. How sayest thou, Alderman?'
'A sore lack it will be,' said Iron-face; 'but all good go with her!
Though whiles shall I go hatless down Burgstead street, and say, Now
will I go fetch my daughter the Bride from the House of the Steer;
while many a day's journey shall lie betwixt us.'
Said Hall-ward: 'I will not beat about the bush, Folk-might; what
gift wilt thou give us for the maiden?'
Said Folk-might: 'Whatever is mine shall be thine; and whatsoever of
the Dale the kindred and the poor folk begrudge thee not, that shalt
thou have; and deemest thou that they will begrudge thee aught? Is
it enough?'
Hall-ward said: 'I wot not, chieftain; see thou to it! Bow-may, my
friend, bring hither that which I would have from Silver-dale for the
House of the Steer in payment for our maiden.
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