'Twas
enough to make one laugh to see the big lubber try to whisper hints,
and shiver and shake, as he showed me a knot in his matted locks and
asked if it were not the enemy's tying. I told him 'twas tied by the
enemy indeed, the deadly sin of sloth, and that a stout Dutchman
ought to be ashamed of himself for carrying such a head within or
without. But I scarce bethought me the impudent Schelm could have
thought of you, lady."
"Hush again. Forget the word! They are gone to Shields in search of
the witch-finder, to pinch me, and probe me, and drown me, or burn
me," cried Grisell, clasping her hands. "Oh! take me somewhere if
you cannot safely hide me; I would not bring trouble on you!"
"You need not fear," he answered. "None will enter here but by my
goodwill, and I will bar the garden door lest any idle lad should pry
in; but they come not here. The tortoise who crawls about in the
summer fills them with too much terror for them to venture, and is
better than any watch-dog. Now, let me touch your pulse. Ah! I
would prescribe lying down on the bed and resting for the day."
She complied, and Clemence took her to the upper floor, where it was
the pride of the Flemish housewife to keep a guest-chamber,
absolutely neat, though very little furnished, and indeed seldom or
never used; but she solicitously stroked the big bed, and signed to
Grisell to lie down in the midst of pillows of down, above and below,
taking off her hood, mantle, and shoes, and smoothing her down with
nods and sweet smiles, so that she fell sound asleep.
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