I have never previously heard such a marvellous recital." "We are a stiff-necked race.

My uncle and cousin knew how strangely Fate had pursued every heir to the title, yet each hoped that in his person the tragic sequence would be broken.

Oddly enough, my father holds that the family curse, or whatever it is, has now exhausted itself." "What grounds has he for the belief ?" "None, save a Highlander's readiness to accept signs and portents.

Look at this seal." He unfastened from his waistcoat his watch and chain, with a small bunch of pendants attached, and handed them to Brett.

The latter examined the seal with deep interest.