Page:Authors daughter v1.djvu/19

Rh and I think my father has sent Pat for the doctor," said Jessie. "Allan thought, as the poor lassie was better acquainted with him, he would not leave the house for so long a time. It is not that Allan grudged the trouble, but his heart is sore for the poor bairn."

Mrs. Lindsay found all was done as Jessie had said, and now for the first time found an opportunity of asking who the poor gentleman was, and what was his connection with Mr. Hammond.

"It is a sudden and awfu' providence, Allan," said she.

"If it is awful to us, mother; what is it to that poor orphan, fatherless and motherless in a strange land? What can we do for her?"

"No doubt Mrs. Hammond will see to her, as is weel her part, and she seems a genty bit body, though no that very weel put on, and bonnie too, if it was not for the greeting."

"I forgot to ask you, Allan," said Mr. Lindsay, "in all this trouble, if you have got the land."

"Yes, father, over Mr. Hammond's head too; for his agent was bidding against me, and made me give five shillings more the acre for it than you set as my price."

"Mr. Hammond won't be over pleased at that, Allan, and he behoves to come here to-night about this unfortunate business, but it cannot be