Theyallheardthewailingcryoftheghost-music。Butwhiletheblastcontinuedtheydarednotpursuetheirhunt。Itkeptoninfitsandguststillthesquallceased——assuddenlyalmostasithadburst。Theskycleared，andthesunshoneasaMarchsuncan。Buttheblunderingblastsandtheswan-shotoftheflyinghailwereallaboutstill。
　　“Whenthestormisuponus，“remarkedDonal，astheyrosefromtheircrouchingposition，“itseemsasiftherenevercouldbesunshinemore；butourhopelessnessdoesnotkeepbackthesunwhenhishourtoshineiscome。“
　　“Iunderstand！”saidArctura：“whenoneismiserable，miseryseemsthelawofbeing；andinthemidstofitdwellssomethoughtwhichnothingcaneversetright！Allatonceitisgone，brokenupandgone，likethathail-cloud。Itjustlooksitsownfoolishnessandvanishes。“
　　“Doyouknowwhythingssooftencomeright？”saidDonal。“——Iwouldsayalwayscomeright，butthatismatteroffaith，notsight。“
　　Arcturadidnotansweratonce。
　　“IthinkIknowwhatyouarethinking，“shesaid，“butIwanttohearyouansweryourownquestion。“
　　“Whydothingscomerightsooften，doyouthink，Davie？”repeatedDonal。
　　“Isit，“returnedDavie，“becausetheyweremaderighttobeginwith？”
　　“Thereismuchinthat，Davie；butthereisabetterreasonthanthat。Itisbecausethingsarealive，andthelifeattheheartofthem，thatwhichkeepsthemgoing，isthegreat，beautifulGod。Sothesunforeverreturnsaftertheclouds。Adoubtingman，likehimwhowrotethebookofEcclesiasties，putstheevillast，andsays'thecloudsreturnaftertherain；'buttheChristianknowsthatOnehasmasteryWhomakesthejoythelastineverysong。“
　　“Youspeaklikeonewhohassuffered！”saidArctura，withakindlookinhisface。
　　“Whohasnotthatlives？”
　　“Itishowyouareabletohelpothers！”
　　“AmIabletohelpothers？Iamverygladtohearit。Myambitionwouldbetohelp，ifIhadanyambition。ButifIamable，itisbecauseIhavebeenhelpedmyself，notbecauseIhavesuffered。“
　　“Willyoutellmewhatyoumeanbysayingyouhavenoambition？”
　　“Whereyourworkislaidoutforyou，thereisnoroomforambition：
　　youhavegotyourworktodo！——Butgivemeyourhand，mylady；putyourotherhandonmyshoulder。Youstopthere，Davie，anddon'tmovetillIcometoyou。Now，mylady——alittlejump！That'sit！Nowyouaresafe！——Youwerenotafraid，wereyou？”
　　“Notintheleast。Butdidyoucomehereinthedark？”
　　“Yes。Thereisthisadvantageinthedark：youdonotseehowdangerousthewayis。Wetakethedarknessaboutusforthesourceofourdifficulties：itisagreatmistake。ChristianwouldhardlyhavedaredgothroughtheValleyoftheShadowofDeath，hadhenothadtheshieldofthedarknessallabouthim。“
　　“Canthedarknessbeashield？Isitnottheevilthing？”
　　“Yes，thedarkthatiswithinus——thedarkofdistrustandunwillingness，butnottheoutsidedarkofmerehumanignorance。
　　Wherewedonotsee，weareprotected。Wherewearemostignorantandmostindanger，isinthosethingsthataffectthelifeofGodinus：theretheFatheriseverymomentwatchinghischild。Ifhewerenotconstantlypardoningandpunishingoursins，whatwouldbecomeofus！Wemustlearntotrusthimaboutourfaultsasmuchasabouteverythingelse！”
　　Intheearnestnessofhistalkhehadstopped，butnowturnedandwenton。
　　“Thereismyland-，orroof-markrather！”hesaid，“——thatchimney-stack！ClosebyitIheardthemusicverynearmeindeed——whenallatoncethedarknessandthewindcametogethersothickthatIcoulddonothingmore。Weshalldobetternowinthedaylight——andthreeofusinsteadofone！”
　　“Whatahugeblockofchimneys！”saidArctura。
　　“Isitnot！”returnedDonal。“Itindicatesthehugenessofthebuildingbelowus，ofwhichwecanseesolittle。Likethevolcanoesoftheworld，ittellsushowmuchfireisnecessarytokeepourdwellingwarm。“
　　“Ithoughtitwasthesunthatkepttheearthwarm，“saidDavie。
　　“Soitis，butnotthesunalone。Theearthislikeaman：thegreatglowingfireisGodintheheartoftheearth，andthegreatsunisGodinthesky，keepingitwarmontheotherside。Ourgladnessandpleasure，ourtroublewhenwedowrong，ourloveforallaboutus，thatisGodinsideus；andthebeautifulthingsandlovablepeople，andallthelessonsoflifeinhistoryandpoetry，intheBible，andinwhatevercomestous，isGodoutsideofus。EverylifeisbetweentwogreatfiresoftheloveofGod。Solongaswedonotgiveourselvesupheartilytohim，wefearhisfirewillburnus。Andburnusitdoeswhenwegoagainstitsflamesandnotwiththem，refusingtoburnwiththefirewithwhichGodisalwaysburning。
　　Whenwetrytoputitout，oropposeit，orgetawayfromit，thenindeeditburns！”
　　“IthinkIknow，“saidDavie。
　　Arcturaheldherpeace。
　　“Butnow，“saidDonal，“Imustgoroundandhaveapeepattheothersideofthechimney-stack。“
　　Hedisappeared，andArcturaandDaviestoodwaitinghisreturn。Theylookedeachintheother'sfacewiththedelightofconsciouslysharingagreatadventure。Beyondtheirfeetlaythewidecountryandthegreatsea；overthemtheskywiththesuninitgoingdowntowardsthemountains；undertheirfeetthemightyoldpilethatwastheirhome；andunderthattheearthwithitsmoltenheartoffire。
　　ButDavie'slooksoonchangedtooneoftriumphinhistutor。“Isisnotgrand，“itsaid，“tobealldaywithamanlikethat——talkingtoyouandteachingyou？”ThatatleastwashowArcturainterpretedit，readinginitalmostanassertionofsuperiority，inasmuchasthismanwashistutorandnothers。Sherepliedtothelookinwords：——
　　“Iamhispupil，too，Davie，“shesaid，“thoughMr。Grantdoesnotknowit。“
　　“Howcanthatbe，“answeredDavie，“whenyouareafraidofhim？Iamnotabitafraidofhim！”
　　“HowdoyouknowIamafraidofhim？”sheasked。
　　“Oh，anybodycouldseethat！”
　　Shewasafraidshehadspokenfoolishly，andDaviemightrepeatherwords：shedidnotdesiretohastenfurtherintimacywithDonal；
　　thingsweregoinginthatdirectionfastenough！Hereyes，avoidingDavie's，keptreconnoitringthestackofchimneys。
　　“Aren'tyougladtohavesuchacastleallforyourown——todowhatyoulikewith，Arkie？Youknowyoucouldpullitalltopiecesifyouliked！”
　　“Woulditbelessmine，“saidArctura，“ifIwasnotatlibertytopullitalltopieces？AndwoulditbemoreminewhenIhadpulledittopieces，Davie？”
　　Donalwascomingroundthesideofthestack，andheardwhatshesaid。Itpleasedhim，foritwasnotalittleinhisownstyle。
　　“Whatmakesathingyourown，doyouthink，Davie？”shewenton。
　　“Tobeabletodowithitwhatyoulike，“repliedDavie。
　　“Whetherthatbegoodorbad？”
　　“Yes，Ithinkso，“answeredDavie，doubtfully。
　　“ThenIthinkyouarequitewrong，“sherejoined。“Themomentyoubegintouseathingwrong，thatmomentyoumakeitlessyours。I
　　can'tquiteexplainit，butthatishowitlookstome。“
　　Sheceased，andafteramomentDonaltookupthequestion。
　　“LadyArcturaisquiteright，Davie，“hesaid。“Thenature，thatisthegoodofathing，isthatonlybywhichitcanbepossessed。Anyotherpossessionislikeslave-owning；itisnotarighteoushaving。
　　Therightandthepowertouseittoitstruepurpose，andtheusingitso，aretheconditionsthatmakeathingours。Tohavetherightandthepower，andnotuseitso，wouldbetomakethethinglessoursthananybody's——Supposeyouhadaverybeautifulpicture，butfromsomedefectinyoursightyoucouldneverseethatpictureasitreallywas，whileaservantinyourhousenotonlysawitasitwasmeanttobeseen，buthadsuchdelightingazingonit，thateveninhisdreamsitcametohim，andmadehimthinkofthingshewouldnothavethoughtofbutforit：——whichofyou，youortheservantinyourhouse，wouldhavethemorerealpossessionofthatpicture？Youcouldsellitawayfromyourself，andneverknowanythingaboutitmore；butyoucouldnotbyallthepowerofatyranttakeitfromyourservant。“
　　“Ah，nowIunderstand！”saidDavie，withalookatladyArcturawhichseemedtosay，“YouseehowMr。Grantcanmakemeunderstand！”
　　“Iwonder，“saidladyArctura，“whatthatcuriousopeninginthesideofthechimney-stackmeans！Itcan'tbeforsmoketocomeoutat！”
　　“No，“saidDonal；“thereisnotamarkofsmokeaboutit。Ifithadbeenmeantforthat，itwouldhardlyhavebeenputhalf-wayfromthetop！Ican'tmakeitout！Aholelikethatinanychimneymustsurelyinterferewiththedraught！Imustgetaladder！”
　　“Letmeclimbonyourshoulders，Mr。Grant，“saidDavie。
　　“Comethen；upyougo！”saidDonal。
　　AndupwentDavie，andpeepedintothehorizontalslit。
　　“Itlooksverylikeachimney，“hesaid，turninghisheadandthrustingitinsideways。“Itgoesrightdowntosomewhere，“headded，bringinghisheadoutagain，“butthereissomethingacrossitalittlewaydown——topreventthejackdawsfromtumblingin，I
　　suppose。“
　　“Whatisit？”askedDonal。
　　“Somethinglikeagrating，“answeredDavie；“——no，notagratingexactly；itiswhatyoumightcallagrating，butitseemsmadeofwires。Idon'tthinkitwouldkeepastrongbirdoutifhewantedtogetin。“
　　“Aha！”saidDonaltohimself；“whatifthosewiresbetuned！Didyoueverseeanaeolianharp，mylady？”heasked：“Ineverdid。“
　　“Yes，“answeredladyArctura，“——once，whenIwasalittlegirl。Andnowyousuggestit，Ithinkthesoundsweheararenotunlikethoseofanaeolianharp！Thestringsareallthesamelength，ifI
　　remember。ButIdonotunderstandtheprinciple。Theyseemalltoplaytogether，andmakethestrangest，wildestharmonies，whenthewindblowsacrosstheminaparticularway。“
　　“Ifancythenwehavefoundthenestofourmusic-bird！”saidDonal。
　　“ThewiresDaviespeaksofmaybethestringsofanaeolianharp！I
　　wonderiftherecouldbeadraughtacrossthem！Imustgetupandsee！Imustgoandgetaladder！”
　　“Buthowcouldtherebeanaeolianharpuphere？”saidArctura。
　　“Itwillbetimeenoughtoanswerthatquestion，“repliedDonal，“whenitchangesto，'Howdidanaeolianharpgetuphere？'
　　Somethingisherethatwantsaccountingfor：itmaybeanaeolianharp！”
　　“Butinachimney！Thesootwouldspoilthestrings！”
　　“Thenperhapsitisnotachimney：isthereanysignofsootabout，Davie？”
　　“No，sir；thereisnothingbutcleanstoneandlime。“
　　“Yousee，mylady！Wedonotevenknowthatitisachimney！”
　　“Whatelsecanitbe，standingwiththerest？”
　　“Itmayhavebeenbuiltforone；butifithadeverbeenusedforone，themarksofsmokewouldremain，haditbeendisusedeversolong。Butto-morrowIwillbringupaladder。“
　　“Couldyounotdoitnow？”saidArctura，almostcoaxingly。“Ishouldsoliketohavethethingsettled！”
　　“Asyouplease，mylady！Iwillgoatonce。Thereisoneleaningagainstthegarden-wall，notfarfromthebottomofthetower。“
　　“Ifyoudonotmindthetrouble！”
　　“Iwillcomeandhelp，“saidDavie。
　　“Youmustn'tleaveladyArctura。IamnotsureifIcangetitupthestair；Iamafraiditistoolong。IfIcannot，wewillhaulitupaswedidthecoal。“
　　Hewent，andthecousinssatdowntowaithisreturn。Itwasacoldevening，butArcturawaswellwraptup，andDaviewashardy。Theysatatthefootofthechimney-stack，andbegantotalk。
　　“Itissuchalongtimesinceyoutoldmeanything，Arkie！”saidtheboy。
　　“Youdonotneedmenowtotellyouanything：youhaveMr。Grant！
　　Youlikehimmuchbetterthaneveryoudidme！”
　　“Yousee，“saidDavie，thoughtfully，andmakingnodefenceagainstherhalf-reproach，“hebeganbymakingmeafraidofhim——notthathemeanttodoit，Ithink！heonlymeantthatIshoulddowhathetoldme：Iwasneverafraidofyou，Arkie！”
　　“IwasmuchcrossertoyouthanMr。Grant，Iamsure！”
　　“Mr。Grantisnevercrosstome；andifeveryouwere，I'veforgottenit，Arkie。IonlyrememberthatIwasnotgoodtoyou。I
　　amsorryforitnowwhenIlieawakeinbed；butIsaytomyselfyouforgiveme，andgotosleep。“
　　“WhatmakesyouthinkIforgiveyou，Davie？”
　　“BecauseIloveyou。“
　　Thiswasnotverylogical，andsetArcturathinking。Shedidnotforgivetheboybecausehelovedher；buttheboy'slovetohermightmakehimsuresheforgavehim！Loveisitsownjustification，andseesitselfinallitsobjects：forgivenessisanessentialbelongingoflove，andmustbeseenwhereloveisseen。
　　“Areyoufondofmybrother？”askedDavie，afterapause。
　　“Whydoyouaskme？”
　　“Becausetheysayyouandhearegoingtobemarriedsomeday，yetyoudon'tseemtocaremuchtobetogether。“
　　“Itisallnonsense！”repliedArctura，reddening。“Iwishpeoplewouldnottalkfoolishness！”
　　“Well，Idothinkhe'snotsofondofyouasofEppy！”
　　“Hush！hush！youmustnotspeakofsuchthing。“
　　“IsawhimoncekissEppy，andIneversawhimkissyou！”
　　“No，indeed！”
　　“IsitrightofForgue，ifhe'sgoingtomarryyou，tokissEppy？——That'swhatIwanttoknow！”
　　“Heisnotgoingtomarryme。“
　　“Hewould，ifyoutoldhimyouwishedit。Papawishesit。“
　　“Howdoyouknowthat？”
　　“Frommanything。OnceIheardhimsay，'Afterwards，whenthehouseisourown，'andIaskedhimwhathemeant，andhesaid，'WhenForguemarriesArctura，thenthecastlewillbeForgue's。Thatishowitoughttobe，youknow！Propertyandtitleoughtnevertobeparted。'“
　　ThehotbloodrosetoArctura'stemples：wassheamerewrappagetoherproperty——thepaperoftheparcel！Butshecalledtomindhowstrangeherunclewas：butforthatcouldhehavebeensoimprudentastotalkinsuchawaytoaboywhosesimplicityrenderedtheconfidencedangerous？
　　“Youwouldnotlikehavingtogiveawayyourcastle——wouldyou，Arkie？”hewenton。
　　“NottoanyoneIdidnotlove。“
　　“IfIwereyou，Iwouldnotmarry，butkeepmycastletomyself。I
　　don'tseewhyForgueshouldhaveyourcastle！”
　　“YouthinkIshouldmakemycastlemyhusband？”
　　“Hewouldbeagoodbighusbandanyhow，andastrong——onetodefendyoufromyourenemies，andnottalktoyouwhenyouwantedtobequiet。“
　　“Thatisalltrue；butonemightgetwearyofastupidhusband，howeverbigandstronghewas。“
　　“There'sanotherthing，though！——hewouldn'tbeacruelhusband！
　　I'veheardpapaoftenspeakaboutsomecruelhusband！Ifanciedsometimeshemeanthimself；butthatcouldnotbe，youknow。“
　　Arcturamadenoreply。Allbutvanishedmemoriesofthingsshehadheard，hintsandsignshereandtherethatallwasnotrightbetweenheruncleandaunt，vaguelyreturned：coulditbethathenowrepentedofharshnesstohiswife，thatthethoughtofitwaspreyinguponhim，thatitdrovehimtohisdrugsforforgetfulness？——Butinthepresenceoftheboyshecouldnotgoonthinkinginsuchadirectionabouthisfather。ShefeltrelievedbythereturnofDonal。
　　Hehadfounditratherdifficulttogettheladderroundthesharpcurvesofthestair；butatlasttheysawhimwithitonhisshouldercomingoveradistantroof。
　　“Nowweshallsee！”hesaid，asheleaneditupagainstthechimney，andstoodpanting。
　　“Youhavetiredyourself！”saidladyArctura。
　　“Where'stheharm，mylady？Amanmustgettiredafewtimesbeforeheliesdown！”rejoinedDonaldlightly。
　　SaidDavie，“Mustawoman，Mr。Grant，marryamanshedoesnotlove？”
　　“No，certainly，Davie。“
　　“Mr。Grant，“saidArctura，indreadofwhatDaviemightsaynext，“whatdoyoutaketobethedutyofoneinheritingaproperty？Oughtawomantogetridofit，orattendtoitherself？”
　　Donalthoughtalittle。
　　“Wemustfirstsettlethemaindutyofproperty，“hesaid；“andthatIamhardlypreparedtodo。“
　　“Istherenotadutyowingtoyourfamily？”
　　“Thereareathousanddutiesowingtoyourfamily。“
　　“Idon'tmeanthoseyouarelivingwithmerely，butthosealsowhotransmittedthepropertytoyou。Thispropertybelongstomyfamilyratherthantome，andifIhadhadabrotheritwouldhavegonetohim：shouldInotdobetterforthefamilybygivingituptothenextheir？Iamnotdisinterestedinstartingthequestion；
　　possessionandpowerareofnogreatimportanceinmyeyes；theyarehindrancestome。“
　　“Itseemstome，“saidDonal，“thatthefactthatyouwouldnothavesucceededhadtherebeenason，pointstothefactofadisposerofevents：youweresentintotheworldtotaketheproperty。Ifso，Godexpectsyoutoperformthedutiesofit；theyarenottobegotridofbythrowingthethingaside，orgivingthemtoanothertodoforyou。IfyourfamilyandnotGodweretherealgiveroftheproperty，thequestionyouputmightarise；butIshouldhardlytakeinterestenoughinittobecapableofdiscussingit。Iunderstandmydutytomysheeporcattle，tomymaster，tomyfatherormother，tomybrotherorsister，tomypupilDaviehere；Iowemyancestorsloveandhonour，andthekeepingoftheirnameunspotted，thoughthatdutyisforestalledbyahigher；butastothepropertytheyleavebehindthem，overwhichtheyhavenomorepower，andwhichnowItrusttheyneverthinkabout，IdonotseewhatobligationIcanbeundertothemwithregardtoit，otherthaniscomprisedinthedutiesofthepropertyitself。“
　　“Butafamilyisnotmerelythosethataregonebefore；therearethosethatwillcomeafter！”
　　“Thebestthingforthosetocomeafter，istoreceivethepropertywithitsdutiesperformed，withthelightofrighteousnessradiatingfromit。“
　　“Butwhatthendoyoucallthedutiesofproperty？”
　　“Inwhatdoesthepropertyconsist？”
　　“Inland，tobeginwith。“
　　“Ifthelandwereofnovalue，wouldthepossessionofitinvolveduties？”
　　“Isupposenot。“
　　“Inwhatdoesthevalueofthelandconsist？”
　　LadyArcturadidnotattemptananswertothequestion，andDonal，afteralittlepause，resumed。
　　“Ifyouvaluedthingsastheworldvaluesthem，Ishouldnotcaretoputthequestion；butIfearyoumayhavesomelingeringnotionthat，thoughGod'swayisthetrueway，theworld'swaymustnotbedisregarded。Onething，however，iscertain——thatnothingthatisagainstGod'swaycanbetrue。Thevalueofpropertyconsistsonlyinitsbeingmeans，ground，ormaterialtoworkhiswillwithal。
　　Thereisnosuccessintheuniversebutinhiswillbeingdone。“
　　Arcturawassilent。Shehadinheritedprejudiceswhich，whileshehatedselfishness，wereyetthoroughlyselfish。Suchareoftheevilsinushardesttogetridof。Theyareevencherishedforalifetimebysomeoftheotherwiseloveliestofsouls。Knowingthathereinmuchthoughtwouldbenecessaryforher，andthatshewouldthink，Donalwentnofarther：ahousemusthaveitsfoundationsettledbeforeitisbuiltupon；argumentwherethegroundsofitareatallindisputeisworsethanuseless。
　　Heturnedtohisladder，setitright，mounted，andpeeredintotheopening。AtthelengthofhisarmhecouldreachthewiresDaviehaddescribed：theyweretaut，andfreeofrust——werethereforenotironorsteel。Hesawalsothatalittledowntheshaftafaintlightcameinfromtheoppositeside：therewasanotheropeningsomewhere！
　　Nexthesawthateachfollowingstring——forstringshealreadycountedthem——wasplacedalittlelowerthanthatbeforeit，sothattheirsuccessionwasinclinedtotheothersideoftheshaft——apparentlyinaplanebetweenthetwoopenings，thatadraughtmightpassalongtheirplane：thismustsurelybetheinstrumentwhencethemusicflowed！Hedescended。
　　“Doyouknow，mylady，“heaskedArctura，“howtheaeolianharpisplacedforthewindtowakeit？”
　　“TheonlyoneIhaveseen，“sheanswered，“wasmadetofitintoawindow；thelowersashwasopenedjustwideenoughtoletitin，sothatthewindenteringmustpassacrossthestrings。“
　　ThenDonalwasallbutcertain。
　　“Ofcourse，“hesaid，afterdescribingwhathehadseen，“wecannotbeabsolutelysurewithouthavingbeenherewiththemusic，andhavingexperimentedbycoveringanduncoveringtheopening；andforthatwemustwaitasouth-easterlywind。“
　　CHAPTERXLII。
　　COMMUNISM。
　　ButDonaldidnotfeelthateventhenwouldhehaveexhaustedthelikelihoodofdiscovery。Thatthesourceofthemusicthathadsolonghauntedthehousewasanaeolianharpinachimneythathadneverorscarcelybeenused，mightbeenoughtosatisfysome，buthewantedtoknowaswellwhy，ifthiswasachimney，itneitherhadbeennorwasused，andtowhatroomitwasachimney。Forthequestionhadcometohim——mightnotthemusicholdsomerelationwiththelegendofthelostroom？
　　Inquiryafterlegendarylorehaddrawnnearerandnearer，andthetalkaboutsuchasbelongedtothecastlehadnaturallyincreased。
　　Inthistalkwasnotseldommentionedaghost，asyetseenattimesabouttheplace。ThisDonalattributedtoglimpsesoftheearlinhisrestlessnight-walks；butbythedomestics，bothsuchashadseensomethingandsuchashadnot，theapparitionwasnaturallyassociatedwiththelostchamber，astheplacewhencethespectreissued，andwhitherhereturned。
　　Donal'ssparehourswerenowmuchgiventohisfriendAndrewComin。
　　Thegoodmanhadsofarrecoveredastothinkhimselfabletoworkagain；buthesoonfounditwaslittlehecoulddo。Hisstrengthwasgone，andtheexertionnecessarytothelightestlabourcausedhimpain。Itwassadtowatchhimonhisstool，nowputtinginastitch，nowstoppingbecauseofthecoughwhichsosorelyhauntedhisthin，wind-blowntent。Hisfacehadgrownwhiteandthin，andhehadnearlylosthismerriment，thoughnothischeerfulness；heneverlookedotherthancontent。Hehadmadeuphismindhewasnotgoingtogetbetter，buttogohomethroughalingeringillness。Hewasreadytogoandreadytolinger，asGodpleased。
　　Therewasnothingwonderfulinthis；buttosomegoodpeopleevenitdidappearwonderfulthatheshowednouneasinessastohowDoorywouldfarewhenhewasgone。Thehousewasindeedtheirown，buttherewasnomoneyinit——notevenenoughtopaythetaxes；andifshesoldit，thepricewouldnotbeenoughtoliveupon。TheneighboursweresevereonAndrew'simaginedindifferencetohiswife'sfuture，anditwasintheireyesashametobesocheerfulonthebrinkofthegrave。NotoneofthemhaddonemorethanpeepintotheworldoffaithinwhichAndrewlived。NotoneofthemcouldhaveunderstoodthatforAndrewtoallowtheleastdangerofeviltohisDoory，wouldhavebeentobeholdtheuniverserockingontheslipperyshouldersofChance。
　　Alittlemoanescapingherasshelookedoneeveningintohermoney-teapot，madeDonalaskheraquestionortwo。Sheconfessedthatshehadbutsixpenceleft。NowDonalhadspentnexttonothingsincehecame，andhadthereforeafewpoundsinhand。Hisfatherandmotherhadsentbackwhathesentthem，asbeinginneedofnothing：sirGibbiewassuchagoodsontothemthattheywerelivinginwhattheycountedluxury：RobertdoubtedwhetherhewasnotministeringtothefleshinallowingJanettoprovidebeef-broseforhimtwiceintheweek！SoDonalwasfreetospendforhisnextneighbours——justwhathispeople，whoweregrandaboutmoney，wouldhavehadhimdo。Neverintheircottagehadapennybeenwasted；
　　neveronerefusedwherewasneed。
　　“An'rew，“hesaid——andfoundthemother-tongueherefittest——“I'mthinkin'yemaunbegrowin'someshorto'silleri'thistimeo'
　　warklessness！”
　　“'Deed，Iwadnawon'er！”answeredAndrew。“Doorysaysnaethingabootsictriffles！”
　　“Weel，“rejoinedDonal，“IthankGodIhaesomei'theillpickleo'
　　nobein'wantit，an'saeindangero'cankerin'；an'atweenbritherstheresudnabetwapurses！”
　　“Yehaeyerainfowktoluikefter，sir！”saidAndrew。
　　“They'reweelluikitefter——betternorevertheywari'theirlives；
　　they'reasweelaffasIammysel'upi'yongran'castel。Theyhaeafreen'whabutforthemwadillhaelivedtobethegreatmanheisthenoo；an'there'snaethingowermuckleforhimtoduforthem；
　　saemysiller'smyain，an'yours。An'rew，an'Doory's！”
　　Theoldmanputhimthroughacatechismastohiswaysandmeansandprospects，andfindingthatDonalbelievedasfirmlyashimselfinthecareoftheMaster，andwasconvincedtherewasnothingthatMasterwouldratherseehimdowithhismoneythanhelpthosewhoneededit，especiallythosewhotrustedinhim，heyielded。
　　“It'sno，yesee，“saidDonal，“thatIhaeonydoobto'theLordprovidin'gienIhadfailt，buthehaudsthethingtomyhan'，jistasmuckleasgienhesaid，'There'sforyou，Donal！'Thefowko'
　　thiswarl'michtnaappruv，butyouan'mekensbetter，An'rew。Wekenthere'snaeguidinsillerbutdothewullo'theLordwi'
　　't——an'helptoaneanitherishisdearwull。It'sno'athe'sshorto'sillerhimsel'，buthelikestogieanitheraturn！”
　　“I'lltakit，“saidtheoldman。
　　“There'swhatIhae，“returnedDonal。
　　“Na，na；naneo'that！”saidAndrew。“Ye'retreatin'melikeamuckle，reivin'，sornin'beggar——offerin'mea'thatatance！Whaursynewadbetheprolongedsweetnesso'haein''ti'portionsfraeyerhan'，asfraethenebo'anangel-corbiesentfraeverrahamewi'yerdenner！”——Hereaglimmeroftheoldmerrimentshonethroughthewornlookandpaleeyes——“Na，na，sir，“hewenton；“jisttalkthethingowerwi'Doory，an'latherhaewhatshewantsan'naemair。Shewudnalikeit。Whakenswhatmaycamei'themeantime——Deithhimsel'，maybe！Orsee——gieDooryafiveshillins，an'whanthat'sduneshecanlatyeken！”
　　Donalwasforcedtoleaveitthus，buthedidhisutmosttoimpressuponDoorythatallhehadwasatherdisposal。
　　“Ihadnewclothes，“hesaid，“beforeIcame；IhaveallIwanttoeatanddrink；andforbooks，there'sawholeancientlibraryatmyservice！——whatpossiblycouldIwishformore？It'samereluxurytohandthemoneyovertoyou，Doory！I'mthinkin'，Doory，“forhehadbythistimegottoaddressherbyherhusband'snameforher，“there'snaebodyi'thiswarl'，'cep'theoonseenLordhimsel'，lo'esyermansaeweelasyouan'me；an'weelkenIyouan'himwadshareyerlastwi'me；saeI'monlygiein'yeo'yeraingudewull；
　　an'I'lldoobtthatgienyetaknasaelangasIhae。“
　　Thusadjured，andsatisfiedthatherhusbandwascontent，theoldwomanmadenodifficulty。
　　CHAPTERXLIII。
　　EPPYANDKENNEDY。
　　WhenStephenKennedyheardthatEppyhadgonebacktohergrandparents，afainthoperevivedinhisbosom；heknewnothingofthelatepassagebetweenthetwoparties。Hebutknewthatshewaslookingsad：shemightperhapsallowhimtobeofsomeservicetoher！Separationhadfosteredmoreandmoregentlethoughtsofherinhisheart；hewasreadytoforgivehereverything，andbelievenothingseriousagainsther，ifonlyshewouldlethimloveheragain。Modestyhadhithertokepthimfromthrowinghimselfinherway，buthenowhauntedthehouseinthehopeofcatchingaglimpseofher，andwhenshebegantogoagainintothetown，sawherrepeatedly，followinghertobenearher，buttakingcaresheshouldnotseehim：partlyfromherself-absorptionhehadsucceededinescapinghernotice。
　　Atlength，however，onenight，hetriedtosummonupcouragetoaccosther。Itwasalovely，moonlitnight，halfthestreetblackwithquaintshadows，theotherhalfshininglikesandintheyellowlight。Onthemoonysidepeoplestandingattheirdoorscouldrecognizeeachothertwohousesaway，butontheother，friendsmightpasswithoutgreeting。Eppyhadgoneintothebaker's；Kennedyhadseenhergoin，andstoodintheshadow，waiting，allbutdeterminedtospeaktoher。Shestaidagoodwhile，butoneaccustomedtowaitforfishlearnspatience。Atlengthsheappeared。
　　Bythistime，however，thoughnothispatience，Kennedy'scouragehadnearlyevaporated；andwhenhesawherhesteppedunderanarchway，letherpass，andfollowedafresh。Allatonceresolve，whichyetwasnoresolve，awokeinhim。Itwasasifsomeonetookhimandsethimbeforeher。Shestartedwhenhesteppedinfront，andgavealittlecry。
　　“Dinnabefeart，Eppy，“hesaid；“Iwudnahurtahairo'yerheid。I
　　wudraitherbeskinnedmysel'！”
　　“Gangawa，“saidEppy。“Yehaenorichttostan'i'mygait！”
　　“Nanebuttherichto'lo'ein'yebetternorever！”saidKennedy，“——giensaebeasye'lllatmeonygaitshaw't！”
　　Thewordssoftenedher；shehaddreadedreproach，ifnotindignantremonstrance。Shebegantocry。
　　“Gienonythingi'mypooerwudmakthegrieflichterupo'ye，Eppy，“
　　hesaid，“yehaebuttoname't！I'mnogauin'toaskyetomerryme，forthatIkenyedinnacareaboot；butgienImichtbeluikituponasafreen'，ifnotoyou，yettoyours——allootonyw'ytohelpi'yertrible，Imean，I'mreadytolaymei'thedirtaforeye。I
　　haenaecareformysel'onymair，an'maundosomethingforsomebody——an'whasaesoonasyersel'，Eppy！”
　　Forsoleanswer，Eppywentoncrying。Shewasfarfromhappy。ShehadnearlypersuadedherselfthatallwasoverbetweenherandlordForgue，andalmostshecould，butforshame，haveallowedKennedytocomfortherasanoldfriend。Everythinginhermindwassoconfused，andeverythingaroundhersomiserable，thatshecouldbutcry。Shecontinuedcrying，andastheywereinawalledlaneintowhichnowindowslooked，Kennedy，inthesimplicityofhisheart，andthedesiretocomfortherwholittlefromhimdeservedcomfort，cameuptoher，andputtinghisarmroundher，saidagain，“Dinnabefeartofme，Eppy。I'mamanowersair-hertittodoyeonyhurt。It'snoasthinkin'yemyain，Eppy，Iwudpreshumetoduonythingforye，butasanauldfreen'，faintotakthedogaffo'
　　ye。Areyeinwanto'onything？Yemaunhaeaheapo'trible，Iweelken，wi'yergran'father'smischance，an'it'seasytoun'erstan'
　　'atthingsmaywellbeturnin'scarceabootye；butbesureo'this，thataslang'smymitherhasonything，she'llbeblythtosharethesamewi'youan'yours。“
　　Hesaidhismother，butshehadnothingsavewhatheprovidedherwith。
　　“Ithankye，Stephen，“saidEppy，touchedwithhisgoodness；“butthere'snaenecessity；wehaeplenty。“
　　Shemovedon，herapronstilltohereyes。Kennedyfollowedher。
　　“Gientheyoonglordhaewrangedyeonygait，“hesaidfrombehindher，“an'gientherebeonyamen'syewadhaeo'him，——“
　　Sheturnedwithaquicknessthatwasfierce，andinthedimlightKennedysawhereyesblazing。
　　“Iwantnaethingfraeyourhan'，StephenKennedy，“shesaid。“Mylord'snaethingtoyou——noryetmuckletome！”sheadded，withsuddenreactionandanoutburstofself-pity，andagainfellaweeping——andsobbingnow。
　　Withthetimidityofastrongmanbeforethegirlhelovesandthereforefears，Kennedyoncemoretriedtocomforther，wipinghereyeswithherapron。Whilehedidso，aman，turningacornerquickly，camealmostuponthem。Hestartedback，thencamenearer，lookedhardatthem，andspoke。ItwaslordForgue。
　　“Eppy！”heexclaimed，inatoneinwhichindignationblendedwithsurprise。
　　Eppygaveacry，andrantohim。Hepushedheraway。
　　“Mylord，“saidKennedy，“thelasswillnaneo'meormine。Isairdoobtthere'snanebutyersel'canpleaseher。ButIsweirbyGod，mylord，gienyeduheronywrang，I'llnorest，nichtnorday，tillIhaemadeyerepentit。“
　　“Gotothedevil！”saidForgue；“there'sanoldcrow，Isuspect，yettopluckbetweenus！Formeyoumaytakeher，though。Idon'tgohalves。“
　　Eppylaidherhandtimidlyonhisarm，butagainhepushedheraway。
　　“Oh，mylord！”shesobbed，andcouldsaynomoreforweeping。
　　“HowisitIfindyouherewiththisman？”heasked。“Idon'twanttobeunfairtoyou，butitlooksratherbad！”
　　“Mylord，“saidKennedy。
　　“Holdyourtongue；letherspeakforherself。“
　　“Ihadnotrystwi'him，mylord！Ineversaidcomenighme，“sobbedEppy。“——Yeseewhatyehaedune！”shecried，turninginangeronKennedy，andhertearssuddenlyceasing。“Neverbutillhaeyebrochtme！Whatbusinesshadyetocomeeftermethisgait，makin'
　　mischief'atweenmylordan'me？Canabodynosetfutayontthedoor-sill，buttheymaunbefollowto'themtheywudseefareneuch！”
　　Kennedyturnedandwent，andEppywithafreshburstoftearsturnedtogoalso。ButshehadsatisfiedForguethattherewasnothingbetweenthem，andhewassoonmoresuccessfulthanKennedyinconsolingher。
　　Whileabsenthehadbeenableenoughtogetonwithouther，butnosoonerwashehomethan，inthewearylackofinterest，thefeelingswhich，halflamenting，halfrejoicing，hehadimaginedextinct，begantorevive，andhewenttothetownvaguelyhopingtogetasightofEppy。Cominguponhert阾e？t阾ewithheroldlover，firstasenseofunpardonableinjurypossessedhim，andnexttheconvictionthathewasasmadlyinlovewithherasever。Thetideofoldtendernesscamethrobbingandstreamingbackovertheghastlysandsofjealousy，anderetheypartedhehadmadewithheranappointmenttomeetthenextnightinamoresuitablespot。
　　DonalwasseatedbyAndrew'sbedsidereading：hehadnowtheopportunityofbringingmanythingsbeforehimsuchastheoldmandidnotknowtoexist。Thoselastdaysofsicknessandweaknesswereamongthemostblessedofhislife；muchthatcouldnotbedoneformanyagoodmanwithtentimeshiseducation，couldbedoneforamanlikeAndrewComin。
　　Eppyhaddoneherbesttoremovealltracesofemotionereshere-enteredthehouse；butshecouldnothelptheshiningofhereyes：thejoy-lamprelightedinherbosomshonethroughthem：andAndrewlookingupwhensheentered，Donal，seatedwithhisbacktoher，atonceknewhersecret：hergrandfatherreaditfromherface，andDonalreaditfromhis。
　　“ShehasseenForgue！”hesaidtohimself。“Ihopetheoldmanwilldiesoon。“
　　CHAPTERXLIV。
　　HIGHANDLOW。
　　WhenlordMorvenheardofhisson'sreturn，hesentforDonal，receivedhiminafriendlyway，gavehimtounderstandthat，howeverhemightfailtofallinwithhisviews，hedependedthoroughlyonhishonesty，andbeggedhewouldkeephiminformedofhisson'sproceedings。
　　Donalrepliedthat，whilehefullyacknowledgedhislordship'srighttoknowwhathissonwasdoing，hecouldnottaketheofficeofaspy。
　　“ButIwillwarnlordForgue，“heconcluded，“thatImayseeitrighttolethisfatherknowwhatheisabout。Ifancy，however，heunderstandsasmuchalready。“
　　“Pooh！thatwouldbeonlytoteachhimcunning，“saidtheearl。
　　“Icandonothingunderhand，“repliedDonal。“Iwillhelpnomantokeepanunrighteoussecret，butneitherwillIsecretlydiscloseit。“
　　Meetinghimafewdaysafter，Forguewouldhavepassedhimwithoutrecognition，butDonalstoppedhim，andsaid——
　　“Ibelieve，mylord，youhaveseenEppysinceyourreturn。“
　　“Whatthedeuceisthattoyou？”
　　“Iwishyourlordshiptounderstandthatwhatevercomestomyknowledgeconcerningyourproceedingsinregardtoher，IwillreporttoyourfatherifIseefit。“
　　“Thewarningisunnecessary。Fewinformers，however，wouldhavegivenmetheadvantage，andIthankyou：sofarIamindebtedtoyou。Nonethelesstheshameoftheinformerremains！”
　　“Yourlordship'sjudgmentofmeisnomoretomethanthatofyonrookupthere。“
　　“Youdoubtmyhonour？”saidForguewithasneer。
　　“Ido。Idoubtyou。Youdonotknowyourself。Timewillshow。ForGod'ssake，mylord，looktoyourself！Youareinterribledanger。“
　　“Iwouldratherdowrongforlovethanrightforfear。Iscornsuchthreats。“
　　“Threats，mylord！”echoedDonal。“Isitathreattowarnyouthatyourveryconsciousnessmaybecomeacursetoyou？thattoknowyourselfmaybeyourhell？thatyoumaycometomakeityourfirstcaretoforgetwhatyouare？DoyouknowwhatShaksperesaysofTarquin——
　　Besides，hissoul'sfairtempleisdefaced；
　　Towhoseweakruinsmustertroopsofcares，Toaskthespottedprincesshowshefares——？”
　　“Oh，hangyourpreaching！”criedForgue，andturnedaway。
　　“Mylord，“saidDonal，“ifyouwillnothearme，therearepreachersyoumust。“
　　“Theywillnotbequitesolong-windedthen！”Forgueanswered。
　　“Youareright，“saidDonal；“theywillnot。“
　　AllForgue'sthoughtswerenowoccupiedwiththequestionhowwithleastdangerEppyandheweretomeet。Hedidnotcontemplatetreachery。Atthistimeofhislifehecouldnothaverespectedhimself，littleaswasrequiredforthat，hadhebeenconsciouslytreacherous；butnomanwhoinloveyetloveshimselfmore，issafefrombecomingatraitor：potentiallyheisonealready。Treacherytohimwhoisguiltyofitseemsonlynaturalself-preservation；themanwhocandoavilethingisincapableofseeingitasitis；andthatoughttomakeusdoubtfulofourjudgmentsofourselves，especiallydefensivejudgments。Forguedidnotsuspecthimself——notalthoughheknewthathispassionhadbutjustregainedalostenergy，revivedattheideaofanothermanhavingthegirl！Itdidnotshamehimthathehadbeguntoforgether，orthathehadbeensorousedtofreshdesire。Ifhehadstayedawaysixmonths，hewouldpracticallyhaveforgottenheraltogether。Somemaythinkthat，ifhehaddevotionenoughtosurmountthevulgaritiesofherpositionandmannersandwaysofthought，hislovecouldhardlybesuchastoyieldsosoon；butEppywasnotinherselfvulgar。Manyofevenhumblereducationthanshearefarlessreallyvulgarthansomeintheforefrontofsociety。NodoubttheconventionalitiesofamanlikeForguemusthavebeensometimesshockedinfamiliarintercoursewithonelikeEppy；butwhilehewasmerelyflirtingwithher，theverythingsthatshockedwouldalsoamusehim——forI
　　needhardlysayhewasnotgenuinelyrefined；andbyandbythegrowingpassionobscuredthem。Thereisnodoubtthat，hadshebeenconfrontedashiswifewiththecommonpeopleofsociety，hewouldhavebecomeawareofmanythingsasvulgaritieswhichwereonlysimplicities；butinthemeantimeshewasnomorevulgartohimthanalamborababyisvulgar，howeverunfiteitherforaBelgraviandrawing-room。Vulgar，atthesametime，hewouldhavethoughtandfelther，butforthelovethatmadehimdoherjustice。Loveistheopeneraswellascloserofeyes。Butmenwho，havingseen，becomeblindagain，thinktheyhavehadtheireyesfinallyopened。
　　ForsometimetherewasnochangeinEppy'sbehaviourbutthatshewasnottearfulasbefore。Shecontinueddiligent，nevergrumbledatthehardestwork，andseemeddesirousofmakingupforremissnessinthepast，whenintruthshewastryingtomakeupforsomethingelseinthepresent：shewouldatoneforwhatshewouldnottell，bydoingimmediatedutywiththegreaterdevotion。Butbyandbyshebeganoccasionallytoshow，bothinmannerandcountenance，alittleoftheoldpertness，mingledwithuneasiness。Thephenomenon，however，wassointermittentandunpronounced，astobemanifestonlytoeyesfamiliarwithherlooksandways：toDonalitwasclearthattherelationbetweenherandForguewasresumed。Yetsheneverwentoutintheeveningexceptsentbyhergrandmother，andthenshealwayscamehomeevenwithhaste——anxious，itmighthaveseemed，toavoidsuspicion。
　　ItwasthecustomwithDonalandDavietogooftenintothefieldsandwoodsinthefineweather——theycalledthistheirobservationclass——tolearnwhattheymightofthemultitudinousgoingsoninthisorthatofNature'sworkshops：thereeachforhimselfandtheotherexercisedhisindividualpowersofseeingandnotingandputtingtogether。Donalknewlittleofwoodlandmatters，havingbeenchieflyaccustomedtomeadowsandbarehill-sides；yetinthewoodshewasthekeenerofthetwotoobserve，andcouldthebetterteachthathewasbutabetterlearner。
　　Oneday，astheywerewalkingtogetherunderthethinshadeofafir-thicket，Daviesaid，withasuddenchangeofsubject——
　　“IwonderifweshallmeetForgueto-day！hegetsupearlynow，andgoesout。Itisneithertofishnorshoot，forhedoesn'ttakehisrodorgun；hemustbewatchingorlookingforsomething！——Shouldn'tyousayso，Mr。Grant？”
　　ThissetDonalthinking。Eppywasneveroutatnight，oronlyforafewminutes；andForguewentoutearlyinthemorning！ButifEppywouldmeethim，howcouldheoranyonehelpit？
　　CHAPTERXLV。
　　ALASTENCOUNTER。
　　Nowforawhile，DonalseldomsawladyArctura，andwhenhedid，receivedfromhernoencouragementtoaddressher。Thetroubledlookhadreappearedonherface。Inhersmile，astheypassedinhallorcorridor，glimmeredanexpressionalmostpathetic——somethinglikeanappeal，asifshestoodinsoreneedofhishelp，butdarednotaskforit。ShewasagainmuchinthecompanyofMissCarmichael，andDonalhadgoodcausetofearthatthepharisaismofherwould-bedirectresswascomingdownuponherspirit，notlikerainonthemowngrass，butlikefrostonthespringflowers。TheimpossibilityofpiercingtheChristianphariseeholdingthetraditionsoftheelders，inanyvitalpart——sopachydermatousishetoanyspiritualargument——isasoretrialtotheoldAdamstillunslaininloversofthetruth。Atthesametimenothinggivespatiencebetteropportunityforherperfectwork。Anditiswelltheycannotbereachedbyargumentandsopersuaded；theywouldbutenterthecirclesofthefaithfultoworkfreshschismsandbreedfreshimposthumes。
　　ButDonalhadbeguntothinkthathehadbeentooforbearingtowardsthehideousdoctrinesadvocatedbyMissCarmichael。Itisonethingwhereevildoctrinesarequietlyheld，andthetruthassociatedwiththemassimilatedbygoodpeopledoingtheirbestwithwhathasbeentaughtthem，andquiteanotherthingwheretheyareforceduponsomeshrinkingnature，weaktoresistthroughtheveryreverencewhichisitsexcellence。Thefinernature，frominabilitytothinkanotheroflesspureintentthanitself，isoftenatagreatdisadvantageinthehandsofthecoarser。Hemadeuphismindthat，riskasitwastoenterintodisputationswithaworshipperoftheletter，inasmuchasforargumenttheletterisimmeasurablymoreavailablethanthespirit——forwhilethespiritliesintheletterunperceived，ithasnoforce，andtheletter-worshipperisincapableofseeingthatGodcouldnotpossiblymeanwhathemakesofit——notwithstandingtherisk，heresolvedtoholdhimselfready，andifanythingwasgivenhim，tocryitoutandnotspare。Norhadhelongresolvederetheopportunitycame。
　　IthadcometobeknownthatDonalfrequentedtheoldavenue，anditwaswithintent，intheprideofheracquaintancewithscripture，andherpowertouseit，thatMissCarmichaeloneafternoonledherunwilling，ratherrecusant，andveryunhappydisciplethither：shesoughtanencounterwithhim：hisinsolencetowardstheold-establishedfaithmustbeconfounded，hisobnoxiousinfluenceonArcturafrustrated！Itwasabrightautumnalday。Thetreesweresorelybereaved，butsomefoliageyethunginthinyellowcloudsupontheirpatientboughs。TherewasplentyofwhatDaviecalledscushlin，thatisthenoiseofwalkingwithscarceliftedfeetamongstthethick-lyingwitheredleaves。Butlessfoliagemeansmoresunlight。
　　Donalwassaunteringalong，hisbookinhishand，nowandthenreadingalittle，nowandthenlookinguptothehalf-baredbranches，nowandthen，likeDavie，sweepingacloudofthefallenmultitudebeforehim。Hewasinthischildishactwhen，lookingup，hesawthetwoladiesapproaching；hedidnotseethepeculiarglanceMissCarmichaelthrewhercompanion：“Beholdyourprophet！”
　　itsaid。Hewouldhavepassedwithliftedbonnet，butMissCarmichaelstopped，smiling：hersmilewasbrightbecauseitshowedhergoodteeth，butwasnotpleasantbecauseitshowednothingelse。
　　“Gloryingoverthefallen，Mr。Grant？”shesaid。
　　Donalinhisturnsmiled。
　　“ThatisnotMr。Grant'sway，“saidArctura，“——sofaratleastasI
　　haveknownhim！”
　　“Howcarelessthetreesareoftheirpoorchildren！”saidMissCarmichael，affectingsympathyfortheleaves。
　　“Pardonme，“saidDonal，“ifIgrudgethemyourpity：thereisnothingmoreofchildreninthoseleavesthanthereisinthehairthatfallsonthebarber'sfloor。“
　　“Itisnotverygracioustopullaladyupsosharply！”returnedMissCarmichael，stillsmiling：“Ispokepoetically。“
　　“Thereisnopoetryinwhatisnottrue，“rejoinedDonal。“Thosearenotthechildrenofthetree。“
　　“Ofcourse，“saidMissCarmichael，alittlesurprisedtofindtheirfoilscrossedalready，“atreehasnochildren！but——“
　　“Atreenochildren！”exclaimedDonal。“Whatthenareallthosebeech-nutsundertheleaves？Aretheynotthechildrenofthetree？”
　　“Yes；andlostliketheleaves！”sighedMissCarmichael。
　　“Whydoyousaytheyarelost？Theymustfulfiltheendforwhichtheyweremade，andifso，theycannotbelost。“
　　“Forwhatendweretheymade？”
　　“Idonotknow。Iftheyallgrewup，theywouldbeagooddealintheway。“
　　“Thenyousaytherearemoreseedsthanarerequired？”
　　“HowcouldI，whenIdonotknowwhattheyarerequiredfor？HowcanItellthatitisnotnecessaryforthelifeofthetreethatitshouldproducethemall，andnecessarytooforthegroundtoreceivesomuchlife-rentfromthetree！”
　　“Butyoumustadmitthatsomethingsarelost！”
　　“Yes，surely！”answeredDonal。“Whyelseshouldhecomeandlooktillhefind？”
　　Nosuchanswerhadthetheologianexpected；shewasnotimmediatewithherrejoinder。
　　“Butsomeofthemarelostafterall！”shesaid。
　　“Doubtless；therearesheepthatwillkeeprunningaway。Buthegoesafterthemagain。“
　　“Hewillnotdothatforever！”
　　“Hewill。“
　　“Idonotbelieveit。“
　　“ThenyoudonotbelievethatGodisinfinite！”
　　“Ido。“
　　“Howcanyou？IshenottheLordGodmercifulandgracious？”
　　“Iamgladyouknowthat。“
　　“Butifhismercyandhisgraciousnessarenotinfinite，thenheisnotinfinite！”
　　“Thereareotherattributesinwhichheisinfinite。“
　　“Butheisnotinfiniteinallhisattributes？Heispartlyinfinite，andpartlyfinite！——infiniteinknowledgeandpower，butinlove，inforgiveness，inallthosethingswhicharethemostbeautiful，themostdivine，themostChrist-like，heisfinite，measurable，bounded，small！”
　　“Icarenothingforsuchfinitereasoning。Itakethewordofinspiration，andgobythat！”
　　“Letmehearthen，“saidDonal，withanupliftingofhisheartinprayer；foritseemednolightthingforArcturawhichofthemshouldshowthebetterreason。
　　NowithadsofallenthattheladiesweretalkingaboutthedoctrinecalledAdoptionwhenfirsttheysawDonal；whencethisdoctrinewasthefirsttooccurtothechampionoforthodoxyasaweaponwherewithtofoiltheenemy。
　　“Themostpreciousdoctrine，ifonemaysayso，inthewholeBible，isthatofAdoption。GodbythemouthofhisapostlePaultellsusthatGodadoptssomeforhischildren，andleavestherest。Ifbecauseofthisyousayheisnotinfiniteinmercy，whentheBiblesaysheis，youareguiltyofblasphemy。“
　　Inatonecalmtosolemnity，Donalanswered——
　　“God'smercyisinfinite；andthedoctrineofAdoptionisoneofthefalsestoffalsedoctrines。InbitterlackofthespiritwherebywecryAbba，Father，theso-calledChurchinventedit；anditremains，ahideousmaskwherewithfalseandignorantteachersscareGod'schildrenfromtheirFather'sarms。“
　　“Ihatesentiment——mostofallinreligion！”saidMissCarmichaelwithcontempt。
　　“Youshallhavenone，“returnedDonal。“TellmewhatismeantbyAdoption。“
　　“Thetakingofchildren，“answeredMissCarmichael，alreadyspyingarockahead，“andtreatingthemasyourown。“
　　“Whosechildren？”askedDonal。
　　“Anyone's。“
　　“Whose，“insistedDonal，“arethechildrenwhomGodadopts？”
　　Shewasontherock，andalittlestaggered。Butshepulledupcourageandsaid——
　　“ThechildrenofSatan。“
　　“Thenhowaretheytobeblamedfordoingthedeedsoftheirfather？”
　　“YouknowverywellwhatImean！Satandidnotmakethem。Godmadethem，buttheysinnedandfell。“
　　“ThendidGodrepudiatethem？”
　　“Yes。“
　　“Andtheybecamethechildrenofanother？”
　　“Yes，ofSatan。“
　　“ThenGoddisownshischildren，andwhentheyarethechildrenofanother，adoptsthem？MissCarmichael，itistoofoolish！Wouldthatbelikeafather？Becausehischildrendonotpleasehim，herepudiatesthemaltogether；andthenhewantsthemagain——notashisown，butasthechildrenofastranger，whomhewilladopt！Theoriginalrelationshipisnolongerofanyforce——hasnoweightevenwiththeirveryownfather！Whatgroundcouldsuchaparenthavetocomplainofhischildren？”
　　“YoudarenotsaythewickedarethechildrenofGodthesameasthegood。“
　　“Thatbefarfromme！ThosewhodothewillofGodareinfinitelymorehischildrenthanthosewhodonot；theyarebornoftheinnermostheartofGod；theyarethenofthenatureofJesusChrist，whosegloryisobedience。Butiftheywerenotinthefirstplace，andinthemostprofoundfact，thechildrenofGod，theycouldneverbecomehischildreninthathigher，thathighestsense，byanyfictionofadoption。Doyouthinkifthedevilcouldcreate，hischildrencouldeverbecomethechildrenofGod？ButyouandI，andeverypharisee，publican，andsinnerintheworld，areequallythechildrenofGodtobeginwith。Thatistherootofallthemiseryandallthehope。Becausewearehischildren，wemustbecomehischildreninheartandsoul，orbeforeverwretched。Ifweceasedtobehis，iftherelationbetweenusweredestroyed，whichisimpossible，noredemptionwouldbepossible，therewouldbenothinglefttoredeem。“
　　“Youmaytalkasyouseefit，Mr。Grant，butwhilePaulteachesthedoctrine，Iwillholdit；hemayperhapsknowalittlebetterthanyou。“
　　“Paulteachesnosuchdoctrine。HeteachesjustwhatIhavebeensaying。Thewordtranslatedadoption，heusesfortheraisingofonewhoisasontothetruepositionofason。“
　　“Thepresumptioninyoutosaywhattheapostledidordidnotmean！”
　　“Why，MissCarmichael，doyouthinkthegospelcomestousasasetoffools？Isthereanywayoftrulyorworthilyreceivingamessagewithoutunderstandingit？Amessageissentfortheverysakeofbeinginsomemeasureatleastunderstood。Withoutthatitwouldbenomessageatall。Iamboundbythewillandexpresscommandofthemastertounderstandthethingshesaystome。Hecommandsmetoseetheirrectitude，becausetheybeingtrue，Ioughttobeabletoseethemtrue。Inthehopeofseeingashewouldhavemesee，IreadmyGreekTestamenteveryday。ButitisnotnecessarytoknowGreektoseewhatPaulmeansbytheso-translatedadoption。Youhaveonlytoconsiderhiswordswithintenttofindouthismeaning，andwithoutintenttofindinthemtheteachingofthisorthatdoctorofdivinity。IntheepistletotheGalatians，whosechilddoeshespeakofasadopted？Itisthefather'sownchild，hisheir，whodiffersnothingfromaslaveuntilheentersuponhistruerelationtohisfather——thefullstatusofason。Soalso，inanotherpassage，bythesamewordhemeanstheredemptionofthebody——itspassingintothehigherconditionofoutwardthings，intoaconditioninitself，andahomearoundit，fitforthesonsanddaughtersofGod——thatwebenomorelikestrangers，butlikewhatweare，thechildrenofthehouse。TouseanywordofPaul'stomakehumanbeingfeelasifhewerenotbybirth，making，origin，orwhateverwordofcloserimportcanbefound，thechildofGod，orasifanythinghehaddoneorcoulddocouldannulthatrelationship，isofthedevil，thefatherofevil，noteitherofPaulorofChrist——Why，mylady，“continuedDonal，turningtoArctura，“alltheevilliesinthis——thatheisourfatherandwearenothischildren。Tofulfilthepoorestnecessitiesofourbeing，wemustbehischildreninbrainandheart，inbodyandsoulandspirit，inobedienceandhopeandgladnessandlove——hisoutandout，beyondallthattonguecansay，mindthink，orheartdesire。Thenonlyisourcreationfinished——thenonlyarewewhatweweremadetobe。Thisisthatforthesakeofwhichwearetroubledonallsides。“
　　Heceased。MissCarmichaelwasintellectuallycowed，butherheartwasnowisetouched。ShehadneverhadthatlongingafterclosestrelationwithGodwhichsendsusfeelingafterthefather。Butnow，takingcourageundertheovershadowingwingofthedivine，Arcturaspoke。
　　“Idohopewhatyousayistrue，Mr。Grant！”shesaidwithalongingsigh。
　　“Ohyes，hope！weallhope！Butitisthewordwehavetodowith！”
　　saidMissCarmichael。
　　“Ihavegivenyouthetruthofthisword！”saidDonal。
　　Butasifsheheardneitherofthem，Arcturawenton，“Ifitwerebuttrue！”shemoaned。“Itwouldsetrighteverythingonthefaceoftheearth！”
　　“Youmeanfarmorethanthat，mylady！”saidDonal。“Youmeaneverythinginthehumanheart，whichwilltoalleternitykeepmoaningandcryingoutfortheFatherofit，untilitisonewithitsonerelation！”
　　Heliftedhisbonnet，andwouldhavepassedon。
　　“Oneword，Mr。Grant，“saidMissCarmichael。“——NomanholdingsuchdoctrinescouldwithhonestybecomeaclergymanofthechurchofScotland。“
　　“Verylikely，“repliedDonal，“Goodafternoon。“
　　“Thankyou，Mr。Grant！”saidArctura。“Ihopeyouareright。“
　　Whenhewasgone，theladiesresumedtheirwalkinsilence。AtlengthMissCarmichaelspoke。
　　“Well，Imustsay，ofalltheconceitedyoungmenIhavehadthemisfortunetomeet，yourMr。Grantbearsthepalm！Suchself-assurance！suchpresumption！suchforwardness！”
　　“Areyoucertain，Sophia，“rejoinedArctura，“thatitisself-assurance，andnotconvictionthatgiveshimhiscourage？”
　　“Heisateacheroflies！Hegoesdeadagainstallthatgoodmensayandbelieve！Thethingisasclearasdaylight：heisaltogetherwrong！”
　　“WhatifGodbesendingfreshlightintothemindsofhispeople？”
　　“Theoldlightisgoodenoughforme！”
　　“ButitmaynotbegoodenoughforGod！WhatifMr。Grantshouldbehismessengertoyouandme！”
　　“Alikelything！ArawstudentfromthehillsofDaurside！”
　　“Icherishaprofoundhopethathemaybeintheright。Muchgood，youknow，didcomeoutofGalilee！Everyplaceandeverypersonisdespisedbysomebody！”
　　“Arctura！Hehasinfectedyouwithhisfrightfulirreverence！”
　　“IfhebeamessengerofJesusChrist，“saidArctura，quietly，“hehashadfromyouthereceptionhewouldexpect，forthedisciplemustbeashismaster。“
　　MissCarmichaelstoodstillabruptly。Herfacewasinaflame，butherwordscamecoldandhard。
　　“Iamsorry，“shesaid，“ourfriendshipshouldcometosoharshaconclusion，ladyArctura；butitistimeitshouldendwhenyouspeaksotoonewhohasbeendoingherbestforsolongtoenlightenyou！Ifthisbethefirstresultofyournewgospel——well！Rememberwhosaid，'IfanangelfromheavenpreachanyothergospeltoyouthanIhavepreached，lethimbeaccursed！”
　　Sheturnedback。
　　“Oh，Sophia，donotleavemeso！”criedArctura。
　　Butshewasalreadyyardsaway，herskirtmakingasmallwhirlwindthatwentafterherthroughthewitheredleaves。Arcturaburstintotears，andsatdownatthefootofoneofthegreatbeeches。MissCarmichaelneverlookedbehindher。ShemetDonalagain，forhetoohadturned：heuncovered，butshetooknoheed。Shehaddonewithhim！HerpoorArctura。
　　Donalwaswalkinggentlyon，thinking，withclosedbook，whenthewindboretohisearalowsobfromArctura。Helookedup，andsawher：shesatweepinglikeonerejected。Hecouldnotpassorturnandleaveherthus！Sheheardhisstepsinthewitheredleaves，glancedup，droppedherheadforamoment，thenrosewithafeebleattemptatasmile。Donalunderstoodthesmile：shewouldnothavehimtroubledbecauseofwhathadtakenplace！
　　“Mr。Grant，“shesaid，comingtowardshim，“St。Paullaidacurseuponevenanangelfromheavenifhepreachedanyothergospelthanhis！Itisterrible！”
　　“Itisterrible，andIsayamentoitwithallmyheart，“returnedDonal。“ButthegospelyouhavereceivedisnotthegospelofPaul；
　　itisonesubstitutedforit——andthatbynoangelfromheaven，butbymenwithhide-boundsouls，who，inordertogetthemintotheirownintellectualpockets，melteddowntheingotsofthekingdom，andre-casttheminmouldsofwretchedlegalism，borrowedoftheRomanswhocrucifiedtheirmaster。Grand，childlike，heavenlythingstheymustexplain，forsooth，aftervulgarworldlynotionsoflawandright！Buttheymeantwell，seekingtojustifythewaysofGodtomen，thereforethecurseoftheapostledoesnotfall，Ithink，uponthem。Theysoughtawayoutoftheirdifficulties，andthoughttheyhadfoundone，wheninrealityitwastheirfaithinGodhimselfthatalonegotthemoutoftheprisonoftheirtheories。ButgladlywouldIseediscomfitedsuchas，receivingthoseinventionsatthehundredthhand，andmovedbynoneofthefervourwithwhichtheywerefirstpromulgated，lay，asthewordandwillofGod，lumpsofironandheapsofdustuponlive，beating，longingheartsthatcryoutaftertheirGod！”
　　“Oh，Idohopewhatyousayistrue！”pantedArctura。“IthinkI
　　shalldieifIfinditisnot！”
　　“IfyoufindwhatItellyouuntrue，itwillonlybethatitisnotgrandandfreeandbounteousenough。Tothinkanythingtoogoodtobetrue，istodenyGod——tosaytheuntruemaybebetterthanthetrue——thattheremightbeagreaterGodthanhe。Remember，Christisintheworldstill，andwithinourcall。“
　　“Iwillthinkofwhatyoutellme，“saidArctura，holdingoutherhand。
　　“Ifanythinginparticulartroublesyou，“saidDonal，“IshallbemostgladtohelpyouifIcan；butitisbetterthereshouldnotbemuchtalking。ThethingliesbetweenyouandyourFather。“
　　Withthesewordshelefther。Arcturafollowedslowlytothehouse，andwentstraighttoherroom，hermindfillingasshewentwithslow-revivingstrengthandagreathope。Nodoubtsomeofherreliefcamefromthedepartureofherincubusfriend；butthatmustsoonhavevanishedinfreshsorrow，saveforthehopeandstrengthtowhichthisdepartureyieldedtheroom。Shetrustedthatbythetimeshesawheragainshewouldbemorefirmlygroundedconcerningmanythings，andabletosetthemfortharight。Shewasnotyetfreeofthenotionthatyoumustbeabletodefendyourconvictions；shescarcefeltatlibertytosayshebelievedathing，solongassheknewanargumentagainstitwhichshecouldnotshowtobefalse。