"To steal a march upon us, in fact?"
"Yes, uncle, you understand me," said I, looking into his clear dark eyes, which were regarding me with an expression of great affection, which recalled the memory of my mother, his youngest and favourite sister. "Pitblado will drive over with my traps before dinner."
"Ah, Willie, the old keeper's son?"
"Yes."
"And how is he?"
"Quite well, and become so smart a lancer, that I fear there will be a great pulling of caps among the housemaids. I am loth to keep him out of the ranks, but the worthy fellow won't leave me."
"Many a good bag of grouse from yonder fields and the Lomonds, and many a good basket of trout from the Eden, has poor Willie carried for me. But, come this way; we shall take the near cut by the keeper's lodge to the house; you have not forgotten the way?"
"I should think not, uncle; by the Adder's Craig and the old Battle Stone."
"Exactly. I am so glad you have come at this time; I have such news for you, Newton—such news, boy."
"Indeed, uncle?"