"But it used to be six months, a year, two years, and more! He grows a home body, as lairds ought to be!" Alexander dismounted at the door, took her in his arms and kissed her twice, shook hands with Strickland, greeted Davie and the men.

"How good it is to get home! I've pined like a lost bairn.

And none of you look older--Aunt Grizel hasn't a single white hair!" "Go along with you, laddie!" said Aunt Grizel.

"You haven't been so long away!" The sun was half-way down the western quarter.

He changed his riding-clothes, and they set food for him in the hall.