This was almost a tacit permission, and he was no such fool as to press her for more. Already his mind ran riot—he saw himself ransacking all the packs and stalls in the town.
"And now," she said, as she had come within sight of the houses, "I will return now or the good dame will wonder."
"But I will walk back with you, Judith," said he, promptly.
She regarded him, with those pretty eyes of hers clearly laughing.
"Methought you came away from the cottage," said she, "because of the claims of your business; and now you would walk all the way back again?"
"Your hand, Judith," said he, shamefacedly, "you must not let it hang down by your side."
"Nay, for such a dangerous wound," said she, with her eyes gravely regarding him, "I will take precautions; but cannot I hold it up myself—so—if need were?"
He was so well satisfied with what he had gained that he would yield to her now as she wished. And yet he took her hand once more, gently and timidly, as if unwilling to give up his charge of it.
"I hope it will not pain you, Judith," he said.
"I trust it may not lead me to death's door," she answered, seriously; and if her eyes were laughing, it was with no unkindness.