* * *
I was going out to fetch the cows this afternoon when I espied three girls in white pinafores at the top of the field. They waved their hands and ran down to meet me.
"We'll help you to take in the cows," cried Janet. They accepted my return without even the slightest curiosity, and I was glad.
"Righto!" I said, "but wait a bit. I want to sketch the farm first."
I sat down on the bank and the three settled themselves round me.
"Please, sir," said Ellen, "Mr. Macdonald's a nice man."
I did not want to discuss Macdonald with my bairns, and I sketched in silence. I think they forgot all about my presence after that; in the old days they used to talk to each other as if I weren't there. Once they discussed likely sweethearts in the village for me, and I am sure they forgot that I was there.
"He's nice to the lassies, Ellen," said Jean, "but not to the boys."
"What did he strap Jim Jackson for?" asked Ellen.
"Aw dinna ken," said Janet, "but he was needin' the strap. Jim Jackson's a cheeky wee thing."