Page:Joan, the curate.djvu/191

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Settling Accounts.
185

odd attractiveness, which made her a creature unique, unapproachable, dangerous.

"I think, Mistress Ann," said he, "'twould be better for us if you pleased us less easily."

She laughed again, showing her beautiful sound white teeth in a most winning mirthfulness which seemed to be wholly without guile. Tregenna, however, was still cautious. The very fact that she now seemed to him to be handsome, whereas hitherto he had thought her features somewhat homely, was enough to put him on his guard.

"Nay, sir, I am not the foul foe you imagine. You shall not fare ill at my hands, if 'twere but for the bold stand you have made against me!" said she. "You shall pledge me in a cup of wine; and you shall find it none the less invigorating that it has never paid duty!"

The archness with which she spoke was charming, irresistible. Tregenna watched her with amusement, interest, admiration, as she went to the table and poured out a full tankard from a flagon that stood at one end of the board. She turned to bring it to him, with a grave, rough grace that was odd and subtly attractive,