yeasay and welcome when he had done, and
the Maiden deemed that they looked as if they loved and trusted the
Knight. But therewith one and all of them came before her and knelt to
her and did her obeisance, and she looked full kindly on them, for she
deemed all this good and happy. And yet she said to herself, If it
could be that I could forget him or the search for him, how should I
one day awaken when all was lost and curse myself! But she heard the
Blue Knight say: "James and Roland, I would have you prevent us and go
up to the Castle, and go to my Lady-mother in her chamber and tell her
hereof, how I have come home, and all that ye have seen and heard."
But the Maiden wondered somewhat, for looking now on Sir Mark she saw
that his face had reddened and his brows were knit.

But the two squires got to their horses and rode briskly up to the
Castle as silent as might be, and all the others followed at a foot's
pace.

Now they were soon under the gate of the Castle, and came into the
forecourt, and the buildings round about it were goodly and great, but
not very new. There were a many weaponed men in the said court, all
come together to welcome their lord and his fellowship, and they
clattered their spears on their shields, and tossed their swords aloft
and shouted, so that the Maiden's eyes glittered and her heart beat
quick.

But when they were off their horses, straightway Sir Mark took the
Maiden by the hand and led her into the great hall, and all that folk
followed flock-meal. Long was the said hall and great, but not very
high, and its pillars thick and big, and its arches beetling; and that
the folk loved better than flower-fair building, for very ancient it
was and of all honour. Ancient withal were its adornments, and its
halling was of the story of Troy, and stern and solemn looked out from
it the stark woven warriors and kings, as they wended betwixt sword
and shield on the highway of Fate.

Chapter LVIII. Peaceful Days in the Castle of Brookside

Now the Knight led the Maiden up to the dais, and thereon were squires
and priests and ladies; for Sir Mark's mother was there, sitting on a
very goodly chair beside his seat of honour, and when these two came
on to the dais the said lady stood up to meet them, and put her arms
about the knight's neck and kissed him. Then she turned to the Maiden
and said: "Thou also art welcome, and thy follower the old woman,
since my son hath bidden you to the house