“I will take a message, aunt, if you wish. Or, I could—”
“Pray do not think of such a thing. I could not think of troubling you,” said the young man confusedly.
“Or I could write a note,” said the young lady taking no notice.
“Or the lady might drive into the place. She need not leave her carriage,” said Mr Dawson, not quite pleased at his daughter’s manner.
“Certainly that will be much the best way,” said the stranger, bowing to Miss Jean and the young ladies.
Miss Jean the elder was generally sparing of words of reproof, and even of words of advice, unless advice was asked, and she said nothing. But May exclaimed,—
“You might have been civil to him at least, Jeannie. We have not so many gentlemen coming to see us.”
“To see us! It was Auntie Jean he came to see—on an errand from his sister. And I think it was a piece of impertinence on his part to expect Miss Jean Dawson to go at his bidding—and you so lame, auntie,” added Jean as she saw her aunt’s face.
“He couldna ken that, and I’m no’ sure that he did expect me to go to the gate. And I’m no’ feared for my ain dignity, Jean lassie, and I dinna think ye need be feared for it either.”
“Dignity!” exclaimed May. “Why, he is one of the fine folk that are staying at Blackford House.”