You called me one or two names then, dad---in fact you were quite eloquent; but you know that he was a bad fellow, and that the regiment was well rid of him; but I 'm older now, and I have not heard my promotion." "It's the most vigorous word that Scots have for a particular kind of woman." "Describe her," demanded Kate.
"One who has a mind of her own," began the General, carefully, "and a way, too, who is not easily cowed or managed, who is not.

.

." "A fool," suggested Kate.
"Who is not conspicuously soft in manner," pursued the General, with discretion, "who might even have a temper." "Not a tame rabbit, in fact.

I understand what you are driving at, and I know what a model must feel when she is being painted.

And now kindly pluck up courage and name the picture." And Kate leant back, with her hand behind her head, challenging the General--if he dared.
"Well ?" "Besom." And he was not at all ashamed, for a Scot never uses this word without a ring of fondness and admiration in his voice, as of one who gives the world to understand that he quite disapproves of this audacious woman, wife or daughter of his, but is proud of her all the time.