She turned to Meenie.
'Williamina, how often have I told you to shut the gate after you when you go out?' she said sharply. 'Here has the cow been in again.'
'It cannot do much harm at this time of the year,' Meenie said lightly.
'I suppose if I ask you to shut the gate that is enough? Where have you been? Idling, I suppose. Have you written to Lady Stuart to thank her for the Birthday Book?'
It seemed to Ronald (who wished to get away, but could scarcely leave without some civil word of parting) that she referred to Lady Stuart in an unmistakably clear tone. She appeared to take no notice of Ronald's presence, but she allowed him to hear that there was such a person as Lady Stuart in existence.
'Why, mother, it only came yesterday, and I haven't looked over it yet,' Meenie said.
'I think when her ladyship sends you a present,' observed the little woman, with severe dignity, 'the least you can do is to write and thank her at once. There are many who would be glad of the chance. Go in and write the letter now.'
'Very well, mother,' said Meenie, with perfect equanimity; and then she called 'Good morning, Ronald!' and went indoors.
What was he to do to pacify this imperious little dame? As a gamekeeper, he knew but the one way.
'Would a hare or two, or a brace of ptarmigan be of any use to you, Mrs. Douglas?' said he.