"Before you are done you will find some of these expressions rise on you like a remorse.

They are merely literary and decorative; they do not aptly express your thought, nor is your thought clearly apprehended, and no doubt your father (if he were here) would say, 'Signor Feedle-eerie!'" With the infinitely delicate sense of youth, Archie avoided the subject from that hour.

It was perhaps a pity.

Had he but talked--talked freely--let himself gush out in words (the way youth loves to do and should), there might have been no tale to write upon the Weirs of Hermiston.

But the shadow of a threat of ridicule sufficed; in the slight tartness of these words he read a prohibition; and it is likely that Glenalmond meant it so.
Besides the veteran, the boy was without confidant or friend.