Tell her they are
to meet a brave young Scots lord."
Jenkin coughed that sort of dry short cough uttered by those who are
either charged with errands which they do not like, or hear opinions
to which they must not enter a dissent.
"Umph!" repeated Master George--who, as we have already noticed, was
something of a martinet in domestic discipline--"what does _umph_
mean? Will you do mine errand or not, sirrah?"
"Sure, Master George Heriot," said the apprentice, touching his cap,
"I only meant, that Mistress Margaret was not likely to forget such an
invitation."
"Why, no," said Master George; "she is a dutiful girl to her god-
father, though I sometimes call her a jill-flirt.--And, hark ye,
Jenkin, you and your comrade had best come with your clubs, to see
your master and her safely home; but first shut shop, and loose the
bull-dog, and let the porter stay in the fore-shop till your return. I
will send two of my knaves with you; for I hear these wild youngsters
of the Temple are broken out worse and lighter than ever."
"We can keep their steel in order with good handbats," said Jenkin;
"and never trouble your servants for the matter."
"Or, if need be," said Tunstall, "we have swords as well as the
Templars."
"Fie upon it--fie upon it, young man," said the citizen;--"An
apprentice with a sword!--Marry, heaven forefend! I would as soon see
him in a hat and feather.
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