"I will thank you to assure me of what I ask, and trouble your head about no more," said Mrs. Catherine. "Are the like of you acquaint--I am meaning, is Archibald Sutherland a friend of yours?" "Very intimate. My friend Lord Gillravidge and he are. Astonishing young man, Madam, my friend Lord Gillravidge--missed church once last year, and was quite overcome with contrition--so much comforted by Mr. Sutherland's Christian friendship and fraternity--quite delighted to be a spectator of it, I assure you." "I was asking you about Archibald Sutherland, Sir," said Mrs. Catherine, standing stiffly erect, as the stranger threw himself into a chair unbidden, "and in what manner the like of you were connected with him. I am waiting for your answer." "A long story, Madame," said the stranger, coolly, "of friendly interest and mutual good offices. I have seen Mr. Sutherland often with my friend Lord G., and was anxious to do him a service--my time being always at my friend's disposal." "Mr. Foreman," exclaimed Mrs. Catherine, "know you the meaning of all this? You are a lawyer, man; see if you cannot shape questions so as they shall be answered." "Your friend Lord Gillravidge is intimately acquainted with Mr. Sutherland?" interrogated Mr. Foreman. "Precisely--delightful; dwelling together in unity, like--" "And Mr. Sutherland is in embarrassed circumstances?" continued Mr. Foreman, impelled by an impatient gesture from Mrs. Catherine. The stranger turned round with a contraction of his forehead and gave a significant nod. "A most benevolent young man--kind-hearted people are always being tricked by impostors, and made security for friends--merely temporary--does him infinite credit, I assure you, Madam." "Assure me no lies!" exclaimed Mrs. Catherine. "What have you to do--a paltry trickster as you are--with the lad Archie Sutherland: answer me that?" "Madam!" exclaimed the stranger, rising indignantly, and assuming an attitude. "The lady is aware of Mr. Sutherland's embarrassments," interposed Mr. Foreman, "and is putting no inquiries touching the cause. Your friend, Lord Gillravidge, Mr. ----" "Fitzherbert, Sir," said the stranger. "Mr. Fitzherbert has served Mr. Sutherland in a pecuniary way?" Mr. Fitzherbert bowed. "And you are charged with a mission of a peculiar kind to Strathoran. Might I beg you to explain its nature to Mrs. Catherine Douglas, a lady who is deeply interested in your friend's friend, Mr. Sutherland." The stranger looked perplexed, gracefully confused, and hung back, as if in embarrassment and diffidence. "The fact is, Madam, I am placed in quite a peculiar position--a mission strictly confidential, intrusted to me--friendly inquiries--which I have no authority to divulge. I beg I may not be questioned further."