“But I will want to see you,” said Maimie.
“Yes,” said Ranald, “I know you will,” as if that were a thing to be expected. “But you will be coming back to your aunt here.” But of this Maimie could not be sure.
“Oh, yes, you will come,” he said, confidently; “I am sure you will come. Harry is coming, and you will come, too.” And having settled this point, he turned Lisette and from that out gave his attention to his driving. The colt seemed to realize the necessity of making a display of her best speed, and without any urging, she went along the concession road, increasing her speed at every stride till she wheeled in at the gate. Then Ranald shook the lines over her back and called to her. Magnificently Lisette responded, and swept up to the door with such splendid dash that the whole household greeted her with waving applause. As the colt came to a stand, Maimie stepped out from the buckboard, and turning toward Ranald, said in a low, hurried voice: “O, Ranald, that was splendid, and I am so happy; and you will be sure to come?”
“I will come,” said Ranald, looking down into the blue eyes with a look so long and steady and so full of passionate feeling that Maimie knew he would keep his word.
Then farewells were said, and Ranald turned away, Harry and Mrs. Murray watching him from the door till he disappeared over the church hill.
“Well, that's the finest chap I ever saw,” said Harry, with emphasis. “And what a body he has! He would make a great half-back.”
“Poor Ranald! I hope he will make a great and good man,” said his aunt, with a ring of sadness in her voice.
“Why poor, auntie?”
“I'm sure I do not know,” she said, with a very uncertain smile playing about her mouth. Then she went upstairs and found Maimie sitting at the window overlooking the church hill, and once more she knew how golden is silence. So she set to work to pack Maimie's trunk for her.
“It will be a very early start, Maimie,” she said, “and so we will get everything ready to-night.”