(For such was the usage of our fathers in the days of this tale).

Milon grieved sorely, and made answer that he would do the thing the damsel thought most seemly to be done.

“When the child is born,” replied the lady, “you must carry him forthwith to my sister.  She is a rich dame, pitiful and good, and is wedded to a lord of Northumberland.  You will send messages with the babe—­both in writing and by speech—­that the little innocent is her sister’s child.  Whether it be a boy or girl his mother will have suffered much because of him, and for her sister’s sake you will pray her to cherish the babe.  Beyond this I shall set your signet by a lace about his neck, and write letters wherein shall be made plain the name of his sire, and the sad story of his mother.  When he shall have grown tall, and of an age to understand these matters, his aunt will give him your ring, and rehearse to him the letter.  If this be done, perchance the orphan will not be fatherless all his days.”

Milon approved the counsel of the lady, and when her time had come she was brought to bed of a boy.  The old nurse who tended her mistress was privy to the damsel’s inmost mind.  So warily she went to work, so cunning was she in gloss and concealment, that none within the palace knew that there was aught to hide.  The damsel looked upon her boy, and saw that he was very fair.  She laced the ring about his neck, and set the letter that it were death to find, within a silken chatelaine.  The child was then placed in his cradle, swathed close in white linen.  A pillow of feathers was put beneath his head, and over all was laid a warm coverlet, wadded with fur.  In this fashion the ancient nurse gave the babe to his father, who awaited him within the garden.  Milon commended the child to his men, charging them to carry him loyally, by such towns as they knew, to that lady beyond the Humber.  The servitors set forth, bearing the infant with them.  Seven times a day they reposed them in their journey, so that the women might nourish the babe, and bathe and tend him duly.  They served their lord so faithfully, keeping such watch upon the way, that at the last they won to the lady to whom they were bidden.  The lady received them courteously, as became her breeding.  She broke the seal of the letter, and when she was assured of what was therein, marvellously she cherished the infant.  These having bestowed the boy in accordance with their lord’s commandment, returned to their own land.

Milon went forth from his realm to serve beyond the seas for guerdon.  His friend remained within her house and was granted by her father in marriage to a right rich baron of that country.  Though this baron was a worthy knight, justly esteemed of all his fellows, the damsel was grieved beyond measure when she knew her father’s will.  She called to mind the past, and regretted that Milon had gone from the country, since he would have helped her in her need.