As I stood gazing at it, the lord Marcian came forth on horseback.

He alighted to speak with me, and presently asked if I would go to see another fall of the river, across the island.

I consented.

As we went, he dismissed my servant, and I did not know what he had done (thinking she still followed), until, when we were in a wood at the water's edge, I could no longer see the woman, and Marcian told me he had bidden her go to fetch seats for us.

Then he began to speak, and what he said, how shall I tell you ?' There was another brief silence.