In it was the cutting of saffron velvet.
Then, impatiently biding his time till they should again draw nigh, he sauntered around the corner of the building with his gaze fastened upon the moon. He could have made oath that he saw, first, a dozen of them, and then none at all.
"Give thee a fair good-night, dame Sutherland," Sir Richard said in an agitated voice, "art thou, too, enjoying the moon?"
The grandam dropped him a pretty curtsy, the while the other stood with drooping and averted head.
"Thank thee much, sire; I am," the old lady gave him answer.
"'Tis a bonnie night, i' faith."
"Yes, sire, 'tis," curtsying again.
"And the moon—'tis extraordinary bright?"
"Yes, sire, 'tis," curtsying once more.
"I trust the ... young lady—may not suffer an indisposition from the dank airs?"