“Rubbish, Jack.”

“ ’Tis not rubbish. I have one recommendation⁠—only one.”

“Faith, have ye as much? What is it?”

My lord laughed bitterly.

“I dress rather well.”

“And fence better, as far as I remember.”

“I have reason to. That is but another point to damn me. What woman would marry a fencing-master? Oh, my God! what a mess I have made of my life.” He tried to laugh and failed miserably.

“I rather fancy Mistress Di would.”

“She will not be asked thus to demean herself,” was the proud answer.

“My dear Jack, ye forget ye are the Earl of Wyncham.”