Faerie Queene--B. vi. C, 5.
All the men were now dismissed by their leader except one--who was directed to place wine and refreshments on the table: this was done. "And now, Valentine," said the leader, "you may return home: for I think you have a scolding wife; and by the way, if she wishes to have a certificate of your good behaviour and fidelity to her during your absence from home, get me a pencil and I will write one."
"Ah! Captain Nicholas," said the man, "you're still the same man; always ready for a joke, let danger be as near as it will."
"Danger! what danger?"
"Why, to say the truth, I don't above half like the old woman from Anglesea."
"What, Gillie Godber?"
"Yes: she talks strangely at times; and, as sure as your name's mentioned, she puts on a d--d Judas face; and talks--God! I hardly know what she talks; but it's my belief she means you no good."
"Hm!--Well, so I have sometimes thought myself. Yet I know not. At times she's as kind as if she were my own mother. And at all events I can't do without her, so long as I have business at Walladmor Castle. Her son, you know, lives there: and, but for her, I should often be at a loss for means of communicating with him."
"And has Gillie been at Walladmor to-day?"
"Yes: pretty early this morning."