again. She did not deign to notice the men's awkward salute, and
when Diccon, a handsome rogue enough, advancing to light us up
the bank, brushed by her something too closely, she drew away her
skirts as though he had been a lazar. At my own door I turned and
spoke to the men, who had followed us up the ascent.

"This lady," I said, taking her hand as she stood beside me, "is my
true and lawful wife, your mistress, to be honored and obeyed as
such. Who fails in reverence to her I hold as mutinous to myself,
and will deal with him accordingly. She gives you to-morrow for
holiday, with double rations, and to each a measure of rum. Now
thank her properly."

They cheered lustily, of course, and Diccon, stepping forward,
gave us thanks in the name of them all, and wished us joy. After
which, with another cheer, they backed from out our presence,
then turned and made for their quarters, while I led my wife within
the house and closed the door.

Diccon was an ingenious scoundrel. I had told him to banish the
dogs, to have the house cleaned and lit, and supper upon the table;
but I had not ordered the floor to be strewn with rushes, the walls
draped with flowering vines, a great jar filled with sunflowers, and
an illumination of a dozen torches. Nevertheless, it looked well,
and I highly approved the capon and maize cakes, the venison
pasty and ale, with which the table was set. Through the open
doors of the two other rooms were to be seen more rushes, more
flowers, and more lights.

To the larger of these rooms I now led the way, deposited her