She made good time accordingly down the steep
ascent, and came up to the door panting as the three younger brothers,
all roused at last from slumber, stood together in the cool and the dark
of the evening with a fry of nephews and nieces about them, chatting and
awaiting the expected signal. She stood back; she had no mind to direct
attention to her late arrival or to her labouring breath.
"Kirstie, ye have shaved it this time, my lass?" said Clem. "Whaur were
ye?"
"O, just taking a dander by mysel'," said Kirstie.
And the talk continued on the subject of the American War, without
further reference to the truant who stood by them in the covert of the
dusk, thrilling with happiness and the sense of guilt.
The signal was given, and the brothers began to go in one after another,
amid the jostle and throng of Hob's children.
Only Dandie, waiting till the last, caught Kirstie by the arm. "When
did ye begin to dander in pink hosen, Mistress Elliott?" he whispered
slyly.
She looked down; she was one blush.
Pages:
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182