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Big Game - A Story for Girls

Page 54

"Tell me about the people in the Inn! I am always so interested in

people!" she cried eagerly. "My brother likes other things better--

books and pictures and mountains--but I like the living things best. I

know a good deal about Mr Macalister's health, and about Lizzie, and

Isabel, and their husbands and babies, and their lovers before they were

married. They come from Glasgow--and the old clergyman is Scotch too, I

suppose. Is every one Scotch except ourselves and you? We come from

London--"

Mr Elgood's face shadowed quickly.

"Yes! but don't mention it. Never mention it!" he cried quickly. "I

live there, too, or as nearly live as is possible in the surroundings.

Now for three or four weeks I've escaped, and my one endeavour is to

forget that such a place exists. I ask every one as a favour never to

mention as much as the name in my hearing. You'll remember, won't you,

and be good enough to indulge me? For the moment Miss--Miss Vane, I am

a Heelander, born and bred, a strapping young chieftain of five-and-

twenty. The Elgood of Elgood, an it please you, in bonnet and kilt, and

my foot is on my native heather!"

He tilted his cap on one side, and threw a swagger into his walk,

cleverly remindful of the swirl of tartan skirts, then turning upon

Margot, queried quickly-"Why do you laugh? It's rude to laugh! Is it so impossible to think of

me in the character?"

"I laugh because I'm pleased," Margot answered, truthfully enough. "I

do love to pretend! Let's bury London and our lives there, and pretend

that we are all Highlanders! We will be your guests up in your

mountain fastness, and you will take us about, and show us the scenes of

your historic feuds with neighbouring clans, and we will swear to help

you, if any new trouble should arise!"

"Right oh!" cried Mr Elgood, laughing. "I shall be only too proud.

I'm a sociable beggar--during holiday time--and want to do nothing but

smoke and talk. To talk nonsense, of course. Nothing dull or

improving." He cast a sudden, suspicious look at the girl's face. "You

are not clever by any chance, are you? I can't stand cleverness in the

country."

Margot laughed gaily.

"I think I am--rather!" she declared audaciously. "I couldn't confess

to being stupid, even to please a Highland chief, but it's in a very

feminine way. I don't know anything about politics or science, and I've

forgotten almost all that I learnt at school, but I take an interest in

things, and understand people pretty well. I am generally clever enough

to get my own way!"

She laughed again, remembering the purpose of the moment, and its close

connection with this newly-made acquaintance. Instinctively she turned

towards Ron, and the two pairs of brown eyes met, and flashed a message

of mischief, affection, and secret understanding--a glance which made

the watcher sigh with a sudden realisation of his own lost youth, his

bald head, and increasing bulk. They were only a pair of children,

these newcomers; kindly, affectionate, light-hearted children, whose

companionship would be a tonic to a lonely, tired man. The broad

cherubic countenance showed a passing shadow of wistfulness, as he

slacked his pace and said in hesitating tones-"I am afraid I have tacked myself on to you, without waiting for an

invitation. I will say good evening now, unless I can act as guide, or

help you in any way. Have you any special object in your walk?"

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