"A woman has need of a sharp tongue since Providence gave her but indifferent fists." "In sooth, it is the truth with you," he cried, his good-humour restored as he again caught one of her slender hands and held it up for inspection. "Nature wasted not much material here; methinks it would scarce fill a fly with apprehension." But she wrung it out of his grasp, and, with an exclamation of annoyance, turned once more to the window. His expression changed, and he stood some moments regarding her in silence. At last he said:-- "Joscelyn, 'tis now more than two years since you came to live neighbours with us, and for the last half of that time you and I have done little else than quarrel. But on my part this disagreement has not gone below the surface; rather has it been a covering for a tenderer feeling. I have heard it said that a woman knows instinctively when a man loves her. Have you spelled out my heart under this show of dispute?" She shrugged her shoulders mockingly. "I am but an indifferent speller, Master Clevering." "Right well do I know that, having seen some of your letters to Betty," he answered with ready acquiescence. Whereat she flashed upon him a glance of indignant protest; but he went on calmly, as though he noted not the look: "But you are a fair reader, and mayhap I used a wrong term. Have you not read my heart all these months?" "It is not given even unto the wise to read so absolute a blank." It was his time to wince, but the minutes were flying, the women might return from the gate at any moment, and this would be his last chance for a quiet word with her. "Let us have done with this child's play, Joscelyn. To-morrow I march with my company; 'twill be months, perhaps years, before we meet again. I love you! Will you not give me some gentle word, some sweet promise, to fill with hope the time that is to come?" "What manner of promise can you wish?" she asked, her back still toward him. "A promise which shall mean our betrothal." "Betrothal?--and we always quarrelling?" "Quarrels cease where love doth rule," he answered softly. "But I have no love for you." "You might have if you would cease dwelling so much on the king's affairs and think somewhat of me. I would give you love unqualified if so you would but lean ever so little my way." "And think you, Master Clevering, that I would turn traitor for your love? Nay, sir; I am a loyal subject to King George, and can enter into no compact with his enemies." "Then will I be forced to conquer you along with the other adherents of the tyrant, for have you I will," he cried impetuously. "An you yield not to persuasion, you shall yield to force. From this day I hold you as a part of the English enemy who needs must be subdued; and I do hereby proclaim war against your prejudice for your heart."