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.