“I like to watch them,” said Katie, “and, grandfather, doesna it mind you of the waves of the sea?”
Her grandfather shook his head.
“It’s a bonny sight, but it is no like the waves of the sea.”
And thus a word dropped here and there till they came to the pasture-bars. The sheep and the young lambs crowded together close to the bars over which they leaned, expecting the usual taste of salt from their hands, and old Kelso and her colt neighed their welcome. It was a peaceful, pleasant scene, and would do her grandfather good, Katie said to herself joyfully. But in a minute her heart gave a sudden throb, as with a look at her face, from which neither the water of the burn, nor the mild sweet air had quite effaced the traces of tears, he said gravely:
“And what was it that Davie was saying to you as you came up the brae?”
Katie gave a quick look into his face, and her eyes fell, and she could not utter a word.
“Was he vexing you with his nonsense? Was he scolding you, my lassie?”
“Davie! Oh, grandfather! I would never heed Davie. And besides, it is I who scolded Davie,” added she with a laugh, much relieved.
“I dare say he’s no’ out of the need of it whiles, though he maybe needs it less than he once did.”
“Yes, indeed! grandfather. Is he not steady now? As good as gold?”