Sounds of wheels and of hoofs scraping up the hill. The Morfe bus, back from Reyburn. Catty's feet, running along the passage. The front door opening, then shutting. Dan hadn't come with the bus.
"Perhaps," Mamma said, "Ned Anderson'll bring him."
"Perhaps…. ('There is one eternal thinker, thinking non-eternal thoughts, who, though one, fulfils the desires of many….') Mamma—why won't you let him go to Canada?"
"It was Canada that killed poor Roddy."
"It won't kill Dan. He's different."
"And what good would he be there? If your Uncle Victor can't keep him, who will, I should like to know?"
"Jem Alderson would. He'd take him for nothing. He told Ned he would. To make up for Roddy."
"Make up! He thinks that's the way to make up! I won't have Dan's death at my door. I'd rather keep him for the rest of my life."
"How about Dan?"
"Dan's safe here."