he heard a sound of music, like a concert of lutes and
trumpets, which came from the house, and when it ceased there was
clapping of hands.

While he doubted whether to draw near, he saw that the door was
opened, and a man, richly dressed and of noble appearance, came out
upon the space in front of the house. He looked about him with a grave
and serene air, like a prince awaiting guests. And his eyes falling
upon Ralph, he beckoned him to draw near. Ralph at first hesitated.
But it seemed to him an unkindly thing to turn his back upon this
gallant gentleman who stood there smiling; so he drew near. And then
the other asked him whither he was bound. Ralph hardly knew what to
reply to this, but the gentleman awaited not his answer, but said that
this was a day of festival, and all were welcome, and he would have
him come in and abide with them. Ralph excused himself, but the
gentleman smiled and said, "I know, sir, that you are bound upon a
journey, as many are that pass this way; but you carry no burden with
you, as is the wont of others." And then Ralph, with a start of
surprise and anguish, remembered that he had left his coffer on the
seat where he had seen the Snake. He explained his loss to the
gentleman, who laughed and said that this was easily mended, for he
would send himself a servant to fetch it. And then he asked whether he
had been in any peril, and when Ralph told him, he nodded his head
gravely, and said it was a great danger escaped. And then Ralph told
him of the Leper, at which the gentleman grew grave, and said that it
was well he had not stopped to speak with him, for the contagion of
that leprosy was sore and sudden. And then he added, "But while I send
to recover your coffer, you will enter and sit with us; you look
weary, and you shall eat of our meat, for it is good meat that
strengtheneth; but wine," he said, "I will not offer you, though I
have it here in abundance, for it weakeneth the knees of those that
walk on a journey; but you shall delight your heart with music, such
as the angels love, and set forth upon your way rejoicing; for indeed
it is not late."

And so Ralph was persuaded, and they drew near to the door. Then the
gentleman stood aside to let Ralph enter; and Ralph saw within a hall
with people feasting, and minstrels in a gallery; but just as he set
foot upon the threshold he turned; for it seemed that he was plucked
by a hand; and he saw the gentleman, with the smile all faded