of Increase which shall be drunk this even.'

As she spake came another woman half up the bank, to whom went Face-
of-god, and, taking her hands, drew her up while she laughed merrily
in his face: he saluted her as he had Long-coat, and then with a
laugh turned about to wait for the third; who came indeed, but after
a little while, for she had abided, hearing their voices. Her also
Gold-mane drew up, and kissed her hands, and she lay on the grass by
Long-coat, but the second maiden stood up beside the young man. She
was white-skinned and golden-haired, a very fair damsel, whereas the
last-comer was but comely, as were well-nigh all the women of the
Dale.

Said Face-of-god, looking on the three: 'How comes it, maidens, that
ye are but in your kirtles this sharp autumn morning? or where have
ye left your gowns or your cloaks?'

For indeed they were clad but in close-fitting blue kirtles of fine
wool, embroidered about the hems with gold and coloured threads.

The last-comer laughed and said: 'What ails thee, Gold-mane, to be
so careful of us, as if thou wert our mother or our nurse? Yet if
thou must needs know, there hang our gowns on the thorn-bush down
yonder; for we have been running a match and a forfeit; to wit, that
she who was last on the highway should go down again and bring them
up all three; and now that is my day's work: but since thou art
here, Alderman's son, thou shalt go down instead of me and fetch them
up.'

But he laughed merrily and outright, and said: 'That will I not, for