He had risen, but it was evidently with the design of intercepting Marion, who was moving over the grass intent on getting away.
“I leave it to the company if we have not a right to hear what is to be said; and, what is more, you are not going away till you tell us.”
He did not touch her, but he looked quite ready to do it.
“Nonsense, Hugh! You are not to vex Marion,” said his sister; but she drew near with the rest to listen.
“‘Not one in all Scotland,’ she said,” repeated Grace laughing.
“Let us stick to the point,” said Hugh.
Marion reddened and fidgeted, and measured the distance with her eye with the evident intention of running away, and all this Hugh noted—nodding and smiling.
“Ye canna gar Marion speak, if she’s no willin’. I’ve seen her tried,” said another Petrie.
“Why shouldna I speak?” said Marion, realising the impossibility of getting away. “Except that—it’s no’ a thing to speak about—here. What I mean is this. But yet if she were to give her whole heart to any one—he would be the right one—even if—but she would never care for one who was not worthy. Now let me go.”
“Yes—certainly. Well?”