A sort of chill fell on Isla at mention of Malcolm’s name, though why she could not have told. She had no fear that he had not made himself pleasant or agreeable at Achree; but, somehow, disaster seemed to associate itself with his name. She feared to pursue the subject. But Rosmead, quite unaware of her feeling in the matter, none of the gossip of the Glen having reached his ears, went on quietly. "We’ve had several long talks about it, and practically it is arranged that we take the place on a two years’ lease." "You have arranged that with Malcolm!" she said a little faintly. "Yes," said Rosmead. "He has been most kind about it. He tells me he has resigned his commission on account of his father’s health but that he intends and hopes to get some estate management. I appreciate his kindness to us all the more on that account." Isla, who heard all this for the first time, felt a natural thrill of indignation because she had been kept in the dark. "I don’t see that there is so very much kindness," she said quickly. "You pay very handsomely for the house." "It is worth it," he said heartily. "The old Rosmead place in Virginia my mother has lent to her youngest sister, lately made a widow. She is looking after all the servants, and we have not the smallest anxiety about it, so you see, things have arranged themselves very nicely for us." "Your home is in Virginia, then?" said Isla in tones of deep interest, which flattered Rosmead not a little. "Yes. My grandfather was a big planter there, and had many slaves. Of course the war changed all that, but the place remains the same. I should like you to see Virginia, Miss Mackinnon, and my old home. It is a beautiful place." "It seems odd that you should be so willing to leave it!" "It had sad associations for my mother and also for my sister Vivien, who was married in the neighbourhood and was--and was--not very happy. But there--I have all this time been talking about myself, and not at all about you. Your father, I hear, is very well. I dare say, your brother’s return has helped him greatly." "Yes, I think it has," said Isla, trying to be cordial as well as loyal. "And Creagh suits him. It is very high and clear up there, and he is able to potter about just as he likes. You will come in and see him? Even his mind is much stronger. Certainly he now grasps the fact of your residence at Achree, and, I am sure, he would like to make your acquaintance properly." "I should like to come in and see him, if I may," said Rosmead. "But before we go in will you promise to go sometimes to see my mother when I am gone? I don’t know why I should ask this, but I do." "I shall be sure to go, Mr. Rosmead. But when do you leave Scotland?" "Next Thursday. My boat sails from Liverpool on Saturday afternoon, and I have some business in London on the Friday."