"The chief news, ma'am, is that we want war with Spain and Walpole
won't give it to us. But we'll have it--British trade must have it or
lower her colors to the Dons! France, too--"

Supper went on, with abundant and good food and drink. The laird sat
silent. Strickland gave Mrs. Jardine yeoman aid. Jamie and Alice now
listened to the elders, now in an undertone discoursed their own
affairs. Mr. Touris talked, large trader talk, sprinkled with terms of
commerce and Indian policy. Supper over, all rose. The table was
cleared, wine and glasses brought and set upon it, between the
candles. The young folk vanished. Bright as was the night, the air
carried an edge. Mr. Touris, standing by the fire, warmed himself and
took snuff. Strickland, who had left the hall, returned and placed her
embroidery frame for Mrs. Jardine.

"Is Alexander in yet?"

"Not yet."

She began to work in cross-stitch upon a wreath of tulips and roses.
The tutor took his book and withdrew to the table and the candles
thereon. The laird came and dropped his great form upon the settle. He
held silence a few moments, then began to speak.

"I am fifty years old. I was a bairn just talking and toddling about
the year the Stewart fled and King William came to England. My father
had Campbell blood in him and was a friend of Argyle's. The estate of
Glenfernie was not to him then, but his uncle held it and had an heir
of his body. My father was poor save in stanchness to the liberties of