And before Macgregor realized it, Willie had bolted through the
shop and into the street.

Christina returned, her eyes wide. 'What gaed wrang wi' him, Mac?'

'Come here an' I'll tell ye.'




XIII

MISS TOD RETURNS

'It was awfu' dacent o' Wullie to clear oot,' Macgregor remarked
happily, as he moved his chair close to the one on which Christina
had just seated herself.

Christina's chin went up. 'It wud ha'e been dacenter o' him to
ha'e waited till the time he was invited to wait.'

'But he meant weel. I'm sure he didna want to gang, but he fancied
it wud be nice to let you an' me ha'e a--a . . .'

'I beg yer pardon?'

'Ach, ye ken what I mean. He fancied we wud enjoy a wee whiley
jist by oorsel's.'

'Speak for yersel'! I'm thinkin' it was exceedingly rude o' him to