Thus these outland people held their festival, and Hilary marvelled to see the many fires, for he had not known that the land held so many folk.  But now when it was time for the wayfarers to cast about in their minds how and where they should pass the night, there came to them a stranger, a grave and seemly man clad in the manner of the Romans, and he bowed low to them, and said: "O saintly men, the Lady Pelagia hath heard of your coming into this land, and she knows that you have come to teach men the new faith, for she is a great lady, mistress of vast demesnes, and many messengers bring her tidings of all that happens.  She bids me greet you humbly and prevail on you to come and abide this night in her house, which is but a little way from here."