She did not choose to tell Robert Bruce that although she was blind--and probably _because_ she was blind--she heard rather more gossip than anybody else in Glamerton, and that consequently his appeal to her sympathy had no effect upon her.

Finding she made no other answer, Bruce turned to Annie.
"Noo, Annie," said he, "ye're nae wantit here ony langer.

I hae a word or twa to say to Tibbie.

Gang hame and learn yer lessons for the morn." "It's Setterday nicht," answered Annie.
"But ye hae yer lessons to learn for the Mononday." "Ow ay! But I hae a buik or twa to tak' hame to Mistress Forbes.

And I daursay I'll bide, and come to the kirk wi' her i' the mornin'." Now, although all that Bruce wanted was to get rid of her, he went on to oppose her; for common-minded people always feel that they give the enemy an advantage if they show themselves content.
"It's no safe to rin aboot i' the mirk (dark).