Rowena held out her hand, and spoke in her most winning tone.
General Macdonald took it as he rose to leave her.
"You have given me food for thought," he said; "but I think and hope you are mistaken."
He went, and Rowena turned to Shags.
"Oh, aren't men great simple blundering darlings? How easily they can be taken in! We certainly are their superiors in diplomacy and deceit! Shags, I have become a mischief-maker, and I am not a bit sorry for what I have done!"
[CHAPTER VII]
COMPELLED TO THINK
"Unlike Philosophy, the Gospel has an ideal Life to offer."
Jowett.
IT was some time before Rowena saw either Mysie or her father again. Mrs. Macintosh came over to see her one afternoon, and began speaking about them.
"I am glad to think that Miss Falconer has been such a success," she said; "and really people begin to think that she may one day change her role from governess to mother. Forgive this gossip. But the laird seems greatly taken with her, and for myself I would like to see him married to some good woman. Every house wants a mistress, especially where there are children. Robert and I went to lunch one day last week; the laird is becoming a bit more sociable, neighbours tell us; but Miss Falconer was there and did the honours of the table very prettily. I wish you and she were a little nearer to one another. I suppose you do not see much of her?"