A Telegram

To the amazement of the company, it was George Elgood of all others who
hastened to second the proposal.

"A capital idea!" he cried. "B-- is one of the finest old ruins in
Scotland. Of course we must go; it would be worse than foolish to go
home without seeing it. I have been before, so I could act as guide,
and those who possess cameras had better take them also, as the place is
rich in subjects."

The clergyman and his son pricked up their ears at this, photography
being with them only a degree less absorbing a pastime than that of
walking; Ron awoke suddenly to the remembrance that his half-plate
camera had never been unpacked since his arrival; and the three vied
with each other in asking questions about the proposed excursion, and in
urging that a date should be fixed. Before the meal had come to a
conclusion, plans were mapped out, and a division of labour made, by
which one person was held responsible for the hiring of carriages,
another for the promised food, while George Elgood was left to arrange
the plan of campaign.

"We are a happy family, we are, we are, we are!" hummed the Chieftain,
under his breath, as he cast a twinkling glance across the table to
where Margot sat, as demure to outward seeming as she was excited at
heart.

"Why do you avoid me?" he demanded of her plumply, the next morning,
when, after several unsuccessful attempts, he ran her to earth by the
side of the tarn. "Scurry out of my way like a frightened bunny
whenever I come along. Won't do, you know! Not going to trouble myself
to do you good turns, if you round on me afterwards, and avoid me as if
I were the plague. What's it all about?"