"Well, I said nothing to the contrary," answered Bruce, putting on his
English.
"It's the custom i' this country to mak what answer a man has the sense to mak whan he's spoken till ceevily."
"I considered you uncivil."
"That's jist what a bonnie lassie sittin' yonner said aboot you whan she prayed me no to lat you gang a step nearer till her."
Curly found it at the moment particularly agreeable to quarrel. Moreover he had always disliked Bruce, and now hated him because Annie had complained of him.
"I have as much right to walk here as you or any one else," said Bruce.
"Maybe; but even colliginers doesna aye get their richts. Ae richt whiles rides upo' the tap o' anither. And Annie Anderson has a richt no to be disturbit, whan her uncle, honest man, 's jist lyin' waitin' for's coffin i' the hoose yonner."
"I'm her cousin."
"It's sma' comfort ony o' yer breed ever brocht her. Cousin or no, ye sanna gang near her."
"I'll go where I please," said Bruce, moving to pass.