So, now, all is safe and right, and I may die as soon as God pleases." He leaned his head back wearily, and his face was overspread by that melancholy shadow which it wore at times, showing how, at best, life was a heavy burden, as it could not but be--to him.
"Come, now," said the earl, rousing himself, "we have still a good many things to talk over, which I want to consult you about before you go," whereupon the young man opened up such a number of schemes, chiefly for the benefit of his tenantry and the neighborhood, that Mr.Menteith was quite overwhelmed.
"Why, my lord, you are the most energetic Earl of Cairnforth that ever came to the title.

It would take three lifetimes, instead of a single one, even if that reached threescore and ten, to carry out all you want to do." "Would it?
Then let us hope it was not for nothing that those good folk yesterday made themselves hoarse with wishing me 'a lang life and a merry ane.' And when I die--but we'll not enter upon that subject.
My dear old friend, I hope for many and many a thirtieth of June I shall make you welcome to Cairnforth.

And now let us take a quiet drive together, and fetch all the Manse people up to dinner at the Castle.".