'What for no? Would ye disappoint the woman; and her sae anxious to hear what happened to Strang's poetry? Come on, Ronald—she'll be as proud as Punch. And we'll tell her about "The MacGregors' Gathering"'—she said East Lothian would show them something.'
'Very well, then—very well; anything to get out o' here,' Ronald said; and away they all went down to the tavern.
The widow received them most graciously; and very sumptuous indeed was the entertainment she had provided for them. She knew that the drinking song would be successful—if the folk had common sense and ears. And he had sung 'The MacGregors' Gathering' too?—well, had they ever heard singing like that before?
'But they have been worrying you?' she said, glancing shrewdly at him. 'Or, what's the matter—ye look down in the mouth—indeed, Ronald, ye've never looked yoursel' since the night ye came in here just before the grouse-shooting began. Here, man, drink a glass o' champagne; that'll rouse ye up.'
Old mother Paterson was at this moment opening a bottle.
'Not one other drop of anything, Katie, lass, will I drink this night,' Ronald said.
'What? A lively supper we're likely to have, then!' the widow cried. 'Where's your spunk, man? I think ye're broken-hearted about some lassie—that's what it is! Here, now.'
She brought him the foaming glass of champagne; but he would not look at it.
'And if I drink to your health out o' the same glass?'
She touched the glass with her lips.'