But from her letters seemed to issue to the inner ear of the laird a tone of oppression for which they gave him no means of accounting; while she said so little concerning her outward circumstances, hardly ever even alluding to her brother, that he could not but fear things did not go well with her at home.

The one he had now sent was even sad, and had so touched his heart, that in his own he suggested the idea of Cosmo's paying her a visit in his coming holidays.

It might comfort her a little, he said, to see one who cared so much, though he could do so little for her.
Cosmo jumped up, and paced about the room.

What better could he do than go at once! He had not known what to do next, and here was direction! He was much more likely to find a situation in England than in Scotland! And for his travelling expenses, he knew well how to make a little go a great way! He wrote therefore to his father telling him what had occurred, and saying he would go at once.

The moment he had dispatched his letter, he set about his preparations.
Like a bird the door of whose cage had been opened, he could hardly endure his captivity one instant longer.