Page:Guy Mannering Vol 1.djvu/227

Rh she said, "this is Mr Mannering, an old friend, come to enquire after you."

"He's very heartily welcome,"—said the old man, raising himself in his chair, and attempting a gesture of courtesy, while a gleam of hospitable satisfaction seemed to pass over his faded features; "but, Lucy, my dear, let us go down to the house, you should not keep the gentleman here in the cold;—Dominie, take the key of the wine-cooler. Mr a—a—the gentleman will take something after his ride."—

Mannering was unspeakably affected by the contrast which his recollection made between this reception and that with which he had been greeted by the same individual when they last met. He could not restrain his tears, and his evident emotion at once attained him the confidence of the friendless young lady.

"Alas!" said she, "this is distressing even to a stranger;–but it may be better for my poor father to be in this way, than if he knew and could feel all."