Again Sir Blaise protested.
“Good friends, be calm, I entreat you.”
“I’ll cut his heart out,” Peter vociferated, stabbing a dirty hand in the direction of his enemy.
“I’ll make him mincemeat,” Paul promised, sawing at the air.
Sir Blaise, turning away in disgust, saw how in the garden Brilliana was making for the house. He frowned on the malcontents.
“Hush, here comes the lady.”
Even as he spoke Brilliana entered from the garden, followed by Evander and Halfman. The girl looked as bright as sunlight as she greeted the company.
“Good-morning, Sir Blaise; good-morning, my masters.”
Then she burst out laughing at the furious faces and helpless gesticulations of the irate claimants. Her laughter was very delightful for most men to hear, but it goaded the squires to frenzy.
“Sir Blaise,” cried Master Paul, “I call you to witness that the lady laughs at us.”