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Cardross's right; and for a while that languid but friendly lady drawled amiable trivialities to him, propounding the tritest questions with an air of pleased profundity, replying to his observations with harmlessly complacent platitudes a good woman, every inch of her one who had never known an unkindly act or word in the circle of her own family one who had always been accustomed to honor, deference, and affection of whom nothing more had ever been demanded than the affections of a good wife and a good mother.
Cardross's income was very small, and, like that of most country ministers, very uncertain, his stipend altering year by year, according to the price of corn. They kept one "lassie" to help, but Helen herself had to do a great deal of the housework.
"Helen has just been reminding me that the earl and countess used always to come and rest at the Manse between sermons. Would Lord Cairnforth like to do the same? It is a good way to the Castle or perhaps he is too fatigued for the afternoon service?" "Oh no, I should like it very much. And, nurse, I do so want to see Mr. Cardross's children; and Helen who is Helen?" "My daughter.
Now, a common sympathy, nay, more, a common grief for something beyond sympathy, keen personal regret, was evidently felt by both for the departed earl and countess made them suddenly familiar. "Is the child doing well?" was Mr. Cardross's first and most natural question; but it seemed to puzzle Mr. Menteith exceedingly. "I suppose so indeed, I can hardly say.
Cardross's grandson, and worthy of them both also because, for his own sake, I respect him, and I love him. I give you the health of Alexander Cardross Bruce-Montgomerie." And then they all wished the young man joy, and the dining-hall of Cairnforth Castle rang with hearty cheers for Mr. Bruce-Montgomerie.
This fact accounted for another the captain's having expressed ardent gratitude for a sum which he said the earl had given him for his journey and marriage expenses, which, though Mr. Cardross's independent spirit rather revolted from the gift, at least satisfied him about Helen's comfort during her temporary absence. And once more, for Helen's sake, the earl kept silence.
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