`` I 'm afraid I shall get cold without my sacque , '' began Rose , who wanted to stay , but felt rather out of her element . `` No , you wo n't ! We 'll fix you , '' cried the lads , as one clapped his cap on her head , another tied a rough jacket round her neck by the sleeves , a third neatly smothered her in a carriage blanket , and a fourth threw open the door of the old barouche that stood there , saying with a flourish , `` Step in , ma'am , and make yourself comfortable while we show you some fun . '' So Rose sat in state enjoying herself very much , for the lads proceeded to dance a Highland Fling with a spirit and skill that made her clap her hands and laugh as she had not done for weeks . `` How is that , my lassie ? '' asked the Prince , coming up all flushed and breathless when the ballet was over . `` It was splendid ! I never went to the theatre but once , and the dancing was not half so pretty as this . What clever boys you must be ! '' said Rose , smiling upon her kinsmen like a little queen upon her subjects . `` Ah , we 're a fine lot , and that is only the beginning of our larks . We have n't got the pipes here or we 'd , ` Sing for you , play for you A dulcy melody , ' '' answered Charlie , looking much elated at her praise . `` I did not know we were Scotch ; papa never said anything about it , or seemed to care about Scotland , except to have me sing the old ballads , '' said Rose , beginning to feel as if she had left America behind her somewhere . `` Neither did we till lately . We 've been reading Scott 's novels , and all of a sudden we remembered that our grandfather was a Scotchman . So we hunted up the old stories , got a bagpipe , put on our plaids , and went in , heart and soul , for the glory of the Clan . We 've been at it some time now , and it 's great fun . Our people like it , and I think we are a pretty canny set . '' Archie said this from the other coach-step , where he had perched , while the rest climbed up before and behind to join in the chat as they rested . `` I 'm Fitzjames and he 's Roderick Dhu , and we 'll give you the broadsword combat some day .
It 's a great thing , you 'd better believe , '' added the XXXXX .
Archie Fling Prince Scotland Scott barouche broadsword day kinsmen weeks