“That hath an ill look, an’ it were so,” remarked John, thoughtfully.
“‘Less like than Paul’s steeple to a dagger sheath,’” quoted Dr Thorpe, who was rather fond of proverbs.
“Go to, Jack! we are all for ourselves in this world,” responded Mr Underhill philosophically. “As to like, it may be no more like than chalk to cheese, and yet be in every man’s mouth from Aldgate to the Barbican. My Lord Protector is neither better nor worse than other men. If you or I were in his shoes, we should do the like.”
“I trust not, friend,” said John, smiling.
“A rush for your trust!” laughed Mr Underhill. “I would not trust either of us.”
“But I would so!” said Isoult warmly. “Mr Underhill, you surely think not that if Jack were Lord Protector, he should strive and plot for the King to espouse our Kate?”
“Of course he would,” said Underhill coolly. “And so would you.”
“Never!” she cried.
“Well, I am sure I should. Think you I would not by my good will see my Nan a queen?” answered he.
“With a reasonable chance of Tower Hill?” suggested Avery. “You and I have seen queens come to that, Ned Underhill.”