Those grey eyes of Annas's seem to see everything. I am sure she saw
that Flora would like a quiet talk with Lady Monksburn, and she carried
me to see her peacocks and silver pheasants, which are great pets, she
says; and they are so tame that they will come and eat out of her hand.
Of course they were shy with me. Then we had a charming little walk on
the path which ran along by the side of the river, and Annas pointed out
some lovely peeps through the trees at the scenery beyond. When we came
in, I saw that Flora had been crying; but she seemed so much calmer and
comforted, that I am sure her talk had done her good. Then came supper,
and then Angus, who had cleared up wonderfully, and was more what he
used to be as a boy, instead of the cross, gloomy young man he has
seemed of late. Lady Monksburn offered to send a servant with arms to
accompany us home, but Angus appeared to think it quite unnecessary. He
had his dirk and a pistol, he said; and surely he could take care of two
girls! I am not sure that Flora would not rather have had the servant,
and I know I would. However, we came safe to the manse, meeting nothing
more terrific than a white cow, which wicked Angus tried to persuade us
was a lady without a head.