“Then I’ll love you, too,” said the boy; “but you are right, we must go to sleep.”
In the morning Wilfred woke early, while it was still quite dark and roused Angus, as Ian named Aline. “Go you and wake your master,” he said.
Aline found Ian and after a meal they took lanthorns out to the stable and prepared to start.
Wilfred helped them and chattered away to Aline, trying in every way to lighten her share of the labours.
While Ian was settling the score Wilfred took Aline aside: “Remember, Angus,” he said, “that we are both willing to die for him; and if ever I am wanted I am ready. He risked his life for me and I can never repay him.”
“Risked his life for you! When? I never heard of it.”
Wilfred looked at her. “Do you mean to say he never told you?”
“No, he is not the kind that would. Oh, I should like to stay and hear all about it! But I must not wait, Master Menstrie will be wanting me.”
“I wish I could tell you everything; but I am so glad that you love him. I am sure that you and I would be great friends,—very great friends; oh, if only I could go with you! But we must say good-bye,” and then Wilfred hesitated, “I am sure I do not know how it is,” he said shyly, “I sometimes used to kiss my best friend, Hugh, when there was no one else near; but boys don’t kiss much. However, we two shall never meet again and somehow I want to kiss you.”
He approached her a little awkwardly, there were tears in his eyes, and Aline let him kiss her.