"There is that," said Wallis. "I consider him much improved. But
you see he's succeeded; he's the earl now, and Lord Liftore--and
a menseful, broad shouldered man to the boot of the bargain. He
used to be such a windle straw!"
In order to speak good English, Wallis now and then, like some
Scotch people of better education, anglicized a word ludicrously.
"Is there no news of his marriage?" asked Malcolm, adding, "they
say he has great property."
"My love she's but a lassie yet," said Wallis, "--though she too
has changed quite as much as my lord."
"Who are you speaking of?" asked Malcolm, anxious to hear the talk
of the household on the matter.
"Why, Lady Lossie, of course. Anybody with half an eye can see as
much as that."
"Is it settled then?"
"That would be hard to say. Her ladyship is too like her father: no
one can tell what may be her mind the next minute. But, as I say,
she's young, and ought to have her fling first--so far, that
is, as we can permit it to a woman of her rank. Still, as I say,
anybody with half an eye can see the end of it all: he's for ever
hovering about her. My lady, too, has set her mind on it, and for
my part I can't see what better she can do. I must say I approve
of the match. I can see no possible objection to it."
"We used to think he drank too much," suggested Malcolm.
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