Then the meal commenced.

It did not last long.

They had the soup first, and then the fowl that had been boiled in it, with a small second dish of potatoes--the year's baby Kidneys, besides those Grizzie had pared.

Delicate pancakes followed--and dinner was over--except for the laird, who had a little toddy after.

But as yet Cosmo had never even tasted strong drink--and of course he never desired it.