as a personal vice.

'I think I'll go to bed,' he said when his laugh was over. 'I
believe it's the only safe place from your tongue, Miss Naper.'

'Letty,' cried Miss Napier, 'fess a can'le, and show his lordship to
the reid room.'

Till Miss Letty appeared, the baron sat and stretched himself. He
then rose and followed her into the archway, and up an outside stair
to a door which opened immediately upon a handsome old-fashioned
room, where a blazing fire lighted up the red hangings. Miss Letty
set down the candle, and bidding his lordship good night, turned and
left the room, shutting the door, and locking it behind her--a
proceeding of which his lordship took no notice, for, however
especially suitable it might be in his case, it was only, from
whatever ancient source derived, the custom of the house in regard
to this particular room and a corresponding chamber on the opposite
side of the archway.

Meantime the consternation amongst the members of the club was not
so great as not to be talked over, or to prevent the call for more
whisky and hot water. All but MacGregor, however, regretted what
had occurred. He was so elevated with his victory and a sense of
courage and prowess, that he became more and more facetious and
overbearing.

'It's all very well for you, Mr. MacGregor,' said the dominie, with
dignity: 'you have nothing to lose.'