But I recovered myself in time.

"What says she ?" I asked.
"I have not asked her," said she.
"I will ask her then," said I, and we went together to where Jeannette sat waiting for us.
"Jeannette," said I, "this maiden asks me to lend her the most precious thing I possess.

Say, shall I do so ?" "Yea, Humphrey, and with a willing heart." "Then, sweetheart," said I, kissing her, "I will even lend her thee." It surprised me that when it came to asking my master and mistress they gave their leave after but a short parley.

For the two maids were so bound together, and the lot of the one was so pitiful and desolate, that it seemed, after all, not too great a boon to ask.

And when Jeannette herself seconded the request, and I encouraged it, they yielded.
In truth, my master was just then so full of his work and of the peril he ran, that I think he was all the better disposed to see one of his family thus provided for.