“Cunning dog!” he said under his breath. “Nay, ’twas the other I meant,” he said quietly.
“Oh!” Big French laughed. “The lass has to wear her mistress’s cast-off,” he said.
“Indeed. Her mistress? Is Sue then mistress of the Ship?”
“Mistress Sue,” said French, laying stress on the first word, “is niece to Master Gilbot.”
“Eh? eh? What’s that?” said Gilbot, who had just come in, looking up at the sound of his name. “Plague on you all disturbing me,” And then looking round, “Where’s Hal?”
“You are out of humour this morning, host,” observed the Spaniard good-humouredly.
“No,” Gilbot’s voice quavered more than ever. “Ain’t had time to get happy yet, that’s all.”
“Oh!” Dick looked up, his eyes twinkling merrily. “Will you drink a stoup of sack with me, mine host?”
Gilbot brightened visibly.
“Be happy to,” he said quickly and then called loudly for Hal, who presently came in flushed and still a little sulky.