He kent so weel, you see, what was in my mind, and aye there was that triumphing laugh ahint his face.

If Aaron had fought and been beaten, even if he had just lain there and let the man strike away, if he had done anything except what he was bidden, he would have won, for it would have broken your father's power ower me.

But to write the word! It was like dishonoring me to save his ain skin, and your father took good care he should ken it.

You've heard me crying to Aaron in my sleep, but it wasna for him I cried, it was for his fire-side.

All the love I had for him, and it was muckle, was skailed forever that night at the Cuttle Well.