Hal on his side felt a glow of pleasure at her obvious friendliness and a warm impulse to take her in his arms. However, he remembered Joe’s advice and the smile died on his lips as he said sharply:
“Where have you been, Ann Farran? And why come you in so quickly by the back way?”
The eager, happy light died out of the girl’s eyes in a moment, and a flush of anger spread over her cheeks.
“And what will that matter to you, Master Hal Grame?” she said, pertly tossing her head.
Hal’s young face grew hard and he laid a hand on her arm.
“Indeed, it has a great deal to do with me, Ann Farran. What duty am I paying to Master Gilbot if I let his serving wenches go flying about the Island at all hours of the day, and besides, Anny, don’t forget that you—you——” His voice had grown much softer and even trembled a little, but Anny was too angry to notice it.
“Indeed, I think you take too much on your shoulders, master—master tapster,” she burst out.
Hal gasped, and then as his anger rose, his grip on her arm tightened and he shook her violently.
“Take care, Anny, take care,” he said between his teeth, “don’t forget that you were to wed me!”
Anny tried to wrench her hand away.