But he remembered that she had another father besides the laird, and comforted himself.
When he reached home, he found his mother in serious talk with a stranger.

The tears were in her eyes, and had been running down her cheeks, but she was calm and dignified as usual.
"Here he comes!" she said as he entered.

"The will o' the Lord be dene--noo an' for ever-mair! I'm at his biddin' .-- An' sae's Gibbie." It was Mr.Sclater.

The witch had sailed her brander well..