for the witty lown-warm air of Edinburgh
in spiritual things had for the time being infected me with opinions
like those of the Laodicians.

Now this was a favourite overword of my mother's, that suffering was the
Christian's golden garment. But to my aunt, to whom religion was mostly
family tradition (or so I thought), I might as well have spoken of fried
fish.

"But concerning Walter," she went on, as one that comes to a real
subject after beating about the bush, "tell me of him. You have been
here with him in this city the best part of three months."

Now indeed I saw plainly enough what it was that had procured me the
honour of a visit so early from my lady of Lochinvar.

"In this city I have indeed been, my aunt," I replied, "but not with
Walter. For I am not Lord of Lochinvar, but only the poor suitor of the
King's mercy. And I spent not that which I have not, nor yet can I
afford further to burden the estate which may never be mine."

She waved her hand as at a Whig scruple, which good King's folk made
light of.

"But what of Walter--you have seen--is it well with the lad?"

She spoke eagerly and laid her hand on my arm.

But after all the business was not mine, and besides, a Gordon--Covenant
or no Covenant--is no tale-piet, as my lady might well have known.

"Wat Gordon," said I, "is the gayest and brightest young spark in town,
like a Damascus blade for mettle, and there are none that love not his
coming, and grieve not at his going."

"Ay--ladies, that I ken," said my aunt. "What of my Lady Wellwood?"

Now I had a very clear opinion of my Lady Wellwood, though I knew her
not; for indeed she would not have waved the back of her lily hand to me
in the street. But she was a handsome woman, and I admired her greatly
for the fairness of her countenance as she went by. Besides, the
business of Wat and my Lady Wellwood was none of mine.

"My lady is in truth a fine woman," I said calmly, looking up as if I
were saying what must please my visitor.

The Lady Lochinvar struck one hand on the other hastily and rose.

"Attend me home," she said; "I see after all that you are a man, and so
must defend all men and admire all women."

"The last, for your ladyship's sake, I do," I made answer. For in those
days we were taught to be courteous to the elder ladies, and to make
them becoming compliments, which is in danger of being a forgotten art
in these pettifogging times.

"What takes you to the Covenant s