Rowena could only write her sympathy and possess her soul in patience. She got a wire one day, when Mysie's life was in danger, and then another to say she was pulling through. Christmas found Mysie still very ill, and her father in an Edinburgh hotel, learning day by day how much he loved his child.
And then when Mysie was quite convalescent, her father wrote that he was bringing her home.
Rowena wrote promptly:
"Will you let Granny and me have her here, to pet her and nurse her
back to health again? She is not too fond of that worthy housekeeper
of yours, and I should love to have her."
By return of post she heard from the General:
"I can't say how good I think it of you! There is no one I would
have her with more willingly. I have business in town, and did not
want to return just yet. I will bring her down myself the first day
the doctor says she can travel."
And so one day, a very frail white little Mysie arrived, but her eyes were blazing with delight and rapture.
When Rowena's arms were round her, she looked up into her face with passionate devotion.
"I've never had anyone to talk to like you! And I've been just sick with wanting you and the glen and the loch!"
"Keep a bit of your heart for your old father," said General Macdonald.