ow what he is up to. I have never taken any one's
advice, and I am not going to begin now, old boy--so we had better say
good-bye if you won't stop."

He came over to the door, and then he smiled his radiant, irresistible
smile so like a mischievous jolly boy's.

"Give me joy, Henry, old friend," he said, and held out his hand.

But Henry Fordyce looked grave as a judge as he took it.

"I can't do that, Michael. I am very angry with you. I have known you
ever since you were born, and we have been real pals, although I am so
much older than you--but I'm damned if I'll stay and see you through
this folly. Good-bye." And without a word further he went out of the
room, closing the door softly behind him.

Michael gave a sort of whoop to Binko, who sprang at him in love and
excitement, while he cried:

"Very well! Get along, old saint!"

Then he rang the bell, and to the footman when he came he handed the
note he had written to be taken to Mr. Fergusson, and sent orders for
Johnson to pack for two nights, and for his motor to be ready to catch
the 10:40 express at the junction for London town. Then he seized his
cap and, calling Binko, he went off into the garden, and so on to the
park and to the golf house, where, securing his professional, he played
a vigorous round, and when he got back to the castle again, just before
dinner, he was informed that Mr. Fordyce had left in his own motor for
Edinburgh.

CHAPTER IV

An opalescence of soft light and peace and beauty was over the park of
Arranstoun on this June night of its master's wedding, and he walked
among the giant trees to the South Lodge gate, only a few hundred yards
from the postern, which he reached from his sitting-room. All had gone
well in London. Mr. Parsons had raised no objection, being indeed
greatly flattered at the proposed alliance--for who had not heard of the
famous border Castle of Arranstoun and envied its possessor?

They had talked a long time and settled everything.

"Tie up the whole of Miss Delburg's money entirely upon herself," Mr.
Arranstoun had said--"if it is not already done--then we need not bother
about settlements. I understand that she is well provided for."

"And how about your future children?" Mr. Parsons asked.

Michael stiffened suddenly as he looked out of the office window.

"Oh--er, they will naturally have all I possess," he returned quickly.

And now as he neared the Lodge gate, and nine o'clock struck,