“We are delighted to see you,” she cried, going forward to Ranald with hands outstretched; “you are become quite a hero in this town.”
“Quite, I assure you,” said the lieutenant, in a languid voice, but shaking Ranald heartily by the hand.
Then Maimie came forward and greeted him with ceremonious politeness and introduced him to Mr. Sims, who continued to gaze at the shantyman's attire with amused astonishment.
The supper was not a success; Ranald sat silent and solemn, eating little and smiling not at all, although Mr. Sims executed his very best jokes. Maimie was nervous and visibly distressed, and at the earliest possible moment broke up the supper party and engaged in conversation with the lieutenant and his witty friend, leaving Harry and Kate to entertain Ranald. But in spite of all they could do a solemn silence would now and then overtake the company, till at length Maimie grew desperate, and turning to Ranald, said: “What are you thinking of? You are looking very serious?”
“He is 'thinking of home and mother,'” quoted Mr. Sims, in a thin, piping voice, following his quotation with a silly giggle.
Kate flushed indignantly. “I am quite sure his thoughts will bear telling,” she said.
“I am sure they would,” said Maimie, not knowing what to say. “What were they, Ran—Mr. Macdonald?”
“I was thinking of you,” said Ranald, gravely, looking straight at her.
“How lovely,” murmured the lieutenant.
“And of your aunt, Mrs. Murray, and of what they would be doing this night—”