It was certainly Mabyn's intention that she should be heard at least a quarter of a mile off, for now they had got down to the open, and they could hear the stream some way ahead of them, which they would have to cross. At this point Mabyn paused for a second to let her sister overtake her: then they went on arm-in-arm.
"Oh, Wenna," she said, "do you remember 'young Lochinvar'?"
"Of course."
"Didn't you fall in love with him when you read about him? Now, there was somebody to fall in love with! Don't you remember when he came into Netherby Hall, that
The bride-maidens whispered, ''Twere better by far
To have matched our fair cousin with young Lochinvar'?
And then you know, Wenna—
One touch to her hand, and one word in her ear,
When they reached the hall-door, and the charger stood near;
So light to the croup the fair lady he swung,
So light to the saddle before her he sprung!
'She is won! we are gone—over bank, bush and scaur!
They'll have fleet steeds that follow,' quoth young Lochinvar.
That was a lover now!"
"I think he was a most impertinent young man," said Wenna.
"I rather like a young man to be impertinent," said Mabyn boldly.