the channeled lettering, the moss began to renew itself in jewels of

green. By an afterthought that was a stroke of art, she had turned up

over her head the back of the kerchief; so that it now framed becomingly

her vivacious and yet pensive face. Her feet were gathered under her on

the one side, and she leaned on her bare arm, which showed out strong

and round, tapered to a slim wrist, and shimmered in the fading light.

Young Hermiston was struck with a certain chill. He was reminded that

he now dealt in serious matters of life and death. This was a grown

woman he was approaching, endowed with her mysterious potencies and

attractions, the treasury of the continued race, and he was neither

better nor worse than the average of his sex and age. He had a certain

delicacy which had preserved him hitherto unspotted, and which (had

either of them guessed it) made him a more dangerous companion when his

heart should be really stirred. His throat was dry as he came near; but

the appealing sweetness of her smile stood between them like a guardian

angel.

For she turned to him and smiled, though without rising. There was a

shade in this cavalier greeting that neither of them perceived; neither

he, who simply thought it gracious and charming as herself; nor yet she,

who did not observe (quick as she was) the difference between rising to

meet the laird, and remaining seated to receive the expected admirer.

"Are ye stepping west, Hermiston?" said she, giving him his territorial

name after the fashion of the country-side.

"I was," said he, a little hoarsely, "but I think I will be about the

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