Mary's cheek became crimson, and her eyes flashed with angry indignation; but repressing the passion that was bursting within her, she walked hastily up and down the room in silence. At length, opening a large colored map of the estate which lay on the table, she stood attentively considering it for some time. “The works at Carrigulone are stopped?” said she, hastily. “Yes, miss.” “And the planting at Kyle's Wood?” “Yes, miss.” “And even the thinning there,--is that stopped?” “Yes, miss; the bark is to be sold, and a' the produce of the wood for ten years, to a contractor, a certain Mister--” “I don't want his name, sir. What of the marble quarries?” “My Lady thinks they're nae worth a' they cost, and won't hear o' their being worked again.” “And is the harbor at Kilkieran to be given up?” “Yes, miss, and the Osprey's Nest will be let. I think they 'll mak' an inn or a public o' it.” “And if the harbor is abandoned, what is to become of the fishermen? The old quay is useless.” “Vara true, miss; but there's a company goin' to take the royalties o' the coast the whole way to Belmullet.” “A Scotch company, Mr. Henderson?” said Mary, with a sly malice in her look. “Yes, miss,” said he, coloring slightly. “The house of M'Grotty and Co. is at the head o' it.” “And are they the same enterprising people who have proposed to take the demesne on lease, provided the gardens be measured in as arable land?” “They are, miss; they've signed the rough draught o' the lease this morning.” “Indeed!” cried she, growing suddenly pale as death. “Are there any other changes you can mention to me, since in the few days I have been ill so much has occurred?” “There 's nae muckle more to speak o', miss. James M'Grotty--he's the younger brother--was here yesterday to try and see you about the school. He wants the house for his steward; but if you object, he 'll just take the doctor's.” “Why--where is Dr. Cloves to go?” “He does na ken exactly, miss. He thinks he 'll try Auckland, or some of these new places in New Zealand.” “But the dispensary must be continued; the people cannot be left without medical advice.” “Mr. James says he 'll think aboot it when he comes over in summer. He's a vara spirited young man, and when there's a meetin'-house built in the village--” “Enough of this, Henderson. Come over here tomorrow, for I 'm not strong enough to hear more to-day, and let Mr. Scanlan know that I wish to see him this evening.”