“‘Noble lady, I greet you well,’ said the knight, at length.
“She looked up, and thanked him silently by a gentle inclination of her head. He continued:—
“‘In my journey through this wood I have lost my way; may I ask for some food and a night’s lodging?’
“She rose, and with noiseless step left the hall, returning presently with two dishes, one of venison, another of wild fowl; these she placed on the table, and again retiring, brought a goblet of sparkling red wine. Having arranged everything, she signed to Sir Kurd to eat, accompanying the sign with a sad smile. He very willingly accepted her invitation; and though he found that both bread and salt had been forgotten, his modesty prevented his asking for them. It seemed strange, too, that not a single word had escaped the maiden’s lips, and he dared not speak to her. But the spirit of the generous wine, which came from the sunny hills of Burgundy, began to assert its power over him, and prompted him to speak as follows:—
“Much-honoured lady, may I be allowed one question?”
“She bent her head.
“I suppose you are the daughter of the house?”
“Again she bowed.
“‘And who are your parents?’
“She turned to the wall of the apartment, on which hung many portraits of knights and ladies; and pointing to the two last, she said, in a voice so soft, so melodious, that it seemed like the sighing of an Aeolian harp—