John backed quickly away from him. “Nay, nay, laddie!” he said decidedly. “I havena anither penny.” “Neither have I,” laughed Rob ruefully. “So I’ll leave ye to get him out the best way ye can; he’s your prisoner, not mine. I’d like to pitch him down stairs. Come on, John, between us we ought to manage the old Shylock.” “Nay, nay, Robbie,” he retorted dryly. “Take my word for it, we’d hae our hands full.” “Weel, I’ll get into the rest of my clothes, for I’m due in society,” yawned Rob, going to his room. “Get rid of him, John; do what ye like with him; he’s no friend of mine,” and he went in and closed the door behind him. John softly followed him to the door and turned the key in the lock. “I’ll take nae chances,” he said grimly. “Good-evening,” said a sweet voice timidly. He turned around and with a gasp of astonishment beheld a young girl standing in the doorway. Suddenly he gave a great start. Could his eyes deceive him? Was that beautiful creature in the long white opera cloak, her golden locks piled in a gorgeous mass high upon her little head, really the barefooted lass he had seen only a few days ago, in her short skirt of plaid? “Mary Campbell, is it yoursel’, lass?” he finally gasped. “Aye, ’tis really me,” laughed Mary happily. “I’m goin’ to the ball at Athol Castle with Mrs. Dunlop. I wanted Robbie to see me in my gown before I went, so Mrs. Dunlop left me here, while she drove over to pick up Mrs. McLehose; then she’ll return for me. Where is Robbie, John?” “He’s in there dressing, Mary, but whist, I’ve something to tell ye first.” “About Robbie?” she asked anxiously. “Aye, there’s the devil to pay here, Mary.” The old man’s face looked gloomy and perturbed. “There’s a—a lady in that room.” “A—a lady!” gasped Mary in amazement, looking at the door of Robbie’s chamber. “Aye, Lady Nancy Gordon hersel’.” “Then it’s true,” cried Mary, sinking into a chair, a great fear tugging at her heart. “It’s true, then, all the stories I hear, that Robert is be—bewitched wi’ her. I wouldna’ believe it before. Mrs. Dunlop says it isna’ true, that Robbie hasna’ changed, but noo what can I think? Oh, laddie, oh, laddie!” and she sank back pale and trembling.