A Daughter of Fife

"I never thought of selling a picture, David; I would not sell one with

your sister in it, for all the gold in Scotland. And this is the first

time I have heard of your intention regarding the ministry. Why did you

not tell me before? How gladly I would have helped you!"

"It is a hope I dinna let mysel' think o' just yet, sir. Dr. Balmuto bid

me bide in the boats for a twelve months, and, you ken, I couldna leave

Maggie her lane, here."

"Perhaps Maggie will marry." He dropped each word slowly, as if it gave

him pain.

"Ay; I hope she will. There was mair than one word spoken aboot a lad in

the village; but after oor great loss, she wouldna hear tell o' any lad;

and the minister thocht we might weel wait thegither for one year onyway.

He'd be right, dootless."

"David, after tea let us take a walk on the beach together. I have

something to say to you."