'I can well understand that, poor fellow!' said Mr. Kippilaw, glancing at his watch, as he added--'You must excuse me till to-morrow: I am already overdue at the Parliament House.' He bowed his visitors out into the sun-lit square. 'You seem to have lost your tongue, Florian, and to have a disappointed look,' said Shafto snappishly, as they walked slowly towards the hotel together. 'Disappointed I am in one sense, perhaps, but I have no reason to repine or complain save at our change of relative positions, but certainly not at your unexpected good fortune, Shafto. It is only right and just that your father's only son should inherit all that is legally and justly his.' Even at these words Shafto never winced or wavered in plans or purpose. It was apparent, however, to Florian, that he had for some time past looked restless and uneasy, that he started and grew pale at any unusual sound, while a shadow rested on his not usually very open countenance. Betimes next morning a note came to him at the Duke of Rothesay Hotel from Mr. Kippilaw, requesting a visit as early as possible, and on this errand he departed alone. He found the old lawyer radiant, with a letter in his hand from Lord Fettercairn (in answer to his own) expressive of astonishment and joy at the sudden appearance of this hitherto unknown grandson, whom he was full of ardour and anxiety to see. 'You will lose no time in starting for Craigengowan,' said Mr. Kippilaw. 'You take the train at the Waverley Station and go _viâ_ Burntisland, Arbroath, and Marykirk--or stay, I think we shall proceed together, taking your papers with us.' 'Thanks,' said Shafto, feeling somehow that the presence of Mr. Kippilaw at the coming interview would take some of the responsibility off his own shoulders. 'Craigengowan, your grandfather says, will put on its brightest smile to welcome you.' 'Very kind of Craigengowan,' said Shafto, who felt but ill at ease in his new role of adventurer, and unwisely adopted a free-and-easy audacity of manner. 'A cheque on the Bank of Scotland for present emergencies,' said Mr. Kippilaw, opening his cheque-book, 'and in two hours we shall meet at the station.' 'Thanks again. How kind you are, my dear sir.' 'I would do much for your father's son, Mr. Shafto,' said the lawyer, emphatically. 'And what about Florian?' 'The letter ignores him--a curious omission. In their joy, perhaps Lord and Lady Fettercairn forgot. But, by the way, here is a letter for him that came by the London mail.' 'A letter for him!' said Shafto, faintly, while his heart grew sick with apprehension, he knew not of what. 'Mr. Florian's face is strangely familiar to me,' said Mr. Kippilaw aloud; but to himself, 'Dear me, dear me, where can I have seen features like his before? He reminds me curiously of Lennard Melfort.' Shafto gave a nervous start.