l
of fear. Her wonder was very great when she heard him say:

"Griselda, I am come for thee. Thee only will I wed. Thy father also
is willing. But ere thou tell me whether or no thou wilt be my bride,
listen to the demand I make. Art thou ready to obey me in everything,
and to let me do to thee evil or good as I will without so much as
turning to me a frowning face?"

This seemed a strange request to Grisdda, but she loved and trusted
Lord Walter so truly that she said:

"Lord, I am not worthy of this honor. Verily in all things thy will
shall be mine. Life is sweet, but I will die rather than displease
thee."

"Enough, Griselda!" he said.

Then Lord Walter turned to the courtiers and the people of the village
who had gathered round:

"Behold my wife! Let all show their love to me by the honor and love
they bear to her."

The ladies of the court were commanded to take off Griselda's old
clothes and to array her in the costly robes they had brought with
them. They did not like to touch the poor soiled clothes she wore, nor
to move about in the little cottage with their sweeping gowns; but the
gentleness of Griselda made it pleasant to help her. They caught up
Griselda's royal robes with great clasps of gold set with gems, and
put a crown on her beautiful hair.

She came out and stood in the low doorway, where she had so often
stood before. But now the people scarcely knew her: she looked so fair
in her new robes and with the love-light shining in her eyes.

Lord Walter did not wait till he reached the castle. He was married to
Griselda at her father's cottage door. The villagers gathered round
and gazed at the simple wedding. They saw Lord Walter put a great ring
on Griselda's finger, and lift her on to a milk-white steed. Then they
led her with joy towards the castle. Wedding-bells rang out gladly
across the plain, and ever as the wedding-party drew near to the white
towers with their floating flags, happy bands of people came to meet
and welcome Griselda.

Very soon the fame of Lord Walter's beautiful wife spread through the
land. Nor was it only for her beauty that men praised her. Gracious
she was and wise, able to rule her home, and to bend fiery spirits to
her will.

From all the countryside men came to her in trouble. Every one
rejoiced in the good fortune that had come to their land, and some
even called her an angel from heaven come to right all wrong.

After some time a daughter was born to Gri