head in mere amazement.

Yet all was of a piece. Never a harsh word fell from him, never a

sneer showed upon his lip. He had laid aside even his cutting

English accent, and spoke with the kindly Scots' tongue, that set a

value on affectionate words; and though his manners had a graceful

elegance mighty foreign to our ways in Durrisdeer, it was still a

homely courtliness, that did not shame but flattered us. All that,

he did throughout the meal, indeed, drinking wine with me with a

notable respect, turning about for a pleasant word with John,

fondling his father's hand, breaking into little merry tales of his

adventures, calling up the past with happy reference - all he did

was so becoming, and himself so handsome, that I could scarce

wonder if my lord and Mrs. Henry sat about the board with radiant

faces, or if John waited behind with dropping tears.

As soon as supper was over, Mrs. Henry rose to withdraw.

"This was never your way, Alison," said he.

"It is my way now," she replied: which was notoriously false, "and

I will give you a good-night, James, and a welcome - from the

dead," said she, and her voice dropped and trembled.

Poor Mr. Henry, who had made rather a heavy figure through the

meal, was more concerned than ever; pleased to see his wife

withdraw, and yet half displeased, as he thought upon the cause of

it; and the next moment altogether dashed by the fervour of her

speech.

On my part, I thought I was now one too many; and was stealing

after Mrs. Henry, when the Master saw me.

"Now, Mr. Mackellar," says he, "I take this near on an

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