She waited and waited for him to become gentle and still towards her. But he was always harsh and he bullied her.

So that the buds shrivelled from her confidence, she was chilled. She went down to the Marsh.

“Well,” said her father, looking at her and seeing her at the first glance, “what's amiss wi' you now?”

The tears came at the touch of his careful love.

“Nothing,” she said.

“Can't you hit it off, you two?” he said.

“He's so obstinate,” she quivered; but her soul was obdurate itself.

“Ay, an' I know another who's all that,” said her father.