'Do you think she would care to be disturbed to-day?' said Marjorie, somewhat doubtfully.
'I think she would be very glad to see you, Miss Marjorie, when you come on such an errand.'
Mrs. MacLean said nothing; but she filled the young people's pockets with oat-cakes, and stood watching them as they walked soberly along the path.
'It's too late to go to Mrs. Macdonnell before dinner-time,' said Allan, who seemed to be glad of an excuse to postpone so trying an interview. 'You'd better come with us, Hamish and Marjorie; it's half-past twelve now; much too late for you to go home.'
Places were found for the MacGregors at the hospitable table of Ardnavoir; and after dinner, Tricksy drew her mother aside, while Marjorie lingered to hear what Mrs. Stewart would say.
'Mummie,' said Tricksy, 'Rob MacLean wants us to go and see Mrs. Macdonnell and tell her that we don't believe that Neil stole the letters. Do you think we can go?'
'Perhaps you might, as Rob wishes you to do so,' replied her mother. 'Don't stay long, and don't talk much, for, poor woman, this has been a terrible blow to her. Give her your message, and then say good-bye.'
'Do you think we need to go too?' said Allan, as the young people were discussing their intention.
'Of course we must all be there,' declared Marjorie; 'it will encourage her when she sees that we have all joined the compact.'
'Whatever are you doing that for?' asked Allan, when he saw his little sister gathering flowers in the garden.