And 'tis better for
all there should be no women's tears and foolishness over it."
"Is she willing?" Patience could not but ask.
"Willing?" Both men laughed. "Aye, what lass is not willing to take
a fine, strapping husband, and be a landed dame? She gave the token
back of her own free will, eh, Humfrey; and what did she bid us say?"
"Her loving greetings to-- What were their Puritanical names?" said
the son contemptuously. "Aye, and that she pitied the poor clown
down there, but knew he would be glad of what was best for her."
"So farewell, good mistress," said Master Gaythorn, and off they
clanked together; and Patience, looking after them, could entirely
believe that the handsome buff coat, fringed belt, high boots, and
jauntily cocked hat would have driven out the thought of Stead in his
best days. And now that he was bent, crippled, weak, helpless,--"and
all through her, what hope was then," thought Patience, "yet if she
had loved him, or there had been any truth in her, she could have
wedded him now, and he would have been at ease through life! A
little adder at our hearth! We are well quit of her, if he will but
think so, but how shall I ever tell him?"
She did not rush in with the tidings but came home slowly, drearily,
so that Stead, who was sitting outside by the door, peeling rushes,
gathered that something was amiss, and soon wormed it out of her,
while her tears dropped fast for him.
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