It hurt him to see how eagerly his heir accepted the offer.

However, if the thing was to be done, it was best done quickly.

Letters of credit suitable to the young laird's fortune were prepared, and in less than a month he was ready to begin his travels.

It had been agreed that he should remain away one year, and if it seemed desirable, that his stay might even be lengthened to two.

But no one dreamed that advantage would be taken of this permission.
"He'll be hamesick ere a twelvemonth, laird," said the dominie; and the laird answered fretfully, "A twelvemonth is a big slice o' life to fling awa in far countries." The night before Colin left he was walking with his sister on the moor.