“One would not think so from the visits you have made us since we came home,” said Graeme, smiling. “You have only looked in upon us. We were thinking you had forsaken us, or that you had found a more comfortable arm-chair, at a pleasanter fireside.”
“Business, business,” repeated Charlie, gravely. “I assure you that Harry out there, and I here, have had all that we have been able to attend to during the last three months. It is only to the unexpected delay of the steamer that I owe the leisure of this evening.”
“You expect us to believe all that, I suppose,” said Graeme, laughing.
“Indeed, you may believe me, Miss Elliott. It is quite true. I can’t understand how it is that my wise brother can stay away so long just now. If he does not know how much he is needed it is not for want of telling, I assure you.”
“You hear often from him, I suppose?”
“Yes. I had a note from Lilias the other day, in a letter I got from my mother. She sent ‘kind regards’ to the Misses Elliott, which I take the present opportunity of delivering.”
“Business having hitherto prevented,” said Rose.
“You don’t seem to have faith in my business engagements, Miss Rose; but I assure you that Harry and I deserve great credit for having carried on the business so successfully for the last three months.”
“Where is Mr Gilchrist?” asked Arthur.
“Oh, he’s here, there, and everywhere. But Mr Gilchrist is an ‘old fogey,’ and he has not helped but hindered matters, now and then. It is not easy getting on with those slow-going, obstinate old gentlemen; I can’t understand how Allan used to manage him so well. However, he had unbounded confidence in Allan’s powers, and let him do as he pleased.”