The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

12 Ihe Highland Monthly.
My work in Edinburgh was completed, and I was dining
in the eating-house the last day but one previous to my
departure, when, a little after the rest of the company, a
lady entered the room, and without speaking to anyone sat
down at an unoccupied table near the door. The presence
of any woman but of mine host's wife and daughter was a
novelty in the establishment. It was Saturday, and the
company were fewer, and all but myself and two others
went away sooner than on other days. Willie did not
make his appearance at the usual hour, and I was for
sauntering forth without him, when a slight movement and
lighting up of face on the part of the stranger widow caused
me to lift up my eyes from the Scotsman and fix my atten-
tion on her. The sound of footsteps reached me through
the open door, and I was sure it was Willie that was
coming. Then the truth flashed on me that this stranger
was his mother. When his eyes fell on her, his lips
confirmed my guess.
"
" My mother !
" My son !
"
He gently kissed her cheek, and they both sat down.
She explained how the chance of a conveyance for nothing
induced her to come and surprise him by a visit. He
inquired about Kate, George, and—smile not, reader—about
their dog Sirrah. They v/ere all well. Then Willie
ordered dinner for two with a little pomposity, and asked
Maggie to get something nice for his mother. The smiling
maid obeyed with pleasure. When the humble fare was
placed before them, mother and son bowed their heads,
while he, the prop and stay of his family, returned thanks
to the gracious Father of all, for giving them that day their
daily bread. It was Willie's laudable custom to give
mental thanks every day, but now he spoke out audibly and
from a fulness of heart. The words were few and simple,
but oh, how affectingly beautiful ! they breathed the faith
and child-like gratitude of believing hearts. I watched
the pair with dim eyes over the edge of the newspaper.