She had wonderful bright eyes like stars, and I daresay the eyes
had a part in it; but what I remember the most clearly was the way
her lips were a trifle open as she turned. And, whatever was the
cause, I stood there staring like a fool. On her side, as she had
not known there was anyone so near, she looked at me a little
longer, and perhaps with more surprise, than was entirely civil.

It went through my country head she might be wondering at my new
clothes; with that, I blushed to my hair, and at the sight of my
colouring it is to be supposed she drew her own conclusions, for
she moved her gillies farther down the close, and they fell again
to this dispute, where I could hear no more of it.

I had often admired a lassie before then, if scarce so sudden and
strong; and it was rather my disposition to withdraw than to come
forward, for I was much in fear of mockery from the womenkind. You
would have thought I had now all the more reason to pursue my
common practice, since I had met this young lady in the city
street, seemingly following a prisoner, and accompanied with two
very ragged indecent-like Highlandmen. But there was here a
different ingredient; it was plain the girl thought I had been
prying in her secrets; and with my new clothes and sword, and at
the top of my new fortunes, this was more than I could swallow.
The beggar on horseback could not bear to be thrust down so low,
or, at least of it, not by this young lady.

I followed, accordingly, and took off my new hat to her the best
that I was able.

"Madam," said I, "I think it only fair to myself to let you