Perhaps I may speak without offense?
That subject of quarrel, now, between you and the laird of Glenfernie--" The other made a movement, impatient and imperious.

"It is not likely, sir, that he divulged that!" "He?
No! But fate--fortune--the unrolling course of things--plain Providence--whatever you choose to call it--seems at times quite below or above that reticence which we others so naturally prize and exhibit!" "You'll oblige me, sir, by not speaking in riddles." The irony dropped from Mr.Wotherspoon's tone.

He faced the business squarely.

"Do you mean to say that you do not know of the suicide of Elspeth Barrow ?" The chair opposite made a grating sound, pushed violently back upon the bare, polished floor.

Down the street, through the window, came the sound of Cluny Macpherson's pipers, playing down from the Lawnmarket.