Milbanke glanced round quickly; Clodagh laughed; and the victim of the assault gave a gasp, pushed her saucepans aside, and thrust her head through the window.
"Wait till I catch you, Masther Larry!" she cried across the yard. "How can I be doin' the work of six women and three men with the likes of you trapesin' about? 'Pon my word, I'll tell on you--I'll tell your uncle on you. Long threatenin' comes at last!"
But the only response that greeted her was a smothered laugh from the stables opposite--a laugh which Clodagh involuntarily echoed.
Instantly Hannah wheeled round from the window.
"Ah! Miss Clodagh, isn't it a shame for you?" she exclaimed tremulously. "Isn't it a shame for you now to be encouragin' that brat of a boy? Sure, 'tis the third time he thrun his marbles of mud at me this mornin'. So signs, I'll spake to the masther. I will so."
Milbanke stood uncertain and embarrassed, nervously curious as to Clodagh's next move. With a certain misgiving he saw her face brim over with delight; then with a sense of complete amazement he saw her step suddenly to the side of the indignant Hannah, throw one arm impulsively round her neck, and give her a hasty kiss.
"Indeed you won't speak to him, Hannah--and you know you won't," she said in her most beguiling tones. "And you'll make a griddle cake for lunch--just to show you aren't angry. Come on, Mr. Milbanke! Larry is waiting."
As they crossed the kitchen, Hannah defiantly passed the corner of her apron across her eyes and ostentatiously resumed her interrupted work.
"Go on wid you now, Miss Clodagh!" she cried. "Sure 'tis a pair of ye that's there. I'm out wid ye."
"Let Betsy over at Mrs. Asshlin's make griddle cake for ye. Maybe she wouldn't put up wid Masther Larry as aisy as me."
"Of course Betsy would make a griddle cake at any time," said Clodagh promptly; "only we couldn't eat it--after yours."
For a moment Hannah made no response; then she gave another disdainful whisk to her apron and attacked the saucepan with renewed force.
Clodagh said nothing, but took a step forward. Her cheeks were bright and her eyes danced with mischief and amusement. As her foot touched the paving stones of the yard, Hannah raised her head.