J. J. Bell

“ But I used to read other books a great deal—Carlyle, and Ruskin, and——"
"Was they murder stories?"
"Dear me, no! What an idea! They weren't stories at all. They were—well, some day you must read them, too, or perhaps I shall read them to you. They are very inspiring." ”

“ I think I like love-stories the best, tae," said Christina. "My! it's fine when ye come to a rale lovey-dovey bit whaur the young man proposes——"
"Really, Christina! I cannot allow you to talk of such things——"
"But it's awfu' when the young leddy says she canna except him, because she's got to mairry anither man for his gold! There some unco bad folk in the stories whiles—oh, terrible bad folk, an' that crool! D'ye never feel ye wud like to knock the faces aff the bad yins, auntie?"
"I think I had better hear you repeat some of your lessons now," said Miss Purvis. ”

“ Miss Purvis looked up from the novelette, and wiped her eyes hurriedly and in a somewhat shamefaced manner.
"I—I fear I've got a cold in my head, Christina," she said apologetically, unable to meet her niece's keen gaze. "A cold in my head always makes my eyes water, you know," she went on. "But don't trouble about me, Christina. Get on with your lessons, like a good girl."
"A cauld in the heid should mak' ye sneeze. Yer nose is a wee thing rid, but that's wi' greetin', auntie. I've been watchin' the tears comin' oot yer e'en an' playin' pap on the paper. ”