"I am not," said Mrs. Thomson. "I niver was meant for a soldier's mother. I niver liked soldiers. I niver thought it was a very respectable job."
"It's the only respectable job just now, anyway, Mother," said Jessie.
"That's so," said her father.
"There's the bell," cried Alick. "I hear Annie letting somebody in."
"Dash!" said Robert, rising to fly. But he was too late; the door opened, and Annie announced "Mr. Seton."
At the sight of the tall familiar figure everybody rose to their feet and hastened to greet their old minister.
"Well, I niver," said Mrs. Thomson, "and me just saying we couldn't put up with visitors the night."
"You see we don't count you a visitor," Mr. Thomson explained. "Rubbert's off to-morrow."
"I know," said Mr. Seton. "That is why I came. We are in Glasgow for a few days. I left Elizabeth and Buff at the Central Hotel. Elizabeth said you wouldn't want her to-night, but she will come before we leave."
"How is she?" asked Mrs. Thomson. "Poor thing! She'll not laugh so much now."