“I told ye to call to-morrow,” snarled Sir William, “and I’ll pay ye, then ye can gang your own gait. I have sought to give you advice, but ye were too haughty and independent, and ye wouldn’t listen, but ye will yet see and realize the bitter truth of my words, so go on in your career of folly and its inevitable ruin, for ye’ll soon be at the end of your tether, and may the devil claim ye for his own.” He stalked angrily away, muttering to himself, “Ye upstart, ye low-born peasant, I’ll humble ye yet!”
Robert turned to Lady Glencairn with a smile of apology on his lips. “I ask your pardon, Lady Glencairn,” he said humbly, “for being the cause of this unseemly scene in your presence, but my anger was aroused, an’ I simply couldna’ help speaking my thoughts—I am always doing the wrong thing.”
“Oh, nonsense!” she responded laughingly. “Let us forget it and join the others.” She took his arm and they slowly entered the ballroom, where they were speedily joined by Lord Glencairn and a party of friends, who immediately surrounded them.
“My dear,” said Lord Glencairn, “do you know that you have left us an unconscionable time? Is there some witchery about yon balcony that I know not of?” and he smiled affectionately upon his wife, whose eyes were shining with happiness.
“Your pardon, James, but I’m sure our absence was not noted in such a distinguished assemblage.” She glanced carelessly about the room at the groups of sedate-looking people gravely conversing with each other while they strolled slowly, aimlessly about with much dignity and ceremony, and an almost imperceptible sneer curled her full lips. “Oh, the stiff formality of some of these Calvinistic old fossils!” she remarked contemptuously to Robert.
“From all such people, good Lord deliver us,” he replied in a low chant.
“Amen!” cried Eppy, looking archly at Sir William. “Give me youth and gayety always.” Sir William looked his unspoken scorn.
“You and I may well sigh for youth, Miss McKay,” quavered the venerable Dr. Blacklock. “Many moons have passed since he eluded our clutch and fled, never to return,” and he sighed dismally.
“Speak for yourself, Doctor,” bridled Eppy. “I shall never let go my hold on youth,” and she tossed her head indignantly.
“Speaking of fossils,” said Lady Glencairn pointedly, turning to Eppy, “I wonder what can have happened to Mrs. Dunlop?”