nd true;
and when she ordered full dress, it was our joy to obey. And if you
choose to laugh, young sir--why, you may; we are not ashamed with such
a Queen, and I do her homage."

The Doctor stooped and kissed Kate's hand in the grand manner which is
now lost, after which he drew out his snuff-box and tapped it
pleasantly, as one who had taken part in a state function; but there
was the suspicion of a tear in his eye, for these things woke old
memories.

"Kate 's a wilfu' lassie," said the General, fondly, "and she has long
ruled me, so I suppose her father must do likewise." And the General
also kissed Kate's hand.

"You are both perfectly absurd to-night," said Kate, confused and red,
"but no Queen ever had truer hearts to love her, and if I cannot make
you knights, I must reward you as I can." And Kate, ignoring
Carmichael, kissed first her father and then the Doctor. Then she
turned on him with a proud air, "What think you of my court, Mr.
Carmichael?"

"It is the best in Christendom, Miss Carnegie"--and his voice trembled
with earnestness--"for it has the fairest Queen and two gentlemen of
Christ for its servants."

"Very prettily said"--the Doctor thought the little scene had gone far
enough--"and as a reward for that courteous speech you shall take Her
Majesty in to dinner, and we old battered fellows shall follow in
attendance." There was a moment's silence, and then Carmichael spoke.

"If I had only known, Miss Carnegie, that I might have . . . put on
something to do you honour too, but I have nothing except a white silk
hood. I wish I had been a Militiaman or . . . a Freemason."

"This is your second remarkable wish in my hearing," and Kate laughed
merrily; "last time you wished you were a dog on Muirtown platform.
Your third will be your last, I suppose, and one wonders what it will
be."

"It is already in my heart"--Carmichael spoke low--"and some day I will
dare to tell it to you."

"Hush," replied Kate quickly, lifting her hand; "the padre is going to
say grace." As this was an official function in John's eyes, that
worthy man allowed himself to take a general view, and he was pleased
to express his high approval of the company, enlarging especially on
Carmichael, whom, as a Free Kirkman, he had been accustomed rather to
belittle.

"Of coorse," he explained loyally, "he's no tae be compared wi' the
Doctor, for there's nae minister ootside the Auld Kirk can hae sic an
air, and he 's no