“But I shall see thee, my father?” asked Belasez, addressing Abraham.
“Trust me for that, my Belasez! I can come to thee on my trade journeys, so long as it pleases the Holy One that I have strength to take them. And after that—He will provide. My son, wilt thou come for the child to-morrow? I will let thee out at the postern door; for thou hadst better not meet Delecresse.”
And Abraham drew back the bolt, and opened the baize door.
“Father Jacob!” they heard him instantly ejaculate, in a very different tone from that of his last words.
“What hast thou been about now?” demanded the shrill voice of Licorice in the passage outside. “When folks are frightened at the sight of their lawful wives, it is a sure sign they have been after some mischief. Is there any one in yon chamber except thyself?—Ah, Belasez, I am glad to see thee; ’tis more than I expected. But, child, thou shouldst have set the porridge on half an hour ago; go down and look to it.—Any body else? Come, I had best see for myself.”
And Licorice pushed past her husband, and walked into the room where Bruno was standing. He came forward to meet her, with far more apparent calmness than Abraham seemed to feel.
“Good even, my mother,” he said courteously.
“If I were thy mother, I would hang myself from the first gable,” hissed Licorice between her closed teeth. “I know thee, Bruno de Malpas, thou vile grandson of a locust! Nay, locust is too good for thee: they are clean beasts, and thou art an unclean. Thou hare, camel, coney, night-hawk, raven, lobster, earwig, hog! I spit on thee seven times,”—and she did it—“I deliver thee over to Satan thy master—”
“That thou canst not,” quietly said Bruno.
“I sweep thee out of my house!” And suiting the action to the word, Licorice caught up a broom which stood in the corner, and proceeded to apply it with good will. Bruno retreated, as was but natural he should.