Even at such a time, had she known he was in the house, she would not have dared set her foot in that room.
Gibbie, who had followed and entered behind her, preceived her hesitation, saw and recognized the back of the laird, knew that she was afraid of her father, and stood also waiting he know not what.
"Eh!" he said to himself, "hers is no like mine! Nae mony has had fathers sae guid's mine." Becoming aware of a presence, the laird half turned, and seeing Gibbie, imagined he had entered in a prowling way, supposing the place deserted.

With stately offence he asked him what he wanted there, and waved his dismissal.

Then first he saw another, standing white-faced, with eyes fixed upon him.

He turned pale also, and stood staring at her.

The memory of that moment ever after disgraced him in his own eyes: for one instant of unreasoning weakness, he imagined he saw a ghost--believed what he said he knew to be impossible.