It was as Maria had supposed; the Elder and Madame preferred to part with their little girl in private. With smiles and tears and blessings, they gave her into Lord Medway's care and then sat down on their lonely hearth to rejoice in her joy and good fortune. They did not, however, talk much; a few words now and then, and long pauses between, in which they wandered back to their own bridal, and the happy, busy days that were gone forever. "It will be Neil next," said the Elder sadly. "Yes. The Bradleys will be home on the twenty-seventh. He is set on Agnes Bradley." "I'm sorry for it." "She suits him. I know you never liked the family." "Far awa' from it." "Neil says the son is to marry Mary Wakefield. Agnes has been with the Wakefields; Mary is the youngest daughter." "And the saddler will open his shop again?" "Yes. His son is to be his partner. John Bradley thinks he has a 'call' to preach. He has got the habit of wandering about, working and preaching. Agnes says he will never give it up." After a long pause the Elder spoke again: "Maria is sure to be happy; she has done well." "No woman could be happier. Has Neil told you what he is going to do?" "He canna stay here, Janet. That is beyond thinking of. Any bill of attainder would include him. He is going to Boston to pick up the lines o' his brother's business. Alexander made a fortune there; the name o' Semple is known and respected, and John Curwen, who has plenty o' money, will be in the business with him. He'll do well, no fear o' Neil." "Then he'll get married." "To be sure; men are aye eager to meet that trouble." "Alexander!" "And speaking o' bills o' attainder, I'll like enough hae my name on one." "No, you won't. If you'll only bide at hame and keep your whist anent a' public matters, you'll be left alane. If you have enemies, I hae friends--great and powerful friends--and there's our two sons to stand on your right hand and your left. Robert and Allen left a' and followed the American cause from the first. They are good sureties for you. And what of your friend, Joris Van Heemskirk?"