For though they hated him almost as much as did the fat burghers, they feared him, too.

And that because Gottfried Gottfried was deep in the confidence of the Duke; and, besides, was no man to stand in the ill-graces of when one lived within the walls of the Wolfsberg.
So this morning it was to the ancient Hanne that I ran down and told her how, as quickly as she might, she must bring milk and bread to the little one.
"But," said she, "there is none save that which is to be sodden for your father's breakfast and your own." "Do as you are bid, bad Hanne!" cried I, being, like all solitary children, quickly made angry, "or I will tell my father to drive you before him when next he goes forth clad in red to the Hall of Justice." At which the poor old woman gave vent to a sharp, screechy cry and caught at her skinny throat with twitching, bony fingers.
"Oh, but you know not what you say, cruel boy!" she gasped.

"For the love of God, speak not such words in the house of the Red Axe!" But, like an ill-governed child, I was cruel because I knew my power, and so made sure that Hanne would do what I asked.
"Well, then, bring the sop quickly," said I, "or by Peter-and-Paul I will speak to my father.

He and I can well be doing with beaten cakes made crisp on the iron girdle.

In these you have great skill." This last I said to cheer her, for she loved compliments on her cooking.
Though, strange to tell, I never saw her eat anything herself all the years she remained in our house.
When I was gone up-stairs again I looked about for the Little Playmate.
She was not to be seen anywhere.