"Never mind either friends or foes. In nine days they will have said their say. Let them."
"Yesterday at this hour, I was the proudest and happiest woman in Glasgow. To-day I am——"
"The bravest woman in Glasgow. Defy your trouble, as you always do. Christina's conduct is most unusual, and few will understand it—they can't. But, oh mother, stand by your daughter! Tell every one, that when she found out she loved Mr. Rathey better than Sir Thomas Wynton, she did what was honorable and womanly, and that you admire her truth and sincerity, though of course, somewhat disappointed. Such words as these will silence the ill-natured, and satisfy the friendly. You will say them, mother?"
"Something like them, no doubt."
"And we must find Christina, and you will forgive her, and protect her?"
"I will do no such things."
"It would stop people's tongues."
"Their tongues may clash till doomsday, ere I will stop them that gate. Never name the wicked woman to me again. I do not know her any more, and I do not want to know, whether she is living or dead, in plenty or poverty, sick or well, happy or miserable. She is out o' this world, as far as I am concerned. Sure!"
"What did Robert say?"
"Threw the whole blame on mysel'—evil be to him!"