I waited while she hung
over the fire whispering, and while the goodwife slowly filled
her pitcher out of the great black pot. But when she turned to
go, I took a step forward so as to bar her way. And our eyes
met.
I could not see her features; they were lost in the shadow of the
hood. But I saw a shiver run through her from head to foot. And
I knew then that I had made no mistake.
'That is too heavy for you, my girl,' I said familiarly, as I
might have spoken to a village wench. 'I will carry it for you.'
One of the men, who remained lolling at the table, laughed, and
the other began to sing a low song. The woman trembled in rage
or fear; but she kept silence and let me take the jug from her
hands; and when I went to the door and opened it, she followed
mechanically. An instant, and the door fell to behind us,
shutting off the light and glow, and we two stood together in the
growing dusk.
'It is late for you to be out, Mademoiselle,' I said politely.
'You might meet with some rudeness, dressed as you are. Permit
me to see you home.'
She shuddered, and I thought that I heard her sob, but she did
not answer.
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