"'They have said—
What said they?
Let them say!'
"That was the motto of the auld earls Marischal lang syne, and it is a good one for you now. 'Let them say!' Resolve that you will make a character for yourself, and that will be the best way to make people forget your poor father and mother's faults."
* Pronounced Marshall.
"If I thought I could do that!" said Therese, brightening.
"I am quite sure you can. As to your mother's leaving you for your father, I suppose the poor thing reasoned in this way: 'Therese doesn't need me. She has her grandfather and grandmother, and plenty of friends besides, to care for her, while my poor husband has nobody. I am only a trouble and disgrace to her, but I can be a help and comfort to him.' Mind, I don't say she was right, but I presume she thought she was."
"I see," said Therese; "but she might have known that I did not think her a trouble."
"My lass, to tell you the truth, I think your mother's mind was warped by her afflictions. She was not insane, but she was unsettled in her mind; she lived by herself and brood over her misfortunes till she had no power to see things as they are."
"That is true," said Therese, sighing; "but, after all, Mr. McGregor, it does not seem to alter the fact. She has always been my object, and now she is gone, and I have no other."
"And you a Christian?" said the old man, simply.
Therese started. "I don't understand," said she.