stopping under the archway only when his master drew bridle at the
door of the inn.

At that moment Miss Letty was standing at the back of Miss Napier's
chair, leaning her arms upon it as she talked to her. This was her
way of resting as often as occasion arose for a chat with her elder
sister. Miss Letty's hair was gathered in a great knot at the top
of her head, and little ringlets hung like tendrils down the sides
of her face, the benevolence of which was less immediately striking
than that of her sister's, because of the constant play of humour
upon it, especially about the mouth. If a spirit of satire could be
supposed converted into something Christian by an infusion of the
tenderest loving-kindness and humanity, remaining still recognizable
notwithstanding that all its bitterness was gone, such was the
expression of Miss Letty's mouth, It was always half puckered as if
in resistance to a comic smile, which showed itself at the windows
of the keen gray eyes, however the mouth might be able to keep it
within doors. She was neatly dressed in black silk, with a lace
collar. Her hands were small and white.

The moment the traveller stopped at the door, Miss Napier started.

'Letty,' she said, 'wha's that? I could amaist sweir to Black
Geordie's fit.'

'A' four o' them, I think,' returned Miss Letty, as the horse,
notwithstanding, or perhaps in consequence of his fatigue, began to
paw and move about on the stones impatiently.

The rider had not yet spoken.