"Thou hast not discussed with the trooper from over sea in vain," he said,
"since thou speakest so wisely of watches and arms."
"Truly he hath much schooled me in the matter."
"Umph! and what may be the amount of his teaching?"
"That he who sleepeth at a postern should neither talk too boldly of the
enemy, nor expect maidens to put too much trust----"
"In what, Faith?"
"Thou surely knowest I mean in his watchfulness. My life on it, had one
happened to pass at a later hour than common near the night-post of that
gentle-spoken soldier, he would not have been found, like a sentinel of
this household, in the second watch of the night that is gone, dreaming of
the good things of the Madam's buttery."
"Didst truly come then, girl?" said Eben, dropping his voice, and equally
manifesting his satisfaction and his shame. "But thou knowest, Faith, that
the labor had fallen behind in behalf of the scouting party, and that the
toil of yesterday exceeded that of our usual burthens. Nevertheless, I
keep the postern again to-night, from eight to twelve and--"
"Will make a goodly rest of it, I doubt not.
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