He shoved aside his work, and looking up with some concentration in his
regard, pushed his chair back a little from the table, and rejoined--

"What's the matter with you this last day or two, Isy? You're not
altogether like yourself!"

She hesitated a moment, then answered--

"It can be naething, I suppose, sir, but just that I'm growin older and
beginnin to think aboot things."

She stood near him. He put his arm round her little waist, and would have
drawn her down upon his knees, but she resisted.

"I don't see what difference that can make in you all at once, Isy! We've
known each other so long that there can be no misunderstanding of any sort
between us. You have always behaved like the good and modest girl you are;
and I'm sure you have been most attentive to me all the time I have been in
your aunt's house."

He spoke in a tone of superior approval.

"It was my bare duty, and ye hae aye been kinder to me than I could hae had
ony richt to expec'. But it's nearhan' ower noo!" she concluded with a sigh
that indicated approaching tears, as she yielded a little to the increased
pressure of his arm.

"What makes you say that?" he returned, giving her a warm kiss, plainly
neither unwelcome nor the first.