"Yes; as much so as that other beggar who was monarch of all he
surveyed, his right there was none to dispute, from the what-is-it
down to the glade -"

"I'll come," said I, as we reached the cottage. "Only first you
must let me make myself decent."

"You're decent enough!"

"My boots are wet; my hands -"

"All serene! I'll give you five minutes."

And I left him outside, flourishing a handsome watch, while, on my
way upstairs, I paused to tell Mrs. Braithwaite that I was dining
at the hall. She was busy cooking, and I felt prepared for her
unpleasant expression; but she showed no annoyance at my news. I
formed the impression that it was no news to her. And next minute I
heard a whispering below; it was unmistakable in that silent cottage,
where not a word had reached me yet, save in conversation to which I
was myself a party.

I looked out of window. Rattray I could no longer see. And I
confess that I felt both puzzied and annoyed until we walked away
together, when it was his arm which was immediately thrust through
mine.

"A good soul, Jane," said he; "though she made an idiotic marriage,
and leads a life which might spoil the temper of an archangel. She
was my nurse when I was a youngster, Cole, and we never meet without