Turn back the century a few decades, and we are together on a moonlight night, taking a short cut through the fields from the farm of Craigiebuckle.

Buxom were Craigiebuckle's "dochters," and Jamie was Janet's accepted suitor.

It was a muddy road through damp grass, and we picked our way silently over its ruts and pools.

"I'm thinkin'," Jamie said at last, a little wistfully, "that I micht hae been as weel wi' Chirsty." Chirsty was Janet's sister, and Jamie had first thought of her.

Craigiebuckle, however, strongly advised him to take Janet instead, and he consented.