Kilpatrick pushed his plate aside.
‘Take these things away and bring the wine.’
Peebles obeyed, and filled his master’s glass, after which he lingered for a moment.
‘Well, Peebles, well? Have you anything to say?’
‘Just that I’m going oot for an hour or twa. I hae a visit to make. If ye want anything in my absence the flunkey will look after ye.’
‘Very good,’ answered Kilpatrick, who thought he knew the object of Peebles’ visit. ‘Peebles!’ he called, as the old man reached the door.
‘My lord!’
‘Has—has the boy any resources—any funds?’
‘Not that I ken o’,’ answered Peebles. ‘He was aye too open-handed.’
‘Well, if he wants money—he wouldn’t take it from me, I suppose—lend him what he asks, and look to me for repayment. There, there, that will do.’