She gave Foster her hand and he was next presented to Miss Lucy Stephen. Then Lawrence indicated Pete, who waited, looking very big and muscular but quite at ease.
"Who's this and where did you get him? I'll engage that he was born between Ettrick and Liddel."
"He kens!" Peter remarked with a twinkle. "My name's no' far frae
Ettrick, sir."
"My friend, Pete Scott," said Foster. "You have heard the ladies' names, Pete, but this is my partner, Mr. Featherstone, from the Garth."
Pete lifted his hand to his forehead and the movement had a touch of dignity. "Your servant, all; an' if ye'll alloo it, Mr. Foster's friends are mine."
Lawrence laughed. "A very proper sentiment, and a true Borderer! But you haven't told us how you found him, Jake."
"It's a long tale," said Foster. "Besides, I'm hungry. So I expect is
Pete."
Lucy Stephen rang a bell. "Tea ought to be ready. We often take it here."
The tea was brought a few minutes afterwards and when Lucy gave him his cup Foster sat in a basket chair studying his comrade. Lawrence's face was pinched and his pose languid, but Foster thought he was not so ill as he had been. He did not know how much he ought to ask and had decided to wait until they were alone when Lawrence smiled.
"You needn't be alarmed, partner. I'm very much better than I was and will soon be quite fit again."