Whenever a young knight has urgent business, be sure that a lady is in question.

Now mind, Sir Archie, I have, as I have told you, set my heart upon marrying you to Mistress Mary Kerr, and so at once putting an end to a long feud and doubling your possessions.

Her retainers fought well yesterday, and the least I can do to reward so splendid a damsel is to bestow upon her the hand of my bravest knight." "I fear, sire," Archie said laughing, "that she must be content with another.

There are plenty who will deem themselves well paid for their services in your cause by the gift of the hand of so rich an heiress.

But I must fain be excused; for as I told you, sire, when we were together in Rathlin Island, my heart was otherwise bestowed." "What! to the niece of that malignant enemy of mine, Alexander of Lorne ?" the king said laughing.