Then Richards told him all he had done.
The tears stood in General Mackenzie’s eyes. “Richards,” he said, “I could not have believed such kindness possible. I—I—I can’t say another word.”
The meeting between Tom Fairlie and Flora was all that lovers could desire. Mary positively hugged Jack. He was still her boy. I’m not sure she did not shower upon him “luv and sweet kisses.”
“But, bless me, Jack,” she said, “how tall you’ve got! and really you makes poor me feel old.”
Gerty met Jack with a bonnie blush.
Ah! how he longed to take her in his arms and tell her all, and all she had been to him throughout the last two long and eventful years. But no, he would not, dared not. When in a few months’ time a ship was once more at his command, he would go quietly away to sea; but he ne’er would speak of love.
For his old Highland pride had come to his rescue. She was rich; he was very poor indeed.
No, it never could be. And so he told Tom, and so he told his sister. The former laughed at his scruples; the latter thought her brother was right.