t
the doctor, who stood back, a picture of self condemnation.

"Yes, yes, Mrs. Cameron, blame me. I deserve it all. I bungled the whole
thing this morning and frightened Miss Cameron nearly into a fit, for
no other reason than that I am all ass. Now I shall retire. Pray deal
gently with me. Good-by!" he added abruptly, lifted his hat and was
gone.

"What's the matter with him?" said Mandy, looking at her sister-in-law.

"I do not know, I am sure," replied Moira indifferently. "Is there
anything the matter?"

"He is not like himself a bit. But come, my dear, take off your things.
As the doctor says, a sleep for a couple of hours will do you good.
After that you will see Allan. You are looking very weary, dear, and no
wonder, no wonder," said Mandy, "with all that journey and--and all you
have gone through." She gathered the girl into her strong arms. "My, I
could just pick you up like a babe!" She held her close and kissed her.

The caressing touch was too much for the girl. With a rush the tears
came.

"Och, oh," she cried, lapsing into her Highland speech, "it iss
ashamed of myself I am, but no one has done that to me for many a day
since--since--my father--"

"There, there, you poor darling," said Mandy, comforting her as if she
were a child, "you will not want for love here in this country. Cry
away, it will do you good." There was a sound of feet on the stairs.
"Hush, hush, Billy is coming." She swept the girl into her bedroom as
Billy appeared.

"Oh, I am just silly," said Moira impatiently, as she wiped her eyes.
"But you are so good, and I will never be forgetting your kindness to me
this day."

"Hot water," said Billy, tapping at the door.

"Hot water! What for?" cried Mandy.

"For the young lady. The doctor said she was used to it."

"The doctor? Well, that is very thoughtful. Do you want hot water,
Moira?"

"Yes, the very thing I do want to get the dust out of my eyes and the
grime off my face."

"And the tea is in the ladies' parlor," added Billy.

"Tea!" cried Mandy, "the very thing!"

"The doctor said tea and toast."

"The doctor again!"

"Sure thing! Said they were all stuck on tea in the Old Country."

"Oh, he did, eh? Will you have tea, Moira?"

"No tea, thank you. I shall lie down, I think, for a little."

"All right, dear, we will see you at breakfast. Don't worry. I shall
call you."

Again she kissed the girl and left her to sleep. She found Billy
standing in the ladies'