Christina looked puzzled. She was still more so after a visit from her stepmother and Puggy.
Mrs. Maclahan put her hand under her chin and raised her face to hers.
"Let us have a look at you! Do you know the whole village has made you into a heroine? It's a pity Puggy here wasn't a little more prompt. I would rather have heard that he had accomplished the rescue than you! How did you do it, Tina? I shall begin to think your timidity is all humbug. What do you say, Miss Bertha?"
"Dawn knows Christina better than any of us," said Miss Bertha quietly. He says: "Christina is frightened, but she doesn't funk!"
Mrs. Maclahan nodded brightly.
"Well her father is quite proud of her. He puts it down to Scotch blood. Why is it, Miss Bertha, that the Scotch think themselves so immeasurably superior to us poor English? I tell my husband that I wonder he ever condescended to marry me; but I suppose he considers that an inferior wife is only what is right and proper! What big eyes, Tina! I'm sure you don't understand a word of my talk, do you? How's the poor head?"
"Oh, she is getting on very well, only I want to have the pleasure of nursing her for a few days," said Miss Bertha.
"It's very good of you. She seems quite happy. Now, Puggy, stay and talk to her a little, and, Miss Bertha, take me round your garden. I hear your violets are appearing even now."
Miss Bertha took Mrs. Maclahan round, talking as she went of many things. When Mrs. Maclahan eventually took her leave, she said impulsively:
"I wish I had what you have. I always feel so ignorant when I'm with you. And how is it you get the children's love? My riotous Puggy, who scorns most women-folk, thinks all the world of you."