"I would not notice it the other day, fair cousin," he said, in return for her stiff and ceremonious greeting; "but methinks that you are mightily changed in your bearing towards me.

I had looked on my return from my long journeying for something of the sisterly warmth with which you once greeted me, but I find you as cold and hard as if I had been altogether a stranger to you.

I would fain know in what way I have forfeited your esteem." "I do not wish to enter into bygones, Sir James," the lady said, "and would fain let the past sleep if you will let me.

Let us then turn without more ado to the private matters concerning which you wished to speak with me." "If such is your mood, fair dame, I must needs fall in with it, though in no way able to understand your allusion to the past, wherein my conscience holds me guiltless of aught which could draw upon me your disfavour.

I am your nearest male relative, and as such would fain confer with you touching the future of young Mistress Edith, your daughter.