To this her husband, standing in front of the expiring fire (for even in August a little fire in the evening is not inappropriate on the Border), replied with a suppressed growl.
“You’re easy pleased,” he said, “but why ye should take all this trouble to fill people with good things, as the Scripture says, that are not hungry and don’t want them—”
“Oh, Robert, just you hold your peace! You’re always very well pleased to go out to your dinner. And as for the Allonby family, it was a clear duty. When you speak of Scripture you surely forget that we’re bidden to entertain strangers unawares. No, that’s not just right, it’s angels we entertain unawares.”
“There’s no angels in that house, or I am mistaken,” said Mr. Ogilvie.
“Well, there’s two very well-dressed girls, which is the nearest to it: and there’s another person, that may turn out even more important.”
“And who may that be?”
“Whist,” said Mrs. Ogilvie, holding up a finger of admonition as the others approached. “Well, Uncle John! And Effie, come you here and rest. Poor thing, you’re done out. Now I would like to have your frank opinion. Mine is that though it took a great deal of trouble, it’s been a great success.”
“The salmon was excellent,” said Mr. Moubray.
“And the table looked very pretty.”
“And yon grouse were not bad at all.”