"If the breeze lasts, we will get over to Uist, to Loch na Maddy, this evening, but you must not think of altering your plans on my account. I made the suggestion because of what Captain John was saying."
"Very well," says our Admiral of the Fleet, taking no heed of properly constituted authority. "Suppose we set out on our return voyage to-morrow morning, going round the other side of Skye for a change. But you know, Angus, it is not fair of you to run away when you say yourself there is nothing particular calls you to London."
"Oh," says he, "I am not going to London just yet. I am going to Banff, to see my father. There is an uncle of mine, too, on a visit to the manse."
"Then you will be coming south again?"
"Yes."
"Then why not come another cruise with us on your way back?"
It was not like this hard-headed young Doctor to appear so embarrassed.
"That is what I should like very much myself," he stammered, "if—if I were not in the way of your other arrangements."
"We shall make no other arrangements," says the other definitely. "Now that is a promise, mind. No drawing back. Mary will put it down in writing, and hold you to it."
Mary Avon had not looked up all this time.