"I knewed you were fond of books," Mysie's grammar was not always correct. "So I went into a book shop and asked the man what was the best book in the world for anybody who loved reading. He thought hard and then he got me this—at least it was the same book, but I chose a prettier cover. It's the best book in the world, so you're sure to like it." Rowena opened the parcel. A beautiful little dark red leather Bible lay inside. She looked up at Mysie with a mixture of curiosity and pleasure in her eyes. "My dear little Flora What can I say? It's beautiful! I suppose your Dad had a hand in choosing it?" "He didn't know nothing about it, till I'd brought it home. It was the shopman who showed it to me." "It's a wonderful gift and a remarkable coincidence," said Rowena thoughtfully. "I suppose it's what they read in church," said Mysie. "Dad said it was a present fit for a queen. I couldn't have done better, he said. And one day he's going to give me one. Have you got one of any kind? I hope you haven't, but I know Granny Mactavish has. But it isn't red leather like this, is it?" Rowena put her arm round her and kissed her. "Thank you a thousand times, Flora darling! I will keep this till I die." "And what did you call it, not a Bible, but an unmarkable concordance, didn't you?" "That's near enough," laughed Rowena. Then they had tea, and Granny's birthday cake was much appreciated. Mysie, of course, was full of the subject of birthdays. "When is God's birthday?" she asked suddenly. "Does the Bible tell you? I know Jesus' birthday is Christmas Day. I should like to know God's birthday, if He lets people know. He must be very, very, very old." Rowena was never shocked by Mysie's questions. "God Almighty has no birthday, for He was never born. There never was a time when He did not exist. But don't puzzle your head over that mystery. Let us talk of other things." "Dad's birthday is in November," said Mysie after a moment's pause. "Mine is in November too. Isn't that funny? Mine is on the 10th. His is on the 20th. Will you be here on our birthdays? Do you think you could come to tea with us? You could come across the loch in your fiat boat. That would be fun, wouldn't it? And we'd have a birthday cake as good as Granny's." "We must wait and see. I dare say I shall be here, but the fairies may have wafted you off somewhere before November. Perhaps to school." "Ah," said Mysie, shaking her head, "Dad talks about school, but the fairies and I may manage something better. I'll go round one of their hills; if you go nine times the wrong way, at sunset, I think, you'll find a door leading you inside. And if I once go inside I shan't come back for years and years!" "That would be a pity. I shouldn't do anything that would make you into a prisoner." "Would I be a prisoner? Well then, I should find a way to escape. That would be most exciting." "I would rather try school."