Annaple opportunely called, 'There's a plump of spears coming
over the hill.'

There was an instant rush to watch them, James saying--

'The Drummond banner! Ye shall see how Glenuskie mocks at this
same fine fancy of yours'; and he ran downstairs at no kingly
pace, letting the heavy nail-studded door bang after him.

'He will never let us go,' sighed Jean.

'You worked him into one of his tempers,' returned Eleanor.
'You should have broached it to him more by degrees.'

'And lost the chance of going with Sir Patie and his wife, and
got plighted to the red-haired Master of Angus--never see sweet
Meg and her braw court, and the tilts and tourneys, but live
among murderous caitiffs and reivers all my days,' sobbed Jean.

'I would not be such a fule body as to give in for a hasty word
or two, specially of Jamie's,' said Eleanor composedly.

'And gin ye bide here,' added gentle Mary, 'we shall be all
together, and you will have Jamie and the bairnies.'

'Fine consolation,' muttered Jean.

'Eh well,' said Eleanor, we must go down and meet them.'

'This fashion!' exclaimed Jean. 'Look at your hair, Ellie--