Well said, R.

Most of this conjecture is pretty pointless without studying in detail the mores of earlier centuries in the Highlands. I personally know very little, but from what I've read 'bride stealing' was very common, and in some cases, not perhaps this one, almost ritualised. It may well have something to do with a tocher or inheritance but there is a lot missing from this thin dialogue.

The piece as a whole is very convincing and authentic-looking but so are many of the suspect pieces, like Kinmont Willie. Many sophisticated people in Scotland in the 18th century were obviously very adept at imitating the genre.

One key sentence being fully translated would explain a lot 'she would have hired your hand'.