in the country who was counting the days till her son should
be sent forth a minister of the Gospel.

"Yes," said Kiddie. "And there's where he'll shine. See what he's done
with the Monthly. He's got great style. But wasn't there a row at the
college!" continued Kiddie. "Old Father Finlayson there," nodding across
the room at the Highlander, who was engaged in what appeared to be
an extremely interesting conversation with his hostess, "orthodox old
beggar as he is, was ready to lead a raid on Squeaky Sandy's house. You
know he has been at war with Boyle all winter on every and all possible
themes. But he fights fair, and this hitting below the belt was too much
for him. He was raging up and down the hall like a wild man when Boyle
came in. 'Mr. Boyle,' he roared, rushing up to him and seizing him by
the hand and working it like a pump-handle in a fire, 'it was a most
iniquitous proceeding! I wish to assure you I have no sympathy whatever
with that sort of thing!' And so he went on till he had Boyle almost in
tears. By Jove! he's a rum old party! Look at his socks, will you!"

The young ladies glanced across and beheld in amused but amazed horror
the Highlander's great feet encased in a new pair of carpet slippers
adorned with pink roses and green ground, which made a startling
contrast with his three-ply worsted stockings, magenta in colour, which
his fond aunt had knit as part of his outfit for the Arctic regions of
Canada.

"You may laugh," continued Bob. "So would I yesterday. But, by Jingo! he
can wear magenta socks on his head if he likes for me! He's all white,
and he has the heart of a gentleman!" Little Kidd's voice went shaky and
his eyes had the curious shine that appeared in them only in moments of
deepest excitement, but if he had only known it, he had never been so
near storming the gate of Miss Belle's heart as at that moment. She
showed her sympathy with Kiddie's attitude by giving Mr. Finlayson "the
time of his life," as Kiddie himself remarked. So assiduously, indeed,
did she devote herself to the promotion of Mr. Finlayson's comfort and
good cheer that that gentleman's fine sense of honour prompted him to
inform her incidentally of the existence of Miss Jennie McLean, who was
to "come out to him as soon as he was placed." He was surprised,
but entirely delighted, to discover that this announcement made no
difference whatever in Miss Belle's attentions. At the supper hour,
however, Miss Belle, moved b