Back from the works, Macgregor found tea awaiting him. His mother and sister were not a little relieved by his cheerfulness, though they were to doubt its sincerity later. But the boy had never made a greater effort for the sake of those who loved him than in that little piece of dissembling. The parting was brief. An embrace, a kiss, a word or two that meant little yet all--and he was out of the home. His laugh, slightly subdued, came up the well of the staircase--'Maybe it's anither false alarm!' 'They looked over the rail, mute but trying to smile, and saw the last of him--a hurrying sturdy, boyish figure, kilt swinging and hand aloft in final farewell. His route took him through the street of Miss Tod's shop. It was characteristic of Macgregor that he did not choose another and less direct course. He neither hesitated nor looked aside as he marched past the shop. The sense of injustice still upheld him. 'She never gi'ed me a chance!' . . . And so back to Duty. * * * * * Not more than five minutes later Private William Thomson came along in hot haste and banged into the shop. 'Macgreegor no here?' he demanded, and looked astounded. 'No,' answered Christina, without laying down the book she had been trying to read. 'Jist left ye?' 'No.' 'When did ye see him?' 'This morning.' 'Gor! I could ha'e bet onything I wud ha'e catched him here. He had jist left the hoose when I----' 'Why are you so excited?' she coldly inquired. 'Me? I'm no excited. Jist been canoodlin' wi' ma aunt. She sprung five bob! Come oot an' I'll stan' ye a slider.' 'I regret I cannot accept your kind invitation.' 'Haw, haw! It's you for the language! But I say!' He leaned over the counter. 'What way are ye no greetin'?' She flushed hotly, wondering how much he knew or guessed, but replied coolly enough: 'I have nothing to weep about. Have you?' 'Plenty, by Jings! I expected to see yer eyes an' nose rid, onyway, Christina.' 'Indeed! Is that how it affects you?' He looked hard at her. 'My! ye're a game yin!' he said admiringly. 'Weel, I maun slope,' he went on, with a sigh that sounded absurd, coming from him. 'I suppose ye've nae message for Macgreegor--something ye forgot to say at the last meenute? Eh?' Christina was at a loss. Apparently he knew nothing, yet his manner was odd. 'No message, thank you,' said she slowly.