“I’faith,” answered Evaline, with affected displeasure, yet slightly smiling the while, “now I bethink me, I will not tell thee; for I hold thee to be scarce worthy.”
“As how?” cried Hildebrand, with some earnestness. “But,” he added, in a low voice, “’tis true! ’tis true!”
“Now, were I a man, and of degree and condition suitable, I would hold some question with thee on its truth,” answered Evaline. “But, as it is, I will even impeach thee on the items of thy demerit, and bring thee to a full confession.”
“Then, deal with me tenderly, fair mistress, I prithee,” cried Hildebrand.
“That will I not, but with horrible anger,” replied Evaline, with a smile. “Yet, not to enter into items, which I first purposed, I will only accuse thee of doing wrong to two trusty friends.”
“Then, will I not confess the charge,” answered Hildebrand.
“Are not my father and my poor self thy friends, then?” asked Evaline.
“There be few I tender so lovingly,” returned Hildebrand. “But what meanest thou?”
“We cannot help thee, thou thinkest?” said Evaline.
“In what matter, fair mistress?”