Page:Milady at Arms (1937).pdf/157

 could see once more into the kitchen mirror—this time with her position reversed and the mirror reflecting those who stood Inside—and she plainly saw James Williams in the firelight, standing motionless in an attitude of acute listening!

"Aye—wi' the bullet-moulding and what, Sally?" Mistress Williams glanced at her in mild surprise. "Did not Mistress Ball say at what time?"

"She said to come early," Sally told her reluctantly. She paused again as James Williams appeared in the doorway, stepped aside for him to pass.

Mistress Williams hailed James as he started to walk away. "Nay, where be going, son?" she called reproachfully. Tis supper time, know ye not? Come back, James!" Her voice sharpened into domination as the lad, his back turned, hesitated. "Did ye hear me? I said to come back! Do not go, now, for I need your help wi' little Nat! Sally and I wish to prepare supper."

James returned to the doorstep with obvious reluctance. "Nay, let Zenas care for him!" he urged sullenly. "That lazy varlet can take care o' the baby as well as I—I ha' business to be done."

"What better business than helping your mother, James?" asked Mistress Williams still more reproachfully. "As for Zenas—lazy varlet. Indeed! He be still absent upon a long, hot errand for me! Nay, James, he be e'er the one to help—not ye!"