Saddletree immediately entered on details of the insurrection and its consequences, while Butler took the occasion to seek some private conversation with Jeanie Deans.
She gave him the opportunity he sought, by leaving the room, as if in prosecution of some part of her morning labour.

Butler followed her in a few minutes, leaving Deans so closely engaged by his busy visitor, that there was little chance of his observing their absence.
The scene of their interview was an outer apartment, where Jeanie was used to busy herself in arranging the productions of her dairy.

When Butler found an opportunity of stealing after her into this place, he found her silent, dejected, and ready to burst into tears.

Instead of the active industry with which she had been accustomed, even while in the act of speaking, to employ her hands in some useful branch of household business, she was seated listless in a corner, sinking apparently under the weight of her own thoughts.

Yet the instant he entered, she dried her eyes, and, with the simplicity and openness of her character, immediately entered on conversation.
"I am glad you have come in, Mr.Butler," said she, "for--for--for I wished to tell ye, that all maun be ended between you and me--it's best for baith our sakes." "Ended!" said Butler, in surprise; "and for what should it be ended ?--I grant this is a heavy dispensation, but it lies neither at your door nor mine--it's an evil of God's sending, and it must be borne; but it cannot break plighted troth, Jeanie, while they that plighted their word wish to keep it." "But, Reuben," said the young woman, looking at him affectionately, "I ken weel that ye think mair of me than yourself; and, Reuben, I can only in requital think mair of your weal than of my ain.