“And now, Wolfscliff, will ye be afther inthrodoocing Misther Hay to meself?” demanded Ran’s father-in-law.
“Pardon, I thought you had,” said Stuart.
“Divil a bit could I do that same to his intilligince,” replied the other.
“Then I will have that honor,” laughed Stuart.
And assuming the courtly dignity of a lord chamberlain at a royal reception, he bowed to the descendant of Irish kings, and with a wave of his hand, to indicate the inferior person, said:
“The O’Melaghlin, of Arghalee, I have the honor to present to you, sir, Mr. Randolph Hay, of Haymore.”
Ran bowed very solemnly, conscious now that he stood in the presence of an “eccentric.”
“And, sure, meself fales honored in the relationship—I mane the acquaintanceship,” graciously replied The O’Melaghlin, feeling, however, that he had almost betrayed himself.
“Will you take seats in the carriage now? My servants are here with the break and a van to bring your people and luggage,” said Ran.
Cleve bowed and handed Palma to a back seat, and The O’Melaghlin to a place beside her. Then he took a front seat, where Ran joined him, and the barouche started for Haymore Hall.