of her accomplished sisters-in-law. "Everything you do you do thoroughly
well."

She laughed.

"You have never seen me try to do anything but cast a line," said she,
"and if I can manage that, the credit rests with old Robert."

But the consideration that she invariably extended to her brother's
guest was about to show itself in a very marked manner; and the incident
arose in this wise. One morning, the weather being much too bright and
clear for the shallower pools of the Aivron, they thought they would
take luncheon with them, and stroll up to the Geinig, where, in the
afternoon, the deeper pools might give them a chance, especially if a
few clouds were to come over. Accordingly the three of them went away
along the valley, passed over the Bad Step, meandered through the long
birch wood, and finally arrived at the little dell above the Geinig
Pool, which was Miss Honnor's favorite retreat. They had left somewhat
late; the sun was shining from a cloudless sky; luncheon would pass the
useless time; so Robert got the small parcels and the drinking-cups out
of the bag, and arranged them on the warm turf. It was a modest little
banquet, but in the happiest circumstances; for the birch branches above
them afforded them a picturesque shelter; and the burn at their feet,
attenuated as it was, and merely threading its way down through the
stones, flashed diamonds here and there in the light. And then she was
so kind as to thank him again for singing "The Bonnie Earl o'
Moray"--which had considerably astounded the people assembled at the
opening of the Kilfearn Public Hall, or, at least, such of them as did
not know that a great singer was among the guests at Strathaivron Lodge.

"I was rather sorry for them who had to follow you," she said; "they
must have felt it was hardly fair. It was like Donald Dinnie at the
Highland Games: when he has thrown the hammer or tossed the caber, the
spectator hardly takes notice of the next competitor. By the way, I
suppose you will be going to the Northern meeting at the end of this
month?"

"I am sorry I cannot stay so long, though Lady Adela was good enough to
ask me," he made answer. "I must go south very soon now."

"Oh, indeed?" she said. "That is a pity. It is worth while being in
Inverness then; you see all the different families and their guests; and
the balls are picturesque--with the kilt and tartan. It is really the
wind-up of the season; the parties break up after that. We c