sullen tone.

"I meant no harm. I would not have hurt her."

"Ask her pardon then, boy, and tell her so."

"Nay, force him no more," said the little lady, who was regarding this
curious scene with lively interest, and who began to feel sorry for the
dark wild boy who had frightened her by his vehemence before; "I was to
blame myself. I should not have spoken as I did.

"Father, tell them how my tongue is always running away with me. Hast
not thou told me a hundred times that it would get me into trouble one
of these days? It is right that he should love his country. Do not think
ill of him for that."

"Ay, let the lad go now, good friend," quoth Lord Montacute. "No doubt
this little witch of mine was at the bottom of the mischief. Her tongue,
as she truly says, is a restless and mischievous possession. She has
found a stanch protector at least, and will come to no harm amongst thy
stalwart lads. I could envy thee such a double brace of boys. I would it
had pleased Providence to send me a son."

"Nay, father, say not so," cried little Lady Gertrude coaxingly. "I
would not have a brother for all the world. Thou wouldst love him so
well, if thou hadst him, that thou wouldst have none to spare for thy
maid. I have seen how it ever is. I love to have all thy heart for mine
own."

The father smiled, but Res Vychan's face was still severe, and he had