"Some were of opinion that the loss of so many hundred acres of fair land was worth some reward of honour at least; and there were who thought my descent from William the Conqueror--craving your ladyship's pardon for boasting it in your presence--would not have become a higher rank or title worse than the pedigree of some who have been promoted.

But what said the witty Duke of Buckingham, forsooth?
(whose grandsire was a Lei'stershire Knight--rather poorer, and scarcely so well-born as myself)--Why, he said, that if all of my degree who deserved well of the King in the late times were to be made peers, the House of Lords must meet upon Salisbury Plain!" "And that bad jest passed for a good argument!" said the Countess; "and well it might, where good arguments pass for bad jests.

But here comes one I must be acquainted with." This was little Julian, who now re-entered the hall, leading his little sister, as if he had brought her to bear witness to the boastful tale which he told his father, of his having manfully ridden Black Hastings to the stable-yard, alone in the saddle; and that Saunders though he walked by the horse's head, did not once put his hand upon the rein, and Brewer, though he stood beside him, scarce held him by the knee.

The father kissed the boy heartily; and the Countess, calling him to her so soon as Sir Geoffrey had set him down, kissed his forehead also, and then surveyed all his features with a keen and penetrating eye.
"He is a true Peveril," said she, "mixed as he should be with some touch of the Stanley.

Cousin, you must grant me my boon, and when I am safely established, and have my present affair arranged, you must let me have this little Julian of yours some time hence, to be nurtured in my house, held as my page, and the playfellow of the little Derby.