"It was only that he was
distressed for want of drink, poor fellow, and followed me into the storehouse
when he saw me go in to fill the master's flagon. It was naught but a swallow.
My lord would be the last to grudge a harmless body--"
"Harmless?"the page said sternly. "Did I not hear him tell you the same as
that he was an English spy?"
The girl abandoned the last shred of her dignity, to come and stand before
him, nervously fingering her apron. "For the dear saints' sake, let no one
hear you say that, good Fridtjof! Alas, how you have got it twisted! He is an
Englishman who bent his head for food in the evil days. And now they that
bought him will not set him loose, so he has cast off their yoke and fled to
the Danes to get freedom and fortune. He was on his way to join your people
when he stopped to beg food. I could not be so hard of heart as to refuse,
though Hildelitha's hand would be hot about my ears did she suspect it. Say
that you will hold your tongue, sweet lad, and I will make boot with anything
you like."
He was very deliberate about it, the page, pursing his rosy mouth into any
number of judicial puckers; but at last he conceded, "Now, since you know for
certain that he is not one of Edmund's spies, -- and you are so penitent, as
is right,"--pausing, he regarded her severely,--" if I do promise, will you
make a bargain to put an end to your silly behavior toward my lord? Will you
undertake to deliver his dishes into my hands, and leave it for me to pass his
cup?"
"Yes, in truth; by Father Ingulph's book!" the maid cried, wringing her hands.
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