There he found them, in solemn conclave assembled, wondering what they had better do.
Sir Patrick put them all at their ease in two minutes.
"What do you say to a day's shooting to-morrow ?" he asked.
Every man present--sportsman or not--said yes.
"You can start from this house," pursued Sir Patrick; "or you can start from a shooting-cottage which is on the Windygates property--among the woods, on the other side of the moor.

The weather looks pretty well settled (for Scotland), and there are plenty of horses in the stables.
It is useless to conceal from you, gentlemen, that events have taken a certain unexpected turn in my sister-in-law's family circle.

You will be equally Lady Lundie's guests, whether you choose the cottage or the house.

For the next twenty-four hours (let us say)--which shall it be ?" Every body--with or without rheumatism--answered "the cottage." "Very good," pursued Sir Patrick, "It is arranged to ride over to the shooting-cottage this evening, and to try the moor, on that side, the first thing in the morning.

If events here will allow me, I shall be delighted to accompany you, and do the honors as well as I can.