"'Twas not of my seeking," I returned, and then I could have cursed my foolish tongue.
"Is that generous, Captain Ireton? We hear something of the talk of the town, and that says—"
"That says I struck him without sufficient cause. I am content to let it stand so."
"Nay, but you should not be content. Is there not strife enough in this unhappy land without these causeless bickerings?"
Here was my lady turned preacher all in a breath and I with no words to answer her. But I could not let it go thus.
"I knew Sir Francis Falconnet in England," said I, hoping by this to turn her safe aside.
"Ah; then there was a cause. Tell it me."
"Nay, that I may not."
Though she was hurting me sorely in the wound-dressing, and knew it, she laughed.
"'Tis most ungallant to deny a lady, sir. But I shall know without the telling; 'twas about a woman. Tell me, Captain Ireton, is she fair?"