On the morrow early was Jack of the Tofts dight for departure, withChristopher and David and Gilbert and five score of his best men. Butwhen they went out of the porch into the sweet morning, lo! there wasGoldilind before them, clad in her green gown, and as fresh and dear asthe early day itself. And Jack looked on her and said: "And thou, myLady and Queen, thou art dight as thou wouldst wend with us?"
"Yea," she said, "and why not?"
"What sayest thou, King Christopher?" said the Captain.
"Nay," said King Christopher, reddening, "it is for thee to yea-say ornay-say; though true it is that I have bidden her farewell for two days'space." And the two stood looking on one another.
But Jack laughed and said: "Well, then, so be it; but let us get to theway, or else when the sweethearts of these lads know that we have awoman with us we shall have them all at our backs." Thereat all laughedwho were within earshot, and were merry.
So they wended the woodland ways, some afoot, some a-horseback, ofwhom was Jack of the Tofts, but Christopher and David went afoot. AndGoldilind rode a fair white horse which the Captain had gotten her.
As they went, and King Christopher ever by Goldilind's right hand,and were merry and joyous, they two were alone in the woodland way; soChristopher took her hand and kissed it, and said: "Sweetling, why didstthou tell me nought of thy will to come along with us? Never had I balkedthee."