"Is that the way to speak to our mistress?" remonstrated the landlord, who had slipped in.
"Hold your whisht," said his wife sharply, "it is not your business to check the girl, she is a good servant to you."
"What is the cock never to crow, and the hens at it all day?"
"You can crow as loud as you like, my man—out o' doors. But the hen means to rule the roost."
"I know a byword to that tune," said Gerard.
"Do ye now? out wi't then."
"'Femme veut en toute saison,
Estre dame en sa maison.'"
"I never heard it afore: but 'tis as sooth as gospel. Ay they that set these bywords a rolling had eyes and tongues, and tongues and eyes. Before all the world give me an old saw."
"And me a young husband," said Marion. "Now there was a chance for you all, and nobody spoke. Oh! it is too late now. I've changed my mind."
"All the better for some poor fellow," suggested Denys.