"Come along, Marget; you are on my side--on Don's side, I mean." At which poor Marget, a tall, fair girl, with sweet face and shy manner, blushed furiously, but, after greeting the minister's wife and the rest of the older people, she took her place beside Don.
The choosing went on till every one present was taken, not even Aunt Kirsty being allowed to remain neutral in the coming games.

For an hour the sports went on.

Racing, jumping, bear, London bridge, crack the whip, and lastly, forfeits.
Meantime Ranald superintended the sap-boiling, keeping on the opposite side of the fire from the ladies, and answering in monosyllables any questions addressed to him.

But when it was time to make the tea, Mrs.
Cameron and Kirsty insisted on taking charge of this, and Mrs.Murray, coming round to Ranald, said: "Now, Ranald, I came to learn all about sugar-making, and while the others are making tea, I want you to teach me how to make sugar." Ranald gladly agreed to show her all he knew.

He had been feeling awkward and miserable in the noisy crowd, but especially in the presence of Maimie.