“My kind protector,” she said. “To think of meeting you in a place like this.”
“I am returning from a long journey,” said I.
“And we are starting on a longer,” said she.
“And a pretty prey we be,” said the old nurse, “to all the bandits, and man slayers, and women eaters with which you English line your high roads. In Ireland, my pretty lady might walk alone from Bengore to the Head of Kinsale, and not a body would hurt her; but here, we durst not turn a corner, for fear of one of ye.”
“Nay, Judy, talk not to our friend here as if he were one of them we fear. Besides,” added she, seeing, I suppose, the trouble in my face, “we are like to have a brave enough escort, if what Sir William promises come true.”
Sir William! A great terror came over me when I heard that name.
“Are you then going to Sir William Carleton’s?” said I.
“Yes, and how came you to know it?” said the maiden.
“Madam,” said I, “pardon my boldness. Do you know who is there?”
I thought she looked offended at this, for she said, gravely: