Page:Milady at Arms (1937).pdf/158

 "Well, where be Amos?" asked James grumpily, taking his baby brother from Sally's arms. The little fellow crowed with delight as he felt James's strong arms around him, and the older brother's handsome, impatient face softened. The next instant, meeting Sally's eyes, he reddened and turned sullen again. "Where be Amos, forsooth?" he repeated. "Just because the rogue be older than I, he be e'er the one to avoid work!"

"Poor James—ye be abused, indeed!" laughed Mistress Williams serenely. "Amos be down at the mill, helping your uncle Ben." She turned and led the way into the kitchen, followed by Sally. "James doth protest," she confided to the girl, "yet it seems to happen that he be seldom called upon for household tasks!"

"Mayhap that be why he protests," observed Sally, smiling. "He be not used to it!"

"Mayhap," responded Mistress Williams. She stopped all at once in surprise. "Why, Nathaniel, dear, you home! I did not hear ye come in at the other door!"

Nathaniel Williams raised placid eyes to hers. He was snugly ensconced on a settle whose high back, Sally was swift to note, prevented him from being seen by anyone standing upon the doorstep. Now he took a quiet puff upon his long-stemmed Flemish pipe before he answered, almost as though he were choosing his words. Yet, the girl asked her-