"Susie," she replied, in a scarcely audible voice.
"Hast thou a sweetheart?"
"No, I have not," replied the damsel, casting down her eyes.
"Then choose thee among all the youths present the one that liketh thee best, for married thou shalt be this very hour."
"Is Master Jock in his right mind?" whispered some of his cronies to one another. "Why, he generally postpones this little ceremony to the afternoon of the following day."
"Well, my lads, who among you has a mind to take this young virgin to wife on the spot?"
Ten of the youths leaped forth, Martin among them. Miska Horhi, by way of a joke, also joined himself to them, but Master Jock shoved him aside with his stick.
"I'll have no goat among the sheep," said he. "Come, my girl, make haste. Canst thou not choose thee a husband from among so many pretty fellows?"
"My dear father——" stammered the girl, without raising her eyes.
"Oh, so thou dost want thy dear father to choose for thee, eh?" inquired Master Jock, interpreting her desire. "Where is the girl's father, then?"