I can make a home for Kilmeny in a few years even if I have to depend entirely on my own resources . Only give me the chance to win her -- that is all I ask . '' `` I do n't think it would do , Master , '' said Thomas Gordon , shaking his head . `` Of course , I dare say you -- you '' -- he tried to say `` love , '' but Scotch reserve balked stubbornly at the terrible word -- `` you think you like Kilmeny now , but you are only a lad -- and lads ' fancies change . '' `` Mine will not , '' Eric broke in vehemently . `` It is not a fancy , Mr. Gordon . It is the love that comes once in a lifetime and once only . I may be but a lad , but I know that Kilmeny is the one woman in the world for me . There can never be any other . Oh , I 'm not speaking rashly or inconsiderately . I have weighed the matter well and looked at it from every aspect . And it all comes to this -- I love Kilmeny and I want what any decent man who loves a woman truly has the right to have -- the chance to win her love in return . '' `` Well ! '' Thomas Gordon drew a long breath that was almost a sigh . `` Maybe -- if you feel like that , Master -- I do n't know -- there are some things it is n't right to cross . Perhaps we ought n't -- Janet , woman , what shall we say to him ? '' Janet Gordon had hitherto spoken no word . She had sat rigidly upright on one of the old chairs under Margaret Gordon 's insistent picture , with her knotted , toil-worn hands grasping the carved arms tightly , and her eyes fastened on Eric 's face . At first their expression had been guarded and hostile , but as the conversation proceeded they lost this gradually and became almost kindly . Now , when her brother appealed to her , she leaned forward and said eagerly , `` Do you know that there is a stain on Kilmeny 's birth , Master ? ''
`` I know XXXXX her mother was the innocent victim of a very sad mistake , Miss Gordon .
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