“It will not be necessary to read you such a lesson, sweetheart, as my friend Magog read his dame,” he observed. “But it is as well you should know that I have a resource in case of need.”
“I shall not require to be brought to obedience by a bear, chuck,” returned Lady Le Grand, with a languishing look. “Your slightest word is law to me!”
“So she says now,” observed Dame Potentia, who happened to overhear the remark, to Dame Placida. “But let a week pass over their heads, and she will alter her tone.”
“Perhaps so,” sighed Placida. “But I have never had my own way since my encounter with old Max. Besides, these dwarfs are fiery fellows, and have twice the spirit of men of larger growth.”
“There is something in that, it must be owned,” rejoined Potentia, reflectively.
Max, by Sir Narcissus’s command, was let out of his cage, and when within a few yards of them, sat on his hind-legs, and opened his enormous jaws. At this sight, Lady Le Grand screamed, and took refuge behind her husband, who, bidding her fear nothing, drew his sword, and put himself in a posture of defence. Suppressing a laugh, Hairun informed the knight that Max only begged for something to eat; and sundry biscuits and apples being given him, he was driven back to his cage without any misadventure. Hairun then led the party to his lodging, where a collation was spread out for them, of which they partook-At its conclusion, Peter Trusbut observed, that if Sir Narcissus-and Lady Le Grand would honour him with their company at the Stone Kitchen on the following night, he would use his best endeavours to prepare a supper worthy of them.
“It will give me infinite pleasure to sup with thee, worthy Peter,” replied the knight, with a patronising air; “but I must insist that the banquet be at my expense. Thou shalt cook it,—I will pay for it.”
“As you please, worshipful sir,” rejoined Trusbut. “But I can have what I please from the royal larder.”
“So much the better,” returned Sir Narcissus. “But mine the entertainment shall be. And I here invite you all to it.”
“My best endeavours shall be used to content your worship,” replied the pantler. “We have had some good suppers in the Stone Kitchen ere now, but this shall exceed them all.”