ow at Crazy (who ran
no personal danger) our home-coming was effected in good order and with
considerable amusement to myself.

But on her arrival at Heathknowes, Mrs. Mary Lyon found that there were
forces in the universe which even she was powerless to conquer.

Meg, the "indoor" lass at Heathknowes, refused point-blank to go one
foot in the direction of the "Ghaist's Hoose." She persisted in her
refusal even when addressed by the awe-inspiring baptismal name of
Margaret Simprin Hetherington, and reminded of the terms of her
engagement.

No, Margaret Simprin Hetherington would not--could not--dared not--stay
a night in the great house of Marnhoul. Whatever my grandmother might
say it was not so nominated in the bond. She had been hired to serve
about the farmhouse of Heathknowes, and she did not mind carrying their
dinners to the workmen in the saw-mill----

"No," interpolated my grandmother, "nor taking an hour-and-a-half to do
it in!"

Upon which, as if stirred by some association of ideas, Meg added that
she would go none to Marnhoul Big Hoose, "because not a soul would come
near the place." It did not matter whether _she_ believed in Grey Ladies
with rain-drops pattering through them or not--other people did, and she
would not be banished "among the clocks and rattons"--no, not for double
wages!

My grandmother, indeed, explained that there was no question of ladies
grey or rain-drops pattering, but of obedience to her legal mistress.

But she knew that the cause was lost, and I am quite sure anticipated
the reply of Margaret Simprin Hetherington, which was to the effect that
no lass, indoor or outdoor, was more willing to obey her mistress than
she, but it would be in the place in which she had been hired to
serve--there and not elsewhere.

For once my grandmother was nonplussed. Being a good Galloway woman she
knew that of all things it is most impossible to run counter to the
superstitions of her people. Perhaps she retained a touch of these
herself. But, as she said, "The grace of the Lord can overcome all the
wiles of the Evil One! And Mary Lyon would like to see witch or warlock,
ghost or ghostling, that would come in her road when she went forth
under His banner." On the darkest night she marched unafraid, conquering
and to conquer, having the superstitions born in her, but knowing all
the same (and all the better for that knowledge) on which side were the
bigger battalions.

It was no use to se