Part 12 (1/2)

But she seemed in nowise disconcerted after a word or two; drew my arm about her; put up her red mouth to be kissed, and then begged to be lifted to my saddle.

Here she sat astride and laughed down at me through her tangled hair.

And:

”I have a mind to gallop to Fish House,” said she, ”only that it might prove a lonely jaunt.”

”Shall I come, Jessica?”

”Will you do so?”

I waited till the blood cooled in my veins; and by that time she had forgotten what she had been about--like any other forest bird.

”You have a fine mare, Mr. Drogue,” said she, gently caressing Kaya with her naked heels. ”No rider better mounted pa.s.ses Pigeon-Wood.”

”Do many riders pa.s.s, Jessica?”

”Sir John's company between Fish House and the Hall.”

”Any others lately?”

”Yes, there are hors.e.m.e.n who ride swiftly at night. We hear them.”

”Who may they be?”

”I do not know, sir.”

”Sir John's people?”

”Very like.”

”Coming from the North?”

”Yes, from the North.”

”Have they waggons to escort?”

”I have heard waggons, too.”

”Lately?”

”Yes.” She leaned down from the saddle and rested both hands on my shoulders:

”Have you no better way to please than in catechizing me, John Drogue?”

she laughed. ”Do you know what lips were fas.h.i.+oned for except words?”

I kissed her, and, still resting her hands on my shoulders, she looked down into my eyes.

”Are you of Sir John's people?” she asked.