'Whatever is a means to an end, that I believe in—even as you believe in your taws and birch twigs. The reading of Scripture threatenings makes quiet bairns, and so does the birch.'
'What think ye of the blood of righteous Abel?' said the Dominie—with, methought, more boldness than discretion. 'Will it cry from the ground, think ye?'
The Laird of Auchendrayne looked at the little Dominie, as one might upon a fractious but entertaining bairn.
'It is a point much disputed. Ye had better ask our Launcelot's friend, Maister Robert Bruce, Minister of Edinburgh, if perchance his head be yet upon his shoulders.'
Which saying showed me that John Mure knew more than I had given him the credit for.
Then he turned to Nell.
'You would wish to see the young Lady Auchendrayne?' he said courteously.
Nell replied coldly enough, 'I should like to see my sister.'
'I think,' said Auchendrayne, with a wiselike and grave sobriety that set well on his reverend person, 'that she is presently in the orchard house.'
'Will you bide here, or will you go with Mistress Helen?' he asked of me.