“Indeed, then, I will take it, sir, with many thanks,” exclaimed the hunter warmly, his whole face glowing with the sincere delight he felt.
“Then that is settled. Get the keys from the bailiff and examine the cottage and have it fitted up for yourself and your mother in the most comfortable manner and send the bills to the bailiff.”
“I will, Mr. Hay. You have made me very happy, for my mother’s sake as well as my own. We both owe you hearty thanks!”
“Don’t speak of thanks again, Longman. The man who saved my life can never owe me thanks for anything that I may have the happiness of doing for him. Now to speak of another matter. Will you kindly take a letter for me to the Rev. Mr. Campbell?”
“Certainly, sir, with great pleasure.”
“Take a book, then, or amuse yourself in any way you please, while I write it,” said Ran.
Longman arose and roamed about before the bookcases, reading the titles of the imprisoned volumes until he was tired of the amusement. None of the books attracted him. He was not a bookman.
“I have finished my letter now, Longman, if you are ready to take it,” said Ran, folding and sealing the note in which he had invited Mr. Campbell to come with his wife and daughter to dine with himself and Mrs. Hay that evening and confer about the reverend gentleman’s appointment to the living of Haymore.
“I am quite ready, sir,” said Longman, and he took the letter and put it in his breast pocket and left the library.
He had scarcely gone when a footman entered and said: