“But,” Miss Jean went on impatiently, “whether it is that some weakness is needful to show that we’re always human--these customs about private marriages are an awfu’ snare and burden. It’s a wonder to me that half the families in the land are no rent asunder with irregular marriages. There’s some special Providence, I’ve aye felt, that must watch over eldest sons. There never was one in our family that ever I heard of; and I ask your pardon, Dr. Murray, but Tom Heriot dying of a broken heart is beyond me; we’ve tough hearts in our family--they stand a good tug. He might have taken to drinking, or some other vice, to make himself amends; but to break his heart! Na--na--that’s more than I can believe.” “I tell you what was told to me,” said Dr. Murray, “and no wonder, poor man. What would his father have said? and all his belongings? and the county that would never have taken any notice of him--and not the least, Miss Jean, you--” “Me! He could have put up with the want of notice from me; the world, in general, is but little regardful of what’s said by a cankered auld maid. Most likely,” said Miss Jean with a twinkle of her bright eyes, “he would have said it was envy because I had never been married myself. But that’s neither here nor there. If it’s a determined character that’s wanting, Doctor, I’m away to St. Andrews. Chairlie is as weak as water, as you say--and Marjory will be a fool, and will not like to move.” “Could I be of any use,” asked Hepburn eagerly. “In the interests of the other heir? Johnnie, my man, you’re a fine lad,” said Miss Jean, “and very accomplished. I do not know another man like you in all Fife for the piano and the like of that; but for a determined character--na--na--I’ll go myself.” “I don’t see what the piano has to do with it,” said Hepburn angrily. “Nor I either,” said Miss Jean with a laugh, and she rang her bell, and gave her orders about her change of linen in such simplicity of diction that her guests took their leave. “Half-a-dozen shifts, Bell, for you never know what may happen at my age. Lord bless me! am I to learn new-fangled words to save the Minister’s modesty, forsooth--and what’s more modest than a shift? As for Johnnie Hepburn, I don’t doubt that he calls all his clothing by nasty French names. Give me good Scotch that’s aye clean and wholesome; and bring me a cup of tea--and let the carriage be round in half-an-hour. I’m going on family business--you can say that to whoever wants to know.” “Eh! it’s Miss May that’s to be married!” said Bell, clapping her hands.