"Because the priest says it is the common sign of salvation to all
good Christians."
"Why, good again!" said the honest soldier. "I protest unto you,
mistress, I envy you these boys. Are they both yours?"
Stawarth Bolton had reason to put the question, for Halbert
Glendinning, the elder of the two, had hair as dark as the raven's
plumage, black eyes, large, bold, and sparkling, that glittered under
eyebrows of the same complexion; a skin deep embrowned, though it
could not be termed swarthy, and an air of activity, frankness, and
determination, far beyond his age. On the other hand, Edward, the
younger brother, was light-haired, blue-eyed, and of fairer
complexion, in countenance rather pale, and not exhibiting that rosy
hue which colours the sanguine cheek of robust health. Yet the boy had
nothing sickly or ill-conditioned in his look, but was, on the
contrary, a fair and handsome child, with a smiling face, and mild,
yet cheerful eye.
The mother glanced a proud motherly glance, first at the one, and then
at the other, ere she answered the Englishman, "Surely, sir, they are
both my children."
"And by the same father, mistress?" said Stawarth; but, seeing a blush
of displeasure arise on her brow, he instantly added, "Nay, I mean no
offence; I would have asked the same question at any of my gossips in
merry Lincoln.--Well, dame, you have two fair boys; I would I could
borrow one, for Dame Bolton and I live childless in our old
hall.
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