"What I have seen of Lord Cramer I like. Do you want me to speak ill of him?"
"I have told you what he has been."
"His father's death has put him in a responsible position. That of itself often sobers and changes young men. Ian Macrae, leave your daughter's affairs alone. She will manage them better than you can. And what are you going to do about Donald?"
"Donald is doing well enough."
"He is not. I am afraid every mail that comes will tell us that he has taken the Queen's shilling, or gone before the mast."
"What do you want me to do?"
"Ask Donald what he wants, and give him his desire—whatever it is."
"There is not a good father in Scotland that would do the like of that, Jessy."
"Then be a bad father and do it. I am sure you may risk the consequences."
"These children are a great anxiety to me. Something is wrong if they will not listen to their father. I am very much worried, Jessy. I will go and unpack those books and then read awhile."