Lawson (to Brodie, returning C. from door). Mulier formosa superne, William: a braw lass, and a decent woman forbye.
Brodie. I’m no judge, Procurator, but I’ll take your word for it. Is she not a tenant of yours?
Lawson. Ay, ay; a bit house on my land in Liberton’s Wynd. Her man’s awa, puir body; or they tell me sae; and I’m concerned for her [she’s unco bonnie to be left her lane]. But it sets me brawly to be finding faut wi’ the puir lass, and me an elder, and should be at the plate. [There’ll be twa words about this in the Kirk Session.] However, it’s nane of my business that brings me, or I should tak’ the mair shame to mysel’. Na, sir, it’s for you; it’s your business keeps me frae the kirk.
Brodie. My business, Procurator? I rejoice to see it in such excellent hands.
Lawson. Ye see, it’s this way. I had a crack wi’ the laddie, Leslie, inter pocula (he took a stirrup-cup wi’ me), and he tells me he has askit Mary, and she was to speak to ye hersel’. O, ye needna look sae gash. Did she speak? and what’ll you have said to her?
Brodie. She has not spoken; I have said nothing; and I believe I asked you to avoid the subject.
Lawson. Ay, I made a note o’ that observation, William [and assoilzied mysel’]. Mary’s a guid lass, and I’m her uncle, and I’m here to be answered. Is it to be ay or no?
Brodie. It’s to be no. This marriage must be quashed; and hark ye, Procurator, you must help me.
Lawson. Me? ye’re daft! And what for why?
Brodie. Because I’ve spent the trust-money, and I can’t refund it.