That was all. Neither of them asked a question about my financial position, or my hopes. Mrs. Thomson went to the door and called Margaret's name, and when she entered the kitchen her mother simply said: "Maggie, ye micht bring a few coals like a lassie."
A stranger from a foreign land looking on would have wondered at the unconcern of the whole thing. The family talked about everything but the subject of the moment, but I knew by the way in which they made conversation that they were striving to hide their real feelings.
When I rose to leave I turned to Frank.
"I don't know what plans I have," I said, "but the chances are that I'll go to live in London some day soon."
Frank waved a protesting hand.
"Never mind that ee'noo," he cried. "Maggie!... ye'll better see the Mester to the door, lassie!"
"They're awfu' pleased!" whispered Margaret at the door.
"Are they, Margaret?" I said tenderly.
"Yes! But it isn't because you are so clever, you know!"