"The dame saith she would fain be wed in her new home. It is just finished to-day, and such gear as we have will be carried thither to-morrow."
"I mind me that Mistress White hath a fair cradle of her own," suggested Bradford dryly.
"Ay. Peregrine lieth in it now."
"May it never stand idle. I will come to thy new house then on Thursday of next week, after supper."
As Winslow departed, Desire Minter met him on the threshold, and with a hasty reverence asked,—
"Is the governor within, and can I see him?"
"Ay, lass, he is within, and I know not why thou shouldst not see him. Knock and enter."
And Bradford still languid from his late illness raised his head from the back of his chair with a patient smile as the knock was immediately followed by Desire's broad and comely face.
"Can your worship grant me a few moments if it please your honor?"
"Nay, Desire, it needs not so much ceremony to speak to William Bradford. What wouldst thou?"