ill wed. On you I lay this command that, be
she who she may, yet shall ye honor her as if she were an Emperor's
daughter through all her life. Nor shall ye raise one word against the
maiden of my choice. Unless ye agree to this, I will not wed!"

Gladly the people promised. But ere they left the Marquis, they begged
him to fix a day for the marriage lest he should put off too long. The
Marquis granted their request, and farmers, knights, and lords trooped
joyfully home.

When the morning of the day that was fixed for the wedding came, the
castle of the Marquis was gaily decorated. Flags floated out from the
towers, and garlands trailed over the doorway and the gate. Within in
the great hall a royal feast was spread, and there lay royal robes and
gems.

In the courtyard and on the terraces lords and ladies stood in groups.
Wonder and doubt were on every face. The wedding-feast was prepared,
the guests were come, but there was no bride.

A trumpet sounded "to horse," and all was hurry and noise. Then Lord
Walter rode out through the castle gate. He was followed by bearers,
who carried the beautiful robes and gems that had lain in the hall.

They rode out by the same road along which Griselda had watched the
people go to ask the Marquis to wed, many months before. Now she saw
the bridal train ride down from the castle. "Ah," she said, "they ride
this way to fetch the bride. I shall work more busily than ever to-day
that I may be free to stand and watch Lord Walter's fair bride as the
riders return with her to the castle!"

Then she went to the well to fetch water. When she came back she found
Lord Walter at her father's door. In the narrow lane beside the
cottage stood lords and ladies, while their horses impatiently pawed
the ground.

Quickly Griselda set her pitcher in a trough near the cottage door,
and knelt before the Marquis to hear his will.

"Where is thy father?" Lord Walter asked.

"Close at hand, my Lord," said Griselda, and went to bring him without
delay.

"My faithful servant," said Lord Walter to the old man, "grant me thy
daughter for my wife!"

Janicola knew not what to say for surprise. At last he answered, "My
will is thine! Do as thou wilt, my own dear Lord!"

"Then must I ask Griselda if she will be my wife; but stay thou by us.
Thou shalt hear her answer."

Griselda was amazed. She did not know what the meaning of Lord
Walter's visit was, and when she stood before him her face was ful