"Sir, I beg your pardon, and am ready to amend all the harm I have done you. Pray alight, and take such cheer as my poor castle affords."
"Shall I have my dwarf?" said Gareth.
"Yes. Since he told me who you are, and of your noble deeds, I am ready to return him."
Then Gareth dismounted, and the dwarf came and took his horse.
"Oh, my little fellow," said Gareth, "I have had many adventures for your sake."
Gringamore then led him into the hall and presented him to his wife. And while they stood there conversing Dame Lioness came forth dressed like a princess, and was presented to the knight.
When Gareth saw her his feeling for the Lady Lioness weakened in his heart, and it grew ready to vanish as the day passed, and he conversed much with this strange and lovely lady. There were all manner of games, and sports of dancing and singing, and the more he beheld her the more he loved her, while through his heart ran ever the thought: "Would that the lady of the Castle Dangerous were half so lovely and charming as this beautiful stranger."
When supper came, Gareth could not eat, and hardly knew where he was, so hot had his love grown. All this was noted by Gringamore, who after supper took his sister aside and said,—
"I can well see how matters stand between you and this noble knight. And it seems to me you cannot do better than to bestow your hand upon him."
"I should like to try him further," she replied, "though he has done me noble service, and my heart is warmly turned to him."