Then Robert explained his own errand. He was seeking a mither for Bobbie. The bairn must have a mither. He had understood her interest in the bairn to be a corresponding interest in himself. He was muckle pleased, he said, to be singled out for any woman's favor. He was nae handsome man, he kenned that weel. He was ready tae marry her any time she telt him. Robert looked wonderfully pleased with himself, apparently confident of a successful wooing. His experience had been limited. "You wish to marry me, Mr. Duncan?" Outwardly, she was serious. "Yes, Miss, sen ye was sae willin', I thocht I maucht as weel tak ye, an' then I'd not be bothered wi' ither women. "Have they troubled you?" she asked, with a look of amusement. "Have they been attentive to you?" "Not as attentive as y'rsel'." "In what way have I been attentive to you, Mr. Duncan?" she asked, looking still more amused. "Ye've helpit me bairn, an' cleaned his claes, an' let him ca' ye mither. Ye'd no hae doon that wi'oot wishin' the faither, too." His confidence was rather startling. "But suppose I do not wish the father. What then?" "Oh, that could never be," he said, "that could never be." "You have made a mistake, Mr. Duncan," she said, quietly. "You will have to look elsewhere for a wife. Good afternoon." Saying which, she turned the key in the door, and left him standing dumb with astonishment. After she had gone some distance, he called after her: "Ye are makin' the mistak o' y'r life!" CHAPTER XVI OVER THE MOUNTAINS One Friday early in May, Edith Clayton suddenly became ill. Esther, returning from school, found Mrs. Clayton deeply distressed. "Oh," she said, "if Mr. Clayton or the boys were only here to take Edith to Carlisle, to see Dr. Brown!" "How soon will they return?" "Two days. I'm afraid to drive myself, and Edith sick." "Does she know the way there, Mrs. Clayton?" Esther seemed weighing the matter. "Yes; she has gone with her father several times." "Then if she is able to ride, and you are not afraid to trust me, I'll take her. It is Friday, and still early." "But, my dear, it is fifteen miles away, a long fatiguing journey over rough mountain roads. You'll have to ford a river, and stay all night at a ranch beyond the ford. Besides, it is a perilous drive. Oh, dear! I am so worried!" Here she broke down completely. "Don't let us waste any time, Mrs. Clayton. If you think Edith can endure the journey, I am willing to run the risk. I'll take her myself." "I believe Edith could go all right,--but--" "Never mind anything else. Give us the safe team, and we'll start." A spirited team was soon at the door, and they were placing wraps, cushions and luncheon in the carriage. Then Esther and Edith started.