A DAY AT THE GREAT LOCH. 183 



moors, went away in high spirits ; still, I felt 

 doubtful if the rugged hollows and " stey braes " 

 might not soon temper the gaiety of these merry 

 girls : but no, they both continued walking fast 

 and easily, and the first hill was crossed without 

 rest; over the wide moors the pace was kept up, 

 and the last steep climb unflinchingly faced. 



I was amused at observing the distinct styles of 

 progression of these light-footed maidens. Annie 

 Peyton going over the ground with a firm, light- 

 infantry step ; while Miss Clive glided over heath 

 and stones in an undulating sort of manner, very 

 different, still quite as effective ; and when, at last, 

 we stood on the crest of the mountain overlooking 

 the loch, neither of them showed signs of the sharp 

 exercise except in slightly heightened colour. 



" Bravo ! well done ! young ladies," said Ward, 

 as they now gladly enough rested on the soft moss 

 on the peak of the hill commanding an eagle's view 

 of the scene. " Bravo ! And how like ye the look 

 of this Highland world?" But they were too 

 breathless, or too much absorbed, to reply. 



Below lay the great loch, spread out in sheen 

 and shadow, surrounded by hills of every varied 

 shape and colour ; the bright greens and purple of 



