n begin? The earl must have taken notice of it, for surely
Simmons had not given Davie those injunctions of himself--except indeed
he had exposed his condition even to him! If the earl had spoken to
Simmons, kindness seemed intended him; but it might have been merely
care over the boy! Anyhow, what was to be done?

He did not ponder the matter long. With that directness which was one
of the most marked features of his nature, he resolved at once to
request an interview with the earl, and make his apologies. He sought
Simmons, therefore, and found him in the pantry rubbing up the forks
and spoons.

"Ah, Mr. Grant," he said, before Donal could speak, "I was just coming
to you with a message from his lordship! He wants to see you."

"And I came to you," replied Donal, "to say I wanted to see his
lordship!"

"That's well fitted, then, sir!" returned Simmons. "I will go and see
when. His lordship is not up, nor likely to be for some hours yet; he
is in one of his low fits this morning. He told me you were not quite
yourself last night."

As he spoke his red nose seemed to examine Donal's face with a kindly,
but not altogether sympathetic scrutiny.

"The fact is, Simmons," answered Donal, "not being used to wine, I fear
I drank more of his lordship's than was good for me."

"His lordship's wine," murmured Simmons, and there checked himself.
"--How much did you drink, sir--if I may make so bold?"

"I had one glass during dinner, and more than one, but not nearly two,
after."

"Pooh! pooh, sir! That could never hurt a strong man like you! You
ought to know better than that! Look at me!"

But he did not go on with his illustration.

"Tut!" he resumed, "that make you sleep till ten o'clock!--If you will
kindly wait in the hall, or in the schoolroom, I will bring you his
lordship's orders."

So saying while he washed his hands and took off his white apron,
Simmons departed on his errand to his master. Donal went to the foot of
the grand staircase, and there waited.

As he stood he heard a light step above him, and involuntarily glancing
up, saw the light shape of lady Arctura come round the curve of the
spiral stair, descending rather slowly and very softly, as if her feet
were thinking. She checked herself for an infinitesimal moment, then
moved on again. Donal stood with bended head as she passed. If she
acknowledged his obeisance it was with the slightest return, but she
lifted her eyes to his face with a look