town, and that says--"

"That says I struck him without sufficient cause. I am content to let it
stand so."

"Nay, but you should not be content. Is there not strife enough in this
unhappy land without these causeless bickerings?"

Here was my lady turned preacher all in a breath and I with no words to
answer her. But I could not let it go thus.

"I knew Sir Francis Falconnet in England," said I, hoping by this to
turn her safe aside.

"Ah; then there was a cause. Tell it me."

"Nay, that I may not."

Though she was hurting me sorely in the wound-dressing, and knew it, she
laughed.

"'Tis most ungallant to deny a lady, sir. But I shall know without the
telling; 'twas about a woman. Tell me, Captain Ireton, is she fair?"

Seeing that her mood had changed again, I tried to give her quip for
jest; but what with the pain of the sword-thrust and the sweet agony of
her touches I could only set my teeth against a groan. She went on
drawing the bandagings, little heedful how she racked me, I thought; and
yet when all was done she stood beside me all of a tremble, as any
tender-hearted woman might.