They had reached the manse by this time, and as they lingered a moment in the close, John said:
“And were you pleased with all the bonny things that Mrs Esselmont has been speaking to me about?”
Allison started, and laid her hand on his arm.
“Are you pleased, John? I was afraid—”
“Yes, I am pleased. She is very kind.”
John kept her hand in his, and led her on till they came to the garden-gate.
“Now tell me of what you are afraid, Allie,” said he.
“Oh! not afraid. But I was glad to come to you with little, because I knew you would be glad to give me all. And I thought that—perhaps—you— But Mrs Esselmont is very kind.”
“My dear, I would be ill to please indeed, if I were not both pleased and proud to hear the words which Mrs Esselmont said of you to-night. Yes, she is more than kind, and she has a right to give you what she pleases, because she loves you dearly.”
Allison gave a sigh of pleasure.