t he
could see it whenever lie liked to come to her for the purpose.

But Adam thought he might pick up such an one himself, if he could go
to-morrow to the western shore; and his friend could not say that this
was impossible. Oh! then, would she not go and show him the way? Would
she not try if he and Kate helped her with all their strength? They
were very strong. If she would stand up they would show her how strong
they were. She stood up, and they tried to carry her. Their faces were
exceedingly red, and they were very near lifting up their friend, and
she was laughing and wondering whether they could carry her down the
rocks in that way, when the door burst open and Lady Carse appeared.

"The children must come home," said she to Annie; "they have no business
here."

"I called them in, my lady, when the thunder frightened them."

"They should not have come. They should have told you that they were
under their parents' displeasure."

All now looked grave enough. The children stole away home, skilfully
avoiding taking hold of the lady's offered hands. She pulled the door
after her in no gentle manner. She did not much care whether the
children were fond of her; but it was somehow disagreeable to her that
they should be happy with her next-door neighbour.

CHAPTER TWELVE.

THE STEWARD ON HIS ROUNDS.

The return of Macdonald's boat was a great event; and especially to the
inhabitants of the hill-side cottages. Macdonald was accompanied by Sir
Alexander's steward, who brought some furniture and finishings for the
chapel and the minister's dwelling, and, for the first time, a parcel
for Lady Carse.

When the package was brought up from the shore, Lady Carse rushed in to
tell Annie the news, and to bid her come and see the unpacking.

The poor lady was sure that by means of Mr Johny, or through some other
channel, tidings of her existence and banishment had reached her friends
at Edinburgh, and that this parcel contained some warrant of release.
With raised colour and sparkling eyes, she talked of her departure the
next morning; of how it would be best to travel, when she once set foot
on the main; of how soon she could reach Edinburgh, and whether it would
not be better to go first to London, to lay her own case and the treason
of her enemies before the Prime Minister. Mrs Ruthven agreed to all
she said. Mr Ruthven walked to and fro before the door, stopping at
every turn to offer his congratu