Part 32 (2/2)

”It's a good soldier's philosophy,” says Jao And if the gentleman was so far froratulate you on your accession to your estates”

”Nor can I say that either,” I replied, with the saood estate; what ood revenue before in ratifies me, shame to me that must confess it!-I see not how anyone is to be bettered by this change”

”Come, come,” said he, ”you are more affected than you let on, or you would never make yourself out so lonely Here are three letters; that means three that wish you well; and I could name two more, here in this very cha, but Catriona, e are alone, is never done with the singing of your praises”

She looked up at him, a little wild at that; and he slid off at once into anotherthe most of the dinner time) he continued to dwell upon with interest But it was to no purpose he disseross a hand: and I knehat to expect Dinner was scarce ate when he plainly discovered his designs He reminded Catriona of an errand, and bid her attend to it ”I do not see you should be one beyond the hour,” he added, ”and friend David will be good enough to bear me company till you return” She made haste to obey him without words I do not know if she understood, I believe not; but I was co my mind for what should follow

The door had scarce closed behind her departure, when the ood affectation of easiness Only the one thing betrayed him, and that was his face; which suddenly shone all over with fine points of sweat

”I alad to have a word alone with you,” says he, ”because in our first interview there were so hter stands beyond doubt So do you, and I would ainsayers But, my dear David, this world is a censorious place-as who should know it better than myself, who have lived ever since the days of my late departed father, God sain him! in a perfect spate of calumnies? We have to face to that; you and me have to consider of that; we have to consider of that” And he wagged his head like a minister in a pulpit

”To what effect, Mr Drued to you if you would approach your point”

”Ay, ay,” said he, laughing, ”like your character, indeed! and what I most admire in it But the point, lass of wine ”Though between you andThe point, I need scarcely tell you, is ht inyou In the unfortunate circumstances, what could you do else? 'Deed, and I cannot tell”

”I thank you for that,” said I, pretty close upon uard

”I have besides studied your character,” he went on; ”your talents are fair; you seem to have awith another, I am very happy to have to announce to you that I have decided on the latter of the tays open”

”I am afraid I am dull,” said I ”What ways are these?”

He bent his brows upon s ”Why, sir,” says he, ”I think I need scarce describe theentleman of your condition; either that I should cut your throat or that you should hter”

”You are pleased to be quite plain at last,” said I

”And I believe I have been plain fro!” cries he robustiously ”I am a careful parent, Mr Balfour; but I thank God, a patient and deleeborate man There is many a father, sir, that would have hirsled you at once either to the altar or the field My esteem for your character-”

”Mr Drummond,” I interrupted, ”if you have any estee of you to entle you his best attention”

”Why, very true,” says he, with an iitations of a parent”

”I understand you then,” I continued-”for I will take no note of your other alternative, which perhaps it was a pity you let fall-I understand you rather to offer ehter's hand?”

”It is not possible to express ether”

”That remains to be yet seen,” said I ”But so much I need make no secret of, that I bear the lady you refer to the most tender affection, and I could not fancy, even in a dreaet her”

”I was sure of it, I felt certain of you, David,” he cried, and reached out his hand to o too fast, Mr Drummond,” said I ”There are conditions to be made; and there is a difficulty in the path, which I see not entirely hoe shall come over I have told you that, upon ood reason to believe there will belady's”

”This is all beside the e for her acceptance”

”I think you forget, Mr Dru with myself, you have been betrayed into two-three unpalatable expressions I will have none such e lady I aive you to understand that I would no more let a wife be forced uponlady”