Chapter 25

Margaret McGurtrie was tall and large - boned , with a face of unusual beauty , had it been allied to a slender body she would have been able to hold her own with anyone tut she was too big , and all her movements were clumsy One was apt to overlook eyes of a violety - blue fringed by thick dark lashes , black hair with bluish lights in it , a wide and generous mouth and a pale honey - tinted skin , wher one was confronted with big feet , ugly hands , and a stride like a grenadier's , combined with a gruff mannish voice Margaret dressed in tweeds and heavy brogues which made her feet look even bigger ; her thick knitted stockings did not help , and she favoured fawns and greys which were the worst possible colours for her . " Sorry , I couldn't come across to the mainland to meet you , ' she said to Joan . ' But Phoebe , my mare , is foaling and I had to be in the stables ; we are afraid we are going to lose her . ' Isn't the foal born yet ? ' asked Sir Archibald . ' No , father . I