Poor as your accommodation is, it is better than the open road between this and Howglen; though, doubtless, before to-morrow morning you would be snug in the heart of a snow--wreath." "Look here, sir," said Lord Mergwain, and rising, he went up to the laird, and laid his hand on his shoulder; "if I stop, will you give me another room, and promise to share it with me to-night?
I am aware it is an odd request to make, but, as I tell you, we have been drinking for generations, and my nerves are the worse for it.
It's rather hard that the sins of the fathers should be visited on the children! Before God, I have enough to do with my own, let alone my fathers'! Every one should bear his own burden.

I can't bear mine.

If I could, it's not much my fathers' would trouble me!" "My lord, I will do anything I can for you--anything but consent to your leaving Castle Warlock to-day." "You will spend the night with me then ?" "I will." "But not in that room, you know." "Anywhere you please in the house, my lord, except my mother's room." "Then I'll stop .-- Joan, you may amuse yourself; we are not going till to-morrow." The laird smiled; he could not flatter himself with the hope of so speedy a departure.

Joan turned to Cosmo.
"Will you take me about the place ?" she said.
"If you mean in-doors," interposed the laird.

"It is a curious old house, and might interest you a little." "I should like nothing better.