Of this class were some of the footfaring company. But there were
others of more means than the men of this lowly origin, who either
could not afford to travel by the expensive coaches, or could find
none to accommodate them. Possibly some preferred to walk. However
this may have been, the various groups which at the beginning and
close of the session passed through Rothieden weary and footsore,
were sure of a hearty welcome at The Boar's Head. And much the men
needed it. Some of them would have walked between one and two
hundred miles before completing their journey.
Robert made a circuit, and, fleet of foot, was in Miss Napier's
parlour before the travellers made their appearance on the square.
When they knocked at the door, Miss Letty herself went and opened
it.
'Can ye tak 's in, mem?' was on the lips of their spokesman, but
Miss Letty had the first word.
'Come in, come in, gentlemen. This is the first o' ye, and ye're
the mair welcome. It's like seein' the first o' the swallows. An'
sic a day as ye hae had for yer lang traivel!' she went on, leading
the way to her sister's parlour, and followed by all the students,
of whom the one that came hindmost was the most remarkable of the
group--at the same time the most weary and downcast.
Miss Napier gave them a similar welcome, shaking hands with every
one of them. She knew them all but the last. To him she
involuntarily showed a more formal respect, partly from his
appearance, and partly that she had never seen him before.
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