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PROVOST.

How art thou, Jessie?

JESSIE.

Well, an' please your honour.

PROVOST.

I hear thou hast become a Highland lass;

But, if thou really like the Lowlands better,
Thy native country, tell me honestly:
I'll make thy husband, whomsoe'er thou choose,
A freeman of this town. If he have brains.
And some few marks beside, he'll thrive upon it.

JESSIE.

I thank you, Sir; his marks are few indeed.

PROVOST.

Well, never mind; let us but have the brains,

And we will make the best of it.—Poor Jessie!
I well remember thee a barefoot girl,
With all thy yellow hair bound in a snood.
Thy father too.

JESSIE.

Do you remember him?

PROVOST.

Yes, Saunders Fairlie. Better man than Saunders

In factory or warehouse never bustled.