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convinced it’s the only time she’s ever loved, and that it will last a lifetime, then after a year or two it all comes apart. How do I know that I haven’t inherited her nature, that I wouldn’t be as fickle and inconsistent as her, that I wouldn’t end up hurting anyone who loved me, that I wouldn’t be careless with my children? I wouldn’t want to take that chance. I’ve thought it all through and marriage is not for me. Please accept that as the truth.’ Donald hugged her close for a moment, then got to his feet and held his hands out to her, pulling her to her feet and into his arms. ‘Your pretty blue eyes are filled with tears, my wee girl. You must not cry for me, darling. You haven’t hurt me ... I am disappointed, naturally, but I felt all along that your answer would be no. But we can still be friends. As for that rubbish about taking after your mother, forget it all. Your mother is a vain, shallow, spoiled woman, and you do not favour her in any way. As you grow older you will get more confidence in yourself, and I have no doubt that when you love a man enough to marry him you will remain through the years a loyal and loving wife and a fine example to your children.’
    Katriona abandoned any attempt to hold back her tears. It was just so like Donald to be thinking of her and trying to comfort her, instead of feeling put down and sorry for himself. ‘Oh, Donald I do love you! I feel so wretched.’
    ‘But not wretched enough to marry me?’ His smile was a little askew. ‘Not to worry, I’ll settle for next best place, that of a loved and trusted friend. Now we must away home to Jeannie or she will be thinking we’ve fallen over the cliffs.’
    Catching hold of her hand, he raced her crazily down the hill so they arrived breathless and laughing at the track which led homeward across the marrah, the common land shared by the crofters.
    When they arrived back at the croft there was a note on the table saying Jeannie had gone across to Balemartin to visit with friends, and would Donald please collect her.
    ‘Will you drive with me, Katriona?’ Donald asked as he prepared to take the car out.
    'No. If you don’t mind I’ll stay here for a spell, but I’ll open the yard gate for you.’
    She ran lightly ahead of him and swung the gate wide, then waved as he drove through. He would only be away about half an hour, so she fastened the gate and climbed up on it to wait for their return.
    Suddenly her interest was caught by a figure of a man striding across the front pasture from the direction of the neighbours’ house. Katriona idly tried to guess his identity. She knew most of the local people, but she did not recognise him. As he drew closer she could see he was dark and very tall, a lean but broad-built fellow. He was coming at a terrific pace. He would be upset to find Donald not at home. She was almost tempted to call out to him to save his energy.
    It was not until he cleared the last fence impatiently and was striding towards her that a horrible premonition hit her. It struck her like an electric shock, making her paralysed for an instant, her fingers and toes tingling with pins and needles of fear. She swung her leg over the other side of the gate in preparation for leaping down and running for the croft, when her arm was caught in a grip of iron.
    ‘Oh, no you don’t, my girl. You are Katriona Carmichael, don’t bother denying it! ’
    ‘Why should I deny it? Let me go!’ Katriona shouted. Take your hands off me!’ She glared up at the man now astride the gate. He was not only angry, he was boiling mad.
    ‘Let you go? You must be joking. What a good laugh you must have had knowing I was being given a fine old runaround by your friend Alex. The artful old dodger had me completely foxed most of the day. What a dance he’s led me!’ He gave Katriona a vigorous shake as he landed on the ground beside her. ‘Well, what have you got to say for yourself?’
    Katriona laughed up into his