“You’ll have him off the path agen if you don’t mind, Mistress Mary.”
“Where is my whip? I’ve lost my whip,” cried the girl.
“Good job—for me,” said the boy, with a little laugh.
“If you don’t let go of that rein, directly, sir, I’ll make my brother beat you,” cried Mary angrily.
“You won’t tell him he ran away,” said the boy, without turning his head.
“Then my father shall, sirrah!”
“Won’t tell him neither, mistress.”
“Then I’ll tell him you were rude and impertinent to me, sirrah, and he’ll have you horsewhipped for that.”
“Master Mark’s sister couldn’t tell a lie with her pretty little lips,” said the boy quietly, and never once looking round. “Pony’s too fresh, and I won’t see my young mistress get into trouble again—so there!”
Mary Eden flushed with annoyance, and tried to stamp her foot, but only shook the stirrup, and sat still for a few moments, before trying cajolery.