But, d'ye ken, wife, I was unco uneasy when I
discovered the bulk o' it on ma shoe efter we had withdrew to the
drawin' room----'
'Haud yer tongue, man! Macgreegor, what nicht 'll suit ye?'
'If ye say a nicht, I'll try for it; but I canna be sure o' gettin'
a late pass.' He was less uncertain when making appointments with
Christina.
And Mr. Robinson once more blundered and caused his son to blush by
saying: 'He wud rayther spend the evenin' wi' his intended--eh,
Macgreegor?'
'But she's to be invited!' Lizzie cried triumphantly. 'So there ye
are!'
'Ah, but that's no the same,' John persisted, 'as meetin' her
quiet-like. When I was courtin' you, Lizzie, did ye no prefer----'
Lizzie ignored her man--the only way. 'What aboot Friday, next
week?'
'If we're no in Flanders afore then,' reluctantly replied the
soldier of seven weeks' standing.
* * * * *
Happily for Mrs. McOstrich's sake Macgregor was able to keep the
engagement, and credit may be given him for facing the wasted
evening with a fairly cheerful countenance. Perhaps Christina,
with whom he arrived a little late, did something to mitigate his
grudge against his hostess.
Mrs. McOstrich was painfully fluttered by having a real live kiltie
in her little parlour, which was adorned as heretofore with
ornaments borrowed from the abodes of her guests. Though Macgregor
was acquainted with all the guests, she insisted upon solemnly
introducing him, along with his betrothed to each individual with
the formula: 'This is Private Robi'son an' his intended.
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