"I am going to get a place somewhere near. Yes, maister Sandford, you will not like it, but it is my only pleasure to be near her, and she needs me."
"What place will you get in Renton itself? There are no gentlefolks there."
"I'll get some place; I can put my hand to anything, the Lord will provide for me," said Jean in a low voice.
"Why need you go? Since you and my sister cannot live apart, stay," he said; and, trying to hide the fact of his giving in from kindly motives, he continued sternly, "I do not choose my sister to be running through Renton streets at all hours—as you and she won't part, stay!"
"I am not sure, sir."
"What do you mean, you are not sure?"
"I must be guided by Mrs. Dorriman's wishes, and other things."
"Well," he said, roughly, "I have asked you to stay, and you can speak to Mrs. Dorriman and do as you like."
He was conscious of a great wish that she should stay; but he could think of nothing more to say.
"There is no room for me, sir, and I am afraid you say it now, and will be sorry afterwards; and the end would then be worse than the beginning. It would hurt Mrs. Dorriman more."