“Truth: yet that is scarce the question,” responded Avery. “Rather is it, if the King made another devise of the crown, who should then be the right heir?”
“Ah! now you are out of my depth,” answered Mr Holland. “This little maid and I understand each other better. Do we not so, Kate?”
“Well, Rose?” inquired John.
“Prithee, get Mr Underhill out of the house first,” interposed Dr Thorpe, laughing.
“Or we shall have a pitched battle. I would like nothing better!” said Mr Underhill, rubbing his hands, and laughing in his turn.
“Brother,” said Mr Rose, turning to him, “the wisdom that cometh from above is peaceable.”
“But first, pure!” answered Mr Underhill, quickly.
“There were little of the one, if it should lack the other,” responded he.
“Come, give us your thought!” cried Mr Underhill. “I will endeavour myself to keep mine hands off you, and allgates, if I grow very warlike, Avery and Holland can let me from blood-shedding.”
“When I find myself in the difficulty, I will,” replied Mr Rose, with his quiet smile.