Bishop, in more courtly language, explained that amid all these
contending parties he could not but judge it wiser to put the
King's two marriageable sisters out of reach, either of a
violent abduction, or of being the cause of a savage contest,
in either case ending in demands that would be either impossible
or mischievous for the Crown to grant, and moreover in misery
for themselves.

Sir Patrick added something courteous about the honour of the
charge.

'So soon!' gasped Jean; 'are we really to go the morn?'

'With morning light, if it be possible, fair ladies,' said Sir
Patrick.

'Ay,' said James, 'then will we take Mary and the weans to the
nunnery in St. Mary's Wynd, where none will dare to molest them,
and I shall go on to St. Andrews or Stirling, as may seem
fittest; while we leave old Seneschal Peter to keep the castle
gates shut. If the Hielanders come, they'll find the nut too
hard for them to crack, and the kernel gone, so you'd best burn
no more daylight, maidens, but busk ye, as women will.'

'Oh, Jamie, to speak so lightly of parting!' sighed Eleanor.

'Come--no fule greeting, now you have your will,' hastily said
James, who could hardly bear it himself.

'Our gear!' faltered Jeanie, with consternation at their ill-