"Aw, yes, mem," said the amiable John; and then he added: "but the lads hef been keeping very quiet."
"So I hear," she answered him. "The Gillie Ciotach says he will smash the head of anyone that wants to fight; and I suppose that is one way to stop quarrelling."
John laughed, showing his milk-white teeth.
"A very good weh, too, mem. There's not many would like to hef their head brokken by the Gillie Ciotach."
"It is not about that I want you to give me some information," said Miss Stanley. "I want you to tell me if you have been long in this place. I mean, do you remember the old castle, up there in the loch, before it was pulled down?"
"Aw, yes, mem, yes, indeed," he made answer. "Who does not remember Castle Stanley?"
"Oh, nonsense with your Castle Stanley!" she said, angrily. "It never was Castle Stanley, and never will be Castle Stanley. It was Castle Heimra; and if I could have my way it would be Castle Heimra again——"
"Aw, yes, mem," said John, anxious to please, "who would be for calling it Castle Stanley? It is not Castle Stanley at ahl; it's just Castle Heimra, as it always was—ay, before any one can remember."
"Well, tell me; what size of a place was it before it was pulled down? Was it a big place?"
"Big!" repeated John, doubtfully, for he did not know which way she wished to be answered.