child, I wished you to see it--both of you together--if only to
bear evidence as to its present condition. For the late earl, in his
will, executed, by a most providential chance, the last time I was here,
appointed me sole guardian and trustee to a possible widow or child. On
me, therefore, depends the charge of this poor infant--the sole bar
between those penniless, grasping, altogether discreditable Bruces, and
the large property of Cairnforth. You see my position, gentlemen?"

It was not an easy one, and no wonder the honest man looked much
troubled.

"I need not say that I never sought it--never thought it possible it
would really fall to my lot; but it has fallen, and I must discharge it
to the best of my ability. You see what the earl is--born alive,
anyhow--though we can hardly wish him to survive."

The three gentlemen were silent. At length Mr. Cardross said,

"There is one worse doubt which has occurred to me. Do you think, Dr.
Hamilton, that the mind is as imperfect as the body? In short, is it
not likely that the poor child may turn out to be an idiot?"

"I do not know; and it will be almost impossible to judge for months
yet."

"But, idiot or not," cried Mr. Menteith--a regular old Tory, who
clung with true conservative veneration to the noble race which he, his
father, and grandfather had served faithfully for a century and more
---"idiot or not, the boy is undoubtedly Earl of Cairnforth."