CHAPTER XVII. 



A JOURNEY TO THE GREAT LOCH. MAJOR DUNCAN IS 



CHAMPION FOR THE ABILITIES OF WOMEN AS 

 AGAINST SCOFFERS. 



THIS morning at breakfast Ward asked Mrs. Peyton 

 what she proposed to do, as the weather was fine. 



" Any thing you desire," she replied; "pray, 

 what should it be, Major Duncan ? " 



" I have been thinking of an arrangement which 

 may suit you," Mrs. Peyton ; " which is, that I 

 drive you round to the great loch in the pony- 

 phaeton for the view; and that the young ladies 

 and the rest might go there now and picnic on 

 the island. Would that do ? " 



" Excellent ! I have no doubt ; but this may 

 sacrifice your shooting." 



" Hardly a sacrifice," he replied, gravely bowing 

 like a courtier of Louis Quatorze. "So, that's settled." 



