THE MAN FROM GLENGARRY
But while she was shaking hands with him, there flashed across his mind the memory of the first time he had seen her, and the look of amusement upon her face then, that had given him such deadly offense. There was no amusement now, but there was embarrassment and something else. Ranald could not define it, but it chilled his heart, and at once he began to feel how badly dressed he was. The torn shirt, the ragged trousers, and the old, unshapely boots that he had never given a thought to before, now seemed to burn into his flesh. Unconsciously he backed away and turned to go.
"Where are you off to?" cried Harry; "do you think we are going to let you go now? We had hard enough work finding you. Come up to the office and see the governor. He wants to see you badly."
Ranald glanced at the lieutenant, immaculate except where the slush had speckled his shiny, boots, and then at his own ragged attire. "I think I will not go up now," he said.
"Well, come up soon," said Maimie, evidently relieved.
"No!" said Kate, impetuously, "come right along now. As she spoke she ranged herself beside him. For a moment or two Ranald hesitated, shot a searching glance at Maimie 's face, and then, with a reckless laugh, said, "I will go now," and set off forthwith, Kate proudly marching at one side, and Harry on the other, leaving Maimie and the lieutenant to follow after.
And a good thing it was for Ranald that he did go
292
