J J Bell

Courtin' Christina J J Bell

MRS. ROBINSON conveyed sundry dishes from the oven, also the teapot from the hob, to the table."Come awa'," she said briskly, seating herself. "We'll no' wait for Macgreegor.""Gi'e him five minutes, Lizzie," said Mr. Robinson."I'm in nae hurry," remarked Gran'paw Purdie, who had come up from the coast thatafternoon."I'm awfu' hungry, Maw," piped a young voice."Whisht, Jimsie," whispered daughter Jeannie. Said Mrs. Robinson, a little impatiently: "Come awa', come awa', afore everythinggets spiled. Macgreegor has nae business to be that late." She glanced at the clock."He's been the same a' week. Haste ye, John."John opened his mouth, but catching his wife's eye, closed it again without speech. Excepting Jimsie, they came to the table rather reluctantly."Ask a blessin', fayther," murmured Lizzie."Shut yer eyes," muttered Jeannie to her little brother, while she restrained his eagerpaw from reaching a cookie. Mr. Purdie's white head shook slightly as he said grace; he had passed his five andthe seventieth birthday, albeit his spirit, was cheerful as of yore; in his case old age seemedto content itself with an occasional mild reminder. John distributed portions of stewed finnan haddie, Lizzie poured out the tea, whileJeannie methodically prepared a small feast for the impatient Jimsie. Gran'paw Purdiebeamed on the four, but referred surreptitiously at brief intervals to his fat silver watch.* * * *