I didn't exactly make it out, but it seems that she came all because of you and on account of you; and the ladies didn't understand it, and Mrs Kilbannon came to me.

My word, but there was a woman to deal with! Who was this young lady, and what was she to you that she should go anywhere or do anything in your name?
Without doubt"-- he put up a staying hand--"it was foolish of Advena.

And what sort of freedom, and how far, and why, and what way, and I tell you it was no easy matter, to quiet her.

'Is Miss Cameron distressed about it ?' said I.'Not a bit,' said she, 'but I am, and I must have the rights of this matter,' said she, 'if I have to put it to my nephew himself.' "It was at that point, Finlay, that the idea--just then that the thought came into my mind--well I won't say absolutely, but practically for the first time--Why can't this matter be arranged on a basis to suit all parties?
So I said to her, 'Mrs Kilbannon,' I said, 'if you had reasonable grounds for it, do you think you could persuade your niece not to marry Hugh Finlay ?' Wait--patience!" He held up his hand, and Finlay gripped the arm of his chair again.
"She just stared at me.

'Are you gone clean daft, Dr Drummond ?' she said.