Almost before he knew it, Scott had told the story already familiar to the reader. The earl listened with evident interest.
"Really," he said, "it is worthy of telling in book form. That uncle of yours——"
"My mother's cousin," corrected Scott.
"No matter. We will say relative. He must certainly be a mean, disagreeable fellow, don't you know, and as to your cousin with the peculiar name——"
"Loammi."
"Yes, I never heard the name before. Well, he must be a cad."
"I think he is," said Scott, smiling; "but I assure you he considers himself infinitely above me."
"I shall not ask you for an introduction."
"He would like nothing better than to become acquainted with you, Mr. Grant."