“Never with you, Hector.”
“An’ ye tell me ye’ve no’ hidden the lassie?”
“I have not!”
“An’ that you’ve no’ driven her awa’ wi’ y’r shameful offers?”
“Most certainly not!”
“An’ ye’ve had naething whateffer tae dae wi’ her disappearance?”
“Nothing!”
“Then—the guid God forgi’e ye—read that, an’ ken ye’sel’ for the false leear y’ are!” So saying, Sir Hector slapped down an open letter on the table, which, after a momentary hesitation, Sir John took up; and read as follows:
“To the nobel and generous Sir Hector.
“Honored Sur,—The memry of your extream and unselfish kindnes will remane ever sweet to pore me that must leve you awhile, perchance to return. If not arsk Sir John Dering the reason he may gess being so clever and perchance explane all things wherefore and why, Sir, I am your honor’s grateful