“There! that is enough, Ian! Go your ways and bid the young man. Ask him in your own name.”
“No, Mistress, I will not do that. The invitation carries neither honour nor good will without your name.”
“Well then, my name be it. My name has been so much used lately, I think I will change it.”
“Take my name then. I will be proud indeed if you will.”
“You are aye daffing, Ian; I am o’er busy for nonsense the now. Give the Mac a hint that tartans are not necessary.”
“But I cannot do that. I am going to wear the Macrae tartan.”
“You can let that intent go by.”
“No, I can not! A certain ‘yes’ may depend on my wearing the Macrae tartan.”
“Well, checked cloth is bonnier than black broadcloth to some people. I don’t think Thora Ragnor is among that silly crowd. There is not a more quarrelsome dress than a tartan kilt––and 102 I’m thinking the Brodies were ill friends with the Macraes in the old days.”
“The Brodies are not Highlanders.”