And he replied that he would willingly do so; and when he drank to his mother, the maid, who was waiting at table came into the room.
Then the wife called her, and said,
“Come here, my dear friend and companion! drink to me, and I will pledge thee.”
“Friend and companion!” said the host. “What is the meaning of all this affection? What mischief is brewing now? This is something new!”
“Indeed, she is truly my honest and trusted companion! Why do you wonder at that?”
“Oh, the devil, Joan! take care what you say! Any one would think there was something between her and me.”
“And why should they not?” she said. “Did I not find you last night lying in her bed, and sleeping in her arms?”
“In her bed?” he said.
“Truly, yes,” she replied.
“On my honour, gentlemen, it is not true, and she only says so to spite me, and bring shame on the poor girl, for she never saw me there.”