heralds-of-the-Lion, and the 'King of Scots' at every other word."

"Who is the youth who rides at the head of your company?" said the
Lady Sybilla.

"His name is Sholto MacKim, and it was but yesterday that I made him
captain of my guard," answered the Earl.

"I like him not," said the Lady Sybilla; "he is full of ignorance and
obstinacy and pride. Besides which, I am sure he loves me not."

"Save that last, I am not sure that a Douglas has a right to dislike
him for any such faults. Ignorance, obstinacy, and pride are, indeed,
good old Galloway virtues of the ancientest descent, and not to be
despised in the captain of an archer guard."

"And pray, sir, what may be the ill qualities which, in Captain
Sholto, make up for these excellent Scottish virtues?" asked the lady,
disdainfully.

"He is faithful--" began the Earl.

"So is every dog!" interjected Sybilla de Thouars.

The Earl laughed a little gay laugh.

"There is one dog somewhere about the castle, licking an unhealed
sword-thrust, that wishes our Sholto had been a trifle less faithful."

The Lady Sybilla sat silent in her saddle for a space; then, striking