remember that you are a husband and a father; and that, though
you think fit to indulge this military fancy, you will not let it
hurry you into dangers which it is certainly unnecessary for any
save professional persons to encounter."

"Lady Bothwell does me too much honour," replied the adventurous
knight, "in regarding such a circumstance with the slightest
interest. But to soothe your flattering anxiety, I trust your
ladyship will recollect that I cannot expose to hazard the
venerable and paternal character which you so obligingly
recommend to my protection, without putting in some peril an
honest fellow, called Philip Forester, with whom I have kept
company for thirty years, and with whom, though some folks
consider him a coxcomb, I have not the least desire to part."

"Well, Sir Philip, you are the best judge of your own affairs. I
have little right to interfere--you are not my husband."

"God forbid!" said Sir Philip hastily; instantly adding,
however, "God forbid that I should deprive my friend Sir Geoffrey
of so inestimable a treasure."

"But you are my sister's husband," replied the lady; "and I
suppose you are aware of her present distress of mind--"

"If hearing of nothing else from morning to night can make me
aware of it," said Sir Philip, "I should know something of the
matter."

"I do not pretend to reply to your wit, Sir Philip," answered