`` Have you heard the news , Rob ? Nora 's going away to be a fine lady . The Camerons have been daft about her all summer , and now they are going to adopt her . '' Merran wanted Rob herself . He was a big , handsome fellow , and well-off -- the pick of the harbour men in every way . He had slighted her for Nora , and it pleased her to stab him now , though she meant to be nice to him later on . He turned white under his tan , but he did not choose to make a book of his heart for Merran 's bold black eyes to read . `` It 's a great thing for her , '' he answered calmly . `` She was meant for better things than can be found at Racicot . '' `` She was always too good for common folks , if that is what you mean , '' said Merran spitefully . Nora and Rob did not meet until the next evening , when she rowed herself home from Dalveigh . He was at the shore to tie up her boat and help her out . They walked up the sands together in the heart of the autumn sunset , with the northwest wind whistling in their ears and the great star of the lighthouse gleaming wanly out against the golden sky . Nora felt uncomfortable , and resented it . Rob Fletcher was nothing to her ; he never had been anything but the good friend to whom she told her strange thoughts and longings . Why should her heart ache over him ? She wished he would talk , but he strode along in silence , with his fine head drooping a little . `` I suppose you have heard that I am going away , Rob ? '' she said at last . He nodded .
`` Yes , I 've heard it from a hundred mouths , more or less , '' he answered , not looking XXXXX her .
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