Your mother has shown sound judgment, and her advice has generally been good; though I never fully recognized this, till I saw what great good had come of her wishing you to learn to read and write; for it is to that, to no small extent, that you owe your rapid rise and present dignity." Accordingly, a few days later, Oswald rode with his father to Warkworth, to which castle the earl had returned after his visit to England.

At the request of John Forster he received back the feu from him, and appointed his son to it.

This done, Oswald rode to pay a visit to his cousins; while his father returned to Yardhope, with two retainers he had brought with him.
Oswald had not seen Adam Armstrong, since the latter had come to Yardhope after the rescue of his daughters; and he was received by him with the greatest warmth, as also by Allan, who, although now nearly recovered from his wounds, had, fortunately for himself, not gained sufficient strength to be able to accompany Douglas, either to Homildon or in his march into England to join Percy.
The girls were out when he rode up; but, upon their return, both showed the greatest pleasure, Jessie being the most demonstrative in her welcome.
"It has always been a sore subject with me, Oswald," Allan said, "that you should have ridden away in that gallant enterprise to rescue my sisters, while I was lying here helpless; and knew, indeed, nought of it, until after you had taken them safely to Yardhope.
"Ah! Roger, I am glad to see you again; and to thank you, too, for the share you took in it." "In faith, Master Allan, there are no great thanks due.

It was but a poor affair, and I had but one opportunity, and that not worth naming, of striking a hearty blow.

It seems to me that these things are never fairly divided.