"
"No; that would be still nearer my uncle. His hearing is sometimes
preternaturally keen; and besides, as you know, he often walks there
after his evening meal. But--excuse me, Mr. Grant--you will
understand me presently--are you--are you quite--?"
"You mean, my lady--am I quite myself this evening!" said Donal,
wishing to help her with the embarrassing question: "--I have drunk
nothing but water to-night."
With that she opened the door, and descended the stair, he
following; but as soon as the curve of the staircase hid the door
they had left, she stopped, and turning to him said,
"I would not have you mistake me, Mr. Grant! I should be ashamed to
speak to you if--"
"Indeed I am very sorry!" said Donal, "--though hardly so much to
blame as I fear you think me."
"You mistake me at once! You suppose I imagine you took too much
wine last night! It would be absurd. I saw what you took! But we
must not talk here. Come."
She turned again, and going down, led the way to the housekeeper's
room.
They found her at work with her needle.
"Mistress Brookes," said lady Arctura, "I want to have a little talk
with Mr. Grant, and there is no fire in the library: may we sit
here?"
"By all means! Sit doon, my lady! Why, bairn! you look as cold as if
you had been on the roof! There! sit close to the fire; you're all
trem'lin'!"
Lady Arctura obeyed like the child Mrs.
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