saith that it is such a wonder that it forebodeth
my becoming a Queen; and that will be well, as thou shalt be a great
man." Thuswise they prattled.

Chapter XX. Osberne Fares to Eastcheaping and Brings Gifts for Elfhild

But when June was, Master Nicholas would ride to Eastcheaping, and he
took Osberne with him; and a great wonder it was to see so many houses
built of stone and lime all standing together, and so fair, as he
deemed them, though it was but a little cheaping. Howsoever, without
the walls was an abbey of monks, which was both fair and great, and
the church thereof as well fashioned as most; and when the lad went
thereinto he was all ravished with joy at the great pillars and arches
and the vault above, and the pictures on the walls and in the windows,
and the hangings and other braveries about the altars. And when he was
at high mass, and the monks and the minstrels fell to singing
together, he scarce knew whether he were in heaven or on earth. Yet
whether in one or the other, he longed to have his friend from over
the river with him, that she might see and hear it all, and tell him
what she thought of it. Wondrous also was the market wherein they did
their chaffer, and the chapmen in their fine coats of strange fashion
to him and their outland faces, and the carts and wains of the country
folk and their big sleek horses. And when it was all done he found
that he had more than a silver penny or two in his pouch; for a deal
of the wares sold were his own, to wit the peltries he had gotten by
his shooting and his valour. For a great bear had he slain with spear
and shield, he by himself, and two more with the help of Stephen the
Eater, and wolves and foxes and ermines and beavers a great many. But
when he had his money it burnt a hole in his pocket; for he must needs
go to the booths and buy for Elfhild, as far as his money went, such
things as he deemed he could shoot across the Flood to her, as fair
windowed shoon, and broidered hosen and dainty smocks and silken
kerchiefs, and a chaplet for her head. And when this was done, he was
along with his grandsire in the street, and there came down from the
Castle a company of riders, all in jack and sallet and long spears,
and two knights in white armour all gleaming in the sun, and the
banner of the good town with them. Then his heart rose so high at the
sight, and he yearned so for deeds of fame, that he smote his hands
together and called good luck on the