“Since you make so great a claim on Maggie, you may; but why did she not write to you, if you were trothplighted?”
“Because it was fully understood there was to be no communication of any kind between us for two years. That much I owed to the best of fathers. Also, as you know, Maggie has learned to write since we parted. But I ought to have made surer provision for her happiness. I am only rightly punished for trusting her where I did.”
“You trusted her with her ain brother, Mr. Campbell. If Maggie had done as she should hae done—”
“Maggie has done perfectly right. I am sure of that. I could swear to it.”
“Sir, we will keep to lawful language. Christian gentlemen don’t need oaths. I say Maggie should have gone to Dr. Balmuto when I sent her.”
“I do not know the circumstances, but I say she ought not to have gone to Dr. Balmuto. I am sure she only did whatever was wise and womanly.”
“There is no use in reasoning with one who talks without knowledge. If I get any information about Maggie, or from her, I will send it to your address. I love Maggie. The lassie aye loved me. She wouldna thank you to speak sae sharply to me. She will tell you some day that I did all that could be expectit of me.”
“Forgive me, David. I feel almost broken-hearted. I am irritable also for want of food. I have not eaten since early this morning.”
“That is not right, sir. Sit down, in a few minutes you shall have all that is needful.”
“No, no; I must go home. Half an hour will take me there. Shake hands, David. Whatever differences we may have, you, at least, understand fully that I never could wrong your sister.”