The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

A Strange Revenue. 585
down to playing the part of the la'rd, the better. Flora is
willing—now, let me speak, Miss Modesty—what do you
say to Christmas ?"
" I think, father," said Richard in a voice so shaky that
the laird looked up in surprise, " Flora and I will best dis-
cuss that matter ourselves ; don't you think so, Flo ?"
"Whichever way you think best," was Flora's quiet reply.
" The boy is stammering with gratitude," thought the
laird— " Has he found me out ?" was Richard's alarming
query.
"Well, well," said the laird, "just as I anticipated ; you
resent an old man's interference, and never thank him even
for the concession he has so generously made. Off with
you then, and lay your heads together ; but not one week,
mind, will I grant you this side of Christmas."
" Come away, Richard," cried Flora, making for the
passage, with a happy little laugh, and he followed her,
glad to escape from a situation he felt too dreadfully
awkward. When they reached the parlour, Richard
entered with such apparent reluctance that Flora looked
up in smiling protest. Her smile suddenly vanished.
" What is wrong, dear Richard, you look so pale ; are
you ill ?"
" I don't feel quite well this morning, Flo, 'pon my
word, I really don't ; in fact, I am going to ask the gover-
nor for a holiday. We'll put this matter off for a little,
don't you think so ? There is no particular hurry for a
day or two."
" Just as you like, dear. Say you love me, and give me
a kiss," she added, raising her face to his, " and I will be
content and happy."
He kissed her, but no words of affection came from his
lips ; and Flora wondered why his kiss did not thrill her as
it had been wont to do ; why also he looked so cold and
pale ; and why her own heart began to sink with a vague
misgiving.