“I have not guessed it—it was very clear to see—— both from her and from you.”
“You’ve guessed the person, too,” he said, the colour deepening, and the smile turning to a confused laugh.
“There was no warlock wanted to do that; but what my advice would be for, I cannot guess, Mr Logan, for, if your mind’s fixed and all settled——”
“I did not say just as much as that; but—well, very near it. Yes, very near it. I cannot see how in honour I could go back.”
“And you’ve no wish to do so. And what do you want with advice?” Mrs Ogilvy said.
She was severe, though she was thankful to him for his preoccupation, and that he had no leisure at his command to ask questions or to pry into other people’s affairs.
“Me,” he said; “that’s but one side of the subject. There’s Susie. It’s perhaps not quite fair to Susie. I’ve stood in her way, you may say. She’s been tangled with the boys—and me. There’s no companion for a man, Mrs Ogilvy, like the wife of his bosom; but Susie—I would be the last to deny it—has been a good daughter to me.”
“It would set you ill, or any man, to deny it!” cried Mrs Ogilvy. “And what are you going to do for Susie, Mr Logan? A sister that keeps your house, you just say Thank you, and put her to the door; but your daughter—you’re always responsible for her——”
“Till she’s married,” he said, giving his severe judge a shamefaced glance.
“Have you a man ready to marry her, then?” she asked, sharply.