Babbie and Margaret 405

«What a pity it’s a fause face.”

“Do I look so false?”

“Ts it true? You're no married to him?”

(OY es, 11s true.

“ And yet you look as if you was fond o’ him.
If you cared for him, how could you do it?”

“That was why I did it.”

« And him could hae had wha he liked.”

“ T gave up Lord Rintoul for him.”

“ What? Na, na; you’re the Egyptian.”

“ You judge me by my dress.”

“ And soaking it is. How you're shivering,
— what neat fingers, — what bonny little feet. I
could near believe what you tell me. Aff wi’
' these rags, an’ I’ll gie you on my black frock, if
— if you promise me no to gang awa wi't.”

So Babbie put on some clothes of Jean’s,
including the black frock, and stockings and
shoes.

“ Mr. Dishart cannot be back, Jean,” she said,
“ before morning, and I don’t want his mother to
see me till he comes.”

“I wouldna let you near her the nicht though
you gaed on your knees to me. But whaur is
hee

Babbie explained why Gavin had set off for
the Spittal; but Jean shook her head incredu-
lously, saying, “ I canna believe you’re that grand
leddy, and yet ilka time I look at you I could
near believe it.”

In another minute Jean had something else to
think of, for there came a loud rap upon the
front door.

“Tt’s Tammas Whamond back again,” she