But his father ignored the hint. Straddling comfortably before the fire, he remarked—
"Frank and I have been up to Perthshire."
Andrew looked up quickly, but merely answered—
"Oh, indeed?"
"We've been seeing Ellen."
"What about?"
Mr. Walkingshaw threw himself into a chair.
"My boy," said he, with the air of friendly commiseration which he felt that the occasion undoubtedly demanded, "I find I was right about your rival."
Andrew remained calm, though not quite so calm as before.
"Do you mean there's some one else after her?"