"Why yes, she told me how you spoke to her the day the Mayflower sailed, and she modestly avows that she is well content to be thy wife."
"But"—
"What is it, Howland? Speak out, man," interposed Bradford with authority. "Thou seemest dazed."
"Why, truth to tell, sir, and my dear Dame, I thought not of Desire as my wife"—
"Didst thou not speak to her of marriage?"
"Surely not,—or—there was some idle jest between us, I mind not what, and I never thought on 't again."
"But she did, thou seest," said the Governor sternly. "Thou knowest how 'idle jesting that is not convenient' is condemned in Holy Writ, and now is the saying proven. The maid believed thee in earnest, and hath set her mind upon thee"—
But of a sudden Bradford remembering Desire's plainly expressed preference for the Captain, if he might be had, paused abruptly, and Dame Carver took up the word,—
"It would much comfort my mind, John, if thou wouldst consent to this thing. The maiden's future is a fardel upon my shoulders now, and they are not over strong. 'T is a good wench, John, if not over brilliant."
"Say no more, dame, say no more. If it will be a pleasure and a comfort to thee, it is enough."