"It is true," she said, "that I had no maid--these are rather scarce in Galloway. I only know of Lady Raincy (Louis's mother, that is) who has one, and she is always changing. But the dearest lady in the world came with me--you would love her--Miss Aline Minto of Balmacminto. One day I shall bring her to see you!" "What is the reason she did not come with you here?" said the Princess. "Dear lady," said Patsy (the minx had learned her modes of address from her uncle), "she is too shy. No, she is not at all the type of old maid--she is not an old maid at all. She has a good estate, and I know that Uncle Ju has to go to Ladykirk often to keep at bay suitors for the estate and for Miss Aline's hand." "Ah, has he, indeed?" said the Princess, at once showing interest; "then I must make haste to see this Miss Aline of Ladykirk--what a pretty name and style. I don't believe I could get my tongue round the title of her estate. And so Julian acts as her protecting angel--" "Oh," said Patsy calmly, "there is no love-making in it, you understand--they are both too old, of course. But Julian is the handsomest and richest bachelor in our parts, and Miss Aline--well, she is Miss Aline and owner of the Balmacminto estates. So I think she and uncle make--what is it called?--a kind of defensive and offensive alliance. I know Uncle Ju had nearly to fight old Sir Bunny Bunny the other day. He interviewed the old fellow. He had come to propose his son, who is such a donkey that the very village urchins bray after him and pretend to munch thistles!" "Let us go and see Miss Aline!" said the Princess, and rang the bell. "Where did you say she was living--at a hotel--why did she not go to friends? It is so much more _convenable_ for a lady travelling alone!" "Well," said Patsy, "I think her aunt the countess is away, and I am not sure whether she would wish to put herself under an obligation. Then Lord Raincy is coming to town next week or so to place his grandson in the dragoons, but his house is not opened up yet. Of course, Miss Aline would have gone there. My father wanted to take her back to Ladykirk--it is so safe and peaceful. No soldiers or press-gangs or smugglers ever go there, for Miss Aline is like something sacred--so unable to take care of herself that everybody must look after her!" "And particularly Julian?" observed the Princess, with a spark in the blue eyes. "As you say, dear lady," retorted Patsy maliciously, "especially Uncle Julian!" "Order the carriage!" said the Princess. CHAPTER XIX MISS ALINE TAKES COMMAND