It was a Saturday night in the beginning of August, and John was at home until the following Monday.

He dressed himself and went out towards Brogar, and Christine watched him far over the western moor, and blessed him as he went.

He had not seen Margaret for many days, but he had a feeling to-night that she would be able to keep her tryst.

And there, standing amid the rushes on the lakeside, he found her.

They had so much to say to each other that Margaret forgot her father's return, and delayed so long that she thought it best to go straight home, instead of walking down the beach to meet him.
He generally left Stromness about half-past eight, and his supper was laid for nine o'clock.