Time was, however, too precious to be given either to remonstrance or lamentation.  Miss Jacky could only give an angry look, and Miss Grizzy a sorrowful one, as they hurried away to the carriage, uttering exclamations of despair at the lateness of the hour, and the impossibility that anybody could have time to dress after getting to Lochmarlie Castle.

The consequence of the delay was that it was dark by the time they reached the place of destination.  The carriage drove up to the grand entrance; but neither lights nor servants greeted their arrival; and no answer was returned to the ringing of the bell.

“We had best get out and try the back.  This is most alarming, I declare!” cried Miss Grizzy.

“It is quite incomprehensible!” observed Miss Jacky.  “We had best get out and try the back door.”

The party alighted, and another attack being made upon the rear, it met with better success; for a little boy now presented himself at a narrow opening of the door, and in a strong Highland accent demanded “wha ta war seekin’?”

“Lady Maclaughlan, to be sure, Colin,” was the reply.

“Weel, weel,” still refusing admittance; “but te leddie’s no to be spoken wi’ to-night.”

“Not to be spoken with!” exclaimed Miss Grizzy, almost sinking to the ground with apprehension.  “Good gracious I—­I hope I—­I declare I—­Sir Sampson!——­”

“OO ay, hur may see Lochmarlie hursel.”  Then opening the door, he led the way, and ushered them into the presence of Sir Sampson, who was reclining in an easy chair, arrayed in a robe de chambre and nightcap.  The opening of the door seemed to have broken his slumber; for, gazing around with a look of stupefaction, he demanded in a sleepy peevish tone, “Who was there?”

“Bless me, Sir Sampson!” exclaimed both spinsters at once, darting forward and seizing a hand; “bless me, don’t you know us?  And here is our niece, Lady Juliana.”

“My Lady Juliana Douglas!” cried he, with a shriek of horror, sinking again upon his cushions.  “I am betrayed—­I—­Where is my Lady Maclaughlan?—­Where is Philistine?—­ Where is—­the devil!  This is not to be borne!  My Lady Juliana Douglas, the Earl of Courtland’s daughter, to be introduced to Lochmarlie Castle in so vile a manner, and myself surprised in so indecorous a situation!” And, his lips quivering with passion, he rang the bell.

The summons was answered by the same attendant that had acted as gentleman usher.

“’Where are all my people?” demanded his incensed master.

“Hurs aw awa tull ta Sandy More’s.”

“Where is my Lady?”

“Hurs i’ ta teach tap.” [1]

[1] House top.

“’Where is Murdoch?”

“Hur’s helpin’ ta leddie i’ ta teach tap.”

“Oh, we’ll all go upstairs, and see what Lady Maclaughlan and Philistine are about in the laboratory,” said Miss Grizzy.  “So pray, just go on with your nap, Sir Sampson; we shall find the way—­don’t stir;” and taking Lady Juliana by the hand, away tripped the spinsters in search of their friend.  “I cannot conceive the meaning of all this,” whispered Miss Grizzy to her sister as they went along.  “Something must be wrong; but I said nothing to dear Sir Sampson, his nerves are so easily agitated.  But what can be the meaning of all this?  I declare it’s quite a mystery.”