“Nay, I meant no offense, Margaret, I think thee called thyself so. I make no doubt but that thy mother is most gracious.”
“Indeed she is,” said Robert Dale warmly. “I will ride back and explain the matter to her. The wagons should be hurried up a bit, also. I will see to the mending of this wheel, mistress, and send the wagon along with ours. It is most unwise to leave it here with its contents unprotected. Will you come, Peggy?”
“Nay, let the damsel abide with me until thy return,” spoke Truelove Davis quickly.
Robert glanced at Peggy questioningly.
“I will stay, Robert, if the friend wishes it,” said Peggy.
He saluted and remounting his horse sped back down the road. The Quakeress turned toward Peggy mildly.
“Did not the son of Belial call thee Peggy?” she asked.
Peggy felt the slight irritation that had assailed her but a moment since return at this remark, so she answered with dignity:
“Major Dale so called me. All my friends speak of me as Peggy.”