"Miss Desmond, I would like to show you some favourite pictures of mine. They are in the library; will you come?"
"With the greatest pleasure."
Jean crossed the room with her in quite a flutter of delight.
As they passed up a low staircase, Mrs. Fergusson laid her hand on her arm.
"And how do you like us?" she asked, quaintly. "I hear this is your first visit to Scotland."
"Yes," said Jean impulsively. "It is my first visit, but I find Scotch people are hard to know. I don't think I should ever make friends here. I am willing, but—well—perhaps Mrs. Gordon is extra difficult to know, and of course, I am in a peculiar position. Everybody is very kind, but—"
"But they don't embrace you with open arms? No, they will not do that. We are slow and cautious folk, and take time to form friendships."
Jean coloured.
"I have no right to speak so, only I can't help getting interested in people. I just love little Sunnie, and hoped to like her mother. I feel so sorry for her. But I am nothing to any of them. Meta is very friendly, but she is variable."
Mrs. Fergusson looked at Jean rather searchingly.