“She comed to beg some meal cake,” the child began. “She said she wanted it for Ben.”
“Oh!” Mistress Pullen sniffed and looked at her husband significantly. “And wasn’t it for Ben, manikin?” she said.
The child looked up.
“No,” he said eagerly. “No, that’s why they is fighting, mistress, because ’twas not for my grandsire. No, Nan saw the old ronyon eating it herself.”
Joe threw back his head and began to laugh.
“Oh! ho! and did you run away because the two crones were fighting, lad?” he said.
The child nodded, and his tears began to flow again. “And they’s hurt Win!” he blurted out.
“Win? Who’s Win?” said Joe curiously.
“Oh, peace with you worrying the brat,” said Amy. “Prithee, child, did Nan Swayle lay hands on Pet Salt because she had eaten the meal-cake Nan had made for thy grandsire?” she questioned eagerly.
The child shook his head.