“And what about Boris?”
“The very name of Boris tires my tongue! I can do without Boris.”
“Well, then, that is good! Thou art learning ‘the grand habit of doing without.’”
“Wilt thou take me to Edinburgh? My mother would like thee to do that. I think I deserve it, Grandfather; yes, and so I ask thee.”
“If I was going, I should have no mind to go without thee. One thing I wish to know––in what way hast thou deserved it?”
“I did not expect thee to ask me a question like that. Have I fretted and pined, and forgot to eat and sleep, and gone dowdy and slovenly, because my lover has been fool enough to desert me? Well, then, that is what any other girl would have done. But because I am of thy blood and stock, I take what comes to me as part of my day’s work, and make no more grumble on the matter than one does about bad weather. Is that not the truth?”
“One thing is sure––thou art the finest all round girl in the Orcades.”
“Then it seems to me thou should take me to Edinburgh. I want that something, that polish, only great cities can give me.”
“Blessings on thee! All Edinburgh can give, thou shalt have! But it is my advice to thee to remain here until Mrs. Brodie goes back, then go thou with her.”