Fiction > Book editions > London, 1893 - Catriona

A TWOSOME. 321
he slid off at once into another matter, the extent of
my estate, which (during the most of the dinnertime)
he continued to dwell upon with interest. But it was
to no purpose he dissembled ; he had touched the
matter with too gross a hand : and I knew what to
expect. Dmner was scarce ate when he plainly dis-
covered his designs. He reminded Catriona of an
errand, and bid her attend to it. " I do not see you
should be gone beyond the hour," he added, "and
friend David Avill be good enough to bear me company
till you return." She made haste to obey him with-
out words. I do not know if she understood, I
believe not ; but I was completely satisfied, and sat
strengthening my mind for what should follow.
The door had scarce closed behind her departure,
Avhen the man leaned back m'his chair and addressed
me with a good affectation of easiness. Only the one
thing betrayed him, and that was his face ; which
suddenly shone all over with fine points of sweat.
" I am rather glad to have a word alone with you,"
says he, "because in our first interview there were
some expressions you misapprehended and I have
long meant to set you right upon. My daughter
stands beyond doubt. So do you, and I Avould make
that good with my sword against all gamsayers. But,
my dear David, this world is a censorious place — as
who should know it better than myself, who have
lived ever since the days of my late departed father,
God sain him 1 in a perfect spate of calumnies ? We
have to face to that ; you and me have to consider of
that ; we have to consider of that." And he wagged
his head like a minister in a pulpit.
V