and it is many and many a year ago since we found
any seekers after the Well dwelling here. Therefore have we the more
joy in you. And we have brought hither matters good for you, as
raiment, and meal, and wine, on our sumpter-beasts; therefore as ye
have feasted us this morning, so shall we feast you this even. And if
ye will, we shall build for you in the grove yonder such a bower as we
build for our own folk on the night of the wedding."

Ralph yeasaid this, and thanked them. So then the elder cried: "Up, my
sons, and show your deftness to these dear friends!" Then the young men
arose, naught loth, and when they had hoppled their oxen and taken the
burdens from off them, they all went down the meadow together into the
chestnut grove, and they fell to and cut willow boughs, and such-like
wood, and drave stakes and wove the twigs together; and Ralph and
Ursula worked with them as they bade, and they were all very merry
together: because for those two wanderers it was a great delight to see
the faces of the children of men once more after so many months, and to
hold converse with them; while for their part the young men marvelled
at Ursula's beauty, and the pith and goodliness of Ralph.

By then it was nigh evening they had made a very goodly wattled bower,
and roofed it with the skins that were in the cave, and hung it about
with garlands, and strewn flowers on the floor thereof. And when all
was done they went back to the toft before the rock-chamber, where the
elder had opened the loads, and had taken meal thence, and was making
cakes at the fire. And there was wine there in well-hooped kegs, and
wooden cups fairly carven, and raiment of fine white wool for those
twain, broidered in strange but beauteous fashion with the feathers of
bright-hued birds.

So then were those twain arrayed for the bridal; and the meat was dight
and the cups filled, and they sat down on the grassy toft a little
before sunset, and feasted till the night was come, and was grown all
light with the moon; and then Ralph rose up, and took Ursula's hand,
and they stood before the elder, and bade him and the young men bear
witness that they were wedded: then those twain kissed the newcomers
and departed to their bridal bower hand in hand through the freshness
of the night.

CHAPTER 15

They Come to the Land of the Innocent Folk

When it was morning they speedily gat them ready for the road, whereas
they had little to take with