They rode speedily, and had with them men who knew the woodlandways, so that the journey was nought so long thence as Goldilind hadmade it thither; and they stayed not for nightfall, since the moon wasbright, so that they came before the Castle-gate before midnight. NowGoldilind looked to be cast into prison, whatever might befall her upon themorrow; but so it went not, for she was led straight to her own chamber,and one of her women, but not Aloyse, waited on her, and when she triedto have some tidings of her, the woman spake to her no more than if shewere dumb. So all unhappily she laid her down in her bed, forebodingthe worst, which she deemed might well be death at the hand of her jailers.As for Christopher, she saw the last of him as they entered the Castle-gate,and knew not what they had done with him. So she lay in dismalthoughts, but at last fell asleep for mere weariness.
When she awoke it was broad day, and there was someone going aboutin the chamber; she turned, and saw that it was Aloyse. She felt sick atheart, and durst not move or ask of tidings; but presently Aloyse turned,and came to the bed, and made an obeisance, but spake not. Goldilindraised her head, and said wearily: "What is to be done, Aloyse, wilt thoutell me? For my heart fails me, and meseems, unless they have somemercy, I shall die to-day."
"Nay," said the chambermaid, "keep thine heart up; for here is one athand who would see thee, when it is thy pleasure to be seen."