The Bairn of Brianag

"Oh!" she said, and sat in the chair next to me. "Oh! So soon! Surely there was at least a week more to wait!"

"Yes, the child is a boy. John and Cathy have a son."

"Oh, oh!" I had never seen her so agitated. She stood up. "I must go at once!"

Polo shuffled in with a cup of water; I took it gratefully. In a moment Lily came in with a bowl and cloths. She wrung the cloth in the rose water and would have placed it on my head; I took it from her and sponged my neck and face.

Mrs. Randall was looking around. "Polo, send a boy to fetch Mr. Randall at once. And bring Miss Maclaine something to eat." She looked at me again, sinking back onto the chair.

"Is Catherine truly well?"

"Yes, madam; she is very well and the child, also."

"You were there for the-for the birth?"

"Yes, I was there. I left at once to bring the news."

"Oh, my child! How unfortunate!"

"I am quite well, Mrs. Randall. I believe that I was a comfort to John while he waited."

"Of course." She stood up. "Oh, I must go at once. Pray excuse me, Jessie; I must speak with my maid. We must make ready at once."

She went out of the room. Soon after, Polo brought a tray with a copious amount of food on it; ham and biscuit, peas and okra and cornbread, and a glass of buttermilk. I sipped at the buttermilk gratefully and nibbled a bite of biscuit; I began to feel stronger.

Mr. Randall entered the house and strode into the room.

"My daughter has given birth to a son?" he said. "It is so?"

"Yes indeed, sir. A beautiful bairn he is, too," I said.

"Thanks be to God!" he said. "And is Cathy well?"

"Yes, sir, she is quite well."

"My wife wishes to leave for Grant's Hill at once," he said.

"Naturally," I said. "Mr. Randall, is Robbie at home?"

"We have had word two days ago that he is on his way home; I expect he shall be back at any moment," he said. "Pray excuse me, Jessie." He hurried from the room.

I thought what I must do. Should I stay here and wait for him? I could not. The Randalls were eager to be off. I would not stay without them here. If only Robbie would arrive now, before they were ready to go!