Bagga was immediately keenly interested in the old man’s shoes.
“I hope you have not worn a hole in them yet. But, if you have, I will mend them for you.”
“No,” answered the old man, with a quiet smile. “I am sorry to say there is nothing to mend.”
Bagga blushed again, but added quickly, “But you can let me set them in oil for you tonight, then they will be soft in the morning. You will stay here tonight, will you not?”
“Gladly, if you will house me.”
They had reached the door of the house, and Bagga led him through a dark passage into the room. Seated on a bed was an elderly woman, busy mending some clothes. The visitor noticed for the first time that the girl’s clothing was almost as patched as his own. It was not so noticeable, however, in a pretty girl.
The old woman sat up and stared at him.
“Who is this?” she asked in surprise.
“A beggar, lady. Peace be with you.”
The woman’s glance softened.