Father Selred told me that the king had bidden him seek him there presently.

He had gone to meet his princess in such quiet as a king may find by good chance.
They had cut a path round this copse, and through it here and there, and we walked slowly round the outer edge on the soft grass, with the song of the birds and the cooing of the wood doves pleasant to listen to in the last evening sunlight.

And then we met the Lady Hilda walking, idly as we walked, by herself, and her face grew bright as she saw us.
"Two are company, my daughter," said Father Selred, with his eyes dancing with his jest.

"I doubt not that you are carrying out the rest of the proverb.

I will also retire and meditate awhile." "No, Father--" began Hilda.
But he smiled, and swung his rosary, and so walked away from us, while I laughed at him.