Kate. Och, Miss Mary! Do you see the picture of the Highland man dancing, and under it—"A Mackenzie Clansman." It's thon Scotch fellow sent it.
Mary. Just like the way he would do. I met him again one night we were over at the doctor's, and he was trying to make up to me all he was able.
Kate. Aye. Any word from Mr. Dan about the boy he was to bring you?
Mary. No. I'm not going to bother any more about boys, I'm going to keep house from this on properly. But Uncle Dan said something in his last letter about a great surprise he had for all of us.
Kate. Surprise enough it will be, and he lands home with a ha'penny in his pocket. The last time he come home he borrowed a shilling of me and niver paid me back yet. Did he sell the plans of the bellows, Miss?
Mary. He didn't say. (John Murray comes through yard door. He has evidently been working outside and has left his work in a hurry.) Father, there's a letter for you. (She hands it to him.) A registered one too.
John. Aye. So Brown was telling me. Maybe its from thon McAlenan fellow that owes me two pound for the heifer. (He tears it open. Mary and Kate watch him with interest. His face changes as he reads, and an expression of dismay comes over it.)
Mary (coming closer to him). What's the matter, father?
John (fidgeting uneasily). Nothing, child. Nothing. (He looks at the letter again.) Well I'm—(He stops short on remembering Mary is there.) She's a caution.