Gladly the people promised.  But ere they left the Marquis, they begged him to fix a day for the marriage lest he should put off too long.  The Marquis granted their request, and farmers, knights, and lords trooped joyfully home.

When the morning of the day that was fixed for the wedding came, the castle of the Marquis was gaily decorated.  Flags floated out from the towers, and garlands trailed over the doorway and the gate.  Within in the great hall a royal feast was spread, and there lay royal robes and gems.

In the courtyard and on the terraces lords and ladies stood in groups.  Wonder and doubt were on every face.  The wedding-feast was prepared, the guests were come, but there was no bride.

A trumpet sounded “to horse,” and all was hurry and noise.  Then Lord Walter rode out through the castle gate.  He was followed by bearers, who carried the beautiful robes and gems that had lain in the hall.

They rode out by the same road along which Griselda had watched the people go to ask the Marquis to wed, many months before.  Now she saw the bridal train ride down from the castle.  “Ah,” she said, “they ride this way to fetch the bride.  I shall work more busily than ever to-day that I may be free to stand and watch Lord Walter’s fair bride as the riders return with her to the castle!”

Then she went to the well to fetch water.  When she came back she found Lord Walter at her father’s door.  In the narrow lane beside the cottage stood lords and ladies, while their horses impatiently pawed the ground.

Quickly Griselda set her pitcher in a trough near the cottage door, and knelt before the Marquis to hear his will.

“Where is thy father?” Lord Walter asked.

“Close at hand, my Lord,” said Griselda, and went to bring him without delay.

“My faithful servant,” said Lord Walter to the old man, “grant me thy daughter for my wife!”

Janicola knew not what to say for surprise.  At last he answered, “My will is thine!  Do as thou wilt, my own dear Lord!”

“Then must I ask Griselda if she will be my wife; but stay thou by us.  Thou shalt hear her answer.”

Griselda was amazed.  She did not know what the meaning of Lord Walter’s visit was, and when she stood before him her face was full of fear.  Her wonder was very great when she heard him say: 

“Griselda, I am come for thee.  Thee only will I wed.  Thy father also is willing.  But ere thou tell me whether or no thou wilt be my bride, listen to the demand I make.  Art thou ready to obey me in everything, and to let me do to thee evil or good as I will without so much as turning to me a frowning face?”

This seemed a strange request to Grisdda, but she loved and trusted Lord Walter so truly that she said: 

“Lord, I am not worthy of this honor.  Verily in all things thy will shall be mine.  Life is sweet, but I will die rather than displease thee.”