Robbie laughed, waved his hand to the old people, who still sat at dinner, and made his way outside.
Liza was there, looking curiously abashed, as though she felt at the moment prompted to an impulse of generosity of which she had cause to be ashamed.
“Gi'e us a kiss, now, my lass,” whispered Robbie, who came behind her and put his arm about her waist.
There was a hearty smacking sound.
“What's that?” cried Mattha from within; “I thought it might be the sneck of a gate.”
CHAPTER XXVI. “FOOL, DO NOT FLATTER.”
When Mrs. Garth reached home, after her interview with Rotha in the road, there was a velvety softness in her manner as of one who had a sense of smooth satisfaction with herself and her surroundings.
The blacksmith, who was working at a little bench which he had set up in the kitchen, was also in a mood of more than usual cheerfulness.
“Ey, he's caught—as good as caught,” said Mrs. Garth.