That will bring you to the springs of the Leith Water, and in an hour or two from there you will be back on the highroad." She used a manner of speech foreign to our parts, but very soft and pleasant in the ear.

I thanked her, clapped on my dripping bonnet, and made for the dykes beyond the garden.

Once I looked back, but she had no further interest in me.

In the mist I could see her peering once more skyward, and through the drone of the deluge came an echo of her song.
"I'll serve thee in such noble ways, As never man before; I'll deck and crown thy head with bays, And love thee more and more." The encounter cheered me greatly, and lifted the depression which the eternal drizzle had settled on my spirits.

That bold girl singing a martial ballad to the storm and taking pleasure in the snellness of the air, was like a rousing summons or a cup of heady wine.