simply returning no answer in syllable, or sound, or motion, to
Robert's request. She was washing up the tea-things, and went on
with her work as if she had been in absolute solitude, saving that
her countenance could hardly have kept up that expression of injured
dignity had such been the case. Robert plainly saw, to his great
concern, that his secret had been discovered in his absence, and
that Shargar had been expelled with contumely. But, with an
instinct of facing the worst at once which accompanied him through
life, he went straight to his grandmother's parlour.

'Well, grandmamma,' he said, trying to speak as cheerfully as he
could.

Grannie's prayers had softened her a little, else she would have
been as silent as Betty; for it was from her mistress that Betty had
learned this mode of torturing a criminal. So she was just able to
return his greeting in the words, 'Weel, Robert,' pronounced in a
finality of tone that indicated she had done her utmost, and had
nothing to add.

'Here's a browst (brewage)!' thought Robert to himself; and, still
on the principle of flying at the first of mischief he saw--the best
mode of meeting it, no doubt--addressed his grandmother at once.
The effort necessary gave a tone of defiance to his words.

'What for willna ye speik to me, grannie?' he said. 'I'm no a
haithen, nor yet a papist.'

'Ye're waur nor baith in ane, Robert.'