But so very far was the laird of The Mains from being accurate in his assertion of Mr. Cheape’s indifference to his daughter’s charms, that when he re-entered the library, which he presently did, he found that gentleman and his wife in the closest confabulation, the subject of their discourse being no other than that of a contract of marriage between Miss Graham of The Mains, and Mr. Cheape of Kincarley. The latter gentleman appeared now to be much easier of demeanour. ’These matters,’ he observed, almost jocularly, ’are better settled without the presence of the lady!’ ’But, God bless my soul!’ cried the laird, ’you hardly saw the girl, or she you—’ ’Oh, she’ll do, she’ll do,’ said Mr. Cheape, with an agreeable grunt, but an air of hurry. ’An’ now I must away: good-day, good-day!’ He stuck out a snuffy hand, which Mrs. Graham clutched with warmth. ’Sir,’ he continued, addressing the laird, ’if you will be pleased to honour me with your company at dinner to-morrow night at four, at the King’s Arms in C——, we can discuss this matter at our ease. I am in a position to act handsomely on my part, as I have informed your lady. But ’tis better to discuss such matters between gentlemen. Good-day t’you.’ He had hurried off, and had scrambled upon his horse at the door, with some assistance from that animal’s abundant mane, and was jogging down the approach, before the open-mouthed laird had found time or presence of mind to accept or reject the invitation to dinner. ’Saw ever man the like of that!’ ejaculated the master of the house, gazing after man and horse. ’Saw ever woman the like o’ you!’ retorted his spouse, furiously, ’staring like a stuck pig after an honest gentleman that’s done you the honour to speir your penniless daughter, instead of shaking him warmly by the hand!’ ’I’d as lief shake the tatty-bogle by the hand,’ said the laird, provokingly. ’Wife, you’re clever, but you’ll never get Ally to stomach yon,’ and he indicated the disappearing Mr. Cheape with a derisive finger. ’Will I not?’ retorted the lady, with a defiant eye, ’ye sumph, John, to take the bread out of a lassie’s mouth like that, afore she’s bitten on it. Ye are even a bigger fool than I thocht ye!’