She had listened, because
she could not break away, wishing all the time that the earth would open
and that she might creep away into the fissure and get out of sight.
For, indeed, she had never thought of such a thing as that. Nor Evan
either, she was sure--she thought--she did not know. Oh, well, perhaps
he had thought of it, and had tried to make it known to her in his
foolish way. But she never really would have found it out or thought
about it if his father had not spoken; and now she would never be able
to think about anything else in the presence of either.

It was too bad, and wrong, and miserable, and uncomfortable, and I don't
know what else, she said to herself, for it could never be--never. And
yet, why not? It would seem natural enough to people generally; her
aunt would like it, her uncle's heart was set on it, and Allister and
Shenac Dhu would be pleased. Even Hamish would not object. And Evan
himself? Oh, no; it could never be. She would never care for him in
that way. He was not like Allister, nor like any one she cared for--so
different from--from--Shenac was sitting alone in the dark, but she
suddenly dropped her face in her hands. For quite unbidden, with a
shock of surprise and pain that made her heart stand still for a moment,
and then set it beating wildly, a name had come to her lips--the name of
one so wise and good in her esteem that to speak it at such a time, even
in her thoughts, seemed desecration.

"I am growing foolish, I think, with all this vexation and nonsense; and
I won't think about it any more. I have enough to keep me busy till
Shenac Dhu comes home, and then I'll have it out with Hamish."

The wedding was a very quiet one. It was hardly a wedding at all, said
the last-married sisters, who had gone away amid feasting and music.
There was no groomsman nor bridesmaid, for Shenac Bhan could hardly
stand in her black dress, and Shenac Dhu would have no one else; and
there were no guests out of the two families. Old Mr Farquharson came
up one morning, and it was "put over quietly," as Angus Dhu said; and
after dinner, which might have served half the township both for
quantity and quality, Allister and his bride went away for their wedding
trip, which was only to the town of M--- to see Christie More and make a
few purchases. They were to be away a week--certainly no longer--and
then the new life was to begin.

Shenac Bhan stood watching till they were out of sight;