a thought. There was in my heart a real intention to marry Mary Campbell.
I am your son, do you think I would plot shame or sorrow for any girl?"

"Does she love you?"

"I cannot tell--sometimes I fear so."

"Allan, there are few loves that conquer life. Life would be a hurly-burly
of unbridled passion, if we had not the power to control our likes and
dislikes. We two cannot quarrel. You are my one child. The sole desire of
my heart is your welfare and happiness. We will make a paction between us.
Go away for two years. Let absence test the love you have conceived for
this strange girl. At the end of it you will either love her better, or
your heart will have turned back to the friend and hope of your childhood
and youth. If so, Mary will forgive you, and I may yet see you Laird of
Drumloch. But if the new love outgrows the old; if you are sure, after two
years' test, that none but this fisher-girl can be your wife, I will not
oppose your happiness. I can trust you to bring no woman to Meriton who
will be a shame or a grief to my old age."

He leaned forward and put out his hand; Allan clasped and kissed it. "No
man could have a wiser or a kinder father. I will do whatever you advise,
sir."

"You will not require to go to Fife again, I hope?"

"I promised to go there again. I must keep my word. It would be cruel to
drop out of so dear a life, and if she loves me, give her neither hope nor
promise."