“I am silent because there is no more to say. You bade me be silent, and I have remained so.”
“What! Even when you saw those gay lords making their addresses to Margaret, and when she grew angry because you gave no sign, and was minded to yield to one or the other of them?”
“Yes, even then—it was hard, but even then. Do I not eat your bread? and shall I take advantage of you when you have forbid me?”
Castell looked at him again, and this time there were respect and affection in his glance.
“Silent and stern, but honest,” he said as though to himself, then added, “A hard trial, but I saw it, and helped you in the best way by sending those suitors—who were worthless fellows—about their business. Now, say, are you still of the same mind towards Margaret?”
“I seldom change my mind, Sir, and on such a business, never.”
“Good! Then I give you my leave to find out what her mind may be.”
In the joy which he could not control, Peter’s face flushed. Then, as though he were ashamed of showing emotion, even at such a moment, he took up his glass and drank a little of the wine before he answered.
“I thank you; it is more than I dared to hope. But it is right that I should say, Sir, that I am no match for my cousin Margaret. The lands which should have been mine are gone, and I have nothing save what you pay me for my poor help in this trade; whereas she has, or will have, much.”
Castell’s eyes twinkled; the answer amused him.