in the
distance Donal saw what he could but distinguish as the form of a
woman, standing by the door which opened upon the great staircase. He
supposed it at first to be one of the maids; but the servants were so
few compared with the size of the castle that one was seldom to be met
on stair or in passage; and besides, the form stood as if waiting for
some one! As he drew nearer, he saw it was lady Arctura, and would have
passed with an obeisance. But ere he could lay his hand on the lock,
hers was there to prevent him. He then saw that she was agitated, and
that she had stopped him thus because her voice had at the moment
failed her. The next moment, however, she recovered it, and her
self-possession as well.

"Mr. Grant," she said, in a low voice, "I wish to speak to you--if you
will allow me."

"I am at your service, my lady," answered Donal.

"But we cannot here! My uncle--"

"Shall we go into the picture-gallery?" suggested Donal; "there is
moonlight there."

"No; that would be still nearer my uncle. His hearing is sometimes
preternaturally keen; and besides, as you know, he often walks there
after his evening meal. But--excuse me, Mr. Grant--you will understand
me presently--are you--are you quite--?"

"You mean, my lady--am I quite myself this evening!" said Donal,
wishing to help her with the embarrassing question: "--I have drunk
nothing but water to-night."

With that she opened the door, and descended the stair, he following;
but as soon as the curve of the staircase hid the door they had left,
she stopped, and turning to him said,

"I would not have you mistake me, Mr. Grant! I should be ashamed to
speak to you if--"

"Indeed I am very sorry!" said Donal, "--though hardly so much to blame
as I fear you think me."

"You mistake me at once! You suppose I imagine you took too much wine
last night! It would be absurd. I saw what you took! But we must not
talk here. Come."

She turned again, and going down, led the way to the housekeeper's room.

They found her at work with her needle.

"Mistress Brookes," said lady Arctura, "I want to have a little talk
with Mr. Grant, and there is no fire in the library: may we sit here?"

"By all means! Sit doon, my lady! Why, bairn! you look as cold as if
you had been on the roof! There! sit close to the fire; you're all
trem'lin'!"

Lady Arctura obeyed like the child Mrs. Brookes called her, and sat
down in the chair she gave up to her.

"I've somethin