Martin Pippin in the Apple Orchard

by Eleanor Farjeon

"Oh, Martin! why do you bother me so about an old key? Can't you see I'm busy?"

"Oh, Joyce! when you laugh I must—I must—"

"Yes?"

"I must!"

And he caught her two little feet in his hands as she next flew by, and kissed each one upon the instep.

Then he ran to his bed under the hedge, and she sat where she was till her laughing turned to smiling, and her smiling to sleeping.

"Maids! maids! maids!"

It was morning.

"To your hiding-place, Master Pippin!" urged Joscelyn. "It's our master come again."

Martin concealed himself with speed, and an instant later the farmer's burly face peered through the gap in the hedge.