e'll be for gi'ein' yer ain folk a treat for a change.'

'They're a' at Rothesay, at Granpaw Purdie's,' Macgregor returned
shortly, now half glad that he had let the letter go.

It was not a harsh letter, yet neither was it a humble one. In
effect, it informed Christina that she was welcome to disport
herself even though the writer lay dead in a trench. While
intended to be freezing, it had been written in considerable heat,
physical and mental.

'Then what are ye gaun to dae the nicht?' Willie pursued, his mind
simmering with curiosity. Macgregor had been very queer since his
aunt's visit of the previous afternoon, and the arrival of a
letter, eagerly grabbed, had by no means mitigated the queerness.
Willie was convinced that something had gone wrong between
Macgregor and Christina. He would not be sorry to see the
engagement broken. Macgregor would have more time and cash to
spend on his friends. On the other hand, Christina was undoubtedly
a 'clinker' in her way, and Willie could do with more hospitality
like hers. Well, there was no saying what might happen if she were
free and Macgregor attached to another girl. . . .

'What are ye gaun to dae the nicht, Macgreegor?' he repeated,
rousing himself as well as his friend.

'Dear knows,' came the dreary answer. 'I think I'll awa' back to
the camp.' Yet if he did not greatly desire Willie's company, he
desired his own less.

'Cheer up for ony favour,' said Willie. 'If I could afford it, I
wud stan' ye a feed.'

The hint was not taken, and they strolled on, aimlessly so far as
Macgregor was concerned.

About six o'clock, and while they were passing a large drapery
warehouse, Willie gave his friend a violent nudge and hoarsely
whispered:

'Gor! See thon!'

'What?'

'Thon girl!'--pointing to a damsel in a dark skirt and pink blouse,
who had just emerged from the warehouse.

'What aboot her?' said Macgregor impatiently,

'It's her--the fat yin--the girl I burst the twa bob on!'

'She's no that fat,' Macgregor remarked without interest. Then
suddenly--'Here! What are ye efter?'

'Her! She's fat when ye're close to her. Come on! I'll
introjuice ye.'

'Thenk ye! I'm no takin' ony.'

'Jist for fun. I want to see her face when she sees me again.'

'Weel, I'll no prevent ye. So long.' At that moment the girl was
held up at a busy crossing.

'Hullo, Maggie!' said Willie pertly.

'I'm off,' said Macgregor--but his arm was gripped.

T