ay from France merely
for the pleasure of marching off to battle and slaughtering poor
Scotchmen, or of being killed thyself?" said gentle cousin Mary.
"Alas, when will ever you men learn that there are other things to live
for, in which there is more glory, far, than in the cruel wars and
slaughters."

Both Hazel and I did laugh at the little maid for the solemn way in
which she said this; but Harleston did not smile, and on the contrary
listened with attention. Mary without noticing us continued--"Look at
Lord Rivers and behold what he hath accomplished: introduced printing,
and by that one act hath done more real good for England than if he had
won the greatest of all battles."

"I quite agree with thee, Lady Mary," Sir Frederick replied; "but
battles are also necessary, in order that our homes and country may be
protected, and that we may be permitted to enjoy those luxuries such as
is the one which Lord Rivers hath taken the pains to introduce."

"Mayhap thou art right; I never looked at it in that way before; but
still I do not like them," said Mary, wrinkling her little forehead,
and shaking her pretty head in the most bewitching way, and causing
some little golden curls to dance and lightly kiss her cheeks. I could
tell by the look on Harleston's face, that he did envy those curls
their position. And who would not? Had ye but seen Mary at that time,
ye should have been changed from freemen into Mary's slave, and that
quite freely, that is, had the Lady Hazel not been there: for had she
been ye would love the one on which your eyes first fell.

Whilst the afore-put-down conversation was taking place we had been
walking slowly through the park; and now Hazel and I began, gradually,
to drop behind. Of course we had naught whatever to do with this; it
must have been that Harleston and Mary did quicken their pace.

"What dost thou think of my new friend?" I asked, when they were out of
ear-shot.

"Quite an acquisition to the court," Hazel replied. "Indeed 'tis time
we had another handsome gentleman at court," (here my chest did begin
to swell, and at least two inches were added unto my stature, which did
not need it;) "besides the King," she added.

Since that day I have had the greatest sympathy with Lucifer. Verily,
I never fell from such a height before, nor since. I have been thrown
from my horse in battle, and had hundreds ride over me, yet have I felt
better than I did that morning in the park.