ButmeantimeIshouldliketogototheshantieswithyouthiswinter。"
　　Andso，whentheMacdonaldgangwenttothewoodsthatwinter，Ranald，takinghisfather'sax，wentwiththem。AndsocleverdidtheboyprovehimselfthatbythetimetheybroughtdowntheirraftinthespringtherewasnotamaninallthegangthatMacdonaldBhainwouldsoonerhaveathisbackinatightplacethanhisnephewRanald。And，indeed，thosemonthsinthewoodsmadeamanoutofthelong，lankyboy，sothat，onthefirstSabbathaftertheshantymencamehome，notmanyinthechurchthatdaywouldhaverecognizedthedark-faced，stalwartyouthhaditnotbeenthathesatinthepewbesideMacdonaldBhain。Itwaswithnosmalldifficultythattheminister'swifecouldkeepherlittleboyquietinthebackseat，sofullofprideandjoywasheattheappearanceofhishero；butaftertheservicewasover，Hughiecouldbenolongerrestrained。Pushinghiswayeagerlythroughthecrowd，heseizeduponRanaldanddraggedhimtohismother。
　　"Hereheis，mother！"heexclaimed，toRanald'sgreatconfusion，andtotheamusementofallabouthim。"Isn'thesplendid？"
　　AndasRanaldgreetedMrs。Murraywithquiet，gravecourtesy，shefeltthathiswinterinthewoodsandontheriverhadforeverputbehindhimhisboyhood，andthathenceforthhewouldtakehisplaceamongthemen。Andlookingathisstrong，composed，graveface，shefeltthatthatplaceoughtnottobeanunworthyone。
　　CHAPTERXVII
　　LENOIR'SNEWMASTER
　　Theshantymencamebackhometofindtherevivalstillgoingon。
　　Notahomebuthadfeltitsmightypower，andnotaman，woman，orevenchildbuthadcomemoreorlessunderitsinfluence。Indeed，souniversalwasthatpowerthatYankeewasheardtosay，"Theboyswouldn'tgoinswimmin'withouttheirNewTestaments"——notbutthatYankeewasinveryfullestsympathywiththemovement。Hewasregularinhisattendanceuponthemeetingsallthroughspringandsummer，buthiswholeprevioushistorymadeitdifficultforhimtofullyappreciatetheintensityanddepthofthereligiousfeelingthatwaseverywherethrobbingthroughthecommunity。
　　"Don'tseewhattheexcitement'sfor，"hesaidtoMacdonaldBhainonenightaftermeeting。"SeemstometheAlmightyjustwantsafellertodotherightthingbyhisneighborandnotbetooindependent，butgo'longkindo'humblelikeandkeepclean。
　　Somethin'wrongwithme，perhaps，butIdon'tseemtobeabletoworkupnoexcitementaboutit。I'dliketo，butsomehowitain'tinme。"
　　WhenMacdonaldBhainreportedthisdifficultyofYankee'stoMrs。
　　Murray，sheonlysaid："'WhatdoththeLordrequireofthee，buttodojustly，andtolovemercy，andtowalkhumblywiththyGod？'"
　　AndwiththisMacdonaldBhainwascontent，andwhenhetoldYankee，thelattercameasneartoexcitementasheeverallowedhimself。
　　Hechewedvigorouslyforafewmoments，then，slappinghisthigh，heexclaimed："Byjings！That'sgreat。She'sallright，ain'tshe？Weain'tallbuiltthesameway，butI'mblamedifIdon'tlikehermodel。"
　　Buttheshantymennoticedthattherevivalhadsweptintothechurch，duringthewintermonths，agreatcompanyoftheyoungpeopleofthecongregation；andofthese，abandofsometenortwelveyoungmen，withDonamongthem，wereattendingdailyaspecialclasscarriedoninthevestryofthechurchforthosewhodesiredtoentertrainingfortheministry。
　　Mrs。MurrayurgedRanaldtojointhisclass，for，eventhoughhehadnointentionofbecomingaminister，stillthestudywouldbegoodforhim，andwouldhelphiminhisaftercareer。SherememberedhowRanaldhadtoldherthathehadnointentionofbeingafarmerorlumberman。AndRanaldgladlylistenedtoher，andthrewhimselfintohisstudy，usinghissparehourstosuchgoodpurposethroughoutthesummerthatheeasilykeptpacewiththeclassinEnglish，anddistancedtheminhisfavoritesubject，mathematics。
　　ButallthesemonthsMrs。MurrayfeltthatRanaldwascarryingwithhimaloadofunrest，andshewaitedforthetimewhenhewouldcometoher。Hisuncle，MacdonaldBhain，too，sharedheranxietyinregardtoRanald。
　　"Heisthefine，steadylad，"hesaidonenight，walkinghomewithherfromthechurch；"andagoodwinter'sworkhasheputbehindhim。Heisthatqueeck，thereisnotamanlikehimonthedrive；
　　butheisnotthesameboythathewas。Hewillnotbetellingmeanything，butwhentheboyswillbesporting，heisnotwiththem。
　　Hewillbereadinghisbook，orhewillbesittingbyhimselfalone。Heislikehisfatherinthecourageofhim。Thereisnokindofwaterhewillnotface，andnomanontheriverwouldputfearonhim。Andthestrengthofhim！Hisarmsarelikesteel。
　　But，"returningtohisanxiety，"thereissomethingwrongwithhim。
　　Heisnotatpeacewithhimself，andIwishyoucouldgetspeechwithhim。"
　　"Iwouldlikeit，too，"repliedMrs。Murray。"Perhapshewillcometome。Atanyrate，Imustwaitforthat。"
　　Atlast，whenthesummerwasover，andtheharvestallgatheredin，thedayswereoncemoreshorteningforthefall，RanalddroveLisetteonedaytothemanse，andwentstraighttotheminister'swifeandopeneduphismindtoher。
　　"Icannotkeepmypromisetomyfather，Mrs。Murray，"hesaid，goingatoncetotheheartofhistrouble。"Icannotkeeptheangeroutofmyheart。Icannotforgivethemanthatkilledmyfather。Iwillbewakingatnightwiththeveryjoyoffeelingmyfingersonhisthroat，andIfeelmyselflongingforthedaywhenI
　　willmeethimfacetofaceandnothingbetweenus。But，"headded，"Ipromisedmyfather，andImustkeepmyword，andthatiswhatI
　　cannotdo，forthefeelingofforgivenessisnothere，"smitinghisbreast。"Icankeepmyhandsoffhim，butthefeelingIcannothelp。"
　　ForalongtimeMrs。Murraylethimgoonwithoutseekingtocheckthehotflowofhiswordsandwithoutawordofreproof。Then，whenhehadtalkedhimselftosilence，shetookherBibleandreadtohimoftheservantwho，thoughforgiven，tookhisfellow-servantbythethroat，refusingtoforgive。Andthensheturnedovertheleavesandreadoncemore："'Godcommendethhislovetowardus，inthat，whilewewereyetsinners，Christdiedforus。'"
　　Sheclosedthebookandsatsilent，waitingforRanaldtospeak。
　　"Iknow，"hesaid，deliberately；"Ihavereadthatoftenthroughthewinter，butitdoesnothelpthefeelingIhave。Ithinkitonlymakesitworse。Thereissomeoneholdingmyarm，andIwanttostrike。"
　　"Anddoyouforget，"saidMrs。Murray，andhervoicewasalmoststern，"anddoyouforgethow，foryou，GodgaveHisSontodie？"
　　Ranaldshookhishead。"Iamfarfromforgettingthat。"
　　"AndareyouforgettingthegreatmercyofGodtoyourfather？"
　　"No，no，"saidRanald；"Ioftenthinkofthat。ButwhenIthinkofthatman，somethingstirswithinmeandIcannotsee，forthedazebeforemyeyes，andIknowthatsomedayIwillbeathim。I
　　cannothelpmyfeeling。"
　　"Ranald，"saidMrs。Murray，"haveyoueverthoughthowhewillneedGod'smercylikeyourself？AndhaveyouneverthoughtthatperhapshehasneverhadthewayofGod'smercyputbeforehim？ToyoutheLordhasgivenmuch，tohimlittle。ItisaterriblethingtobeungratefulforthemercyofGod；anditisashamefulthing。Itisunworthyofanytrueman。HowcananyonetakethefullnessofGod'smercyandhispatienceeveryday，andholdanungratefulheart？"
　　Shedidnotsparehim，andasRanaldsatandlistened，hislifeandcharacterbegantoappeartohimsmallandmeanandunworthy。
　　"TheLordmeansyoutobeanobleman，Ranald——amanwiththeheartandpurposetodosomegoodintheworld，tobeablessingtohisfellows；anditisapoorthingtobesofilledupwithselfishnessastohavenothoughtofthehonorofGodorofthegoodofmen。
　　LouisLeNoirhasdoneyouagreatwrong，butwhatisthatwrongcomparedwiththewrongyouhavedonetoHimwholovedyoutoHisowndeath？"
　　Thenshegavehimherlastword："WhenyouseeLouisLeNoir，thinkofGod'smercy，andrememberyouaretodohimgoodandnotevil。"
　　Andwiththatwordinhisheart，Ranaldwentaway，ashamedandhumbled，butnotforgiving。Thetimeforthathadnotyetcome。
　　Butbeforeheleftfortheshanties，hesawMrs。Murrayagaintosaygoodby。Hemetherwithashamedface，fearingthatshemustfeelnothingbutcontemptforhim。
　　"Youwillthinkillofme，"hesaid，andinspiteofhisself-
　　controlhisvoiceshook。"Icouldnotbearthat。"
　　"No，Icouldneverthinkillofyou，Ranald，butIwouldbegrievedtothinkthatyoushouldfailofbecominganobleman，strongandbrave；strongenoughtoforgiveandbraveenoughtoserve。"
　　OncemoreRanaldwenttothewoods，withearnestthoughtsinhismind，hopingheshouldnotmeetLeNoir，andfightingouthisbattletovictory；andbythetimethedrivehadreachedthebigwaternextspring，thatbattlewasalmostover。Thedaysinthesilentwoodsandthenightsspentwithhisuncleinthecamp，andafterwardinhiscabinontheraft，didtheirworkwithRanald。
　　ThetimbercutthatyearwasthelargestthathadeverbeenknownontheUpperOttawa。Therewasgreatcrowdingofraftsonthedrive，andforweeksthechuteswerefull，andwhentheraftswereallbroughttogetheratQuebec，notonlyweretheshoreslinedandTimberCovepacked，butthebroadriverwasfullfromQuebectoLevis，exceptforthesteamboatwaywhichmustbekeptopen。
　　ForthefirmofRaymond&St。Clairthismeantenormousincreaseofbusiness，anditwasnosmallannoyancethatatthiscrisistheyshouldhavedetectedtheirQuebecagentinfraud，andshouldhavebeenforcedtodismisshim。ThesituationwassocriticalthatMr。
　　St。Clairhimself，withHarryashisclerk，founditnecessarytospendamonthinQuebec。HetookwithhimMaimieandhergreatfriendKateRaymond，thedaughterofhispartner，andestablishedhimselfintheHotelChevalBlanc。
　　Onthewhole，MaimiewasnotsorrytovisittheancientcapitalofCanada，thoughshewouldhavechosenanothertime。ItwasratherdisappointingtoleaveherowncityintheWest，justatthebeginningofthespringgayeties。Itwasherfirstseason，andthewinterhadbeendistinguishedbyaseriesofsocialtriumphs。Shewasthetoastofalltheclubsandthebelleofalltheballs。Shehaddevelopedarareandfascinatingbeauty，andhadacquiredanairsodistinguethatevenheraunt，MissSt。Clair，wascompletelysatisfied。Itwasalittlehardforhertoleavethesceneofhertriumphsandtoabandontheapproachinggayeties。
　　ButQuebechaditscompensations，andthenthereweretheDeLacys，oneoftheoldestEnglishfamiliesofQuebec。TheSt。Clairshadknownthemformanyyears。Theirbloodwasunquestionablyblue，theywerewealthy，andbesides，theonlysonandrepresentativeofthefamilywasnowlieutenant，attachedtothegarrisonattheCitadel。LieutenantDeLacysuggestedpossibilitiestoMaimie。
　　Quebecmightbeendurableforamonth。
　　"Whatalovelyview，andhowpicturesque！"
　　Maimiewasstandingatthewindowlookingdownupontheriverwithitsfleetofrafts。BesideherstoodKate，andatanotherwindowHarry。
　　"Whatalotoftimber！"saidHarry。"Andthetownisjustfulloflumbermen。Afellowsaidtheremustbesixthousandofthem，sotherewillbelotsoffun。"
　　"Fun！"exclaimedKate。
　　"Fun！rather。Thesefellowshavebeenupinthewoodsforsomefiveorsixmonths，andwhentheygettotownwherethereiswhiskyand——and——thatsortofthing，theyjustgetwild。Theysayitisawful。"
　　"Justhorrible！"saidMaimie，inadisgustedtone。
　　"Butsplendid，"saidKate；"thatis，iftheydon'thurtanyone。"
　　"Hurtanybody！"exclaimedHarry。"Oh，notatall；theyarealwaysextremelycarefulnottohurtanyone。Theyareasgentleaslambs。Isay，letusgodowntotheriverandlookattherafts。
　　DeLacywascomingup，butitistoolatenowforhim。Besides，wemightrunacrossMaimie'smanfromGlengarry。"
　　"Maimie'smanfromGlengarry！"exclaimedKate。"Hassheamanthere，too？"
　　"Nonsense，Kate！"saidMaimie，blushing。"HeistalkingaboutRanald，youknow。OneofAuntMurray'syoungmen，upinGlengarry。
　　Youhaveheardmespeakofhimoften。"
　　"Oh，theboythatpulledyououtofthefire，"saidKate。
　　"Yes，"criedHarry，strikinganattitude，"andtheboythatforloveofherenteredthelists，andinafistictournamentupheldherfairname，and——"
　　"Oh，Harry，dohavesomesense！"saidMaimie，impatiently。"Hush，herecomessomeone；LieutenantDeLacy，Isuppose。"
　　Itwasthelieutenant，handsome，tall，wellmade，withahigh-bredifsomewhatdissipatedface，anairofblaseindifferencealittleoverdone，andanaccentwhichhehadbroughtbackwithhimfromOxford，andwhichhewasanxiousnottolose。Indeed，thebarethoughtofthepossibilityofhisdroppingintotheflat，semi-
　　nasalofhisnativelandfilledthelieutenantwithunspeakablehorror。
　　"Wewerejustgoingdowntotheriver，"saidMaimie，aftertheintroductionswereover，"butIsupposeitisalloldtoyou，andyouwouldnotcaretogo？"
　　"Aw，charmed，I'msure。"Thelieutenantpronouncedit"shuah。"
　　"Butitisrathaw，don'tyouknow，notexactlyclean。"
　　"Heisthinkingofhisboots，"saidHarry，scornfully，lookingdownatthelieutenant'sshiningpatentleathers。
　　"Really，"saidthelieutenant，mildly，"awfullydirtystreet，though。"
　　"Butwewanttoseetheshantymen，"saidKate，frankly。
　　"Oh，themen！Veryproper，butnotsoverydiscriminating，youknow。"
　　"Ilovetheshantymen，"exclaimedKate，enthusiastically。"Maimietoldmeallaboutthem。"
　　"ByJove！I'lljointo-morrow，"exclaimedthelieutenantwithgentleexcitement。
　　"Theywouldnothaveyou，"answeredKate。"Besides，youwouldhavetoeatporkandonionsandthings。"
　　Thelieutenantshuddered，gazingreproachfullyatKate。
　　"Onions！"hegasped；"andyoulovethem？"
　　"Letusgoalong，then，"saidHarry。"Wewillhavealookatthem，anyway。"
　　"Fromthewindwardside，Ihope，"saidthelieutenant，gently。
　　"Iamgoingrightontheraft，"declaredKate，stoutly，"ifwecanonlyfindRanald。"
　　"Meaningwho，exactly？"questionedDeLacy。
　　"AlumbermanwhomMaimieadores。"
　　"Howhappy！"saidDeLacy。
　　"Nonsense，LieutenantDeLacy，"saidMaimie，impatientlyandalittlehaughtily；"heisafriendofmyaunt'supinthecountyofGlengarry。"
　　"Nononsenseaboutit，"saidHarry，indignantthathissistershouldseemindifferenttoRanald。"Heisagreatfriendofusall；andyouwillsee——shewillflyintohisarms。"
　　"Heavenforbid！"ejaculatedthelieutenant，muchshocked。
　　"Harry，howcanyoubeso——？"saidMaimie，muchannoyed。"Whatwillthelieutenantthinkofme？"
　　"Ah，ifIonlymighttell！"saidthelieutenant，lookingatherwithlanguishingeyes。ButalreadyKatewasdownstairsandonherwaytothestreet。
　　Astheynearedthelowertown，thenarrowstreetsbecamemoreandmorecrowdedwithmenintheshantymen'spicturesquedress，andtheyhadsomedifficultyinmakingtheirwaythroughthejolly，jostlingcrowds。Astheywerenearingtheriver，theysawcomingalongthenarrowsidewalkaburlyFrench-Canadian，dressedinthegayestholidaygarboftheshantymen——redshirtandsash，corduroystuckedintoredtop-boots，alittleroundsofthatsetuponthebackofhisblackcurls，agorgeoussilkhandkerchiefaroundhisneck，andabiggoldwatch-chainwithsealsathisbelt。Hehadabold，handsomeface，andswaggeredalongthesidewalk，claimingitallwithanassurancefortifiedbywhiskyenoughtomakehimutterlyregardlessofanybuthisownrights。
　　"Hello！"heshouted，asheswaggeredalong。"Makeway，I'mdebossbullyondereeverHottawa。"Itwashisdayofglory，anditevidentlypleasedhimmuchthatthepeoplestoodasidetolethimpass。Thenhebrokeintosong：——
　　"Enroulantmabouleroulant，Enroulantmeboule。"
　　"This，Isuppose，isoneofyourbelovedshantymen，"saidthelieutenant，turningtoKate，whowaswalkingwithHarrybehind。
　　"Isn'thelovely！"exclaimedKate。
　　"Oh，"criedMaimie，interror，"letusgetintoashop！"
　　"Quiteunnecessary，Iassureyou，"saidthelieutenant，indifferently；"Ihavenottheleastideathathewillmolestyou。"
　　Thelumbermanbythistimehadswaggereduptotheparty，expectingthemtomakeway，butinstead，DeLacystiffenedhisshoulder，caughttheFrenchmaninthechest，androlledhimoffintothestreet。Surprisedandenraged，theFrenchmanturnedtodemolishthemanwhohaddaredtoinsultthe"bossbullyondereeverHottawa。"
　　"Vousn'avezpasremarquelademoiselle，"saidthelieutenant，inatoneofpoliteness。
　　Thelumberman，whohadswaggeredupreadytostrike，glancedatMaimie，tookoffhishat，andmadeaceremoniousbow。
　　"Ehbien！Non！Pardon，Mams'elle。"
　　"Bonjour，"saidLieutenantDeLacy，withamilitarysalute，andmovedon，leavingthelumbermanstaringafterthemasifhehadseenavision。
　　"BeautyandtheBeast，"murmuredthelieutenant。"ThoughtIwasinforit，sure。Reallywonderful，don'tyouknow！"
　　"Doyouthinkwehadbettergoon？"saidMaimie，turningtoKateandHarry。
　　"Whynot？Why，certainly！"theyexclaimed。
　　"Thesehorridmen，"repliedMaimie。
　　"Dearcreatures！"saidthelieutenant，glancingatKatewithamildlypatheticlook。"Sweet，butnotalwaysfragrant。"
　　"Oh，theywon'thurtus。Letusgoon。"
　　"Certainly，goon，"echoedHarry，impatiently。
　　"Safeenough，MissSt。Clair，but，"pullingouthisperfumedhandkerchief，"rathertrying。"
　　"Oh，geton，DeLacy，"criedHarry，andsotheymovedon。
　　TheofficeofRaymond&St。Clairstoodnearthewharves。Harrypausedatthedoor，notquitesurewhethertogoinornot。Itwaseasytodiscoverworkinthatoffice。
　　"YoumightaskifRanaldhascome，"saidKate。"Maimieistooshy。"
　　Harryreturnedinafewmoments，quiteexcited。
　　"TheMacdonaldgangarein，andtheBigMacdonaldwasherenothalfanhourago，andRanaldisdownattheraftbeyondthelastwharf。
　　Iknowtheplace。"
　　"Oh，doletusgoon！"criedKate，towhomHarryhadbeenextollingRanaldonthewaydown。"Youreallyoughttoinspectyourtimber，Harry，shouldn'tyou？"
　　"Mostcertainly，andrightaway。Nosayingwhatmighthappen。"
　　"Awfulslush，"saidthelieutenant，glancingatMaimie'sface。"Doyouthinkthetimberwouldn'tkeepforaweek？"
　　"Oh，rubbish！Aweek！"criedHarry。"Heisthinkingofhisbootsagain。"
　　Tobequitefairtothelieutenant，itwasMaimie'sdoubtfulface，ratherthanhisshinyboots，thatmadehimhesitate。Shewasevidentlynervousandembarrassed。Thegay，easymannerwhichwasherhabitwasgone。
　　"Ithinkperhapswehadbettergo，sincewearehere，"shesaid，doubtfully。
　　"Exactly；itiswhatImostdesired，"saidthelieutenant，gallantly。
　　Scoresofraftslaymooredalongthewharvesandshore，andhundredoflumbermenweretobeseeneverywhere，notonlyonthetimberandwharves，butcrowdingthestreetsandthedoorsofthelittlesaloons。
　　Forhalfanhourtheywalkedalong，watchingthemenatworkwiththetimberontheriver。Somewereloadingthevesselslyingatanchor，somewereshiftingtheloosetimberabout。Whentheyreachedtheendofthelastwharf，theysawastrappingyounglumberman，inashantycostumethatshowedsignsofthewoods，runningsomeloosesticksoftimberroundtheendoftheraft。
　　Withgreatskillhewashandlinghispike，walkingthebigsticksandrunninglightlyoverthetimbertoosmalltocarryhim，balancinghimselfonasinglestickwhilehemovedthetimbertothebitofopenwaterbehindtheraft，andallwithagraceanddexteritythatexcitedKate'sadmirationtothehighestdegree。
　　"Ratherclever，that，"saidthelieutenant，lazily。"Hello！closecall，that；ha！bravo！"Itwasnotoftenthelieutenantallowedhimselftheluxuryofexcitement，butthelumbermanrunninghistimberslippedhispikepoleandfoundhimselfbalancingontheedgeofopenwater。Withamightyspringheclearedtheopenspace，touchedapieceofsmalltimberthatsankunderhim，andatthenextspringlandedsafeontheraft。Maimie'sscreamsoundedwiththelieutenant's"bravo。"Atthecrytheyoungfellowlookedup。ItwasRanald。
　　"Hello，there！"criedHarry；andwithanansweringshout，Ranald，usinghispikeasajumping-pole，clearedtheopenspace，ranlightlyoverthefloatingsticks，andwithanotherspringreachedtheshore。Withoutamoment'shesitationhedroppedhispoleandcamealmostrunningtowardthem，hisfaceradiantwithdelight。
　　"Maimie！"heexclaimed，holdingouthishand，wetandnonetooclean。
　　"Howdoyoudo？"saidMaimie。Shehadnoticedthelookofsurpriseandmilddisgustonthelieutenant'sface，andshewasembarrassed。
　　Ranaldwascertainlynotlovelytolookat。Hisshirtwasopenattheneck，torn，anddirty。Histrousersandbootsweremuchtheworseoftheirstrugglewiththebush。
　　"ThisisMr。Macdonald，LieutenantDeLacy，"Maimiehurriedtosay。
　　Thelieutenantofferedalimphand。
　　"Chawmed，I'msuah，"hemurmured。
　　"What？"saidRanald。
　　"Lovelyweather，"murmuredthelieutenantagain，lookingathisfingersthatRanaldhadjustletgo。
　　"Well，oldchap，"saidHarry，graspingRanald'shandandthrowinghisarmabouthisshoulder，"Iamawfullygladtofindyou。Wehavebeenhuntingyouforhalfanhour。Butholdup，hereyouare。
　　LetmeintroduceyoutoMissKateRaymond，thebestgirlanywhere。"
　　Katecameforwardwithafranksmile。"Iamverygladtomeetyou，"shesaid。"Ihaveheardsomuchaboutyou，andIamgoingtocallyouRanald，astheyalldo。"
　　"Howlovely！"sighedDeLacy。
　　HergreetingwarmedRanald'sheartthatsomehowhadbeenchilledinthemeeting。Somethingwaswrong。Wasitthisfopofasoldier，orhadMaimiechanged？Ranaldglancedatherface。No，shewasthesame，onlymorebeautifulthanhehaddreamed。
　　Butwhileshewasshakinghandswithhim，thereflashedacrosshismindthememoryofthefirsttimehehadseenher，andthelookofamusementuponherfacethen，thathadgivenhimsuchdeadlyoffense。Therewasnoamusementnow，buttherewasembarrassmentandsomethingelse。Ranaldcouldnotdefineit，butitchilledhisheart，andatoncehebegantofeelhowbadlydressedhewas。Thetornshirt，theraggedtrousers，andtheold，unshapelybootsthathehadnevergivenathoughttobefore，nowseemedtoburnintohisflesh。Unconsciouslyhebackedawayandturnedtogo。
　　"Whereareyouoffto？"criedHarry；"doyouthinkwearegoingtoletyougonow？Wehadhardenoughworkfindingyou。Comeuptotheofficeandseethegovernor。Hewantstoseeyoubadly。"
　　Ranaldglancedatthelieutenant，immaculateexceptwheretheslushhadspeckledhisshinyboots，andthenathisownraggedattire。
　　"IthinkIwillnotgoupnow，"hesaid。
　　"Well，comeupsoon，"saidMaimie，evidentlyrelieved。
　　"No！"saidKate，impetuously，"comerightalongnow。"Asshespokesherangedherselfbesidehim。
　　ForamomentortwoRanaldhesitated，shotasearchingglanceatMaimie'sface，andthen，witharecklesslaugh，said，"Iwillgonow，"andsetoffforthwith，Kateproudlymarchingatoneside，andHarryontheother，leavingMaimieandthelieutenanttofollowafter。
　　AndagoodthingitwasforRanaldthathedidgothatdaywithHarrytohis"governor's"office。Theyfoundtheofficeina"swither，"asHarrysaid，overtherevelationsoffraudthatwerecomingtolighteveryday——book-keeper，clerk，andtimber-checkerhavingallbeeninconspiracytodefraudthecompany。
　　"Wherehaveyoubeen，Harry？"saidhisfatherinanannoyedtoneashissonenteredtheoffice。"Youdon'tseemtorealizehowmuchthereistodojustnow。"
　　"LookingupRanald，father，"saidHarry，cheerfully。
　　"Ah，theyoungmanfromGlengarry？"saidMr。St。Clair，rising。"I
　　amgladtoknowyou，andtothankyouinpersonforyourpromptcourageinsavingmydaughter。"
　　"Luckydog！"groanedthelieutenant，inanundertonetoMaimie。
　　Mr。St。ClairspoketoRanaldofhisfatherandhisuncleinwordsofhighestappreciation，andasRanaldlistened，therecklessandhardlookwhichhadbeengatheringeversincehismeetingwithMaimiepassedaway，andhisfacebecameearnestandtouchedwithatenderpride。
　　"Ihearaboutyoufrequentlyfrommysister，Mr。Macdonald——orshallIsayRanald？"saidMr。St。Clair，kindly。"Sheapparentlythinkssomethingofyou"
　　"Iamproudtothinkso，"repliedRanald，hisfacelightingupashespoke；"buteveryonelovesher。Sheisawonderfulwoman，andgood。"
　　"Yes，"saidMr。St。Clair，"that'sit；wonderfulandgood。"
　　ThenMaimiedrewnearer。"Howisauntie？"shesaid。"Whatashamenottohaveaskedbefore！"
　　"Shewasverywelllastfall，"saidRanald，lookingkeenlyintoMaimie'sface；"butsheisworkingtoohardatthemeetings。"
　　"Meetings！"exclaimedHarry。
　　"Aye，forayearandmoreshehasbeenatthemeverynighttilllate。"
　　"Atmeetingsforayear！Whatmeetings？"criedHarry，astonished。
　　"Oh，Harry，youknowaboutthegreatrevivalgoingonquitewell，"
　　saidMaimie。
　　"Oh，yes。Iforgot。Whatashame！Whatistheuseofherkillingherselfthatway？"
　　"Thereismuchuse，"saidRanald，gravely。"Theyaremakingbadmengood，andthewholecountrysideisnew，andsheistheheartofitall。"
　　"Ihavenodoubtaboutthat，"saidMr。St。Clair。"Shewillbetheheadandheartandhandsandfeet。"
　　"You'rejustright，governor，"saidHarry，warmly。"ThereisnowomanlivinglikeAuntMurray。"
　　Therewassilenceforafewmoments。ThenMr。St。Clairsaidsuddenly："Weareinanawfulfixhere。Notamantobefoundthatwecandependuponforbook-keeper，clerk，orchecker。"
　　Harrycoughedslightly。
　　"Oh，ofcourse，Harryisanexcellentbook-keeper，"Harrybowedlow；"whileheisatit，"addedMr。St。Clair。
　　"Veryneatone，"murmuredthelieutenant。
　　"Now，father，donotspoilafinecomplimentinthatway，"criedHarry。
　　"Butnowthecheckerisgone，"saidMr。St。Clair，"andthatisextremelyawkward。"
　　"Isay，"criedHarry，"whatwillyougivemeforacheckerrightnow？"
　　Mr。St。Clairlookedathimandthenatthelieutenant。
　　"Pardonme，Mr。St。Clair，"saidthatgentleman，holdinguphishand。"IusedtocheckalittleatRugby，but——"
　　"Notyou，byalonghand，"interruptedHarry，disdainfully。
　　"Thisawfullycharmingbrotherofyours，soveryfrank，don'tyouknow！"saidthelieutenant，softly，toMaimie，whiletheyalllaughed。
　　"Buthereisyourman，governor，"saidHarry，layinghishandonRanald。
　　"Ranald！"exclaimedMr。St。Clair。"Why，theveryman！Youunderstandtimber，andyouarehonest。"
　　"Iwillanswerforbothwithmyhead，"saidHarry。
　　"Whatdoyousay，Ranald？"saidMr。St。Clair。"Willyoutakeadaytothinkitover？"
　　"No，"saidRanald；"Iwillbeyourchecker。"AndsoRanaldbecamepartofthefirmofRaymond&St。Clair。
　　"Comealong，Ranald，"saidHarry。"Wewilltakethegirlshome，andthencomebacktotheoffice。"
　　"Yes，docome，"saidKate，heartily。Maimiesaidnothing。
　　"No，"saidRanald；"Iwillgobacktotheraftfirst，andthencometotheoffice。ShallIbegintonight？"hesaidtoMr。St。Clair。
　　"To-morrowmorningwilldo，Ranald，"saidMr。St。Clair。"Comeuptothehotelandseeustonight。"ButRanaldsaidnothing。ThenMaimiewentuptohim。
　　"Goodby，justnow，"shesaid，smilingintohisface。"Youwillcomeandseeusto-night，perhaps？"
　　Ranaldlookedather，whilethebloodmountedslowlyintohisdarkcheek，andsaid："Yes，Iwillcome。"
　　"What'sthematterwithyou，Maimie？"saidHarry，indignantly，whentheyhadgotoutside。"YouwouldthinkRanaldwasastranger，thewayyoutreathim。"
　　"Andheisjustsplendid！IwishhehadpulledMEoutofthefire，"criedKate。
　　"Youmighttrytheriver，"saidthelieutenant。"Ifancyhewouldgoin。Looksthatsort。"
　　"Goin？"criedHarry，"hewouldgoanywhere。"Thelieutenantmadenoreply。Heevidentlyconsideredthatitwashardlyworththeefforttointeresthimselfintheyounglumberman，butbeforehewasmanyhoursolderhefoundreasontochangehismind。
　　Aftertakingtheyoungladiestotheirhoteltherewasstillanhourtillthelieutenant'sdinner，so，havingresolvedtocultivatetheSt。Clairfamily，heproposedaccompanyingHarrybacktotheoffice。
　　Astheyapproachedthelowerportionofthetowntheyheardwildshouts，andsaunteringdownasidestreet，theycameupontheirFrench-Canadianfriendoftheafternoon。Hewasstandingwithhisbackagainstawalltryingtobeatoffthreeorfourmen，whoweresavagelystrikingandkickingathim，andcryingthewhile：
　　"Gatineau！Gatineau！"
　　ItwastheGatineauagainsttheOttawa。
　　"Ourfriendseemstohavefoundtheobjectofhissearch，"saidthelieutenant，ashestoodacrossthestreetlookingatthemelee。
　　"Isay，he'sagoodone，isn'the？"criedHarry，admiringtheOttawa'sdauntlesscourageandhisfightingskill。
　　"Hiseagernessforwarwillprobablybegratifiedinafewminutes，bythelookofthings，"repliedthelieutenant。
　　TheGatineauswerecrowdingaround，andhadevidentlymadeuptheirmindstobringtheOttawachampiontothedust。Thattheywerenumberstoonematterednotatall。Therewaslittlechivalryinashantymen'sfight。
　　"Ha！Ratheragoodone，that，"exclaimedthelieutenant，mildlyinterested。"Heputthatchapoutsomewhatneatly。"Helitacigarandstoodcoollywatchingthefight。
　　"WherearetheOttawas——thefellow'sfriends？"saidHarry，muchexcited。
　　"Iratherthinktheycamponanotherstreetfurtherdown。"
　　TheOttawachampionwasbeingsorelypressed，anditlookedasifinamomentortwomorehewouldbedown。
　　"Whatashame！"criedHarry。
　　"Well，"saidthelieutenant，languidly，"it'sbeastlydirty，butthechap'sdoneratherwell，soheregoes。"
　　Smokinghiscigar，andfollowedbyHarry，hepushedacrossthestreettothecrowd，andgotrightuptothefighters。
　　"Here，youfellows，"hecalledout，inahigh，clearvoice，"whatthedeucedoyoumean，kickingupsucharow？Comenow，stop，andgetoutofhere。"
　　Theastonishedcrowdstoppedfightingandfellbackalittle。Thecalm，clearvoiceofcommandandhermajesty'suniformawedthem。
　　"Moncamarade！"saidthelieutenant，removinghiscigarandsaluting，"ratherwarm，eh？"
　　"Youbet！Ver'warmtam，"wasthereply。
　　"Bettergetaway，monami。Theoddsareratheragainstyou，"saidthelieutenant。"Yourfriendsaresomedistancedownthenextstreet。Youbettergoalong。"Sosaying，hesteppedouttowardthecrowdofGatineauswhowereconsultingandyelling。
　　"Excuseme，gentlemen，"hesaid，politely，wavinghislittlecane。
　　Thoseimmediatelyinfrontgaveback，allowedthelieutenant，followedbytheOttawamanandHarry，topass，andimmediatelyclosedinbehind。TheymighthaveescapedhaditnotbeenthattheOttawamanfounditimpossibletorefrainfromhurlingtauntsatthemandinvitingthemtobattle。Theyhadgonenotmorethantwoblockswhentherewasarushfrombehind，andbeforetheycoulddefendthemselvestheywereeachinthemidstofacrowd，fightingfortheirlives。Theprincipalattackwas，ofcourse，madeupontheOttawaman，butthecrowdwasquitedeterminedtopreventthelieutenantandHarryfromgettingnearhim。InvaintheystruggledtobreakthroughtheyellingmassofGatineaus，whonowhadbecomenumerousenoughtofillthestreetfromwalltowall，andamongwhomcouldbeseensomefewoftheOttawamentryingtoforcetheirwaytowardtheirchampion。BydegreesbothHarryandDeLacyfoughttheirwaytothewall，andtowardeachother。
　　"LooksasifourmanhadmethisWaterloo，"saidthelieutenant，waitingforhisparticularmantocomeagain。
　　"Whatalotofbeaststheyare！"saidHarry，disgustedly，beatingoffhisenemy。
　　"Hello！Heretheycomeagain。Weshallhavetotryanothershot，Isuppose，"saidthelieutenant，asthecrowd，whichhadforafewmomentssurgeddownthestreet，nowcamecrushingback，withtheOttawaleader，andsomehalf-dozenofhisfollowersinthecenter。
　　"Well，heregoes，"saidDeLacy，leavingthewallandplungingintothecrowd，followedbyHarry。Astheyreachedthecenteravoicecalledout："AbaslesAnglais！"
　　Andimmediatelythecry，afamiliarenoughoneinthosedays，wastakenuponallsides。Thecrowdstiffened，andtheattackuponthecenterbecamemoredeterminedthanever。Thelittlecompanyformedacircle，andstandingbacktoback，heldtheirgroundforatime。
　　"Makeforthewall。Keeptogether，"criedDeLacy，pushingouttowardtheside，andfollowedbyhiscompany。But，onebyone，theOttawaswerebeingdraggeddownandtrampledbeneaththe"corked"
　　bootsoftheirfoes，tillonlytwoofthem，withtheirleader，besideHarryandDeLacy，wereleft。
　　Atlengththewallwasgained。Theretheyfacedaboutandforatimeheldtheirlivessafe。Buteverymomentfreshmenrushedinuponthem，yellingtheircries，"Gatineau！Gatineau！AbaslesAnglais！"
　　TheOttawaleaderwaspantinghard，andhecouldnotmuchlongerholdhisown。Histwocompanionswereequallybadlyoff。Harrywaspaleandbleeding，butstillingoodheart。Thelieutenantwasunmarkedasyet，andcoollysmokinghiscigar，butheknewwellthatunlesshelparrivedtheircasewashopeless。
　　"Wecan'trun，"heremarked，calmly，"butadignifiedandspeedyretreatisinorderifitcanbeexecuted。Thereisashopalittledistancedownhere。Letusmakeforit。"
　　ButassoonastheymovedtwomoreoftheOttawasweredraggeddownandtrampledon。
　　"Itbeginstolookinteresting，"saidthelieutenanttoHarry。
　　"Sorryyouareintothis，oldchap。Itwasrathermyfault。Itissobeastlydirty，don'tyouknow。"
　　"Oh，faultbehanged！"criedHarry。"It'snobody'sfault，butitlooksratherserious。Getback，youbrute！"Sosaying，hecaughtaburlyFrenchmanunderthechinwithastraightleft-handerandhurledhimbackuponthecrowd。
　　"Ah，ratherpretty，"saidthelieutenant，mildly。"Itisnotoftenyoucanjustcatchthemthatway。"Theywerestillafewyardsfromtheshopdoor，buteverystepoftheiradvancehadtobefought。
　　"Iverymuchfearwecan'tmakeit，"saidthelieutenant，quietlytoHarry。"Wehadbetterbackupagainstthewallhereandfightitout。"
　　Butashespoketheyheardasoundofshoutingdownthestreetalittleway，whichtheOttawaleaderatoncerecognized，andraisinghisvoicehecried："Hottawa！Hottawa！Hottawaamoi！"
　　Swiftly，fiercely，camethebandofmen，sometwentyofthem，cleavingtheirwaythroughthecrowdlikeawedge。Attheirhead，andtallerthantheothers，foughttwomen，whosearmsworkedwiththesystematicprecisionofpiston-rods，andbeforewhommenfelloneitherhandasifstruckwithsledge-hammers。
　　"Hottawaamoi！"criedtheOttawachampionagain，andtherelievingpartyfacedinhisdirection。
　　"Isay，"saidthelieutenant，"thatfirstmanisuncommonlylikeyourGlengarryfriend。"
　　"What，Ranald？"criedHarry。"Thenweareallright。Iswearitis，"hesaid，afterafewmoments，andthen，rememberingthestoryofthegreatfightontheNation，whichhehadheardfromHughieandMaimie，heraisedtheMacdonaldwar-cry："Glengarry！
　　Glengarry！"
　　Ranaldpausedandlookedabouthim。
　　"Here，Ranald！"yelledHarry，wavinghiswhitehandkerchief。ThenRanaldcaughtsightofhim。
　　"Glengarry！"hecried，andsprangfarintothecrowdinHarry'sdirection。
　　"Glengarry！Glengarryforever！"echoedYankee——forheitwas——
　　plungingafterhisleader。
　　Swiftandsharplikethethrustofalance，theGlengarrymenpiercedthecrowd，whichgavebackoneitherside，andsoonreachedthegroupatthewall。
　　"HowintheworlddidYOUgethere？"criedRanaldtoHarry；then，lookingabouthim，cried："WhereisLeNware？IheardhewasbeingkilledbytheGatineaus，andIgotafewofourmenandcamealong。"
　　"LeNware？ThatisourCanadianfriend，Isuppose，"saidthelieutenant。"Hewashereawhileago。ByJove！Thereheis。"
　　SurroundedbyacrowdoftheGatineaus，LeNoir，forhewastheleaderoftheOttawas，wasbeingbatteredaboutandliketobekilled。
　　"Glengarry！"criedRanald，andlikealionheleapeduponthem，followedbyYankeeandtheothers。Rightandlefthehurledthecrowdaside，andseizingLeNoir，broughthimouttohisownmen。
　　"Whoareyou？"gaspedLeNoir。"Why，no，iteesnotpossible。Yes，itisYankeeforsure！AnddeMacdonaldgang，but——"turningtoRanald——"whoareYOU？"hesaidagain。
　　"Nevermind，"saidRanald，shortly，"letusgetawaynow，quick！
　　Goon，Yankee。"
　　Atonce，withYankeeleading，theGlengarrymenmarchedoffthefieldofbattlebearingwiththemtherescuedparty。Therewasnotimetolose。Theenemyfaroutnumberedthem，andwouldsoonreturntotheattack。
　　"Buthowdidyouknowwewereintrouble，Ranald？"saidHarryashemarchedalong。
　　"Ididn'tknowanythingaboutyou，"saidRanald。"SomeonecameandsaidthatthebullyoftheOttawawasbeingkilled，soIcamealong。"
　　"Andjustintime，byJove！"saidthelieutenant，arousedfromhislanguorforonce。"Itwasadeucedlyluckything，andwelldone，too，'ponmysoul。"
　　Thatnight，asRanaldandhisunclewereintheircabinontherafttalkingovertheincidentsoftheday，andRanald'splansforthesummer，amanstoodsuddenlyinthedoorway。
　　"IamLouisLeNoir，"hesaid，"andIhavesomewordtosaytodeyoungMacdonald。Iamsorehere，"hesaid，strikinghisbreast。
　　"Icannotspikyourlanguige。Icannottell。"Hestoppedshort，andthetearscamestreamingdownhisface。"Icannottell，"herepeated，hisbreastheavingwithmightysobs。"Iwouldbegladtodie——tomak'over——tonotmak'——Icannotsaydeword——whatIdotoyourfadder。Iwouldgivemylife，"hesaid，throwingoutbothhishands。"Iwouldgivemylife。Icannotsaymore。"
　　Ranaldstoodlookingathimforafewmomentsinsilencewhenhefinished；thenhesaidslowlyanddistinctly，"Myfathertoldmetosaythatheforgaveyoueverything，andthatheprayedthemercyofGodforyou，and，"addedRanald，moreslowly，"I——forgive——you——
　　too。"
　　TheFrenchmanlistenedinwonder，greatlymoved，buthecouldonlyreiteratehiswords："IcannotspikwhatIfeelhere。"
　　"Sitdown，Mr。LeNoir，"saidMacdonaldBhain，gravely，pointingtoabench，"andIwillbetellingyousomething。"
　　LeNoirsatdownandwaited。
　　"Doyouseethatyoungmanthere？"saidMacdonaldBhain，pointingtoRanald。Heisthestrongestmaninmygang，andindeed，Iwillnotbeputtinghimbelowmyself。"HereRanaldprotested。"AndhehaslearnedtousehishandsasIcannot。AndofallthemenI
　　haveeverseensinceIwenttothewoods，thereisnotoneIcouldputagainsthim。Hecouldkillyou，Mr。LeNoir。"
　　TheFrenchmannoddedhisheadandsaid："Dasso。Dasprettysure。"
　　"Yes，thatisverysure，"saidMacdonaldBhain。"Andhemadeavowtokillyou，"wentonMacdonaldBhain，"andto-nighthesavedyourlife。Doyouknowwhy？"
　　"No，notme。"
　　"ThenIwillbetellingyou。ItisthegraceofGod。"
　　LeNoirstaredathim，andthenMacdonaldBhainwentontotellhimhowhisbrotherhadsufferedandstruggledlong，andhowtheminister'swifehadcometohimwiththemessageoftheforgivenessofthegreatGod。AndthenhereadfromRanald'sEnglishBiblethestoryoftheunforgivingdebtor，explainingitingraveandsimplespeech。
　　"Thatwaswhy，"heconcluded。"Itwasbecausehewasforgiven，andonhisdyingbedhesentyouthewordofforgiveness。Andthat，too，istheveryreason，Ibelieve，whytheladherewenttoyourhelpthisday。"
　　"Ipromisedtheminister'swifeIwoulddoyougoodandnotill，whenitcametome，"saidRanald。"ButIwasnotfeelingatalllikeforgivingyou。Iwasafraidtomeetyou。"
　　"Afraid？"saidLeNoir，wonderingthatanyofthatgangshouldconfesstofear。
　　"Yes，afraidofwhatIwoulddo。Butnow，tonight，itisgone，"
　　saidRanald，simply，"Ican'ttellyouhow。"
　　"Dasmos'surprise！"exclaimedLeNoir。"Necomprennepas。Ineverseelakdat，me！"
　　"Yes，itiswonderful，"saidMacdonaldBhain。"Itisverywonderful。
　　ItisthegraceofGod，"hesaidagain。
　　"Youmak'degoodfrien'witme？"askedLeNoir，risingandputtinghishandouttoMacdonaldBhain。MacdonaldBhainrosefromhisplaceandsteppedtowardtheFrenchman，andtookhishand。
　　"Yes，Iwillbefriendswithyou，"hesaid，gravely，"andIwillseekGod'smercyforyou。"
　　ThenLeNoirturnedtoRanald，andsaid；"Willyoubefrien'ofme？
　　Isittoomoche？"
　　"Yes，"saidRanald，slowly，"Iwillbeyourfriend，too。Itisalittlething，"headded，unconsciouslyquotinghisfather'swords。
　　ThenLeNoirturnedaroundtoMacdonaldBhain，andstrikinganattitude，exclaimed："See！Youbemyboss，Ibeyourman——whatyoucall——slave。Iworkfornoting，me。Dassure。"
　　MacdonaldBhainshookhishead。
　　"Youcouldnotbelongtous，"hesaid，andexplainedtohimthetermsuponwhichtheMacdonaldmenwereengaged。LeNoirhadneverheardofsuchterms。
　　"Younotdrinkwhisky？"
　　"Nottoomuch，"saidMacdonaldBhain。
　　"Howmanyglass？One，two，tree？"
　　"Idonotknow，"saidMacdonaldBhain。"Itdependsupontheman。
　　Hemustnottakemorethanisgoodforhim。"
　　"Bon！"saidLeNoir，"dasgood。Oneglasshemak'mefeelgood。
　　Twodasnicehemak'mefeelverfonny。Threeglassyesdasmak'
　　medefrien'ofheverybodie。Fourdasmak'mefeelbig；Iwalkdebigwalk；Iamdebes'manalldeplace。Dasgoodplaceforstop，eh？"
　　"No，"saidMacdonaldBhain，gravely，"youneedtostopbeforethat。"
　　"Ver'good。Ver'goodmestophimme。Youtak'meonforyourman？"
　　MacdonaldBhainhesitated。LeNoircamenearerhimandloweringhisvoicesaid："I'mver'badmanme。Ilaktoknowhowyoudodat——
　　whatyousay——forgive。Youshowmehow。"
　　"Cometomenextspring，"saidMacdonaldBhain。
　　"Bon！"saidLeNoir。"IbedereondeNationcamp。"
　　Andsohewas。AndwhenMrs。MurrayheardofitfromMacdonaldBhainthatsummer，sheknewthatRanaldhadkepthiswordandhaddoneLeNoirgoodandnotevil。
　　CHAPTERXVIII
　　HEISNOTOFMYKIND
　　ThestoryoftheriotinwhichRanaldplayedsoimportantapartfilledthetownandstirredsocietytoitsinnermostcircles——thosecircles，namely，inwhichtheDeLacyslivedandmoved。ThewholetownbegantalkingoftheGlengarrymen，andespeciallyoftheiryoungleaderwhohad，withsuchsingularabilityandpluck，rescuedtheOttawaswithHarryandLieutenantDeLacy，fromtheirperilousposition。
　　ThegirlshadthestoryfromHarry'slips，andinhistellingofit，Ranald'scourageandskillcertainlylostnothing；buttoMaimie，whileitwaspleasantenoughforhertohearofRanald'sprowess，andwhilesheenjoyedthereflectedglorythatcametoherashisfriend，thewholeincidentbecamealtogetherhatefulanddistressing。
　　Shefoundherselfsuddenlyfamousinhersocialworld；everyonewastalkingofher，buttoherhorror，wasconnectingRanald'snamewithher'sinamostsignificantway。Itwastooawful，andifherAuntFrancesshouldhearofit，theconsequenceswouldbequitetooterribleforhertoimagine。Shemuststopthetalkatonce。OfcourseshemeanttobekindtoRanald；hehaddonehergreatservice，andhewasherAuntMurray'sfriend，andbesides，shelikedhim；howmuchshehardlycaredtosaytoherself。ShehadlikedhiminGlengarry。Therewasnodoubtofthat，butthatwastwoyearsago，andinGlengarryeverythingwasdifferent！Thereeveryonewasjustasgoodasanother，andthesepeoplewereallherAuntMurray'sfriends。Heretherelationswerechanged。Shecouldnothelpfeelingthathowevernicehemightbe，andhowevermuchshemightlikehim，Ranaldwasnotofherworld。
　　"Well，tellhimso；lethimseethat，"saidKate，withwhomMaimiewasdiscussingherdifficulty。
　　"Yes，andthenhewouldflyoffandI——wewouldneverseehimagain，"saidMaimie。"He'sasproudas——anyone！"
　　"Strange，too，"saidKate，"whenhehasnomoneytospeakof！"
　　"YouknowIdon'tmeanthat，andIdon'tthinkit'sveryniceofyou。Youhavenosympathywithme！"
　　"Inwhatway？"
　　"Well，inthisveryunpleasantaffair；everyoneistalkingaboutRanaldandme，asifI——asifwehadsomeunderstanding。"
　　"Andhaveyounot？Ithought——"KatehesitatedtoremindMaimieofcertainconfidencesshehadreceivedtwoyearsagoafterherfriendhadreturnedfromGlengarry。
　　"Oh，absurd——justagirlandboyaffair，"saidMaimie，impatiently。
　　"Thenthere'snothingatall，"saidKate，withasuspicionofeagernessinhervoice。
　　"No，ofcoursenot——thatis，nothingreallyserious。"
　　"Serious？Youmeanyoudon'tcareforhimatall？"Katelookedstraightatherfriend。
　　"Oh，youaresoawfullydirect。Idon'tknow。Idocare；he'sniceinmanyways，andhe's——Iknowhelikesmeand——Iwouldhatetowoundhim，butthenyouknowhe'snotjustoneofus。YouknowwhatImean！"
　　"Notexactly，"saidKate，quietly。"Doyoumeanheisnoteducated？"
　　"Oh，no，Idon'tmeaneducationaltogether。Howverytiresomeyouare！Hehasnoculture，andmanners，andthatsortofthing。"
　　"Ithinkhehasveryfinemanners。Heisalittlequaint，butyoucan'tcallhimrude。"
　　"Oh，no，he'sneverrude；ratherabrupt，butoh，dear，don'tyouknow？WhatwouldAuntFranksaytohim？"
　　Kate'slipcurledalittle。"I'mverysureIcan'tsay，butIcanimaginehowshewouldlook。"
　　"Well，that'sit——"
　　"But，"wentonKate，"Icanimagine，too，howRanaldwouldlookbackatherifhecaughthermeaning。"
　　"Well，perhaps，"saidMaimie，withalittlelaugh，"andthat'sjustit。Oh，Iwishhewere——"
　　"Alieutenant？"suggestedKate。
　　"Well，yes，Ido，"saidMaimie，desperately。
　　"Andifhewere，youwouldmarryhim，"saidKate，ashadeofcontemptinhertonethatMaimiefailedtonotice。
　　"Yes，Iwould。"
　　Kateremainedsilent。
　　"Therenow，youthinkIamhorrid，Iknow，"saidMaimie。"Isupposeyouwouldmarryhimifhewereamerenobody！"
　　"IfIlovedhim，"saidKate，withslowdeliberation，andaslighttremorinhervoice，"I'dmarryhimifhewere——ashantyman！"
　　"Ibelieveyouwould，"saidMaimie，withatouchofregretinhervoice；"butthen，you'venoAuntFrank！"
　　"ThankProvidence，"repliedKate，underherbreath。
　　"AndI'msureIdon'twanttooffendher。Justlistentothis。"
　　Maimiepulledoutaletter，andturningoverthepages，foundtheplaceandbegantoread："'IamsogladtohearthatyouareenjoyingyourstayinQuebec'——um-um-um——'fineoldcity'——um-um-um——
　　'gatesandstreets，''olddays'——um-um-um——'noblecitadel，'
　　'gloriousview'——um-um-um-um——'finestintheworld'——No，thatisn'tit——Oh，yes，hereitis：'TheDeLacysareaveryhighlyconnectedEnglishfamilyandveryoldfriendsofmyfriends，theLordArchers，withwhomIvisitedinEngland，youknow。Themotherisadearoldlady——sostatelyandsoveryparticular——withold-fashionedideasofbreedingandmanners，andofcourse，verywealthy。HerhouseinQuebecissaidtobethefinestintheProvince，andtherearesomeEnglishestates，Ibelieve，intheirline。LieutenantDeLacyisheronlyson，andfromwhatyousay，heseemstobeaverycharmingyoungman。Hewilloccupyaveryhighplacesomeday。IsupposeKatewill'——um-um-um——'Ohyes，andifMrs。DeLacywishesyoutovisitheryoumightaccept'——um-um-um——'andtellKatethatIshouldbedelightedifshecouldaccompanymeonalittlejauntthroughtheEasternStates。Ihaveaskedpermissionofherfather，butshewroteyouherselfaboutthat，didn'tshe？——um-um-um——Andthenlistentothis！'HowveryoddyoushouldhavecomeacrosstheyoungmanfromGlengarryagain——MacLennon，isit？Mac-something-or-other！
　　YourAuntMurrayseemstoconsiderhimaverysteadyandworthyyoungman。Ihopehemaynotdegenerateinhispresentcircumstancesandcalling，assomanyofhisclassdo。Iamgladyourfatherwasabletodosomethingforhim。Thesepeopleoughttobeencouraged。'
　　Nowyousee！"Maimie'stonewasquitetriumphant。
　　"Yes，"saidKate！"Idosee！Thesepeopleshouldbeencouragedtomakeourtimberforusthatwemayliveineaseandluxury，andeventosaveusfromfireandfromblood-thirstymobs，asoccasionsmayoffer，butasforfriendshipsandthatsortofthing——"
　　"Oh，Kate，"burstinMaimie，almostintears，"youaresoveryunkind。YouknowquitewellwhatImean。"
　　"Yes，Iknowquitewell；youwouldnotinviteRanald，forinstance，todineatyourhouse，tomeetyourAuntFrankandtheEvansesandtheLangfordsandtheMaitlands，"saidKate，spacingherwordswithdeliberateindignation。
　　"Well，Iwouldnot，ifyouputitinthatway，"saidMaimie，petulantly，"andyouwouldn'teither！"
　　"IwouldaskhimtomeeteveryMaitlandofthemifIcould，"saidKate，"anditwouldn'thurtthemeither。"
　　"Oh，youaresopeculiar，"saidMaimie，withasighofpity。
　　"AmI，"saidKate；"askHarry，"shecontinued，asthatyoungmancameintotheroom。
　　"No，youneedn'tmind，"saidMaimie；"Iknowwellhewilljustsidewithyou。Healwaysdoes。"
　　"Howveryamiableofme，"saidHarry；"butwhat'stheparticularissue？"
　　"Ranald，"saidKate。
　　"ThenIagreeatonce。Besides，heiscomingtosuppernextSundayevening！"
　　"Oh，Harry，"exclaimedMaimie，indismay，"onSundayevening？"
　　"Hecan'tgetoffanyothernight；worksallnight，Ibelieve，andwouldworkallSunday，too，ifhisprinciplesdidn'tmercifullyinterfere。Hewillbebossoftheconcernbeforesummerisover。"
　　"Oh，Harry，"saidMaimie，indistress，"andIaskedLieutenantDeLacyandhisfriend，Mr。Sims，forSundayevening——"
　　"Sims，"criedHarry；"littlecad！"
　　"I'msurehe'sverynice，"saidMaimie，"andhisfamily——"
　　"Oh，holdup；don'tgetontoyourancestorworship，"criedHarry，impatiently。"Anyway，Ranald'scomingupSundayevening。"
　　"Well，itwillbeveryawkward，"saidMaimie。
　　"Idon'tseewhy，"saidKate。
　　"Oh，"criedHarry，scornfully，"hewillhaveonhisredflannelshirtandasilkhandkerchief，andhistrouserswillbeinhisboots；that'swhatMaimieisthinkingof！"
　　"Youareveryrude，Harry，"saidMaimie。"YouknowquitewellthatRanaldwillnotenjoyhimselfwiththeothers。Hehasnothingincommonwiththem。"
　　"Oh，Iwouldn'tworryaboutthatMaimie，"saidKate；"IwilltalktoRanald。"ButMaimiewasnotquitesurehowsheshouldlikethat。
　　"YouarejustyourAuntFrankoveragain，"saidHarry，inadisgustedtone；"clothesandpeople！"
　　Maimiewasalmostintears。
　　"Ithinkyouarebothveryunkind。YouknowRanaldwon'tenjoyit。
　　Hewillbequitemiserable，and——they'lljustlaughathim！"
　　"Well，they'dbetterlaughathimwhenheisn'tobserving，"saidHarry。
　　"DoyouthinkRanaldwouldreallymind？"interposedKate，addressingHarry。"Doyouthinkhewillfeelshyandawkward？Perhapswe'dbetterhavehimanotherevening。"
　　"No，"saidHarry，decidedly；"heiscoming，andhe'scomingonSundayevening。Hecan'tgetoffanyothernight，andbesides，I'dhavetolietohim，andhehasanunpleasantwayoffindingyououtwhenyouaredoingit，andoncehedoesfindoutwhyheisnotaskedforSundayevening，thenyoumaysaygoodbytohimforgoodandall。"
　　"Oh，nofearofthat，"saidMaimie，confidently；"Ranaldhasgoodsense，andIknowhewillcomeagain。"
　　"Well，"criedHarry，"ifyouarenotgoingtotreathimasyouwouldtreatDeLacyandthatidioticSims，Iwon'tbringhim！"Andwiththatheflungoutoftheroom。
　　ButHarrychangedhismind，fornextSundayeveningastheyoungladieswithDeLacyandhisfriendwereabouttositdowntosupperintheirprivateparlor，HarrywalkedinwithRanald，andannouncedintriumph："ThemanfromGlengarry！"Maimielookedathimindismay，andindeedshewellmight，forRanaldwasdressedinhismostgorgeousshantyarray，withredflannelshirtandsilkhandkerchief，andtrouserstuckedintohisboots。Simsgazedathimasifhewereanapparition。ItwasKatewhofirstbrokethesilence。
　　"Wearedelightedtoseeyou，"shecried，goingforwardtoRanaldwithhandsoutstretched；"youarebecomequiteaherointhistown。"
　　"Quite，Iassureyou，"saidthelieutenant，inalanguidvoice，butshakingRanaldheartilybythehand。
　　ThenMaimiecameforwardandgreetedhimwithceremoniouspolitenessandintroducedhimtoMr。Sims，whocontinuedtogazeattheshantyman'sattirewithamusedastonishment。
　　Thesupperwasnotasuccess；Ranaldsatsilentandsolemn，eatinglittleandsmilingnotatall，althoughMr。Simsexecutedhisverybestjokes。Maimiewasnervousandvisiblydistressed，andattheearliestpossiblemomentbrokeupthesupperpartyandengagedinconversationwiththelieutenantandhiswittyfriend，leavingHarryandKatetoentertainRanald。Butinspiteofalltheycoulddoasolemnsilencewouldnowandthenovertakethecompany，tillatlengthMaimiegrewdesperate，andturningtoRanald，said：
　　"Whatareyouthinkingof？Youarelookingveryserious？"
　　"Heis'thinkingofhomeandmother，'"quotedMr。Sims，inathin，pipingvoice，followinghisquotationwithasillygiggle。
　　Kateflushedindignantly。"Iamquitesurehisthoughtswillbeartelling，"shesaid。