"The maister's a hantle quaieter than usual.

I fancy he's a' the better behaved for's brunt fingers.

But, oh, Alec!" And here the little maiden burst into a passionate fit of crying.
"What's the matter, Annie," said Mrs Forbes, as she drew her nearer, genuinely concerned at the child's tears.
"Oh! mem, ye didna see hoo the maister lickit him, or ye wad hae grutten yersel'." Tears from some mysterious source sprang to Mrs Forbes's eyes.

But at the moment Mary opened the door, and said-- "Here's Maister Bruce, mem, wantin' to see ye." "Tell him to walk up, Mary." "Oh! no, no, mem; dinna lat him come till I'm out o' this.

He'll tak' me wi' him," cried Annie.
Mary stood waiting the result.
"But you must go home, you know, Annie," said Mrs Forbes, kindly.
"Ay, but no wi' _him_," pleaded Annie.
From what Mrs Forbes knew of the manners and character of Bruce, she was not altogether surprised at Annie's reluctance.