"Humphrey, it seems years since I left home, and yet it was but four
hours agone."
"Ay, Master Ralph, time flies apace when one is busy."
"Didst thou see to my horse?"
"Trust me, Master Ralph; he's ne'er a bit hurt, not even a scratch. He
knocked over that bull like ninepins, so they tell me. But, marry,
'twas a mercy you didn't get in front of him. You mustn't be that rash
again. Whatever would they have said to me up Thruxton way?"
"Humphrey, I want you to see after that poor vagrant and his daughter.
Mother was kind to them. I would like to help them over to the Isle of
Wight, where they are going. You have seen to my pony?"
"Not yet, but I will by-and-by."
"Then take them this noble, 'twill help them to a night's lodging and
food," said Ralph shyly, drawing out a coin from his purse.
Humphrey took it surlily.
"I don't know as how you did ought to go giving away your mother's
presents like this, Master Ralph; you'll be wanting all your money among
them gay springalds yonder, I'm thinking."
"Nay, Humphrey, do my bidding," said Ralph quietly.