The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

andA Strange Reve7ige. 399kitchen lobby by turns, too " blate" either to speak hismind or act upon his desire, but fully determined not tovanish by the front door. Ultimately an idea crossed MissSomerton's mind, which broadened her smile, and madeJohn a greater curiosity than ever;for, now that sherecollected, there certainly had been forthcoming slightevidences of a courting relationship between the cook atthe Hall and " the man" at the Castle." Perhaps you would like to see your friend Chirsty," sheventured to suggest." That's just it, mem," blurred out John with such a conspicuoussigh of relief that his fair interrogator could notresist laughing outright." Faith, she's bonnie," he muttered to himself as hedisappeared, " an' michty clever tae read a body's verrythochts."Chirsty M'Taggart was a comely-looking damsel, tenyears the junior of John, and possessing a physical developmentthat had led to her baptismal name being dropped forthe more descriptive, if objectionable, title of " the fatcook." John was not devoid of imagination. He had oftenpictured to himself the laugh that would spread over theentire parish if he married the colossal Chirsty, and aninsufficiency of courage had tarriedhis wooing to such anextent that the object of his hidden affection had long agocome to the conclusion that John was never going to" speak."The day was young ;so John was not surprised tofind Chirsty busy among pots and pans, while an assistantburnished the household cutlery in the kitchen proper."John Maxwell, you here at this time o' day, an' lookin'fu' spruce in yer best claithes tae ;what in a' the world'sup wi' ye " ?I" I was on a beesness veesit tae the Ha', Kirsty, an' thochtwud jist look in tae see hoo ye are."" I'm brawley ;but it's no fair tae stap in wi' yer best onan' catch a body in the middle o' scrapin' pats an' pansI'm a sair sicht wi' dirt."