"
"I would gladly turn my back on them and their country; but my duty
forbids it."
"But how will papa do without you?"
"Better than your ladyship can."
"But you have made yourself so useful, indeed necessary, as steward in
this house, which needed one sadly."
"Perhaps, so, my lady. But I know where I am most needed. I do not
mean to lose sight of you for twenty-four hours, until you are safe at
Craiggyside."
Lady Mabel looked exceedingly provoked and much out of countenance at
the _surveillance_ he assumed over her. Did he think her still a child
now, when she felt herself a woman? It was well she did not ask _him_
that question, for Moodie thought this the time when she needed most
watching. She was about to forbid his following her, but her father,
laughing at her discomfiture, said, "Moodie told me last night that he
would have to be of the party. He got his general orders before he
left Scotland, and in this case my sister is commander-in-chief."
The party was now ready, and rode out of the court, L'Isle putting
himself by Lady Mabel's side.
"What special part does this old man fill in your father's household?"
"Properly, none; though he has made himself steward by an act of
usurpation.
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