A Daughter of Fife

All the past was past; they had to begin a life set to new methods and

motives: "and the sooner the better," thought Maggie, "if fayther were

here, he wad say that."

"Davie?"

"Weel?"

"Is the tea gude? And the fish, and the cake?"

"Ay, they're gude. I didna think I was sae hungry. I'm maist 'shamed to

enjoy them sae hearty."

"Life's wark wants life's food; and we canna sit wi' idle hands anither

seven days. You were saying you had news, what will it be?"

"Ay, I had forgotten. Willie Johnson's Willie has brought back wi'

him a young man. He wants a quiet room to himsel', and there's naebody in

Pittenloch can gie him ane, if it be na us, or the Widow Thompson. He's

offered a crown a week for ane."

"You should hae said instanter we'd be thankfu'. My certie! A crown a

week, that's a fair godsend, Davie."

"The widow has the first right to the godsend; if she canna tak' it,

she'll send it our way, Maggie."

"Davie, there is £50 in Largo Bank."

"I ken that."

"You'll tak' it. It will gie you a' the start you need at Aberdeen.

Fayther said £30 a year wad do, wi' a carefu' hand to guide it. You'll be

Helping yoursel' wi' a bit teaching afore it is a' gane."

"I'll no touch it. What are you talking aboot? Oor fayther saved it for

his auld age and his burying."

"And he'll ne'er be auld now, Davie! and God has found him a grave that

only He kens o'! I can spin, and weave, and sew, and the lasses roun'

aboot have keepit my needle aye busy. Why not? I served my time in Largo,

and I can cut a skirt or josey, and mak' a kirk gown, better than any one

nearer."

"You'll be wanting to marry ere lang, Maggie. Angus Raith thinks much o'

you; and £50 wad buy his share in Cupar's boat. I sall hae the cottage,

and the £50 is to be for your wedding and plenishing."

"This is na a time to talk o' wedding, Davie; and there is na any promise

made to Angus Raith! Go into Kinkell the morn and speak wi' the minister;

he is a wise man, and we will baith o' us do the thing he says."

After this, the conversation drifted hither and thither, until the meal

Was finished. Then while Maggie tidied up the room, David opened the door

And stood thoughtfully within its shadow. "There's a voice in the sea

to-night," he said mournfully, "and when the tide turns back, the wind

will have its way."