There was a shade in this cavalier greeting that neither of them perceived; neither he, who simply thought it gracious and charming as herself; nor yet she, who did not observe (quick as she was) the difference between rising to meet the laird, and remaining seated to receive the expected admirer.
"Are ye stepping west, Hermiston ?" said she, giving him his territorial name after the fashion of the country-side.
"I was," said he, a little hoarsely, "but I think I will be about the end of my stroll now.

Are you like me, Miss Christina?
The house would not hold me.

I came here seeking air." He took his seat at the other end of the tombstone and studied her, wondering what was she.

There was infinite import in the question alike for her and him.
"Ay," she said.

"I couldna bear the roof either.