The large Tears came into his Eyes. "Ned," quod he, "I will never doubt it again."
"And now," said I, "let me dress your Hand, for I know Something of Burns." So I went out and got white Cotton Wool, and wrapped a great Pad of it about his Hand, and tied it up neatly; and, just at that Time, his Wife came in with the Crab.
"Why, what's the Matter?" cried she, changing Colour.
"Nothing at all, my Love," returned her Husband cheerfully, "save that I've burnt my Hand."
"Ah," said she, "you wist the Handle of the Kettle was loose.... I won't pity you at all! Is it a very bad Hurt, though?"
"Nothing to speak of," quod he.
"Forsooth, and you couldn't smile so, an' 'twere—only thou hast made such a great Bundle of it. Shall I tie it up neater for thee, Husband?"
"No, sweet Heart, it does well enough. So now for the Crab.... And so young Mistress Anne is in the Country?"
"At the Hall," quod I, "with her Uncle."
"Ah," sayth he quietly, "the Squire hath two fair Sons ... I think she will settle down there one of these Days."