But she felt it would not be right, however unjust Thomas and Mistress Mowbray were, and however justified she felt in refusing to obey her.
Meanwhile Thomas went on gloating over his discovery, and he found Mistress Mowbray at once.
She took him into the hall and bade him be seated.
So there they sat for a moment looking at each other, the sly undersized man, with his low ill-developed forehead, and the keen looking, cruel, but dignified woman. “What is it, Thomas?” she said.
“I have but newly seen Mistress Aline out by the High Force,” he replied, “and I know that you bade her not to go without doors.”
“Yes,” said Mistress Mowbray. “Is that all?”
“That is all about Mistress Aline,” he answered, always greatly in awe of the lady, “but, an it please you, may I have a little of the new meal?” he added with sudden boldness.
Eleanor Mowbray looked at him. This came of listening to servants’ tales. She paused an instant; it was very undignified to be bargaining with menials, but the man might be useful to her; she bit her lip and then said, “Yes, Thomas, you can have a boll.”
Thomas did not attempt to conceal his delight. He had obtained something that he wanted and he had gratified his spite against Aline, whom he hated as something petty and mean and base will often hate what is lofty and pure and noble.
Mistress Mowbray was glad that she had now a genuine case against Aline and was determined that she would act with exceptional severity.