“You vill gom as my friend, of course?”
“I? Quite out of the question, I am sorry to say. To bring a foreigner (as I am supposed to be) would rouse the clan to rebellion. No, Baron, you have a chance of paying a graceful compliment to your host which you must not lose. Ask Mr. Gallosh to share your vigil.”
“Gallosh—he vould not be moch good sopposing—Ach, but nozing vill happen! I vill ask him.”
The pride of Mr. Gallosh on being selected as his lordship's friend on this historic occasion was pleasant to witness.
“It's just a bit of fiddle-de-dee,” he informed his delighted family. “Duncan Gallosh to be looking for bogles is pretty ridiculous—but oh, I can't refuse to disoblige his lordship.”
“I should think not, when he's done you the honor to invite you out of all his friends!” said Mrs. Gallosh warmly. “Eva! do you hear the compliment that's been paid your papa?”
Eva, their fair eldest daughter, came into the room at a run. She had indeed heard (since the news was on every tongue), and impetuously she flung her arms about her father's neck.
“Oh, papa, do him credit!” she cried; “it's like a story come true! What a romantic thing to happen!”
“What a spirit!” her mother reflected proudly. “She is just the girl for a chieftain's bride!”
That very night was chosen for the ceremony, and eleven o'clock found them all assembled breathless in the drawing-room: all, save Lord Tulliwuddle and his host.