The gate was open now, and as he came through, Agnew Greatorix made his horse curvet, pushing the frail form of the preacher almost into the hedge.

“If you would like to come and visit us up at the castle,” he said mockingly, “I dare say we could yet receive you as my forefathers, of whom you are so fond, used to welcome your kind.  I saw the thumbikins the other day; and I dare say we could fit you with your size in boots.”

“The Lord shall pull down the mighty from their seats, and exalt them that are of low estate!” said the preacher solemnly.

“Very likely,” said the young man as he rode away.

CHAPTER XV.

On the edge of the orchard.

But Agnew Greatorix came as often as ever to Craig Ronald.  Generally he found Winsome busy with her household affairs, sometimes with her sleeves buckled above her elbows, rolling the tough dough for the crumpy farles of the oat-cake, and scattering handfuls of dry meal over it with deft fingers to bring the mass to its proper consistency for rolling out upon the bake-board.  Leaving his horse tethered to the great dismounting stone at the angle of the kitchen (a granite boulder or “travelled stone,” as they said thereabouts), with an iron ring into it, he entered and sat down to watch.  Sometimes, as to-day, he would be only silent and watchful; but he never failed to compass Winsome with the compliment of humility and observance.  It is possible that better things were stirring in his heart than usually brought him to such places.  There is no doubt, indeed, that he appreciated the frankness and plain speech which he received from the very practical young mistress of Craig Ronald.

When he left the house it was Agnew Greatorix’s invariable custom to skirt the edge of the orchard before mounting.  Just in the dusk of the great oak-tree, where its branches mingle with those of the gean [wild cherry], he was met by the slim, lithe figure of Jess Kissock, in whose piquant elvishness some strain of Romany blood showed itself.

Jess had been waiting for him ever since he had taken his hat in his hand to leave the house.  As he came in sight of the watcher, Agnew Greatorix stopped, and Jess came closer to him, motioning him imperiously to bring his horse close in to the shadow of the orchard wall.  Agnew did so, putting out his arm as if he would kiss her; but, with a quick fierce movement, Jess thrust his hand away.

“I have told you before not to play these tricks with me—­keep them for them that ye come to Craig Ronald to see.  It’s the mistress ye want.  What need a gentleman like you meddle with the maid?”

“Impossible as it may seem, the like has been done,” said Agnew, smiling down at the black eyes and blowing elf locks.

“Not with this maid,” replied Jess succinctly, and in deed slhe looked exceedingly able to take care of herself, as became Meg Kissock’s sister.