The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

584
The Highland Monthly
debating in tiie Professor's favour, it increased his pallor
and multiplied his heart beats, to confront a definite
answer. He put it another way ; could he afford to lose
Julia, and face life with a womaii who was comparatively
colourless in contrast, and whom he only respected and did
not love ? Ah, that was the more effectual aspect of it
" Oh ! God pity me, but I must do it," he at last
exclaimed, sinking upon the bed, " And comfort poor Flo."
He had decided, as the Professor, with his deep insight
into human nature knew he would, to risk all consequences
for the sake of his own happiness. At that moment the
mail coach was careering over the wind swept-wastes of
Strathspey, and none conversed more gaily with his fellow
passengers than Professor Somerton. He was confident of
success.
Richard was presently aroused by hearing his father's voice,
talking in merry strain with someone who was approaching
along the lobby in his company. He barely had time to
avert remark by unlocking the door, when the old man
appeared with Miss Flora upon his arm, laughing at his
sallies and blushing simultaneously at the subject of them.
" Here you are, my boy," cried the laird in high glee,
" here is your sweetheart come to ask you why she is not
yet made mistress of the Castle," and he laughed heartily
at the mutual confusion the remark produced.
It was the confusion of guilt and innocence.
'• Please, Mr Stuart," Flora pleaded, " do not speak in
that way—Richard and I are not in so great a hurry as you
have suddenly taken it into your head to be, you funny
man."
" What is it, father," asked Richard, keeping his back to
the light, in the hope that his emotion would not be
observed.
" Simply this, my son, I have been thinking your
wedding may take place sooner than I fixed some months
ago. How do you like that, eh ? I am getting old, you
see, and the sooner you are in double harness, and settle
!