... This garment- 'tis well enough- a stitch
here and another one there will set it aright. This other is better,
albeit a stitch or two will not come amiss in it, likewise.... These
be very good and sound, and will keep his small feet warm and dry-
an odd new thing to him, belike, since he has doubtless been used to
foot it bare, winters and summers the same.... Would thread were
bread, seeing one getteth a year's sufficiency for a farthing, and
such a brave big needle without cost, for mere love. Now shall I
have the demon's own time to thread it!'
And so he had. He did as men have always done, and probably always
will do, to the end of time- held the needle still, and tried to
thrust the thread through the eye, which is the opposite of a
woman's way. Time and time again the thread missed the mark, going
sometimes on one side of the needle, sometimes on the other, sometimes
doubling up against the shaft; but he was patient, having been through
these experiences before, when he was soldiering. He succeeded at
last, and took up the garment that had lain waiting, meantime,
across his lap, and began his work. 'The inn is paid- the breakfast
that is to come, included- and there is wherewithal left to buy a
couple of donkeys and meet our little costs for the two or three
days betwixt this and the plenty that awaits us at Hendon Hall-
'"She loved her hus"-
'Body o' me! I have driven the needle under my nail!... It matters
little- 'tis not a novelty- yet 'tis not a convenience, neither.
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