groom might have with her, and familiarity with her surroundings,
would probably reveal much. Meantime it was enough that he would
now be so near her that no important change of which others might
be aware, could well approach her without his knowledge, or anything
take place without his being able to interfere if necessary.



CHAPTER XIII: TWO CONVERSATIONS


The next day Wallis came to see Malcolm and take him to the tailor's.
They talked about the guests of the previous evening.

"There's a great change on Lord Meikleham," said Malcolm.

"There is that," said Wallis. "I consider him much improved. But
you see he's succeeded; he's the earl now, and Lord Liftore--and
a menseful, broad shouldered man to the boot of the bargain. He
used to be such a windle straw!"

In order to speak good English, Wallis now and then, like some
Scotch people of better education, anglicized a word ludicrously.

"Is there no news of his marriage?" asked Malcolm, adding, "they
say he has great property."

"My love she's but a lassie yet," said Wallis, "--though she too
has changed quite as much as my lord."