Nell laughed and bade me fall to.

I obeyed, being hungry in spite of my discomfort.
I was resolute not to quarrel with her.

She had shewn me great friendliness; nay, and I had a fondness for her, such as I defy any man (man I say, not woman) to have escaped.

But she tried me sorely, and while we ate she plied me with new challenges and fresh incitements to anger.

I held my temper well in bounds, and, when I was satisfied, rose with a bow, saying that I would go and enquire if I could be of any aid to Mistress Quinton.
"She won't shew herself to you," cried Nell mockingly.
"She will, if you're not with me," I retorted.
"Make the trial! Behold, I'm firmly seated here!" A maid carried my message while I paced the corridor; the lady's compliments returned to me, but, thanks to the attention of the host, she had need of nothing.