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 The stranger looked at her with great earnestness for a moment, and then replied, "I am seeking a place called Fairy-knowe, and a man called Cuthbert Headrigg. You can probably direct me to him."

"It's my good-man, sir," said the young woman, with a smile of welcome; "will you alight, sir, and come into our poor dwelling?—Cuddie, Cuddie,"—(a white-headed rogue of four years appeared at the door of the hut)—"Rin awa', my bonnie man, and tell your father a gentleman wants him.—Or, stay—Jenny, ye'll hae mair sense—rin ye awa' and tell him; he's down at the Four-acres Park.—Winna ye light down and bide a blink, sir?—Or would ye take a mouthfu' o' bread and cheese, or a drink o' ale, till our good-man comes? It's gude ale, though I shouldna say sae that brews it; but ploughman lads work hard, and maun hae something to keep their hearts aboon by ordinary, sae I aye pit a good gowpin o' maut to the browst."