David [relieved].  That’s the situation in a nutshell.

John.  Another thing.  Supposing I was to get fond of her?

Alick [wistfully].  It’s very likely.

John.  Yes, and then suppose she was to give me the go-by?

David.  You have to risk that.

John.  Or take it the other way.  Supposing as I got to know her I
could not endure her?

David [suavely].  You have both to take risks.

James [less suavely].  What you need, John Shand, is a clout on the head.

John.  Three hundred pounds is no great sum.

David.  You can take it or leave it.

Alick.  No great sum for a student studying for the ministry!

John.  Do you think that with that amount of money I would stop short at being a minister?

David.  That’s how I like to hear you speak.  A young Scotsman of your ability let loose upon the world with L300, what could he not do?  It’s almost appalling to think of; especially if he went among the English.

John.  What do you think, Miss Maggie?

Maggie [who is knitting].  I have no thoughts on the subject either way.

John [after looking her over].  What’s her age?  She looks young, but they say it’s the curls that does it.

David [rather happily].  She’s one of those women who are eternally young.

John.  I can’t take that for an answer.

David.  She’s twenty-five.

John.  I’m just twenty-one.

James.  I read in a book that about four years’ difference in the ages is the ideal thing. [As usual he is disregarded.]

David.  Well, Mr. Shand?

John [where is his mother?].  I’m willing if she’s willing.

David.  Maggie?

Maggie.  There can be no ‘if’ about it.  It must be an offer.

John.  A Shand give a Wylie such a chance to humiliate him?  Never.

Maggie.  Then all is off.

David.  Come, come, Mr. Shand, it’s just a form.

John [reluctantly].  Miss Maggie, will you?

Maggie [doggedly].  Is it an offer?

John [dourly].  Yes.

Maggie [rising].  Before I answer I want first to give you a chance of drawing back.

David.  Maggie.

Maggie [bravely].  When they said that I have been run after they were misleading you.  I’m without charm; nobody has ever been after me.

John.  Oho!

Alick.  They will be yet.

John [the innocent].  It shows at least that you haven’t been after them.

[His hosts exchange a self-conscious glance.]

Maggie.  One thing more; David said I’m twenty-five, I’m twenty-six.