The guests were safe in the house--there was no interruption to be feared, Arnold showed himself.
Sir Patrick (perfectly undisturbed by Lady Lundie's parting speech) sat down in the summer-house, without noticing his young friend, and asked himself a question founded on profound observation of the female sex.
"Were there ever two women yet with a quarrel between them," thought the old gentleman, "who didn't want to drag a man into it?
Let them drag _me_ in, if they can!" Arnold advanced a step, and modestly announced himself.

"I hope I am not in the way, Sir Patrick ?" "In the way?
of course not! Bless my soul, how serious the boy looks! Are _you_ going to appeal to me as the head of the family next ?" It was exactly what Arnold was about to do.

But it was plain that if he admitted it just then Sir Patrick (for some unintelligible reason) would decline to listen to him.

He answered cautiously, "I asked leave to consult you in private, Sir; and you kindly said you would give me the opportunity before I left Windygates ?" "Ay! ay! to be sure.

I remember.