“So please you, holy friar,” said the boy shyly, “the monkey is at our lodging.”
“What, is that the poor beast which those young villains would have stoned? Nay, then, hearken, little maidens. The monkey has been in evil case, and was like to be in worse but for this boy, Hugh Bassett. And the cruel varlets who would have killed it set upon him for delivering it, and though he fought right sturdily he would have been in evil case but for Wolf.”
“Our Wolf?”
“Even so. What say you now?”
“He is a good boy,” said the little Anne gravely. Eleanor went nearer, and looked steadfastly at Hugh.
“Is the poor monkey at your house?”
“Ay, little mistress.”
“Shall we come and see him?”
Hugh looked uncertainly at the friar, and the friar at Mistress Judith. Mistress Judith threaded her needle afresh.
“If my lady—” began the friar.