“I thought ye had gone,” he said, dangerously calm, stepping up to her.
“I could not go till I had delivered a message,” she explained, dropping her eyes before the determined light in his.
“What is it?” he asked, puzzled by her tone and manner.
“It is of great importance and for your ears alone,” she replied glibly. “I’m sure this lady—Miss Campbell, is it not?—will not mind leaving us for a moment,” and she smiled amiably into Mary’s innocent inquiring face.
He led Mary gently to the door. “It’ll be only for a moment, Mary,” he said quietly.
“I dinna’ mind,” she answered brightly. “’Tis near time for me to be going hame, ye ken,” and with a smile she left them together.
“Noo, then, what is your message?” he said with calm abruptness, as the door closed.
“This!” and she threw back her head defiantly. “You must give up this Mary Campbell.”
He looked at her in amazement. “What do ye mean?” he gasped, opening his eyes in bewilderment.