“Guid-night, then, me leddy.  And a guid rest and a blithe waking till ye,” said the dame, courtesying again, and turning to leave the room.

“One moment, Mrs. Ross, if you please,” said the young lady, gently arresting her steps.

“Ay, me leddy, as mony as ye’ll please,” promptly replied the dame, returning to her place.

“I wish to ask you a question,” began Salome, in a slow and hesitating manner.  “Have you seen or heard anything more of that girl, Mrs. Ross?”

“Meaning that ne’er-do-weel light o’ love Rose Cameron, me leddy!” inquired the housekeeper.

“Yes, Rose Cameron.  There have been such crowds of people on the island today to inspect the decorations, that I thought—­I thought—­”

“As that handsome jaud might be amang ’em, me leddy?  Ou, ay, and sae she waur!  But when I caught her prowling about here, I sent Mr. McRath to warn her off the place, and threaten her wi’ the constable gin she didna gang!” said the housekeeper.

“But that was cruel, Mrs. Ross.”

“Na, na, me leddy.  It waur unco well dune!  She was after no guid prowling about here, and making an excuse o’ luking at the deekorated grounds.  She didna care for the sight a bodle!  Aweel she’s gane, and a guid riddance.”

“What does the girl look like, Mrs. Ross?”

“Eh, leddy, she’s a strapping wench! tall and broad-shouldered, and full-breasted, with a handsome head that she carries unco high, and big, bold blue eyes, and a heap o’ long, red hair.  That’s Rosy Cameron, me leddy.”

This was a rather rough portrait of the Juno-like Highland beauty; but then, it was drawn by an enemy, you know.

“But dinna fash yersel’ about yon hizzie ony mair, me young leddy.  She’ll na be permitted to trouble ye,” concluded the housekeeper.

“That will do, Mrs. Ross.  Thanks.  But pray do not let anyone be harsh with that poor girl.  If she is a little crazy, she is all the more to be pitied.  Good-night,” said Salome, thus gently dismissing her talkative attendant.

“Guid night, me young leddy.  Guid rest and blithe waking to ye,” repeated the old woman, as she courtesied and left the room.

“Poor girl!” mused Salome.  “I cannot help sympathizing with her tonight.  What if Arondelle who is so courteous to all, were courteous to her also.  And she, unused to courtesy in her rude Highland home, mistook such gentle courtesy for preference, for love, and gave him her love in return?  He would not be in the least to be blamed, while she would be much to be pitied.  What a cruel sight these wedding preparations must be to her!  What a miserable night this must be for her!  I must see to that poor girl’s welfare,” concluded Salome.

A low rap at her door disturbed her.

“Come in.”

Her maid entered.

“What is it, Janet?”

“If you please, Miss, Sir Lemuel’s man has just brought me a message for you.  Sir Lemuel requests, Miss, that you will come to his room before you retire.”