It occurred to him that instead he might take the barge and be rowed up the river to the Jaquelins' or to Green Spring; but in a moment this plan also became repugnant.

Finally he went out upon the terrace, and sat there the morning through, staring at the river.

That afternoon he sent a negro to the store with a message for the storekeeper.
The Highlander, obeying the demand for his company,--the third or fourth since his day at Williamsburgh,--came shortly before twilight to the great house, and found the master thereof still upon the terrace, sitting beneath an oak, with a small table and a bottle of wine beside him.
"Ha, Mr.MacLean!" he cried, as the other approached.

"Some days have passed since last we laid the ghosts! I had meant to sooner improve our acquaintance.

But my house has been in disorder, and I myself,"-- he passed his hand across his face as if to wipe away the expression into which it had been set,--"I myself have been poor company.