Mere acquaintances had not the power to touch his heart.

And this gentle heart which, liking many, loved but few, none whom he loved ever could really offend.

He "Grappled them to his soul with hooks of steel," And believed in them to the last extremity of faith that was possible.
So, whether Captain Bruce came under the latter category or the former, his conduct was passed over, waiting for future explanation when Lord Cairnforth returned home, as now, every day, he was wearying to do.
"But I will be back again in pleasant Edinburg next winter," said he to one of his new friends, who had helped to make his stay pleasant, and was sorely regretting his departure.

"And I shall bring with me some very old friends of mine, who will enjoy it as much as I shall myself." And he planned, and even made preliminary arrangements for a house to be taken, and an establishment formed, where the minister, Helen, and, indeed, all the Cardross family, if they chose, might find a hospitable home for the ensuing winter season.
"And how they will like it!" said he, in talking it over with Malcolm one day.

"How the minister will bury himself in old libraries, and Miss Cardross will admire the grand shops and the beautiful views.