"I will tell you why. Because Maggie loved you, and thought for you, and
would not put one dark drop into your cup of happiness. Because she was
afraid that if you knew I loved her, you would think I had tried to help
you from that motive, and so, refuse the help. Because the dear girl would
not wound even your self complacency. Do not think I am ashamed of her, or
ashamed of loving her. I told my father, I told the only female relative I
have, how dear she was to me. My father asked me to test my love by two
years' travel and absence. I did so to convince him, not because I doubted
myself. Do you know where Maggie is? If you do, tell me, I have a right to
see her."
David went to a big Bible lying on a small table, and took from among its
leaves three letters. "I have had these from her at different times. Two
you see are posted in Glasgow, the last received was posted three weeks
ago, from Portree, in Skye. She says she is with friends, and doing well,
and you have but to read the letters to understand she is with those who
are more than kind to her. There are few women in Scotland that could
write a letter like her last. It shows a mind well opened, and the pen o a
ready writer."
"May I have them?"
"Since you make so great a claim on Maggie, you may; but why did she not
write to you, if you were trothplighted?"
"Because it was fully understood there was to be no communication of any
kind between us for two years. That much I owed to the best of fathers.
Also, as you know, Maggie has learned to write since we parted. But I
ought to have made surer provision for her happiness. I am only rightly
punished for trusting her where I did."
"You trusted her with her ain brother, Mr. Campbell. If Maggie had done as
she should hae done--"
"Maggie has done perfectly right. I am sure of that. I could swear to it."
"Sir, we will keep to lawful language. Christian gentlemen don't need
oaths. I say Maggie should have gone to Dr. Balmuto when I sent her."
"I do not know the circumstances, but I say she ought not to have gone to
Dr. Balmuto. I am sure she only did whatever was wise and womanly."
"There is no use in reasoning with one who talks without knowledge. If I
get any information about Maggie, or from her, I will send it to your
address. I love Maggie. The lassie aye loved me. She wouldna thank you to
speak sae sharply to me. She will tell you some day that I did all that
could be expectit of me."