mes was at the
mercy of the new Laird, his ideas and disposition were of vital
importance in their lives, and they were keen to see him and find out
for themselves what manner of person he might be. Mr. Crumpet was
looking very glum. He took a morose view of life at best, and the
present circumstances certainly warranted apprehension.

"If it's a wee bit of a laddie, as we are led to expect," he said
to the Shepherd, "he'll have no judgment of his own, and be
dependent on them as has him in charge. Mr. Craigie will not be
loosening his hold, and with only a weak woman and a sickly boy
to deal with, he'll wind 'em around his finger like a wisp o'
wool. It's my opinion we'll have Mr. Craigie to deal with more
than ever."

"Well," said Mrs. Crumpet philosophically, "and if we jump at all
't will be but from the fire back to the frying-pan again, I'm
thinking."

Various other opinions were expressed by one and another as the
tenants of Glen Cairn followed the wide drive which led to the
castle doors. Most of them had never before been inside the walls
of the park, and they looked about them with interest at the
unkempt and overgrown drive and at the bracken and heather
spreading even over the lawns. It was evident that the place had
been left to take care of itself for many years.

It was a warm day in late September, and though there was a touch
of red in the ivy which draped the gray castle walls, the air was
mellow with the haze of autumn and musical with the buzzing of
bees.

Mr. Craigie, looking more like a pair of tongs than ever, stood
on the terrace with the minister and his wife, while Angus Niel,
swelling with importance, ranged round the outskirts of the crowd
as they approached the castle, gradually herding them toward the
entrance. When they were all gathered in front of the terrace,
the minister came forward to the steps and lifted his hand. A
hush instantly fell upon the waiting people, and the minister
spoke.

"Her ladyship has asked me to say to you that she and the new
Laird will meet you here," he said, "and afterward conduct you to
the banqueting-hall, where supper will be served. It is their
desire to know you all personally, and I will be here to present
you as you come up the steps."

There was a surprised look on every face as the minister finished
speaking. What manner of landlord could this be, who made a point of
knowing his tenants as men and women the moment he came to the estate?
I