I'd run him through the body as soon as look at him. He'd better
keep out of reach of my sword arm. You can tell him so, fair
sister, if you have a tendresse for the young counter jumper."

Gertrude's sensitive colour flew up, and her brother laughed loud
and long, pointing his finger at her, and adding one coarse jest to
another; but the mother interposed rather hastily, being uneasy at
the turn the talk was taking.

"Hist, children, no more of this!

"I would not that this tale came to your father's ears, Frederick;
it were better to have a care where our neighbours are concerned.
Let the wench alone. There are many prettier damsels than she, who
will not rebuff you in such fashion."

"Ay, verily, but that is the spice of it all. When the wench gives
you kiss for kiss, it is sweet, but flavourless. A box on the ear,
and a merry chase through the streets afterwards, is a game more to
my liking. I'll see the little witch again and be even with her, or
my name's not Frederick Mason the Scourer!"

"Your father will like it ill if it comes to his ears," remarked
Madam, with a touch of uneasiness; "and for my part, the less we
have to do with our neighbours the better. They are no fit
associates for us."

"Say that we are no fit associates for them," murmured Gertrude,
beneath her breath.