ee, child, and now I must divide my rule
with a cantankerous Scot--"

"Nay, a Scot and lives in England?"

"He lives in England and thy father speaks of bending somewhat thy
quick temper to the mould of self-control as a safer parry to Scotch
thrust; so I conclude the gentleman must be a Scot."

"Janet, 'tis these awful men that wear skirts like women. I remember
many years ago when I was in Sister Agnes' room, of seeing some of
those dreadful pictures of skirts and bandy-legs. They are unseemly
things for men to wear; it is as though one were uncivilised. I hate
him already for it!"

"Lambkin, thou must remember thy teachings. Sister Agnes would
admonish thee for saying hate. Besides thou dost not know the man, he
may be a second father to thee and cajole and pamper thy whims. He
may even eschew plaid frocks and don modish garments--that would
hide bandy-legs still less! Thy father said I must enjoin upon thee
respect, for his lordship's age; regard, for his wishes, and thou art
to obey his commands, as 'twas not possible for him to direct thee
otherwise than good. If at any time he should find thee in fault, be
the matter seemingly beneath notice, acknowledge thy wrongness, for he
hath a temper and might goad thee to greater blunder. His blood flows
hot and fast, and thou must cool and swage it with thy gentle dignity.
Inasmuch as thy moneys and estates are in my Lord Cedric's control,
thou art to receive such income from him without question. Thy father
further directs perfect submission to Lord Cedric in matters of
marriage, as he will bring suitors of high degree for thy choice and
thou wilt find among them a lover to thy liking." The rosy red flew
into the maiden's face and she trembled with a sweet new emotion she
did not understand.

"This is the first time thou hast ever spoken to me of lovers, Janet.
Indeed very strange things seem to be happening to-day. I feel like a
bird about to fly forth from its cradle-nest, I have forgotten how the
world appears. 'Tis broad and vast; it makes me dizzy to think between
these cramped walls that never seemed so narrow heretofore!" She
lay for a moment in deep thought, then,--"Where didst say father
journeyed?"

"He said not, but intimated 'twas a place of safety where he was
happy to go from political intrigue and war, and where he shall meet
friends."

"Why did he not inscribe some words to me?"

"He speaks of an epistle of welcome--and farewell to be given the