“So I am.”
“A Highlander?”
“I was born in the Highlands. But if you are very anxious to know my pedigree, I have no reason for concealing the fact that I am, by birth, half a Scotchman and half a Welchman.”
The foreigner riveted his gaze, though but for the briefest moment sufficient to justify its being called a gaze, once more upon Hugh; and then, with a slight bow, as of acquiescence, turned towards the lecturer.
When the lecture was over, and Hugh was walking away in the midst of the withdrawing audience, the stranger touched him on the shoulder.
“You said that you would like to know more of this science: will you come to my lodging?” said he.
“With pleasure,” Hugh answered; though the look with which he accompanied the words, must have been one rather of surprise.
“You are astonished that a stranger should invite you so. Ah! you English always demand an introduction. There is mine.”
He handed Hugh a card: Herr von Funkelstein. Hugh happened to be provided with one in exchange.
The two walked out of the inn, along the old High Street, full of gables and all the delightful irregularities of an old country-town, till they came to a court, down which Herr von Funkelstein led the way.