"It is not seemly in woman to drink of strong waters or glowing wine,"
said Barbara, whose tearful eyes rested upon the time-worn features of
her father: "but, God knows, my heart is often so full of grateful
thanks, that I lack words to speak my happiness; and I have need of
constant watchfulness to prevent the creature from occupying the place
of the Creator. My father has sometimes hours of bitterness, yet I bless
God he is not as a brand consumed in the burning, but rather as gold
purified and cleansed by that which devoureth our impurities, but maketh
great that which deserveth greatness. As to Robin----"
"Don't turn me into a fable, wife!" exclaimed Robin, playfully
interrupting her:--"I am, in my own proper person, an Æsop as it is.
There has been enough of all this for to-night: we will but pledge
another cup to the health of Sir Walter, the Lady Constance, and their
children--and then to bed; and may all sleep well whose hearts are
innocent as yours, Barbara! and I hope I may add without presumption,
purified as mine. You see, Springall, the earth that nourishes the rose
may in time partake of its fragrance."