The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

452
The Highland Monthly,
A knock at the study door here disturbed these grim
thoughts, and Miss Somerton tripped into the room, radi-
ant from a romp among the woods, and bringing with her
an aroma and freshness that put to sham.e the sickly, drug-
laden atmosphere of the apartment.
" Well, Julia, you look breezy," was the Professor's
greeting, regarding his daughter, with prolonged look of
approval ; and a very pretty picture she made, with cheeks
aglow, her dark eyes sparkling with excitement, and a
wealth of hair waving carelessly about her shoulders.
" No wonder if I look breezy. Dad, for I have been
chasing after you everywhere, and feel quite breathless."
" Anything particular ; you're such an excitable girl.
Another new frock, eh, little one ?"
" And what do you think I actually did— you'll say it
was very courageous, I know."
" Or something very foolish."
" I peeped into the zvitc/is hut, and asked ElspetJi if she had
seen you f said Julia with amusing emphasis, seemingly
startled even at the recollection of her audacity, and antici-
pating paternal congratulations on her heroic action.
" And what did she tell you ?" asked the Professor
curtly, turning upon his heel to hide the expression of
annoyance he appeared unable to restrain.
" Oh, I do hope I have not done wrong, Dad ?" said
crestfallen Julia, following her father across the room.
' I put a question to you, Julia— how often shall I have
to impress upon you, girl, that your Scotch habit of answer-
ing one question by putting another is highly objectionable
— in a lady. What did the witch say to you ?"
" Don't be angry. Dad," pleaded Julia, her eyes moisten-
ing, " and I will try and tell you what Elspeth said, though
it was so queer I can scarcely remember, it so frightened
me."
" Eh ? Then come and tell your Dad every word she
said— 1 must not have my little girl frightened by a silly
old woman," said the Professor, assuming a softness of