_Ste._ He's still my friend, Meggy. The earldom is nothing between Hubert and old friends. And I'm a-climbing too. I've had an advancement, which I don't mind telling you about, but I'll have a bit o' your brew first and a dozen or so o' them cakes, seein' you took the trouble. I could never disappoint a woman as had put herself out for me. [_Sits at table_] _Eld._ [_Pouring ale_] It has been a long stretch since you were this way, sir. _Ste._ Eh? Has it? Well, I don't wonder you think so in this sort o' a place. Not much goin' or comin' round here! But time don't hang wi' Stephen. There's ridin' and fightin' an' the lassies to comfort---- _Eld._ I thought you were honest. You've bragged enough! _Ste._ As honest as a soldier, my dear,--and that ought to content any woman. [_Eldra sits at table_] Yes, sit if you like. I'm not overproud, though your place is behind a man o' my rank when he's at table. I know I've eaten wi' you and drunk wi' you, but I've had an advancement, Meggy, I've had an advancement. [_Takes sip of ale and puts it down_] Costmary! Well, let 'em as likes it drink it. _Eld._ 'Tis nice and balsamy. I thought you'd like it, and saved it o' purpose. _Ste._ Dose me wi' tansy and be done! [_Eldra turns her head to wipe away a tear and Stephen gulps the ale_] _Ste._ [_Bites a cake and puts it down_] Poh! _Eld._ Don't you like it? _Ste._ If I don't mind a lie for manners' sake, I do, but if I've more respect for truth than manners, I don't. Ain't your hand a little out? _Eld._ I thought they were extra nice, sir. I'm sure they rose like feathers. _Ste._ And may blow away for me! But come, don't hang your head, Meggy. You're too old for that. _Eld._ My name is Eldra, sir. _Ste._ I know, I know, but I told you that was the name o' my dear lass that's dead and gone---- _Eld._ Dead and gone? _Ste._ That's what I said. If she ain't dead, she's where I can't get her, which is all the same to a soldier, so I've about made up my mind to give over lookin' for her. Lord, don't cry, little chicken! You are a soft one. Cryin' to think I've lost such a jewel o' a lass, but I'll tell you something to make you think better of it. There is somebody up in old Scotland that I think I'll fetch down for the comfort o' Stephen--as bonny a woman as a man need want, wi' enough siller laid up from her old daddy to make a soldier a gentleman. Lizzie o' Logan---- _Eld._ Oh-h! _Ste._ The qualms again? Now devil take a woman as gets queasy just when a man wants to be friendly and talk things over. _Eld._ [_Aside_] Liz o' Logan! My cousin as was always jealous and wanted my Stephen!