"With someone who loved you," said Hugo, coming nearer, and gazing into her face.
Kitty made a little moue.
"The cottage would only hold one person comfortably," she said.
"Then you shall not live in a cottage. You shall live in a far pleasanter place. What should you say to a little villa on the shores of the Mediterranean, with orange groves behind it, and the beautiful blue sea before? Should you like that, Kitty? You have only to say the word, and you know that it will be yours."
"Then I won't say the word," said Kitty, turning away her head. "I like Scotland better than the Mediterranean."
"Then let it be Scotland. What should you say to Netherglen?"
"I prefer Strathleckie," replied the girl, with her most provoking smile.
"That is no answer. You must give me an answer some day," said Hugo, whose voice was beginning to tremble. "You know what I mean: you know——"
"Oh, what a lovely bit of bramble in the hedge!" cried Kitty, making believe that she had not been listening. "Look, it has still a leaf or two, and the stem is frosted all over and the veins traced in silver! Do get it for me: I must take it home."
Hugo did her bidding rather unwillingly; but his sombre eyes were lighted with a reluctant smile, or a sort of glow that did duty for a smile, as she thanked him.