Slowly he fell fast asleep, and slept far into the morning: long after lessons were begun in the school, and village-affairs were in the full swing of their daily routine, he slept; nor had he finished his breakfast, when his father entered.
"I'm quite well, papa," answered the boy to his gentle yet eager inquiry;--"perfectly able to go to school in the afternoon." "I don't mean you to go again, Cosmo," replied his father gravely.
"It could not be pleasant either for yourself or for the master.
The proper relation between you is destroyed." [Illustration: COSMO'S DREAM.] "If you think I was wrong, papa, I will make an apology." "If you had done it for yourself, I should unhesitatingly say you must.

But as it was, I am not prepared to say so." "What am I to do then?
How am I to get ready for college ?" The laird gave a sigh, and made no answer.

Alas! there were more difficulties than that in the path to college.
He turned away, and went to call on the minister, while Cosmo got up and dressed: except a little singing in his head when he stooped, he was aware of no consequences of the double blow.
Grannie was again at her wheel, and Cosmo sat down in her chair to await his father's return.
"Whaur said ye the captain sleepit whan he was at the castle ?" he inquired across the buzz and whiz and hum of the wheel.

Through the low window, betwixt the leaves of the many plants that shaded it, he could see the sun shining hot upon the bare street; but inside was soft gloom filled with murmurous sound.
"Whaur but i' the best bedroom ?" answered Grannie.

"Naething less wad hae pleased HIM, I can assure ye.