"You are just talking, Sophy. You were happy enough half an hour since."
"I wasn't happy at all."
"You let on like you were. I should think you would be as fear'd to act a lie, as to tell one."
"I'll be going away from Pittendurie in the morning."
"What for?"
"I have my reasons."
"No doubt you have a 'because' of your own. But what will Andrew say? He is not expecting you to leave to-morrow."
"I don't care what Andrew says."
"Sophy Traill!"
"I don't. Andrew Binnie is not the whole of life to me."
"Whatever is the matter with you?"
"Nothing."
Then there was a pause, and Christina's thoughts flew seaward. In a few minutes, however, Sophy began talking again. "Do you go often into Largo, Christina?" she asked.
"Whiles, I take myself that far. You may count me up for the last year; for I sought you every time."
"Ay! Do you mind on the road a real grand house, fine and old, with a beautiful garden and peacocks in it--trailing their long feathers over the grass and gravel?"
"You will be meaning Braelands? Folks could not miss the place, even if they tried to."
"Well then, did you ever notice a young man around? He is always dressed for the saddle, or else he is in the saddle, and so most sure to have a whip in his hand."
"What are you talking about? What is the young man to you?"
"He is brawly handsome. They call him Archie Braelands."
"I have heard tell of him. And by what is said, I should not think he was an improving friend for any good girl to have."
"This, or that, he likes me. He likes me beyond everything."
"Do you know what you are saying, Sophy Traill?"
"I do, fine."
"Are you liking him?"
"It would not be hard to do."
"Has he ever spoke to you?"
"Well, he is not as shy as a fisher-lad. I find him in my way when I'm not thinking. And see here, Christina; I got a letter from him this afternoon. A real love letter! Such lovely words! They are like poetry; they are as sweet as singing."
"Did you tell Andrew this?"
"Why would I do that?"
"You are a false little cutty, then. I would tell Andrew myself, but I am loath to hurt his true heart. Now you are to let Archie Braelands alone, or I will know the reason why."