On the morrow, which was the day of the ill-faured wedding, I put on my complete accoutrements for the first time. I had Dom Nicholas saddled, for I felt strong once more, and greatly desired to be away from the place. So I stood by the gate as the party from Auchendrayne came in, and saluted them, as was my duty. Then I was riding away alone down by the shore road, when I heard in the distance the sound as of an approaching cavalcade. Bridles were jingling, stirrups clicking, and spearheads making points of light, while the white foam went blowing back from the hard-ridden horses. When they rode up, I saw that they were as trenchant a set of blades as ever a man might wish to set eyes on. And at the head of them rode young Gilbert Kennedy of Bargany. So, not knowing whether they came in peace or war, I set myself upright on the back of Dom Nicholas, who was of so great freshness with kicking of his heels in the park, that he was ill to keep at the stand. Nevertheless, stand I did in the midst of the outer gate, so that I should know whether they came in peace or war, and to have time to cry to the porter, even if they rode roughshod over me. And though I was weak, and knew not what might happen, it was a joy untellable to be somebody again, and to gar men reckon with me. But, being pale, I fear I made a poor figure to stand in the gate and withhold so many. For during my captivity the hair on my face had begun to grow in a manner that was surprising, and proved a constant trouble to me to keep shaven. ’Halt!’ I cried to them. ’How come you to Culzean—in peace or boding in fear of war?’ ’But to wish the Tutor luck on his birthday in passing,’ said Gilbert, ’and then to ride on to the help of John, Earl of Cassillis.’ So, much astonished at what had befallen, and especially at his last saying, I fell in behind him, and the word was given to ride forward. But Bargany called me to come beside him, and asked me of my health. I replied that I had been long time sick of a wound, but that I was now recovered, and above all things desired action, being sicker far of the doing of nothing. Whereat he laughed, and said, ’Be cheerful, and if ye want blows, I will ask the loan of you as a hostage from your master.’ Then, seeing the stir about the doors, and the serving men running every way with flagons and dishes, he said, ’’Tis a great stir for naught but the Tutor’s birthday. What may be the occasion?’ Then, with my eyes secretly upon his, I told Gilbert Kennedy that the Lady Marjorie was to be married that day to James Mure of Auchendrayne. I never saw a man’s countenance change so suddenly. The fire sprang to his eyes, and died out again like dead tinder. The heart blood flushed hot to his face, and, returning, left him pale as a maid in a decline.