"What the devil art thou following now, eh?" asked the Earl.
"My nose, for lack of something better!"
"Thou seemest very drunk! Surely the ale at dinner to-day was not over strong for thee. But, harkee, I have triumphed!"
"Indeed! but the fact is, I am too drunk at the present moment to see exactly how!"
"Guzzler! thou understandest me very well!"
"A notable triumph for one who, if rumour sayeth true, broke many a sconce and many a spear at the Tournelles for the love of a French princess!"
Bothwell coloured deeply; a dark frown gathered on his broad brow, and his dark, expressive eyes filled with light; but the expression and the momentary emotion passed away together.
"I value thy gibes not a rush. To me all the world is now concentrated in this rude Norwegian castle!"
"What a difference between a man who is in love like thee, and one who is not, like me!"
"My stout Hob, thou knowest more of foraying by Cheviot side, and harrying the beeves of Westmoreland, than of making love!"