"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."
"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."
Gringamore then went to Gareth and said,--
"Sir, I welcome you gladly to my house, for I can see that you dearly love my sister, and that she loves you as well. With my will she is yours if you wish her."
"If she will accept me," answered Gareth, "there will be no happier man on earth."
"I fancied I loved the Lady Lioness," said Gareth, "and promised for her sake to return to this country in a twelvemonth. But since I have seen your sister I fear my love for her is gone."
"It was too sudden to be deep," said Gringamore. "She will be consoled, doubt not. Now let me take you to my sister."
Then he led Gareth to his sister and left them together, where they told each other their love, and Gareth kissed her many times, and their hearts were filled with joy.