My heart shrinks from the thought of seeing any child of ours in the high places of this world.

There be snares and pitfalls abounding there.

We have seen enough to know so much.

There be bitter strivings and envyings and hatreds amongst those of lofty degree.

I would have my children wed with godly and proper men; but I would sooner give them to simple gentlemen of no high-sounding title, than to those whose duties in life will call them to places round about the throne, and will throw them amidst the turmoil of Court life." Sir Richard smiled at this unworldly way of looking at things; but the Trevlyns had suffered from being somewhat too well known at Court, and he understood the feeling.
"Truly we live in perilous times," he said thoughtfully, "and obscurity is often the best security for happiness and well being.
But to return to Kate.