"Yes, madam, I cannot but think so," I answered. "To marry one man while she loves another would be flat perjury, in my opinion."
"But suppose the one she loves to be unworthy."
"That may be a reason for refusing him, but not for marrying another."
"Well, child, you may be right for aught I know," said Mrs. Deborah, sighing. "I am glad, at least, that we are assured there will be no marrying or giving in marriage in the next world, for I think that same marrying makes most of the trouble in this."
"Then if my lady makes up a match for me, and I refuse it, you will take me in, won't you, Aunt Deborah?" I ventured to ask.
"Yes, child, you shall never want a home while I have one. But do you know whether my brother has any news from Edinburgh?"
"I have heard of nothing new, madam. The Prince has his court there and keeps possession of the city, but the castle holds out against him as does Sterling. It is also said that he intends to march into England, before long."
"I hear as much in my letters from Newcastle, and also that the citizens are very busy strengthening the defences and levying soldiers. By the way, Mr. Wesley is there and has made himself conspicuous by getting up a loyal address to the King. I should say the Elector of Hanover. You do not know whether my brother intends to join the Prince?"
"No, Aunt Deborah, not for certain, though I believe my lady is very earnest to have him do so."
"I dare say. Anything to take him out of the way!" muttered Aunt Deborah.