She is now nigh thirteen years of age, and is the heiress of broad lands; is it not time that she were betrothed to one capable of taking care of them for her, and leading your vassals to battle in these troubled times ?" "Thanks, Sir James, for your anxiety about my child," Dame Vernon said coldly.

"She is a ward of the king.

I am in no way anxious that an early choice should be made for her; but our good Queen Philippa has promised that, when the time shall come, his Majesty shall not dispose of her hand without my wishes being in some way consulted; and I have no doubt that when the time shall come that she is of marriageable age--and I would not that this should be before she has gained eighteen years, for I like not the over young marriages which are now in fashion--a knight may be found for her husband capable of taking care of her and her possessions; but may I ask if, in so speaking to me, you have anyone in your mind's eye as a suitor for her hand ?" "Your manner is not encouraging, certes; but I had my plan, which would, I hoped, have met with your approval.

I am the young lady's cousin, and her nearest male relative; and although we are within the limited degrees, there will be no difficulty in obtaining a dispensation from Rome.

I am myself passably well off, and some of the mortgages which I had been forced to lay upon my estates have been cleared off during my absence.