A clean shrift makes simple living.

Can a man be more downright or honourable, to a woman than I have been?
I have said my say, and given you your choice.

Do you want me to marry you?
or will you take my friendship, as I think best?
or have you had enough of me for good?
Speak out for the dear God's sake! You know your father told you a girl should speak her mind in these affairs.' She seemed to recover herself at that, turned without a word, walked rapidly through the garden, and disappeared into the house, leaving Will in some confusion as to the result.

He walked up and down the garden, whistling softly to himself.

Sometimes he stopped and contemplated the sky and hill-tops; sometimes he went down to the tail of the weir and sat there, looking foolishly in the water.