noon
ON a day she went to the wood , and sat down under her oak-tree , and it was far and far out of sight of anyone standing in the meadow by the lake ; and in the wood Birdalone looked to see nought at all save the rabbits and squirrels , who were , forsooth , familiar enough with her , and fearless , so that they would come to her hand and sport with her when she hailed them . Wherefore , as the day was exceeding hot , she put off from her her simple raiment , that she might feel all the pleasure of the cool shadow and what air was stirring , and the kindness of the greensward upon her very body . So she sat sewing , covered but by a lap of the green gown which her needle was painting . But as she sat there intent on her work , and her head bent over it , and it was now at the point of high noon , she heard as if some creature were going anigh to her ; she heeded it not , deeming that it would be but some wandering hind . But even therewith she heard one say her name in a soft voice , and she leapt up trembling , deeming at first that it would be the witch come to fetch her : but yet more scared she was , when she saw standing before her the shape of a young woman as naked as herself , save that she had an oak wreath round about her loins . The new-comer , who was now close to her , smiled on her , and said in a kind and sweet voice : Fear nought , Birdalone , for I deem thou wilt find me a friend , and it is not unlike that thou wilt need one ere long . And furthermore , I will say it , said she smiling , that since I am not afraid of thee , thou needest not be afraid of me .