“It is, at an advance of sixty pounds, and I've got a man who will sign it, and says he will give no trouble about kirks; in fact, he 'll just do... ah... well, whatever we tell him.” “Quite so; most satisfactory sort of man. Then you 'll reduce the rent to the old figure, and put in the name of John Baxter, and let it be for the longest period we ever give on the estate.” “But, Lord Kilspindie... I... did you know--” “Do as I command you without another word,” and his Lordship was fearful to behold. “Bring the lease here in ten minutes, and place it in Mr. Baxter's hands. What I've got to say to you will keep till afterwards. “Sit down, old friend, sit down;... it was my blame.... I ought to be horse-whipped.... Drink a little water. You 're better now.... I 'll go and see that fellow has no tricks in the conditions.” But he heard Burnbrae say one word to himself, and it was “Jean.” “There are mony things a' wud like tae say, ma Lord,” said Burnbrae before he left, “but a full hert maks few words. Gin lifting a dark cloud aff the life o' a family an' fillin' twa auld fouk wi' joy 'ill gie ony man peace, ye 'ill sleep soond this nicht in yir castle. “When ye pass below Burnbrae on yir way to the Lodge and see the smoke curlin' up through the trees, ye 'ill ken a family's livin' there that bless yir name, and will mention it in their prayers.” The first man Burnbrae met when he came out with the lease in his pocket was Drumsheugh, whose business that particular day had kept him wandering up and down the street for nearly an hour. “Keep's a', Burnbrae, is that you? a' thocht ye were dune wi' that office noo. It's a puir market the day; the dealers are getting the fat cattle for naethin'.” But Drumsheugh's manner had lost its calm finish. “A've something tae tell,” said Burnbrae, “an' ye sud be the first tae hear it. Lord Kilspindie's hame again, and hes settled me and mine in the auld place for a tack that 'ill laist ma days and descend tae ma son aifter me. “This hes been a shairp trial, and there were times a' wes feared ma faith micht fail; but it's ower noo, and there's twa men Jean an' me 'ill remember wi' gratitude till we dee; ane is Doctor Davidson an' the ither is yersel. Ye brocht us through at ween ye.” “Come awa this meenut tae the 'Kilspindie Airms.'” and Drumsheugh seized Burnbrae; “a' ken ye wunna taste, but a 'll dae it for ye; and ye 'ill eat, at ony rate,” and Drumsheugh, who was supposed to dine in secret places at not more than a shilling, ordered a dinner fit for Lord Kilspindie. He did his best to get full value for his money, but before and after, and between the courses, he let himself go at large. “Ane and twenty year at a hundred and auchty pund; man, ye 'ill have eneuch tae stock a fairm for Jamie and furnish the student's manse. “His Lordship wes lang o' comin' hame, but, ma certes, he's pit things richt when he did come. It's naethin' short o' handsome, an' worthy o' the Earl.