But the companionship of Mrs. Fraser’s boys and girls saved him from sinking into a foolish melancholy. He tried hard for three hours every day to make them learn a little Latin grammar and history, and a great part of every afternoon was spent in their company. They taught him to row and steer, and to manage a sail. But his chief delight was in the mountains. He was never tired of wandering among their lonely recesses; he loved the bare granite rocks and crags even better than the sheltered dell where the silver birches clustered round the rapid stream. He learned to know the hills from every point of view, to select at a glance the practicable side for an ascent; and before a fortnight was over he had set his foot on the top of every peak within walking distance of Arrochar. About three weeks after his arrival, Alec heard that his uncle and Miss Lindsay had come down; and one evening soon afterwards he went to see them. From the windows of the drawing-room at Glendhu the view was magnificent. Under the low garden-wall were the still, blue waters of the loch; and right in front ‘The Cobbler’ lifted his head against the glowing western sky. Alec was waiting there in silence, absorbed in the spectacle, when he suddenly heard a soft voice behind him. ‘Mr. Lindsay!’ No need for him to turn round. The tones of her voice thrilled through every fibre of his body. Yes; it was she, simply dressed in black, standing with a smile on her face, holding out her hand. ‘Why don’t you speak to me? Won’t you shake hands?’ ‘Lau---- Miss Mowbray!’ ‘Certainly. Am I a ghost?’ ‘I thought you were far away--gone back to your friends in England.’ ‘No,’ said Laura tranquilly, seating herself on a couch; ‘my poor uncle left me as a legacy to Mr. Lindsay; and here I am. You have not even said you are glad to see me.’ ‘You know I am glad. But I was sorry to hear of your loss, and sorry to think of your grief.’ ‘Yes; it was very sad, and _so_ sudden,’ answered Laura, casting down her eyes. ‘And how did you come to be here?’ she asked, lifting them again to her companion’s face. Alec told her; and then his uncle and Miss Lindsay came into the room. ‘So you’ve got a veesitor?’ said the old lady to Laura, as she came forward. ‘Oh no!’ answered the girl. ‘I had no idea anyone was in the room when I came in; and your nephew stared at me as if I had been an apparition.’ She smiled as she spoke; but Alec noticed that as soon as the elder lady turned away the smile suddenly faded.