"Why, one would think I was some weak girl such as we read of in the old ballad stories!" she cried, with a laugh that was more like a hysterical cry, and, hastily washing away the traces of her tears, she determined to make a bold effort to show Sir Mark that his case was hopeless, and descended to the parlour to gather up and restore the pearls. All thought of the jewels, though, was chased away by the sight of her father just seating himself for a rest and a smoke; and, smoothing her face, she went up to him, and stood by his side with her hands resting upon his shoulder. "Are you tired, dear?" she said, passing her cool hand across his brow. "Very, child," he replied, drawing her to him, so that she was seated upon his knee, with her head leaning against his cheek. "You work so hard now," she continued. "This great order makes you so busy." "Yes," he said, laughing; "but it is for honour and wealth, child. It is a great thing, and Sir Mark as good as promises that I shall be Master of Ordnance to the King." "Are Sir Mark's promises all to be believed?" said Mace, quietly. "To be sure! Yes, of course, child. He is a noble gentleman, of goodly birth, and when thou art his wife--" He stopped short, for the words he had been trying to say had suddenly slipped from his lips, and he was startled by the manner in which his child leaped from his side, to stand staring down at him with flashing eyes. "What is it?" he cried, in a clumsy, faltering manner. "What was that you said, father?" "I said when thou art Sir Mark's wife, and he takes thee to court." "I can never be Sir Mark Leslie's wife." "Tut! nonsense," cried the founder, working himself up into a passion; "why do you talk such rubbish as this? What do you know of wedlock? Sir Mark has asked for thy hand in honourable marriage. It is a great honour; and thou wilt be wed and praised at court, and become a great body. What could I wish better for my child?" "Oh, father, what do you mean?" she cried, with his own angry spirit rising up within her. "Mean?" he cried, rousing himself now, to finish the task that he had fought in vain for so long to begin. "I mean that Sir Mark is to be thy husband. He brings thee honour and me wealth. It is a great thing, child. Living here as thou hast, such a position as that thou wilt occupy is a thing almost undreamed of. Why, my darling," he said, trying to smile, "thou wilt ride in thy grand carriage, and have lackeys to follow thee, and be admired of all the court. Zounds! but I shall be proud indeed!" "Father," cried Mace, piteously, "you do not mean all this!" "But I do!" he cried. "There, go to, silly child; it seems a trouble, but it will be all a joy. There, there: we need talk of it no more, for perhaps it will not be for months. I have given Sir Mark my promise, and thou wilt be his wife." Mace stood gazing at him piteously. Then throwing her arms round his neck she burst into a fit of sobbing.