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Show Page 109 "I heard the brat profane the Sabbath," Rose said, a pious look upon her narrow face. "When I tried to show him the error of his ways, he spoke to me disrespectful like so I felt I must correct him." How I should have loved to smack my palm against her sanctimonious face! "Is that true?" Richard asked, turning to Twig. Twig gulped. Then, looking from me to Rose, nodded. I felt as though it were I who had been slammed in the ribs, not Rose. But before I could dispute, Richard turned to Twig. "Lucky you are that it was not I who heard your blasphemous words, else you would be flogged. Now go!" He pointed whence they had come. With a final, pale look toward Rose, Twig was gone. "I do thank you, lieutenant," said Rose, attaching herself to Richard's arm. "I was afraid lest Mistress Douglas here strike me for doing my duty. It would seem she does not believe lads should be punished for their misdeeds." With a puzzled look toward me, Richard allowed himself to be led off by Rose, leaving me-totally bewildered-to follow silently after. It was evening before I had a chance to speak with Twig alone. Question him as I might, he would tell me nothing of what had caused the scuffle between him and Rose. But whatever the cause, it must have been something fearsome, for he was |
