"His name's Jim Stoddart, a dacent lawd and no sae gawky as maist o' them. He was an officer's servant in the war, and learned mainners."
"But, Marget," said Mrs. Douglas, "we're so far away from people here—how did Mysie meet him?"
"Tuts, Mem, let a lassie alane for that. If there's a 'come hither' in the e'e the lawd 'll turn up, though he has to tramp miles o' heather and hard road. I never kent hoo lassies did thon. I used often to watch them and wonder, but I could niver learn—I was aye a muckle hoose-end even as a lassie, an' tricks wad hev ill become me."
"It's a wise woman that knows her limitations," said Ann. "I wish we were all wise enough to avoid being arch—Marget, I've finished Mother's Life.'"
Marget immediately dropped into a convenient chair. "Let's hear it," she said.
"What! Now?"
"What for no? Is't that lang?"
"Long?" said Ann; "like the White Knight's song, but very beautiful!"
"Aw, if ye're gaun to haver." Marget turned to her mistress. "What's it like, Mem?"
"I don't know, Marget, I've hardly seen a word of it, but it will certainly have to be censored before you get it typed, Ann."