"It has been an ill time, Margaret," he said, "and thou hast been long in comforting me." Well, Margaret had plenty of reasons for her delay and plenty of comfort for her lover.

Naturally slow of pulse and speech, she had been long coming to a conclusion; but, having satisfied herself of its justice, she was likely to be immovable in it.

She gave John her hand frankly and lovingly, and promised, in poverty or wealth, in weal or woe, to stand truly by his side.

It was not a very hopeful troth-plighting, but they were both sure of the foundations of their love, and both regarded the promise as solemnly binding.
Then Margaret told John that she had heard that evening that the captain of the Wick steamer wanted a mate, and the rough Pentland Frith being well known to John, she hoped, if he made immediate application, he would be accepted.

If he was, John declared his intention of at once seeing Peter and asking his consent to their engagement.