"Why, then I will, Martino, I will!" And smiling, she composed herself to slumber and smiling, she presently fell asleep, whereupon Resolution crept stealthily out of the little cave and I after him. Being outside, he turned and suddenly caught and wrung my hand.
"Friend," said he, his grim features relaxing to unwonted smile. "Brother, you are a man--the only man could ha' done it. I thought Death had her sure last night, she all of a fever and crying out for Death to take her."
"She'll do better out in the air!" said I, glancing about.
"Aye, I must contrive her a shelter of sorts to her comfort where she may sleep. 'Neath yonder tree should serve--"
"She'll live, Martino, she'll live and all by reason o' her love for you--the promise you made her--"
"'Wouldst ha' me live,' says she, 'to plague you again,' says she. 'Aye, that would I indeed,' says you! And what's that but a promise, Martin?"
"God forgive you!" quoth I. "'Twas no promise I intended, as you very well know."
"Why, as to that, comrade, how if Joanna think as I think?"
"'Twill be vain folly!" quoth I in petulant anger and strode away, leaving him to scowl after me, chin in hand.
Howbeit (and despite my anger) I presently took such tools as we had and set about making a small hut or rather bower, where an invalid might find such privacy as she wished and yet have benefit of the pure, sweet air rather than lie mewed in the stifling heat of the little cave. And presently, as I laboured, to me cometh Resolution full of praise for my handiwork and with proffer of aid. At this I turned to him face to face.
"Did I make Joanna any promise, aye or no?" I demanded.
"Aye, brother. You vowed Joanna must live to plague you, forsooth, how and when and where she would, comrade. In the which assured hope she lieth even now, sleeping herself to health and strength and all to pleasure you, Martin. And sure, oh, sure you are never one so vile to deceive the poor, sweet soul?"
Now perceiving all his specious sophistry and wilful misunderstanding of the matter, I came nigh choking with anger.
"Peace, brother, peace!" said he. "From any other man this were a fighting word, but as it is, let us reason together, brother! The Lord hath--"