slope wi'oot tellin' me he had enjoyed his tea.'

'He asked me to tell ye that he hadna enjoyed hissel' sae weel
since his uncle's funeral, ten year back.'

Christina gave a little sniff. 'That's a nice sort o' compliment.
Funeral, indeed!'

'Christina! what's vexin' ye?'

'Wha said I was vexed?'

'I've seen ye lookin' happier.'

'Are ye a judge o' happiness?'

'I ken when I'm no happy--an' that's the noo. But I warn ye, I'm
no gaun to stick it!'

'What's made ye unhappy?' she coldly inquired.

'You !'

'Dear me!'--ironically.

'Ay, jist dear you!' And with these words he caught her round the
shoulders and kissed her.

Breathless and rather ruffled she exclaimed, 'If ye dae that again,
I'll----'