'I do desire it. I could not endure that you should go.'
'That is right; but why did you threaten me? I will stay. I could not put up old Jewel in the windmill, and I haven't been invited to Crumbland by Mark Runham.'
He stamped his foot impatiently and set his teeth.
'Why do you speak of him again?'
'Speech is free here—in the van—in a king's palace—everywhere save a gaol. I will speak of any one I choose, at any time, before any one, and in any place I like.'
'Why did you go with him today?'
'Because I am free to go where I choose, and with whom I choose. This is Sunday, and a holiday.'
'Yes; but if you have any regard for me, do not go with him at all.' He drew a long breath, removed and put on again his broad-brimmed hat. 'Why do you speak to me of payment for the trifling things I have done for you? of payment with warming-pans, red waistcoats, and fish-glue?'
'I am glad we are round to that point again,' said Zita, 'for speak of that I must. No one can be expected to do things for nothing. If you house me and Jewel, and feed us both'—
'You have worked—you have done more than that beldame Leehanna and the girl would do in twenty years.'