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To leave the town upon the following day
To that on which her letter has its date.

MALCOLM (eagerly).

I thank thee, Alice.

CLAUDE (peevishly).

Wherefore dost thou thank her?

MALCOLM (haughtily).

Whatever thou hast a right to ask of me

Shall have its answer.

MARIAN (to Claude).

When Highland pride is touch'd, some lack of courtesy

Must be excused. You have not from this window
Admired the falling of our mountain stream.

(Leads him to the bottom of the hall, and detains him there in apparent conversation.)

MALCOLM (in a softened voice).

So, gentle Alice, thou'rt in friendship knit

With Emma Graham! and meet companions are ye! (Looking closer to the letter, which she still holds open in her hand.)

Forgive me; Lowland ladies far surpass,

As fair and ready scribes, our mountain maids:
I ne'er before saw lines by her indited.