ancient blood or a stainless shield.

The old house, which was built much in the same fashion as the great
mansion of my Lord Dysart on the Thames near to Richmond, but smaller, was,
after all, his family home. The picture and the arms were hid away in
deference to opinions by which in general he more and more sternly abided.
Once, when I was older, I went into his bedroom, and was surprised to find
him standing before the hearth, his hands crossed behind his back, looking
earnestly at the brightly coloured shield beneath the picture of Wyncote. I
knew too well to disturb him in these silent moods, but hearing my steps,
he suddenly called me to him. I obeyed with the dread his sternness always
caused me. To my astonishment, his face was flushed and his eyes were
moist. He laid his hand on my shoulder, and clutched it hard as he spoke.
He did not turn, but, still looking up at the arms, said, in a voice which
paused between the words and sounded strange:

"I have been insulted to-day, Hugh, by the man Thomas Bradford. I thank God
that the Spirit prevailed with me to answer him in Christian meekness. He
came near to worse things than harsh words. Be warned, my son. It is a
terrible set-back from right living to come of a hot-blooded breed like
these Wynnes."

I looked up at Mm as he spoke. He was smiling, "But not all bad, Hugh, not
all bad. Remember that it is something, in this nest of disloyal traders,
to have come of gentle blood."

Then he left gazing on the arms and the old home of our people, and said
severely, "Hast thou gotten thy tasks to-day?"

"Yes."