The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

A Strange Revenge. 389
" Perhaps that would be better," Flora said simply.
Presently she rose and went to the window, out of which,
for a minute or two, she ijjazed with an expression of
disappointment that presently moistened the eyes.
Evidently apprehensive lest her feelings might betray her,
she left the room, followed by a careless, unanswered
*' Where now, Flo," from Richard, and the keen, inquisitive
glance of David, The latter only too plainly saw that
Flora's heart had again been stung to the quick by the
indifference of the man who should have made her every
whim his study, his promises a law unto himself. If only
he could have said, " Permit me to take Richard's place to-
day," what happiness could have been his ; but from, that
opportunity his own folly had debarred him.
" Selfish brute 1"
The words escaped David involuntarily ;
and,
as the
awkwardness of his error flashed upon him- (what explana-
tion could he make?) he abruptly left the table, with face
aflame.
"' What's the matter?" asked the laird, looking up from
his plate ; but David was already on the other side of the
door.
" David studies too hard," Richard remarked, with a
self-complaisant smile.
" That's just what I was telling him the other day ; he's
not looking well, poor fellow."
" Studies one subject too much," added Richard, with a
sarcastic turn of the lips, which escaped the laird's obser-
vation ;
" he's getting wonderfully eccentric."
" An indication of genius—everything has its con-
solations."
" I say, Dad, there's one specimen of humanity who will
not condole with you in this calamity Providence has
sent."
" Well ?"
" Elspeth."
" What, the witch ?"