Angus, and, as I found out years later, they knew what
I did not, and would have put me off with adroit explanations if I had
been curious. But I was not curious. I accepted everything as it came
and went.

CHAPTER II

I only six when Wee Brown Elspeth was brought to me. Jean and Angus were
as fond of each other in their silent way as they were of me, and they
often went together with me when I was taken out for my walks. I was
kept in the open air a great deal, and Angus would walk by the side of
my small, shaggy Shetland pony and lead him over rough or steep places.
Sheltie, the pony, was meant for use when we wished to fare farther than
a child could walk; but I was trained to sturdy marching and climbing
even from my babyhood. Because I so loved the moor, we nearly always
rambled there. Often we set out early in the morning, and some simple
food was carried, so that we need not return to the castle until we
chose. I would ride Sheltie and walk by turns until we found a place
I liked; then Jean and Angus would sit down among the heather, Sheltie
would be secured, and I would wander about and play in my own way. I do
not think it was in a strange way. I think I must have played as almost
any lonely little girl might have played. I used to find a corner among
the bushes and pretend it was my house and that I had little friends who
came to play with me. I only remember one thing which was not like the
ordinary playing of children. It was a habit I had of sitting quite
still a long time and listening. That was what I called it--"listening."
I was listening to hear if the life on the moor made any sound I could
understand. I felt as if it might, if I were very still and listened
long enough.

Angus and Jean and I were not afraid of rain and mist and change of
weather. If we had been we could have had little outdoor life. We always
carried plaids enough to keep us warm and dry. So on this day I speak
of we did not turn back when we found ourselves in the midst of a sudden
mist. We sat down in a sheltered place and waited, knowing it would lift
in time. The sun had been shining when we set out.

Angus and Jean were content to sit and guard me while I amused myself.
They knew I would keep near them and run into no danger. I was not an
adventurous child. I was, in fact, in a more than usually quiet mood
that morning. The quiet had come upon me when the mist had begun to
creep about and inclose us. I liked it. I liked