"Who could deny his lordship ?" "Shall I tell them you are coming ?" she inquired, her hand already upon the door.
"A moment," he begged, detaining her.

"'Tis a runaway marriage this, eh ?" Her full-hearted smile beamed on him again; she was a very woman, with a taste for the romantic, loving love.

"What else, sir ?" she laughed.
"And why, mistress," he inquired, eying her, his fingers plucking at his nether lip, "do they desire my testimony ?" "His lordship's own man will stand witness, for one; but they'll need another," she explained, her voice reflecting astonishment at his question.
"True.

But why do they need me ?" he pressed her.

"Heard you no reason given why they should prefer me to your chamberlain, your ostler or your drawer ?" She knit her brows and shrugged impatient shoulders.