He is your nearest relation, and, as the proverb says, 'Bluid is thicker than water.'" "Not always." "But now you will soon be able to judge how you like him, I hope you will be very kind to him." "Do you, Helen?
Then I certainly will." The earl kept his word.

Many weeks went by; the 15th of July was long past, and still Captain Bruce remained a guest at the Castle--quite domesticated, for he soon made himself as much at home as if he had dwelt there all his days.

He fluctuated a little between the Castle and the Manse, but soon decided that the latter was "rather a dull house" -- the boys rough--the minister too much of a student--and Miss Cardross "a very good sort of girl, but certainly no beauty," which dictum delivered in an oracular manner, as from one well accustomed to criticize the sex, always amused the earl exceedingly.
To Lord Cairnforth, his new-found cousin devoted himself in the most cousinly way.

Tender, respectful, unobtrusive, bestowing on him enough, and not too much of his society; never interfering, and yet always at hand with any assistance required: he was exactly the companion which the earl needed, and liked constantly beside him.

For, of course, Malcolm, fond and faithful as he was, was only a servant; a friend, who was also a gentleman, yet who did not seem to feel or dislike the many small cares and attentions which were necessities to Lord Cairnforth, was quite a different thing.