Jean laughed aloud.
"I shall never, under any circumstances, be his wife," she said decisively.
"Wait until he asks you. He means to ask you when he returns, and you are a fortunate young woman to have obtained his regard. I think he will improve you in many respects. He has right views concerning women, and is masterful enough to be able to enforce his wishes."
"Poor Charlie!"
That was all Jean permitted herself to say, but she felt very angry. Did Charlie think her affection would be so lightly won, as to be able to discuss her so coolly with her grandfather? She wisely put the subject away from her, and talked of other things. She took her grandfather into the kitchen garden, where he had a long talk with Rawlings, and brought him into the house at length, astonished at the increase of his powers both of body and mind. Late that evening, John came to her.
"The master seems very talkative to-night, Miss Jean; have ye noticed it?"
"Yes, I have," said Jean, looking at him a little dubiously. "Do you think it a bad sign, John? He seems so much better in every way to-day."
John rubbed his hands together.
"Well, miss, I'll sit up with him for a bit. He's a little bit too bright to my mind!"
"Call me, if you want me," said Jean.