So, too, we may for years continue young in heart and
health; some heavy trouble or deep grief overtakes us, and we at once
are old."
"It is not a leap forward in life that you have made, but a leap
aside, out of your own character. It amazes me to see you galloping
wildly over this outlandish country, without a thought but flowers,
soldiers, and sightseeing. I sometimes think you bewitched."
"What is more likely?" said Lady Mabel. "To us silly women, flowers,
soldiers, and sightseeing, are the most bewitching things in the
world."
"But you have lost all caution, all fear, and let these friends of
yesterday lead you you know not whither."
"Traveling is one way to grow wise; and as to danger, what did you
leave Craiggyside for, if it was not to take care of me?"
"Heaven knows I knew not what I undertook. I find one young lady
harder to look after than twelve score of ewes, the kine, and the
crops, with the ploughmen, shepherd, and dairy-maid to boot."
"Pray do not tell that to any but myself. With such a character, so
far from passing for a lady, I could not get a place as lady's maid."
"You may laugh, my lady, but the danger is real and near.
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