The friar, however, went no further than the passage, where he called for Mistress Judith, and was presently answered in person by a somewhat crabbed-looking personage, who listened sourly to his entreaty that she would do something towards stitching together Hugh’s unfortunate jerkin.
“The poor varlet has no mother,” he ended. But Mistress Judith pursed her mouth.
“The more need he should be careful of his clothing,” she was beginning, when suddenly with a rush two little golden-haired girls of not more than four or five came running along the passage, calling joyfully upon Friar Nicholas, and clinging to his grey cloak.
“Thou wilt take us to the fair, wilt thou not?”
“And let us see the monkey that runs up the ladder, and the dancing bear, and—we have some nuts for the monkey.”
Mistress Judith’s face relaxed.
“Nay, now, children, ye must not be troublesome. The good friar has doubtless other business on hand—”
“I’ll take them, I’ll take them,” said the friar, hastily, “if you will put the boy in order by a few touches of your skilful handiwork. As soon as I have bestowed him in safety I will return for them.”
“To see the monkey,” persisted little Eleanor.
“Ay, if thou wilt—” He was interrupted by a pull of the sleeve from Hugh.