So singing he went up the great
stair, and into and along the corridor where the earl lay.
The singing roused him, and brought him to his door in a rage. But
the moment he saw Donal his countenance fell.
"What the devil are you doing here?" he said.
"They told me in the town you were in England, my lord!"
"I wrote to you," said the earl, "that we were gone to London, and
that you need be in no haste to return. I trust you have not brought
Davie with you?"
"I have not, my lord."
"Then make what haste back to him you can. He must not be alone with
bumpkins! You may stay there with him till I send for you--only mind
you go on with your studies. Now be off. I am at home but for a few
hours on business, and leave again by the afternoon coach!"
"I do not go, my lord, until I have seen my mistress."
"Your mistress! Who, pray, is your mistress!"
"I am no longer in your service, my lord."
"Then what, in the name of God, have you done with my son?"
"In good time, my lord, when you have told me where my mistress is!
I am in this house as lady Arctura's servant; and I desire to know
where I shall find her."
"In London."
"What address, please your lordship? I will wait her orders here."
"You will leave this house at once," said the earl. "I will not have
you here in both her ladyship's absence and my own."
"My lord, I am not ignorant how things stand: I am in lady Arctura's
house; and here I remain till I receive her commands.
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