"Why don't you wish to sell it, Uncle Jen?"
"Because it is a dangerous thing to handle. Although the poison is dried up, yet there may be enough in it to kill a man. If I parted with it and anyone was injured by it I should never forgive myself. Pray put it up, Maurice; I dislike to see you touch it. To-night, after dinner, I shall lock it up in a safe place. David is right; it should not be on the wall there."
"David has gone over to see Lady Meg."
"Yes. I don't think he will be back until after dinner," said Jen, rising. "So you and I had better sit down as soon as we are dressed. I am very hungry."
"Uncle Jen, I want to ask you something."
"What is it?" asked the major, pausing at the door.
"Do you wish David to marry Isabella Dallas?"
Jen hesitated.
"I really can't say," he said. "That is a matter which lies in the hands of the girl herself. If she likes you better than David--"
"She does."