Teja (smiling).
And what shall the men say?
Balthilda.
He esteemeth her so little that--he consenteth not to take food from her hand.
Teja.
On my word, I assure thee, Balthilda, the men have other things to think on ... yet nevertheless ... reproach thou shalt not suffer through me. Set thy basket there.... Have ye still much of such things?
Balthilda.
Sire, these two weeks have my mother and I and the women about us put aside the best of our share--flour and fruits--and the fowls have we not killed till this very day.
Teja.
Then indeed must ye have been mightily hungry, ye women?