Margaret seized this opportunity, and cried a little; Gerard kissed the tears away.
To table once more, and Gerard drank to woman's wit: "'Tis stronger than man's force," said he.
"Ay," said Margaret, "when those she loves are in danger; not else." To-night Gerard stayed with her longer than usual, and went home prouder than ever of her, and happy as a prince.

Some little distance from home, under the shadow of some trees, he encountered two figures: they almost barred his way.
It was his father and mother.
Out so late! what could be the cause?
A chill fell on him.
He stopped and looked at them: they stood grim and silent.

He stammered out some words of inquiry.
"Why ask ?" said the father; "you know why we are here." "Oh, Gerard!" said his mother, with a voice full of reproach yet of affection.
Gerard's heart quaked: he was silent.
Then his father pitied his confusion, and said to him: "Nay, you need not to hang your head.

You are not the first young fool that has been caught by a red cheek and a pair of blue eyes." "Nay, nay!" put in Catherine, "it was witchcraft; Peter the Magician is well known for that." "Come, Sir Priest," resumed his father, "you know you must not meddle with women folk.

But give us your promise to go no more to Sevenbergen, and here all ends: we won't be hard on you for one fault." "I cannot promise that, father." "Not promise it, you young hypocrite!" "Nay, father, miscall me not: I lacked courage to tell you what I knew would vex you; and right grateful am I to that good friend, whoever he be, that has let you wot.