“Goodman, I’ve heavy news for you; so set your mind to bear it as best you may.”
“Nay, goodwife, your winsome face is no herald of bad news, and certes, I’ll not cross the bridge until it comes in sight.”
“Well, then, since words won’t daunt you, here’s a fact, sir! We are to have a merry-making, and gather all the young folk of the village, and Master Bradford will have to lay off the governor’s mantle of thought and worry, that he may be jocund with the rest.”
“Nay, then, Alice, ’tis indeed heavy news!” And the governor pulled a long face, and looked mock-miserable with all his might. “And is it a dispensation not to be gainsaid? Is there good cause that we should submit ourselves to an affliction that might, as it would seem, be spared?”
“Well, dear, you know that my sister Pris has come”—
“Do you tell me so! Now there is news in very deed! And how did Mistress Priscilla Carpenter reach these parts?”
“Now, Will! if you torment me so, I’ll e’en call in Priscilla Alden to take my part. She’ll give you quip for crank, I’ll warrant me.”
“Nay, nay, wife, I’ll be meek and good as your cosset lamb, so you’ll keep me under your own hand. Come now, let us meet this enemy face to face. What is it all?”
Alice, who, tender soul that she was, loved not even playful and mock contention, sighed a little, and folding her hands in her lap gently said,—