"I'll not deny that things look 'unchancy,' as we say in the North, Cousin Jane; but, for the life of me, I don't see how they are to be bettered by anything I can do now." "My heart! But men are slow to see ahead! We will be away out of this the moment we are assured of this young callant's safety, in a week or so at most, I hope. I will take ship from Harwich, and you shall journey with us as my servant, my courier." "Do you think that is absolutely necessary, cousin?" "Hughie, Hughie, how long will you continue to walk with Vanity?" "Just so long as I must lie down with Adversity, cousin. Cannot you understand it is humiliating for a man of my condition to go masquerading about the country as a lackey?" "Not so readily as I can understand the awkwardness of being laid by the heels, Master Hughie. Now don't have any more nonsense! Do you start off this very night for Huntingdon, and lie at the Bell Inn there, until you hear from me. It will not be for more than a week. Let me see, yes, 'Simpkin' will be a good name for you." "Do I look like Simpkin?" I returned, indignantly. "My certes, no! You look more like the Grand Turk at the moment," she answered, laughing. "But you must conceal your rank, my lord, by your modesty and 'Mr. Simpkin,' until I can offer it a more effective covering in a suit of bottle-green livery." "I trust your ladyship will not require any reference as to character?" "It is written on your face, sir. There! I will countersign it for you," whereat she put her two hands on my cheeks and kissed me. "'Pon my soul, Cousin Jane, I don't wonder the men raved over you!" I said, in admiration. "No, poor things, it doesn't take much to set them off at the best of times. But do not begin your flatteries, Hughie; even age is no warrant for common-sense when it meets with old gratifications. Be off, now, and get back here for supper, ready for your travels." I hurried off to my old lodgings, and soon made such preparation for my journey as was necessary.