There was much of the child nature mingled in Helen's gravity and wisdom, and she sometimes did both speak and act from impulse--especially generous and kindly impulse--as hastily and unthinkingly as a child.
"Well, Malcolm, the only way to settle this difficulty is to search the house and grounds.

Take a good thick stick and a lantern, and whatever you find--be it tourist or burglar, man or spirit--bring him at once to me." And then the little group waited, laughing among themselves, but still not quite at ease.

Lord Cairnforth would not allow Mr.Cardross and Helen to walk home; the carriage was ordered to be made ready.
Presently, Malcolm appeared, somewhat crestfallen.
"It is a man, my lord, and no speerit.

But he wadna come ben.

He says he'll wait your lordship's will, and that's his name," laying a card before the earl, who looked at it and started with surprise.
"Mr.Menteith, just see--'Captain Ernest Henry Bruce.' What an odd coincidence!" "Coincidence, indeed!" repeated the lawyer, skeptically.