"I was near takin' the affairs o' ane o' his into MY han's!" He covered his face with his wrinkled hands, and the girl stood beside him in awe-filled silence.

But she did not quite comprehend, and was troubled at seeing him stand thus motionless.

In the trembling voice of one who would comfort her superior, she said, "Dinna greit, laird.

He'll be better, I'm thinkin', afore ye win till 'im.

It was Grannie gart me come--no him." Speechless the laird turned, and without even entering the house, walked away to go to the village.