The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

662 The Highland Monthly.
character and dress of a man of the world. Richard's
apprehensions were not allayed as he noted, with surprise,
the change in the dress, manner, and conduct of his friend.
A fit of desperation seized him, and he determined to be at
the root of the mystery.
" You avoided taking my hand just now, sir," Richard
proceeded bravely, but with a perceptible quiver in his
voice ;
" and in appearance and manner you seem much
is anything
changed from what you were at the Hall ;
wrong ?"
" You ought to know that," replied the Professor curtl}-
at the same time placing the table between him and his
guest, and fixing his keen eyes, with a hard, penetrating
look, upon Richard's now blanching face.
" What do you mean. Professor Somerton ;
sake tell me qnickly !"
for God's
" Ha, ha !" and the Professor laughed dryly ! " I see you
are alarmed ;
compose yourself for a little—for a little."
" Professor Somerton."
" Well ?"
" I feel there is something between you and me which
requires instant explanation ; will you give it at once, and
save me from a dreadful suspense ?"
" That is what I intend to do, young sir. You shall have
the ver}- fullest of explanations ; in fact, I intended you
should come here for the very purpose. You administered
the powder— I can read the answer in your face— in— your
— face !"
Richard paused for a moment, endeavouring to read in
the Professor's face what would follow upon the admission,,
but he failed.
" I did as you directed ; and
I now come to claim your
daughter's hand."
The Professor smiled, a grim, disagreeable smile, which
filled his victim with evil forebodings.
" You love my daughter devotedly, and it would make
>-ou extremely unhappy to lose her ?" was the unexpected
question.