"
"I do know it," answered Florimel gently, moved by the tone of
Malcolm's voice, and the expression of his countenance.
"Then I make bold to tell your ladyship that on his deathbed your
father desired me to do my best for you--took my word that I
would be your ladyship's true servant."
"Is it so, indeed, Malcolm?" returned Florimel, with a serious wonder
in her tone, and looked him in the face with an earnest gaze. She
had loved her father, and it sounded in her ears almost like a
message from the tomb.
"It's as true as I stan' here, my leddy," said Malcolm.
Florimel was silent for a moment. Then she said, "How is it that
only now you come to tell me?"
"Your father never desired me to tell you, my lady--only he never
imagined you would want to part with me, I suppose. But when you
did not care to keep me, and never said a word to me when you went
away, I could not tell how to do as I had promised him. It wasn't
that one hour I forgot his wish, but that I feared to presume; for
if I should displease your ladyship my chance was gone. So I kept
about Lossie House as long as I could, hoping to see my way to some
plan or other. But when at length Mr Crathie turned me away, what
was I to do but come to your ladyship? And if your ladyship will
let things be as before in the way of service, I mean--I canna
doot, my leddy, but it'll be pleesant i' the sicht o' yer father,
whanever he may come to ken o' 't, my lady.
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