"A very fashionable congregation, and nae doubt the living is according."
"Father has become a member of St. Margaret's, and he has a large mansion in the wealthy Bloomsbury district. He tells me that I must come home, the first opportunity that gives me a respectable companion."
"And it is just destiny, Maria, and not to be," said her grandmother; "for Mrs. Gordon was here this afternoon to bid me farewell. Colonel Gordon has been exchanged, and has reached New York, and they sail in Saturday's packet for London. She will be delighted to hae your company, and a mair proper person to travel wi' you couldna find in America; for it isna only hersel', you will hae the Colonel also, to watch o'er you baith."
"Destiny or not, I won't go, grandmother."
"Dinna sow sorrow to yoursel'. They who cross destiny, make a cross for themsel's."
"I will hear what Ernest says about it."
"You arena your ain mistress yet, and God and man, baith, expect you to put your father's commands before all others," said the Elder.
"I think grandmother and you wish to get rid of me," and the tears sprang to her eyes, and she set her cup down with a noisy petulance.
There was a moment's silence and then the Elder continued, "Your education isna finished yet, as your father says; it was broken up by the war."
"And the lessons at Bradley's house were worse than nane at all," interrupted Madame.