'I'll tell ye when I observe it. Noo sit still an' behave yersel', an' tell me the latest camp rumours.'
Just then the bell over the door in the shop went off.
'Oh, dash yer customers!' said Macgregor.
Christina was moving from the room when——
'Are ye there, dearie?' called a familiar female voice.
'Holy Moses!' she whispered. 'It's Miss Tod, hame three days afore her time.'
'Oh, criffens!' gasped Macgregor. 'What'll I dae?'
'Ye can either hide in the coal bunker, or bide whaur ye are—like a sojer. She'll no devour ye.'
Christina then ran out to receive her employer, which she did without embarrassment.
'What a peety ye're ower late for ma wee tea-pairty. An' hoo are ye?' Macgregor heard her saying.