He found Traquair House topsy-turvy. Christina was giving a dance and there was no privacy anywhere, but in his mother's room. She was dressed for the occasion, and wearing her pearl and diamond ornaments, and he had a moment's surprise and pleasure in her appearance. "Christina is giving a bit dance," she said apologetically, "and the house is at sixes and sevens. It is the way o' young things. They must turn everything upside down. You look badly, Robert. What's wrong wi' you?" "I have found Theodora." "No wonder you look miserable. Where is she?" "In California." "Just the place for the like o' her. It is not past my memory, Robert, when the scum o' the whole earth was running there. She did right to go where she belongs." "_Hush_, mother! The Wyntons have been staying with her for two weeks--and they were well entertained. She has a beautiful home, Isabel says." "Have you seen Isabel?" "For an hour or two. She sent her love to you." "She can keep it. If it isn't worth bringing, it isn't worth having." "Mother, you once spoke to me of a dark man staying at the Oliphants', and asked if Theodora had gone away with him. What made you ask that question?" "Weel, Robert, she was always flitting quiet-like between this house and the Oliphants'; and twice he walked with her to the top o' the street, and they were a gey long time in holding hands, and saying good-bye." "Why did you not tell me then?" "I wanted to let the cutty tak' her run, and to see how far she would go. I had my een on her." "I feel sure he is living near her, in California." "Very close, indeed, no doubt o' that--pitying and comforting her. Why don't you do your own pitying?" she asked scornfully. "I am going to California to-morrow." "Don't! You'll get yoursel' shot, or tarred and feathered, or maybe lynched. Those West Americans are an unbidable lot; they are a law to themselves, and a very bad law, generally speaking. Bide at hame, and save your life. What for will you go seeking sorrow?" "I want my son. Isabel says he is a very prince among boys of his age." "No doubt o' it. There's enough Campbell in him to set him head and shoulders over ordinary lads. But you send men now, that you know where to send them, and let them get the lad away. They'll either coax or carry him." "I want to see Theodora." "If you have a thimbleful o' sense, let her alone. Old love is a dangerous thing to touch. She'll gie you the heartache o' the world again, and you'll be down at her feet for comfort." "Did I ever down at her feet for anything?" "If you are tired o' freedom, and easy days, tak' yoursel' to California. And what about the works, while you are seeking dool and sorrow?" "I shall only be gone about six weeks." "Fiddlesticks! You are going into captivity--settle your business before you go, and see that you don't forget your mother and sisters' bed and board is in it."