“It’s not unlikely that two or three things might happen in such a place, and John Graham be none the wiser. And it’s not likely that he’ll say any ill of your brother in your hearing,” said Nancy drily. “Not that I’m misdoubting you, Archie, man; and may you be kept safe, for your sister’s sake!”
“For a better reason than that, I hope, Mrs Stirling,” said Lilias gravely.
“Well, so be it; though his sister is a good enough reason for him, I hope. But where have you been? To see Bell Ray? How is she to-day, poor body?”
“We have not been there,” said Lilias. “We meant to go when we came from home; but we stayed so long down yonder that we had no time. I am going some day soon.”
“And where’s ‘down yonder,’ if I may ask?” demanded Mrs Stirling.
“At the moor cottage,” said Lilias. “We came over the hills to see it again, just to mind us of old times.”
“And we stayed so long, speaking about these old times, that we are likely to be late home,” said Archie; “and they are all coming up from the manse, to have tea in the Glen. We must make haste home, Lily.”
“Yes; and we stayed a while at the old seat under the rowan-tree. We could only just reach it, the burn is so full. And look at all the flowers I found in the cottage-garden—heart’s-ease, and daisies, and sweet-brier, and thyme. It seemed a pity to leave them, with nobody to see them. Give me something to put them in, Mrs Stirling, and I’ll leave some of them for you. We will have time enough for that, Archie, never fear.”
She sat down on the door-step, and laid the flowers on her lap.
“And wherefore should you be caring to mind yourselves of the old times, I wonder?” said Nancy, as she sat down beside her, holding the jug for the flowers in her hand. “Some of those days were sad enough, I’m sure. Maybe it’s to make you humble?”