of the two most powerful noblemen in Scotland, at a time when the
aristocracy so closely controlled the throne, the reckless heir
apparent had made two enemies--the one by scornful defiance and
the other by careless neglect. He heeded not the Earl of March's
departure, however, or rather he felt relieved from his importunity.

The Prince went on in indolent conversation with our armourer,
whose skill in his art had made him personally known to many of
the great lords about the court.

"I had something to say to thee, Smith. Canst thou take up a fallen
link in my Milan hauberk?"

"As well, please your Highness, as my mother could take up a stitch
in the nets she wove. The Milaner shall not know my work from his
own."

"Well, but that was not what I wished of thee just now," said the
Prince, recollecting himself: "this poor glee woman, good Smith,
she must be placed in safety. Thou art man enough to be any woman's
champion, and thou must conduct her to some place of safety."

Henry Smith was, as we have seen, sufficiently rash and daring when
weapons were in question. But he had also the pride of a decent
burgher, and was unwilling to place himself in what might be thought
equivocal circumstances by the sober part of his fellow citizens.

"May it please your Highness," he said, "I am but a poor craftsman.
But, though my arm and sword are at the King's service and your
Highness's, I am, with reverence, no squire of dames. Your Highness