’What a stupid thing happened this morning,’ said she. ’When I heard that the American gentleman was going south, I wanted to tell the driver to bring the children from Crask with him as he came back in the evening; and I sent Elizabeth round to the inn to tell him that; and then—what do you think!—they had started away half an hour before there was any need. But now I have written a letter to the Crask people, asking them to stop the waggonette as it comes back in the afternoon, and telling them that we will make the children very comfortable here for the night; and if only I could get it sent to Crask everything would be arranged. And do you think now you could get one of the young lads to take it to Crask if I gave him a shilling?’ She took out her purse, and selected a shilling from the very slender store of coins there. ’It is not much for so long a walk,’ she said, rather doubtfully. ’Eight miles there and eight back—is it enough, do you think?’ ’Oh, I’ll get the letter sent for ye, Miss Douglas, easily enough,’ said he—and indeed he had already taken it from her hand. Then she offered him the shilling, but with a little gesture he refused it. And then—for there flashed upon her mind a sudden suspicion that perhaps he might choose to walk all that way himself just to please her (indeed, he had done things like that before)—she became greatly embarrassed. ’Give me the letter, Ronald,’ said she, ’and I will find some one myself. You are going away now with the dogs.’ ’Oh no,’ said he, ’I will see that the Crask folk get your message.’ ’And the money to pay the lad?’ said she timidly. ’Dinna bother your head wi’ that,’ he answered. ’There’s enough money scattered about the place just now—the American gentleman was free-handed this morning. Ay, and there’s something I’ve got for you.’ ’For me?’ she said, with her eyes opening somewhat.