“Oh yes, laddies learn everything,” said his sister with an offended air; and then she perceived that she had been guilty of an unauthorised word. “I mean young gentlemen,” she cried. “For heaven’s sake, whatever you mean, don’t say that,” said Rowland hastily. “However it is not a desert, as you thought: there is balm in Gilead. When you come back and settle down, you must make friends with Miss Eliza.” “Is she a lady, papa? I would not, not for anything, make friends out of our own sphere.” Rowland laughed loud and long. He said, “I am glad you have such an exalted idea of your sphere; but how about the MacColls?” “I am not meaning,” said Marion, with dignity, “to keep up with the MacColls. They’re just acquaintances, not to call friends. They never even ask me to their grandest parties. If they were friends, they would have let me learn tennies and all that. I have always meant to let them know that when my papa came home, they were not good enough for me.” “Well--perhaps it’s legitimate--if they thought you not good enough for their grand parties, and no question of friendship in the matter. But you, Archie, you’ve got some friends?” “Yes,” said the lad with hesitation. He had no friend whom he would not have sacrificed on the altar of the puppies. “There are some of the students--but I perhaps will have little chance of seeing them after----” “If you please,” said Sandy, the groom, who had been loitering near, “will I put in the horse? for yonder’s the steamer leaving the loch head, and she’ll sune be here.” “Never mind the horse: we’ll walk,” said Rowland, at which Marion gave him a look of wonder and reproach. Walk! a dog-cart was not much, but it was always a more dignified thing than to think a young lady like herself capable of walking like a common person to the pier. “And, sir,” said Sandy, “about the little dougs--Rankin would be glad to know.” “The little dougs?” “The young gentleman will have tell’t ye. It’s Rankin’s little dougs that are kent for a grand breed--and there’s aye somebody wanting them. He would like to ken one way or anither afore the young gentleman goes away.” “It’s some little terriers,” said Archie, coming forward a step, “we were looking at them. They’re very bonnie little beasts. I thought that maybe--there would be watch-dogs wanted about the house--or--just for the fun of them--they’re--fine little things. I--I--thought it might be--a good thing.” Rowland looked severely at his son as he stammered and hesitated. He replied coldly, “If you want the dogs, I suppose that is enough.” He waved his hand to Sandy, dismissing him. “Now Marion, are you ready, for your walk?” Marion pouted and protested that she was sure she could not walk so far, but Rowland was inflexible. “It will be something to do,” he said grimly. And with a troubled countenance and trembling limbs Archie followed.