"He could have found out. He sees Cymlin often enough."
"I think Cymlin dislikes him. I asked him yesterday if he knew Lord Neville and he answered me rudely."
"He is your brother."
"Just for that reason he ought to have spoken civilly to me."
"He is your brother, and you must hear and heed what he says. And I must tell you, Jane, that it is not maidenly to take any young man so seriously as you take Lord Neville until your father and brothers are satisfied. It is a matter of importance to them what men are brought into the Swaffham family. There is plenty to make you happy without Lord Neville. Your own people are safe and sound, the Cause we love is secure, and you may now dwell your life out in England; but if we had not conquered, it would have been over the seas and into the wilderness for us, and strangers forever in old Swaffham. I shouldn't think you were done thanking God for these mercies yet; and if not, then where do you find heart-room for such melancholy and moping as I see in you?"
"But, mother, when I look back to last August——"
"If you want to look happily forward never look backward."
"To be sure; but though I know Cluny loves me, doubts and fears will come, and I cannot always fight them or reason with them."
"Don't try either fighting or reasoning. There is a broad enough way between them."
Jane smiled and lifted her tambour work, and her mother nodded cheerfully as she continued, "Enjoy the hour as it comes to you. I have always found that one good hour brings on another." And Jane took the counsel into her heart and anon began to sing—