“Aught been upsetting you, mistress?” he asked.
“Nay.” Sue blushed again and stumbled over a form.
The big man sighed and looked into the fire.
“Been thinking of the Spaniard?” he asked half between his teeth.
“No,” said Sue so vehemently that he jumped. “I have not, nor am like to.”
French smiled on her.
“Well, that’s all right, then, ain’t it?” he said cheerfully.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said stiffly.
French’s smile faded.
“No, that’s right,” he said almost mournfully, “that’s right.”