Unheard-of liberty! Emily had no answer ready; but now, as she had wondered what their mother would have felt, she wondered what John would have felt at this utter misunderstanding, this taking for granted that he loved her, and that she did not love him. A sensitive blush spread itself over her face. "Your father would not be pleased, my dears," she answered lovingly but firmly, "at your saying any more; he would think (though I am sure you do not mean it) that you were taking a great liberty." CHAPTER XXX. A CHAPTER OF TROUBLES. "She's daft to refuse the laird of Cockpen." _Scotch Ballad._ And now John Mortimer had again possession of his ring. Emily had sent it, together with a little book that she had borrowed some time previously, and the whole was so done up in stiff paper that Miss Christie Grant supposed herself to be returning the book only. "So you gave it to John, auntie," said Emily, when Miss Christie came back, "and told him I was going out, and he read the note?" "Yes," answered Miss Christie curtly. "Is he looking well?" asked Emily with a faint attempt at the tone of ordinary interest. "I should say not at all; it would be queer if he was." "Why, Aunt Christie?" Miss Christie Grant paused. Confidence had not been reposed in her; to have surprised Emily into it would have given her no pleasure; it would have left her always suspicious that her niece would have withheld it if she could; besides, this rumour might after all be untrue. She answered, "Because, for one thing, he has had great, at least considerable, losses." "Yes, I know," said Emily. "But he aye reposed great confidence in me, as a friend should." "Yes." "And so I would have asked him several questions if I had known how to express myself; but bonds and debentures, and, above all, preference stock, were aye great stumbling-blocks to my understanding. Men have a way of despising a woman's notions of business matters; so I contented myself with asking if it was true that he was arranging to take a partner, and whether he would have to make any pecuniary sacrifice in order to effect this? He said 'Yes;' but I've been just thinking he meant that in confidence." "You shouldn't tell it to me then." "And then he told me (I don't know whether that was in confidence or not), but----" "But what?" "But I don't want to have any reservations with my own niece's child, that was always my favourite, any more than I suppose ye would have any with me." Miss Christie here seemed to expect an answer, and waited long enough for Emily to make one, if she was so minded; but as Emily remained silent, she presently went on. "I made the observation that I had heard he meant to sell his late father's house; but lest he should think I attached too much importance to his losses, I just added that I knew his children were very well provided for under the will. He said 'Yes.'"