When this was finished Sir Andrew asked if any of his brothers accompanied Hugh, saying that if so they must arm.
"No," answered Master de Cressi, "one of the family is enough to risk as well as four of our best servants.

My sons bide here with me, who may need their help, though they are not trained to arms." "Perhaps it is as well," said Sir Andrew drily, "though were I their age--well, let that be.

Now, son Hugh, before you eat do you and Eve come with me into the church." At these words Hugh flushed red with joy, and opened his lips to speak.
"Nay, nay," broke in Sir Andrew, with a frown; "for a different purpose to that which is in your mind.

Man, is this a time for marrying and giving in marriage?
And if it were, could I marry you who are stained with new-shed blood?
'Tis that you both may be absolved from the guilt of that blood and learn the penance which God decrees to you through the mouth of me, His unworthy minister, in payment of its shedding.

Thus you, son, may go forth upon your great adventure with a clean heart, and you, daughter, may await what shall befall with a quiet mind.