` It has done nothing to me , nor I to it , ' he replied . ` Nevertheless there is not anything left in it for me . ' Father Peter did his best to cheer the young man up , and invited him to sup with him at the first inn they came to , thinking that perhaps hunger and poverty were causing the stranger 's trouble . But when good food was set before him he seemed to forget to eat . So Peter perceived that what ailed his guest was sorrow of heart , and asked him kindly to tell him his story . ` Where is the good , father ? ' said he . ` You can give me neither help nor comfort . ' ` Who knows ? ' answered Master Peter . ' I might be able to do something for you . Often enough in life help comes to us from the most unexpected quarter . ' The young man , thus encouraged , began his tale . ' I am , ' said he , ' a crossbow-man in the service of a noble count , in whose castle I was brought up . Not long ago my master went on a journey , and brought back with him , amongst other treasures , the portrait of a fair maiden so sweet and lovely that I lost my heart at first sight of it , and could think of nothing but how I might seek her out and marry her . The count had told me her name , and where she lived , but laughed at my love , and absolutely refused to give me leave to go in search of her , so I was forced to run away from the castle by night . I soon reached the little town where the maiden dwelt ; but there fresh difficulties awaited me . She lived under the care of her mother , who was so severe that she was never allowed to look out of the window , or set her foot outside the door alone , and how to make friends with her I did not know . But at last I dressed myself as an old woman , and knocked boldly at her door . The lovely maiden herself opened it , and so charmed me that I came near forgetting my disguise ; but I soon recovered my wits , and begged her to work a fine table-cloth for me , for she is reported to be the best needlewoman in all the country round .
Now I was free to go and see her often under the presence of seeing how the work was going oil , and one day , when her mother had gone XXXXX the town , I ventured to throw off my disguise , and tell her of my love .
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