ather, he wished that he had never been
born, so sad was he in the sorrow of his beautiful daughter. He
hastened out to meet her, and wrapped her tenderly in her old cloak,
and led her home with tears.

Griselda spoke no word of complaint, nor did she speak of her former
happiness. Once more she tended the sheep on the common. Once more she
carried water from the well. Once more she thought first of her
father.

After some weeks Lord Walter sent for Griselda. She went to the castle
and greeted him humbly as of old. She showed no grudge because of his
unkindness.

"Griselda," he said, "thou knowest, as doth no other, how all this
castle should be ordered for my pleasure. Stay thou then, and have all
in readiness for the fair young bride whom I shall wed to-morrow. It
is my will that she be welcomed royally."

"My whole desire is to serve thee, my Lord. Neither weal nor woe shall
ever make me cease to love thee with all my heart."

At once Griselda took control of all who worked in the castle. Of them
all she was the neatest and the quickest. Soon every room in the tower
was sweet and clean. The great hall was decked for the wedding-feast,
and the table glittered with silver.

Early next morning many horsemen came to the castle. Among them was a
beautiful girl dressed in a shimmering white robe. Near her rode a
charming boy younger than the maiden. Round them were many nobles, and
a guard of soldiers, who had brought them to Lord Walter's court.

The people crowded round the gates. So charmed were they with the fair
young maid, that some of them forgot their love for Griselda, and were
ready to welcome the bride whose coming caused her so much sorrow.

Still Griselda moved about the castle in her old worn clothes. She
went to the gate to welcome the bride. Then she received the guests
and greeted each of them according to his degree.

The stranger nobles wondered who Griselda could be. She was so wise
and gentle, and yet so meanly dressed.

Before the feast began, Lord Walter called Griselda to him. Then he
asked her, "What dost thou think of my wife? Is she beautiful?"

"Never have I seen a fairer," said Griselda. "Joy be with you both
evermore! But oh! I beg of thee, torment not this child as thou didst
me. She has been tenderly cared for. She could not bear what I have
borne."

When Lord Walter saw her great patience, and thought of the pain he
had caused her, his heart went out to her in great pity, and