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else Mellifont laughed to see the scrutiny

"We must undress you," she said

"Why?"

"You cannot run like that"

"No, that is quite true But----"

"Oh," said Belvisée, "you are quite safe Noof the herd"

"Ah, the deer are near by"

"All Thornhold is theirs The great herd is here"

"Do you live with them?"

"Yes"

"And they feed you?"

"Yes"

"Ah," said Isoult, "then I shall be at peace till my lord comes, if

there are no men"

"Have you a lord, a lover?"

"Yes, he is my lord, and I love him dearly"

"We have none What is your name?"

"I am called Isoult la Desirous"

"Because you are a lover?"

"Yes I am a lover"

"I will never love a ravely "All men are

cruel"

"I will never have a lover, nor be a lover, until men knohat love

is," said Mellifont in her turn

"And what is love, do you think?" Isoult asked her thrilling

"Love! Love! It is service," said Belvisée

"Service and giving," said Mellifont