Ste. If I don't mind a lie for manners' sake, I do, but if I've more respect for truth than manners, I don't. Ain't your hand a little out?
Eld. I thought they were extra nice, sir. I'm sure they rose like feathers.
Ste. And may blow away for me! But come, don't hang your head, Meggy. You're too old for that.
Eld. My name is Eldra, sir.
Ste. I know, I know, but I told you that was the name o' my dear lass that's dead and gone——
Eld. Dead and gone?
Ste. That's what I said. If she ain't dead, she's where I can't get her, which is all the same to a soldier, so I've about made up my mind to give over lookin' for her. Lord, don't cry, little chicken! You are a soft one. Cryin' to think I've lost such a jewel o' a lass, but I'll tell you something to make you think better of it. There is somebody up in old Scotland that I think I'll fetch down for the comfort o' Stephen—as bonny a woman as a man need want, wi' enough siller laid up from her old daddy to make a soldier a gentleman. Lizzie o' Logan——
Eld. Oh-h!
Ste. The qualms again? Now devil take a woman as gets queasy just when a man wants to be friendly and talk things over.
Eld. [Aside] Liz o' Logan! My cousin as was always jealous and wanted my Stephen!