He ran to the dead body, kissed
its lips, as he had once kissed the forehead of another, and falling
on his knees, wept, he knew not for what. Presently, however, he
recovered himself, rose, and, rejoining the two men, said "Gentlemen,
hoo mony kens this turn o' things?"
"None but Mr Morrison, Mrs Catanach, and ourselves--so far as I
know," answered Mr Soutar.
"And Miss Horn," added Mr Graham. "She first brought out the truth
of it, and ought to be the first to know of your recognition by
your father."
"I s' tell her mysel'," returned Malcolm. "But, gentlemen, I beg
o' ye, till I ken what I 'm aboot an' gie ye leave, dinna open yer
moo' to leevin' cratur' aboot this. There's time eneuch for the
warl' to ken 't."
"Your lordship commands me," said Mr Soutar.
"Yes, Malcolm,--until you give me leave," said Mr Graham.
"Whaur 's Mr Morrison?" asked Malcolm.
"He is still in the house," said Mr Soutar.
"Gang till him, sir, an' gar him promise, on the word o' a gentleman,
to haud his tongue. I canna bide to hae 't blaret a' gait an' a'
at ance. For Mistress Catanach, I s' deal wi' her mysel'."
The door opened, and, in all the conscious dignity conferred by
the immunities and prerogatives of her calling, Mrs Catanach walked
into the room.
"A word wi' ye, Mistress Catanach," said Malcolm.
"Certainly, my lord," answered the howdy, with mingled presumption
and respect, and followed him to the dining room.
"Weel, my lord," she began, before he had turned from shutting the
door behind them, in the tone and with the air, or rather airs, of
having conferred a great benefit, and expecting its recognition.
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