Sir Patrick bowed.  He was not in the least offended; he was even (if the confession may be made without degrading him in the public estimation) privately amused.  Conscious of having honestly presented himself at the inn in Anne’s interests, as well as in the interests of the ladies at Windygates, it appealed to his sense of humor to find himself kept at arm’s-length by the very woman whom he had come to benefit.  The temptation was strong on him to treat his errand from his own whimsical point of view.  He gravely took out his watch, and noted the time to a second, before he spoke again.

“I have an event to relate in which you are interested,” he said.  “And I have two messages to deliver, which I hope you will not object to receive.  The event I undertake to describe in one minute.  The messages I promise to dispose of in two minutes more.  Total duration of this intrusion on your time—­three minutes.”

He placed a chair for Anne, and waited until she had permitted him, by a sign, to take a second chair for himself.

“We will begin with the event,” he resumed.  “Your arrival at this place is no secret at Windygates.  You were seen on the foot-road to Craig Fernie by one of the female servants.  And the inference naturally drawn is, that you were on your way to the inn.  It may be important for you to know this; and I have taken the liberty of mentioning it accordingly.”  He consulted his watch.  “Event related.  Time, one minute.”

He had excited her curiosity, to begin with.  “Which of the women saw me?” she asked, impulsively.

Sir Patrick (watch in hand) declined to prolong the interview by answering any incidental inquiries which might arise in the course of it.

“Pardon me,” he rejoined; “I am pledged to occupy three minutes only.  I have no room for the woman.  With your kind permission, I will get on to the messages next.”

Anne remained silent.  Sir Patrick went on.

“First message:  ’Lady Lundie’s compliments to her step-daughter’s late governess—­with whose married name she is not acquainted.  Lady Lundie regrets to say that Sir Patrick, as head of the family, has threatened to return to Edinburgh, unless she consents to be guided by his advice in the course she pursues with the late governess.  Lady Lundie, accordingly, foregoes her intention of calling at the Craig Fernie inn, to express her sentiments and make her inquiries in person, and commits to Sir Patrick the duty of expressing her sentiments; reserving to herself the right of making her inquiries at the next convenient opportunity.  Through the medium of her brother-in-law, she begs to inform the late governess that all intercourse is at an end between them, and that she declines to act as reference in case of future emergency.’—­Message textually correct.  Expressive of Lady Lundie’s view of your sudden departure from the house.  Time, two minutes.”

Anne’s color rose.  Anne’s pride was up in arms on the spot.