"
"I hope," said Finlay, "that my aunt and Miss Cameron
are well. I understand they are out."
"Oh, very well--finely. They're out at present, but you'll
see them bye-and-bye. An excellent voyage over they
had--just the eight days. But we'll be doing it in less
than that when the new fast line is running to Halifax.
But four days of actual ocean travelling they say now it
will take. Four days from imperial shore to shore! That
should incorporate us--that should bring them out and
take us home."
The Doctor had not taken a seat himself, but was pacing
the study, his thumbs in his waistcoat pockets; and a
touch of embarrassment seemed added to the inveterate
habit.
"I hear the ladies had pleasant weather." Finlay remarked.
"Capital--capital! You won't smoke? I know nothing about
these cigars; they're some Grant left behind him--a
chimney, that man Grant. Well, Finlay"--he threw himself
into the arm-chair on the other side of the hearth--"I
don't know what to say to you."
"Surely," said Finlay restively, "it has all been said,
sir."
"No, it has not all been said," Dr Drummond retorted.
"No, it has not. There's more to be said, and you must
hear it, Finlay, with such patience as you have. But I
speak the truth when I say that I don't know how to
begin."
The young man gave him opportunity, gazing silently into
the fire.
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