"Yea, tell us," said David, "and sit down here betwixt us, with thy backto the hazel-thicket, or we shall get no tale out of thee--tush, man, Joannawill bring her back, and that right soon, I hope."
Christopher laughed, and sat down between them, and told all how ithad gone with him, and of Goldilind, who she was. The others hearkenedheedfully, and Gilbert said: "With all thou hast told us, brother, it is clearwe shall find it hard to dwell in Littledale; so soon as thy loveling hathrested her at our house, we must go our ways to the Tofts, and take counselof our father."
Christopher yea-said this, and therewithal was come Joanna leadingGoldilind duly arrayed (yet still in her green gown, for she would noneother), fresh, blushing, and all lovely; and David and Christopher didobeisance before her as to a great lady; but she hailed them as brothers,merrily and kindly, and bade them kiss her; and they kissed her cheek, butshyly, and especially David.
Thereafter they broke their fast under the oak trees, and spent a merryhour, and then departed, the two women riding the horses, the others afoot;so came they to the house of Littledale, some while before sunset, andwere merry and glad there. Young they were, troubles were behind them,and many a joy before them.