Neil had n't no luggage of any kind and would n't open his mouth the whole way up , Lincoln says . We concluded him and old Thomas must have had a row . D'ye know anything about it ? Or was you so wrapped up in sweethearting that you did n't hear or see nothing else ? '' Eric reflected rapidly . He was greatly relieved to find that Neil had gone . He would never return and this was best for all concerned . Old Robert must be told a part of the truth at least , since it would soon become known that Kilmeny could speak . `` There was some trouble at the Gordon place to-night , Mr. Williamson , '' he said quietly . `` Neil Gordon behaved rather badly and frightened Kilmeny terribly , -- so terribly that a very surprising thing has happened . She has found herself able to speak , and can speak perfectly . '' Old Robert laid down the piece of cheese he was conveying to his mouth on the point of a knife and stared at Eric in blank amazement . `` God bless my soul , Master , what an extraordinary thing ! '' he ejaculated . `` Are you in earnest ? Or are you trying to see how much of a fool you can make of the old man ? '' `` No , Mr. Williamson , I assure you it is no more than the simple truth . Dr. Baker told me that a shock might cure her , -- and it has . As for Neil , he has gone , no doubt for good , and I think it well that he has . '' Not caring to discuss the matter further , Eric left the kitchen .
But as he mounted the stairs to his room he heard old Robert muttering , like a man XXXXX hopeless bewilderment , `` Well , I never heard anything like this in all my born days -- never -- never .
about at for in of on since than that to