'I have been at so many, that some return——'
'Yes—but—but, papa——'
'What next, child?'
'Our last quarter's bills were so large,' urged Alison.
'Large for our exchequer, I have no doubt.'
'Let us call it luncheon, papa, and I think I shall arrange it nicely,' she pleaded, her heart quickening at the chance of meeting Bevil (she already thought of him as 'Bevil') again. So that was decided on, and the invitation notes were quickly despatched.
Alison had watched from a window the shadow of their visitor, as that of man and horse lengthened out on the sunlighted road, until shadow and form passed away; but Goring, as he rode homeward, was little aware that he had not seen the last of Ellon Cheyne's ring.
CHAPTER IV.
LAURA TRELAWNEY.
The invited guests all responded, and accepted almost by return of post, and a sigh of relief escaped Sir Ranald when he found no missives came with them, as he was generally well pleased when he saw the village postman pass the avenue gate.