"
She was there once again that year. On her way north she stopped in
Edinburgh over night to see how the work on the fountain had
progressed. It was in Scotland's best season, most of the days dry
and bright and sharp. But on that day it was misting, and yellow
leaves were dropping on the wet tombs and beaded grass, when the
Grand Leddy appeared at the kirkyard late in the afternoon with a
wreath of laurel to lay on Auld Jock's grave.
Bobby slipped out, dry as his own delectable bone, from under the
tomb of Mistress Jean Grant, and nearly wagged his tail off with
pleasure. Mistress Jeanie was set in a proud flutter when the Grand
Leddy rang at the lodge kitchen and asked if she and Bobby could
have their tea there with the old couple by the cozy grate fire.
They all drank tea from the best blue cups, and ate buttered scones
and strawberry jam on the scoured deal table. Bobby had his
porridge and broth on the hearth. The coals snapped in the grate
and the firelight danced merrily on the skylark's cage and the
copper kettle. Mr. Brown got out his fife and played "Bonnie
Dundee." Wee, silver-white Bobby tried to dance, but he tumbled
over so lamentably once or twice that he hung his head
apologetically, admitting that he ought to have the sense to know
that his dancing days were done. He lay down and lolled and blinked
on the hearth until the Grand Leddy rose to go.
"I am on my way to Braemar to visit for a few days at Balmoral
Castle.
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