"Nay, for one who accompanies him for the queen," said Jane, growing pale, for she always turned pale where others grew red. "Is not James the avowed enemy of our house?"
"But is there no other for whom ye long, silly lassie?" asked Marion Logan, throwing an arm round Jane.
"My sweet friend—yes; for one who is dearer to me almost than thee; he who sent me this dial from Paris. Oh, Marion! to think that he hath been there for nine weary months!"
"Marry come up, bairn, what matters it?" said the countess, who overheard them, though the two fair friends spoke in low tones; "he will be so changed, and improved in gallantry and grace, that you will scarcely recognise him."
"I cry you mercy, mother," said Jane, pouting; "I knew not that he required improvement in either."
"By my troth, lady countess," said Alison Home, "if you mean Sir Rowland Vipont, the Master of the King's Ordnance, I think him so finished a cavalier that no court in Europe could improve him more."
"Save the court of King Cupid," said Marion.
"And where does he reign?" asked Jane.
"In thine own heart, cousin," said little Sybil, quietly; and then all the girls laughed aloud.
"I thank you, sweet Alison," said Jane, in a low voice, kissing her friend, for her heart danced lightly to hear her lover praised; "but dost thou know that, though I am full of joy, I would give the world to shed a shower of quiet tears just now."