Mrs. M'Cosh had been eight years with the Jardines and was in many ways such a treasure, and always such an amusement, that they would not have parted from her for much red gold.
"Bella Bathgate's expectin' her lodger the morn." The tea-tray was ready to be carried away, but Mrs. M'Cosh lingered.
"Oh, is she?" said Jean. "Who is it that's coming?"
"I canna mind the exact name, but she's ca'ed the Honourable an' she's bringin' a leddy's maid."
"Gosh, Maggie!" ejaculated Jock.
"I asked you not to say that, Jock," Jean reminded him.
"Ay," Mrs. M'Cosh continued, "Bella Bathgate's kinna pit oot aboot it.
She disna ken how she's to cook for an Honourable—she niver saw yin."
"Have you seen one?" Jock asked.
"No' that I know of, but when I wis pew opener at St. George's I let in some verra braw folk. One Sunday there wis a lord, no less. A shaughly wee buddy he wis tae. Ma Andra wud hae been gled to see him sae oorit."
The eyes of the Jardines were turned inquiringly on their handmaid. It seemed a strange reason for joy on the part of the late Andrew M'Cosh.