"Not at all, madam. Even if I would venture, there's no need, for I think your bark is worse than your bite."
Again she almost twinkled at the wretch's daring. There was excitement in it, which she had not experienced since early married days. Then she had had to do with another MacDonald, and even a Hillard could without disgrace afford to be mastered by a MacDonald of Dhrum.
"When I've put your granddaughter into more suitable guardianship than mine," Somerled went on quickly, "I'll write and tell you."
"Suitable guardianship! It will be some time before I get that letter."
"I thank you for the compliment."
"It was not one."
"You're not to blame if I choose to take it as such."
"I am not to blame in any way in this matter."
"There I'm no judge. It's my own actions I must look after." And again he smiled.
"I advise you to be careful, sir, between Barbara Ballantree and Barribel MacDonald. I wish you joy of them both."