"It is, indeed, Mr. Burnet," answered Jane, quietly.
"And many ups and downs have taken place since then, eh?" he asked, more grimly still.
"You speak the truth," said Jane, coldly, not liking very well the manner in which he spoke. "Will you be pleased to alight from your horse, and step in? In my brother's name I can bid you welcome to his house, and his wife will speak to you within. She has been in poor health these few weeks, and is confined to her own chamber."
"I'll not come in to-day," said Haughhead, bluntly. "My business can be done here well enough. It will not take up much of your time."
"My time is at your disposal, Mr. Burnet. We are not hard pressed in these times," she said, with a faint smile.
"No, there is a mighty difference in Hartrigge since I saw it last. A great fool Andrew Gray was to leave his substantial holding and comfortable life for his present precarious existence," said Haughhead. "I suppose he is not about the place."
"No; nor has been for many, many months," answered Jane, briefly.
"Ah, I thought not. It was you I expected to see. Well, I suppose you have heard of the most gracious indulgence granted by the king to the outed and rebellious ministers?"
"Yes; we heard of it some days ago," answered Jane Gray, in a calm and unreadable voice.
"You know the generous terms it offers?" said Burnet, inquiringly. "If they will acknowledge the bishops, they are to be forgiven for past rebellion and inducted into the full enjoyment of their former benefices. If not, they are still to be allowed to preach in the kirks, and can come back to their manses and glebes."