The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-04-30

had devised for them, but the full pur-
port Of the invitation did not strike them
until they entered the dining-room on
the appointed night. In the centre of the
table stood beautiful silver vase fuil
of the deep-pink heather they knew so
well and at each plate lay tiny sprlb
Of white heather. At the foot OF the
table was a hugh salmon looking for all
the world like those they had 50 often
caught in their native streams.
Each uttered a cry of pleased surprise
as their eyes fell upon familiar scotch
dishes. Everything was prepared in
Scotch fashion, and the delight Of the men
was something touching as they thanked
Elanor for her thoughtful kindness.
Il learned TO cook a few things while
I was away, you see" said Mistress
Nell, flushing at their warm praises as
the meal progressed.
Kenneth. try this jam" she added,
passing a very notwithstanding article.
'Your mother made it, Kenneth" she
said, softly.
But while these two were eagerly eat
ing what their own mothers had made
with loving thoughts for their sons in
foreign land, Alexander sat silent, re-
pressing his tears only by a strong ef-
fort of will. His dear mother had been
dead for many year. He had no one
10 care for him now. Oh Alexander,
wiser men than you have made mistakes!
As these thoughts were stealing over
him he felt a light touch on his arm
side him. say. in a low voice: And l
made these for youw She placed a
dish Of Scotch scOes before him, and as
he took one Of the little three-cOrnered
cakes, so dear TO his childhood's days.
his thoughts dwelt not upon those days
passed and gone but on her who sat be-
side him.
At last tea was ended. but all were
loath TO leave the hospitable board, and
still fingered over their dessert But in
the midst Of their desultory talk a sound
outside attracted the attention OF all
All leaned forward and listened eagerly
save Elanor who calmly leaned back in
her chair. Before they could give voice
TO their thoughts the door was thrown
open and two men in kits and plaids
entered the ROOM playing Justify on fife
and bagpipe the Highland Fling"
As they advanced down the long room
the shrill music so sweet in the ears Of
these highland lads. seemed to kindle a
fire in their veins. In an instant all had
risen to their feet, Donald selling EanOr,
Kennett and Angus joining hands, and the
staid Alexander apprOpriating Janet with
out as much as by your leave"
Kennett and Angus being unincumbered
with ladies danced more furiously than
the others, who were, however not much
behind them. IL was well for Mistress
McPhearsons future reputation for So
briefly Of conduct that the shades were
all closely drawn and the house a little
removed from the street.
At last the wild strains changed; pant
ing and breathless they sank isto seats
Ta,re hnf srrhf trrau Of cd
dish-gold. was loosened in the dance and
fell like a golden mist over her shoulders
II transfgured her pretty, though rather
ordinary features and il was no wonder
that Alexander was emboldened 10 wills
per in her pink ear so close 10 her
shoulder: you look like beautiful
angel"
What woman is proof against that one
particular fiattery? Not Janet, at least
The shy, glad smile she gave him in re-
turn must have shown him he had scored
a point in his favor. He plucked UP cour-
age 10 say when they were standing
little apart from the rest: II have no fine
words to express #, but love you, Janet.
with all my heart, and 1 want you to be
mine"
"Why. Mr. Ramsay" faltered the deceit
full little lassie, I'VE hardly know each
other yet"
81 knew you when you were a wee bit
lassie and the Ramsays and the Andrews
have been warm friends for generation,
Janet" he said. somewhat hotly. You
cannot claim am a stranger"
Perhaps not" answered the blushing
Janet but" with a provoking smile
Time over young,
'Twad be a sin
To take me from my mlther yet"
''Your youth is a defect that time will
remedy" Alexander said. promise me,
Janet, that when l come TO 'Bonny Scot
land next year you will give yourself TO
me"
''That is a long way ahead. Alexander"
answered Janet, but the look in her dark
eyes bade him hope That he did not hope
in vain was proven the following autumn
when Mrs. McPhearson gave another
Scotch tea-this time in honor Of Mr.. and
Mrs. Ramsay, nee Janet Andrews.
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