A more beautiful walk could scarcely have been conceived. Here and there, as they descended the hill, they came out upon an open space where the lovely loch, with the great range of hills at the head lying full in the western sun, stretched out before them. Its surface glistened with gleams of reflection, repeating everything from the white scattered houses on its banks to the whiter clouds that goated on the surface of the sky. A boat or two, between the dazzling atmosphere above and the still more dazzling reflection below, lay like a thing beatified. Woods and hills and shining water--there was nothing wanting to the perfection of the scene. “Every prospect pleases, and only man is vile:” and troubled--troubled, full of care--wanting for something wherever he is. The successful man marched along with his head high, his pretty little daughter running with her short steps by his side, the house of his choice behind him, the wife of his choice awaiting him, and so well off, able to do whatever he pleased, the admiring, curious people said. Whatever he pleased! yes, to buy furniture of the rarest description, horses and carriages, even Rosmore itself, if he could by any means procure that it should be brought to market; but not with all his wealth able to expand the little vulgar nature of the girl, or open the disturbed heart of the boy beside him. Poor rich man! to whom his wealth could give no pleasure while this constant irritation gnawed at his heart. He took them back to Sauchiehall Road, not exhilarated by their day’s outing; and while Marion recovered her fatigue and began really to enjoy Rosmore in describing its grandeur to her aunt, he took Archie aside for a few brief words. “What was that about the dogs?” he said. “Did you pay for them, or have they to be paid for, or what did the groom mean? I won’t have any familiarity with the grooms. Why should I be consulted as if you couldn’t settle such a matter for yourself?” “I never wanted you to be consulted,” said the boy, retiring within himself. “What did it mean then? Remember I consider you old enough to take the responsibility of your own actions. If you want anything, get it: if I don’t approve, I’ll let you know my opinion. If I find you spending too much, I’ll put a stop to it. But I am not to be consulted about every trifle as if you were a child.” Archie was so struck with the irony of this address as applied to himself, that his wounded feelings and strained temper burst out into a harsh laugh. “As for spending,” he said, “much or little, you may set your mind at rest, for I’ve nothing to spend.” Rowland took out his pocket-book with a look of doubt, glancing from Archie to Mrs. Brown. “You must have your allowance of course,” he said. “You’ve had it, I suppose, for years past?”