Catriona

Page 116

Here are three

letters; that means three that wish you well; and I could name two

more, here in this very chamber. I have known you not so very

long, but Catriona, when we are alone, is never done with the

singing of your praises."

She looked up at him, a little wild at that; and he slid off at

once into another matter, the extent of my estate, which (during

the most of the dinner time) he continued to dwell upon with

interest. But it was to no purpose he dissembled; he had touched

the matter with too gross a hand: and I knew what to expect.

Dinner was scarce ate when he plainly discovered his designs. He

reminded Catriona of an errand, and bid her attend to it. "I do

not see you should be one beyond the hour," he added, "and friend

David will be good enough to bear me company till you return." She

made haste to obey him without words. I do not know if she

understood, I believe not; but I was completely satisfied, and sat

strengthening my mind for what should follow.

The door had scarce closed behind her departure, when the man

leaned back in his chair and addressed me with a good affectation

of easiness. Only the one thing betrayed him, and that was his

face; which suddenly shone all over with fine points of sweat.

"I am rather glad to have a word alone with you," says he, "because

in our first interview there were some expressions you

misapprehended and I have long meant to set you right upon. My

daughter stands beyond doubt. So do you, and I would make that

good with my sword against all gainsayers. But, my dear David,

this world is a censorious place--as who should know it better than

myself, who have lived ever since the days of my late departed

father, God sain him! in a perfect spate of calumnies? We have to

face to that; you and me have to consider of that; we have to

consider of that." And he wagged his head like a minister in a

pulpit.

"To what effect, Mr. Drummond?" said I. "I would be obliged to you

if you would approach your point."

"Ay, ay," said he, laughing, "like your character, indeed! and what

I most admire in it. But the point, my worthy fellow, is sometimes

in a kittle bit." He filled a glass of wine. "Though between you

and me, that are such fast friends, it need not bother us long.

The point, I need scarcely tell you, is my daughter. And the first

thing is that I have no thought in my mind of blaming you. In the

unfortunate circumstances, what could you do else? 'Deed, and I

cannot tell."

"I thank you for that," said I, pretty close upon my guard.

"I have besides studied your character," he went on; "your talents

are fair; you seem to have a moderate competence, which does no

harm; and one thing with another, I am very happy to have to

announce to you that I have decided on the latter of the two ways

open."

"I am afraid I am dull," said I. "What ways are these?"

He bent his brows upon me formidably and uncrossed his legs. "Why,

sir," says he, "I think I need scarce describe them to a gentleman

of your condition; either that I should cut your throat or that you

should marry my daughter."

"You are pleased to be quite plain at last," said I.

"And I believe I have been plain from the beginning!" cries he

robustiously. "I am a careful parent, Mr. Balfour; but I thank

God, a patient and deleeborate man. There is many a father, sir,

that would have hirsled you at once either to the altar or the

field. My esteem for your character--"

"Mr. Drummond," I interrupted, "if you have any esteem for me at

all, I will beg of you to moderate your voice. It is quite

needless to rowt at a gentleman in the same chamber with yourself

and lending you his best attention."

"Why, very true," says he, with an immediate change. "And you must

excuse the agitations of a parent."

"I understand you then," I continued--"for I will take no note of

your other alternative, which perhaps it was a pity you let fall--I

understand you rather to offer me encouragement in case I should

desire to apply for your daughter's hand?"

"It is not possible to express my meaning better," said he, "and I

see we shall do well together."

"That remains to be yet seen," said I.

Robert Louis Stevenson
Classic Literature Library

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