Page:Marriott Watson--Galloping Dick.djvu/127

 “Fellow,” says she, drawing herself up with an air of great magnificence. “Faith, Sir Charles, I will have you to speak civilly of my husband, as you yourself have borne witness.”

That put him further about, with the colour running in his funny old face. “Odds, my dear,” he cried in a wheedling voice, “what spirit of devilry is here? What is this tantrum, ninnykins?”

“Devilry!” says she, “ninnykins! Sure, an’ I was Sir Paul, ’twould not be I that would stand by to hear these terms put upon his wife.”

Now I had no knowledge of what there might be between ’em, save that they seemed upon a certain intimacy, and for all that I knew this might ha’ been the real bed-fellow. Seeing her kindness for me, therefore, I was not for making trouble between ’em, and I came forward with my best manner.

“Hark’ee, Sir Charles,” I says bluntly, “what has fallen ’twixt me and her ladyship is not for your interference, whoever you may be. But, an’ you fuss yourself into a heat about it, and maybe with private grounds of your own, under-