Now if Mr. Hodson had been rather doubtful lest his presence might produce some little restraint, he was speedily reassured, to his own great satisfaction, for he was really a most good-natured person and anxious to be friendly with everybody. In the general fun and jollity he was not even noticed; he could ask Mrs. Murray any questions he chose without suspicion of being observant; the young lady next him—who was Jeannie Macrae herself, and to whom he strove to be as gallant as might be—was very winsome and gentle and shy, and spoke in a more Highland fashion than he had heard yet; while otherwise he did not fare at all badly at this rustic feast, for there were boiled fowls and roast hares after the soup, and there was plenty of ale passed round, and tea for those who wished it. Nay, on the contrary, he had rather to push himself forward and assert himself ere he could get his proper share of the work that was going on. He insisted upon carving for at least half a dozen neighbours; he was most attentive to the pretty Highland girl next him; and laughed heartily at Mrs. Murray’s Scotch stories, which he did not quite understand; and altogether entered into the spirit of the evening. But there was no doubt it was at the other end of the table that the fun was getting fast and furious; and just as little doubt that Ronald the keeper was suffering considerably at the hands of those ungrateful lasses for whom he had done so much. Like a prudent man, he held his tongue and waited his opportunity; taking their teasing with much good humour; and paying no heed to the other young fellows who were urging him to face and silence the saucy creatures. And his opportunity came in the most unexpected way. One of the girls, out of pure mischief, and without the least notion that she would be overheard, rapped lightly on the table, and said: ’Mr. Ronald Strang will now favour us with a song.’ To her amazement and horror there was an almost instant silence; for an impression had travelled up the table that some announcement was about to be made. ’What is it now? What are you about down there?’ their host called to them—and the silence, to her who had unwittingly caused it, was terrible. But another of the girls, still bent on mischief, was bold enough to say. ’Oh, it’s Ronald that’s going to sing us a song.’ ’Sing ye a song, ye limmer, ere ye’re through with your supper?’ Ronald said sharply. ’I’d make ye sing yourself—with a leather strap—if I had my will o’ ye.’ But this was not heard up the table. ’Very well, then, Ronald,’ the innkeeper cried, graciously. ’Come away with it now. There is no one at all can touch you at that.’ ’Oh, do not ask him,’ the pretty Nelly said—apparently addressing the company, but keeping her cruel eyes on him. ’Do not ask Ronald to sing. Ronald is such a shy lad.’ He glanced at her; and then he seemed to make up his mind. ’Very well, then,’ said he, ’I’ll sing ye a song—and let’s have a chorus, lads.’