Page:Penny-worth of wit (3).pdf/13



13

might do very well for us baith.” This was what is called breaking the ice, and Maggy overjoyed to find him so complying, modestly replied, “I think sаe too; but it's no for the like o' me to speak, for you men folk hae it a' in                     your ain power.” By chatting in this pleasant manner, the happy pair whiled the time away till a late hour when the swain, of course, could do                     no less than convoy Maggy home. On the Wednesday following he visited her by appoint- ment "to tak' a cup o' tea, and speak about it," and the matter was so far arranged that McDonald regreted over and over again that the want of money should compel him to want a wife for the present. "Tak nae thought o'                     that,” said Maggy; I hae £5, twa pigs, galore                      o' apples, and ither things, and they shall a' be                      yours on the day o' the marriage.”  "Bravo!” said McDonald, “then we'll aff to Lochmaben the morn's morning, and I'll joust tak' ae civil smack and bid you good night, my ain canty Maggy.” To this proposal Maggy objected, and thought he might just as well stay where he                     was, and they would be the readier to start on                      the following morning. The swain was not difficult to persuade, and by five o'clock on                     Thursday, they were up and on the road. When they reached Maggy's namesake, "wi' the mony                     lochs," she gave her joe 4s. 6d., to pay for what drink might be needed; but when the dawin was called, he refused to come down, and levied from his intended a fresh contribution. He next wished to finger the five pounds, but