night-champion was dead. But Elose entered
that place with a very cheerful countenance, and she said, "Lady, what
cheer?"

[Sidenote: _The Lady Lesolie rebuketh the damsel._]

Then the Lady Lesolie looked upon Elose with great indignation because
of her cheerful aspect, and she said: "Damsel, I am much displeased that
thou shouldst appear so cheerful and gay of spirit when thou beholdest
me in such sorrow. And I think very ill of thee that thou who art the
best beloved of all my damsels hast not come nigh me in all this time
for to offer me cheer or comfort in mine affliction."

Now Elose was greatly in favor with the Lady Lesolie so that she feared
her not, wherefore she still bore a very cheerful aspect. And she said:
"Lady, I know not wherefore I should take such sorrow as I see the
sorrow to be that you assume for Sir Sagron. I did not love him so much
that I should take more than reasonable grief when he suffered such
misfortune of battle as may befall any knight."

Then the Lady Lesolie's eyes sparkled very brightly with anger, and she
said: "Ha! Damsel! Thou goest beyond all measure of the liberty of
speech which I allow to thee. Mayhap I loved not Sir Sagron as he would
have had me, yet I honored him a very great deal, and now that he is
gone I know not who may defend the fountain in his stead. So, because
thou dost smile and take cheer in this time of trouble, thy presence is
displeasing to me, wherefore I would have thee gone from hence."

Then Elose said: "Very well, Lady, I will go as thou hast bidden me, but
I think thou wilt be sorry that thou didst not talk more with me and
that thou dost not inquire of me why I appear so cheerful as I do."

Therewith Elose turned as though to go forth from that place. But after
she had gone a little distance, the Lady Lesolie arose and followed her
to the door of the chamber and began coughing very softly. Then when
Elose turned, the lady beckoned to her and said, "Come hither!" and
Elose laughed and came. Then the lady said: "Thou art very saucy of
disposition, but nevertheless I love thee more than thou deservest. Now
tell me what it is that thou hast upon thy mind."

Then Elose said, "I will tell thee, but it must be where none may hear."

The lady said, "Come hither, then," and therewith she led Elose into a
place where they were altogether by themselves, and when they were come
there the Lady Lesolie said, "What is it, Elose?"

[Sidenote: _The damsel bespea