“I assure you my hand is as steady a one as you will find, and well practised at tilting at the bucket.”
“But mine is more practised at carrying eggs,” she said, gaily.
“Ah, but my greatest pleasure is to serve you,” said Norton, persuasively, “and you promised never to add to my sorrow.”
“Indeed, I never made so rash a promise,” she protested. “Still, if carrying the egg basket will satisfy you, I will yield. Have you brought us a newsbook this morning?”
“No, only a legal document just issued by Prince Rupert. I saw him not long since at Hereford.”
“How I envy you!” she cried. “I would give the world to see one so brave.”
“The Prince hath not a monopoly of courage.”
“No, no; all the King’s soldiers are brave, of course.”
“Yet you will hardly trust this soldier with aught. You hold him eternally at an icy distance.”
His tone was that of a dejected lover. Yet even now she was unsuspicious. Her thoughts were of the war, and not in the least of love.