"I scarcely think this can have been meant for me," he said; "you have forgotten how she used to chide me for smoking." Miss Ailie had not forgotten.

"But in a way," she replied, flushing a little, "we--that is, Kitty--could not help admiring you for smoking.
There is something so--so dashing about it." "I was little worthy all the friendship you two gave me, Ailie," he told her humbly, and he was nearly saying something to her then that he had made up his mind to say.

The time came a few days later.

They had been walking together on the hill, and on their return to the Dovecot he had insisted, "in his old imperious way," on coming in to tea.

Hearing talking in the kitchen Miss Ailie went along the passage to discover what company her maid kept; but before she reached the door, which was ajar, she turned as if she had heard something dreadful and hurried upstairs, signing to Mr.McLean, with imploring eyes, to follow her.
This at once sent him to the kitchen door.
Gavinia was alone.