Lady Bothwell; "but you must be sensible that all this distress
is on account of apprehensions for your personal safety. "

"In that case, I am surprised that Lady Bothwell, at least,
should give herself so much trouble upon so insignificant a
subject."

"My sister's interest may account for my being anxious to learn
something of Sir Philip Forester's motions; about which,
otherwise, I know he would not wish me to concern myself. I have
a brother's safety too to be anxious for."

"You mean Major Falconer, your brother by the mother's side?
What can he possibly have to do with our present agreeable
conversation?"

"You have had words together, Sir Philip," said Lady Bothwell.

"Naturally; we are connections," replied Sir Philip, "and as such
have always had the usual intercourse."

"That is an evasion of the subject," answered the lady. "By
words, I mean angry words, on the subject of your usage of your
wife."

"If," replied Sir Philip Forester, "you suppose Major Falconer
simple enough to intrude his advice upon me, Lady Bothwell, in my
domestic matters, you are indeed warranted in believing that I
might possibly be so far displeased with the interference as to
request him to reserve his advice till it was asked."