’Iwouldoftenbeacowardbutfortheshameofit.’
　　AndsotheLeaguewaitedforthemantocome，whowastobeResidentManagerandmakethenewenterpriseasuccess.Andcomehedid;butthemannerofhiscomingwassoextraordinary，thatI
　　havebelievedinthedoctrineofaspecialprovidenceeversince;
　　forasCraigsaid，’IfhehadcomestraightfromHeavenIcouldnothavebeenmoresurprised.’
　　WhiletheLeaguewasthuswaiting，itsinterestcentreduponSlavin，chieflybecauseherepresentedmorethananyothertheforcesoftheenemy;andthoughBillyBreenstoodbetweenhimandthevengeanceoftheangrymenwhowouldhavemadeshortworkofhimandhissaloon，nothingcouldsavehimfromhimself，andafterthefuneralSlavinwenttohisbaranddrankwhiskyashehadneverdrunkbefore.Butthemorehedrankthefiercerandgloomierhebecame，andwhenthemendrinkingwithhimchaffedhim，hesworedeeplyandwithsuchthreatsthattheylefthimalone.
　　ItdidnothelpSlavineithertohaveNixonstrideinthroughthecrowddrinkingathisbarandgivehimwordsofwarning.
　　’Itisnotyourfault，Slavin，’hesaidinslow，coolvoice，’thatyouandyourpreciouscrewdidn’tsentmetomydeath，too.You’vewonyourbet，butIwanttosay，thatnexttime，thoughyouareseventoone，ortentimesthat，whenanyofyouboysoffermeadrinkI’lltakeyoutomeanfight，andI’llnotdisappointyou，andsomeonewillbekilled，’andsosayinghestrodeoutagain，leavingamean—lookingcrowdofmenbehindhim.AllwhohadnotbeenconcernedinthebusinessatNixon’sshackexpressedapprovalofhisposition，andhopedhewould’seeitthrough.’
　　ButtheimpressionofNixon’swordsuponSlavinwasasnothingcomparedwiththatmadebyGeordieCrawford.Itwasnotwhathesaidsomuchasthemannerofawfulsolemnityhecarried.Geordiewasstrugglingconscientiouslytokeephispromiseto’notbe’ardontheboys，’andfoundconsiderablereliefinrememberingthathehadagreed’toleavethemtaetheAlmichty.’Butthemannerofleavingthemwassosolemnlyawful，thatIcouldnotwonderthatSlavin’ssuperstitiousIrishnaturesuppliedhimwithsupernaturalterrors.ItwastheseconddayafterthefuneralthatGeordieandIwerewalkingtowardsSlavin’s.Therewasagreatshoutoflaughteraswedrewnear.
　　Geordiestoppedshort，andsaying，’We’lljuistganginameenute，’
　　passedthroughthecrowdanduptothebar.
　　’MichaelSlavin，’beganGeordie，andthemenstaredindead，silence，withtheirglassesintheirhands.’MichaelSlavin，a’
　　promisedthelada’dbearyenaeillwull，butjuistleaveyetaetheAlmichty;an’Iwanttaetellyethata’mkeepin’mawur—r—d.
　　But’——andhereheraisedhishand，andhisvoicebecamepreternaturallysolemn——’hisbluidisuponyerhan’s.Doyeno’
　　seeit？’
　　Hisvoicerosesharply，andashepointed，Slavininstinctivelyglancedathishands，andGeordieadded——
　　’Ay，andtheLordwillrequireito’youandyerhoose.’
　　TheytoldmethatSlavinshiveredasiftakenwithagueafterGeordiewentout，andthoughhelaughedandswore，hedidnotstopdrinkingtillhesankintoadrunkenstuporandhadtobecarriedtobed.HislittleFrench—Canadianwifecouldnotunderstandthechangethathadcomeoverherhusband.
　　’He’slikeonebear，’sheconfidedtoMrs.Mavor，towhomshewasshowingherbabyofayearold.’He’snotkeesmeonetamdisday.
　　He’smoshawfulbad，he’snotevenlookatdebaby.’Andthisseemedsufficientproofthatsomethingwasseriouslywrong;forshewentontosay——
　　’He’stinkmorefordatleelbabydanfordewholeworl’;he’stinkmorefordatbabydanforme，’butsheshruggedherprettylittleshouldersindeprecationofherspeech.
　　’Youmustprayforhim，’saidMrs.Mavor，’andallwillcomeright.’
　　’Ah！madame！’sherepliedearnestly，’everyday，everyday，IpraylasainteViergeettouslessaintsforhim.’
　　’YoumustpraytoyourFatherinheavenforhim.’
　　’Ah！oui！Iweelpray，’andMrs.Mavorsentherawaybrightwithsmiles，andwithnewhopeandcourageinherheart.
　　Shehadverysoonneedofallhercourage，forattheweek’sendherbabyfelldangerouslyill.Slavin’sanxietyandfearwerenotrelievedmuchbythereportsthemenbroughthimfromtimetotimeofGeordie’sominousforebodings;forGeordiehadnodoubtbutthattheAvengerofBloodwashotuponSlavin’strail;andasthesicknessgrew，hebecameconfirmedinthisconviction.WhilehecouldnotbesaidtofindsatisfactioninSlavin’simpendingaffliction，hecouldhardlyhidehiscomplacencyinthepromptnessofProvidenceinvindicatinghistheoryofretribution.
　　ButGeordie’scomplacencywassomewhatrudelyshockedbyMr.
　　Craig’sanswertohistheoryoneday.
　　’YoureadyourBibletolittleprofit，itseemstome，Geordie：or，perhaps，youhaveneverreadtheMaster’steachingabouttheTowerofSiloam.Betterreadthatandtakethatwarningtoyourself.’
　　GeordiegazedafterMr.Craigasheturnedaway，andmuttered——
　　’Thetooro’Siloam，isit？Ay，a’kenfineabootthetooro’
　　Siloam，andabootthetooro’Babelasweel;an’a’veread，too，abouttheblaspheemiousHerod，an’siclike.Man，buthe’sahot—
　　heidedladdie，andlacksdiscreemeenation.’
　　’WhataboutHerod，Geordie？’Iasked.
　　’AbootHerod？’——withastrongtingeofcontemptinhistone.
　　’AbootHerod？Man，haeyeno’readintheScreeptursabootHerodan’thewur—r—msinthewameo’him？’
　　’Ohyes，Isee，’Ihastenedtoanswer.
　　’Ay，afulecanseewhat’sflappedinhisface，’withwhichbitofproverbialphilosophyhesuddenlyleftme.ButGeordiethenceforthcontentedhimself，inMr.Craig’spresenceatleast，withominoushead—shakings，equallyaggravating，andimpossibletoanswer.
　　Thatsamenight，however，Geordieshowedthatwithallhistheorieshehadaman’strueheart，forhecameinhastetoMrs.Mavortosay：
　　’Ye’llbeneededoweryonder，a’mthinkin’.’
　　’Why？Isthebabyworse？Haveyoubeenin？’
　　’Na，na，’repliedGeordiecautiously，’a’llnogangwherea’mnowanted.Butyonpuirthing，yecanhearootsideweepin’andmoanin’.’
　　’She’llmaybeneedyetae，’hewentondubiouslytome.’Ye’reakindo’doctor，a’hear，’notcommittinghimselftoanyopinionastomyprofessionalvalue.ButSlavinwouldhavenoneofme，havinggotthedoctorsoberenoughtoprescribe.
　　TheinterestofthecampinSlavinwasgreatlyincreasedbytheillnessofhisbaby，whichwastohimastheappleofhiseye.
　　Therewereafewwho，impressedbyGeordie’sprofoundconvictionsuponthematter，wereinclinedtofavourtheretributiontheory，andconnectthebaby’sillnesswiththevengeanceoftheAlmighty.
　　AmongthesefewwasSlavinhimself，andgoadedbyhisremorsefulterrorshesoughtreliefindrink.Butthisbroughthimonlydeeperandfiercergloom;sothatbetweenhersufferingchildandhersavagelydespairinghusband，thepoormotherwasdesperatewithterrorandgrief.
　　’Ah！madame，’shesobbedtoMrs.Mavor，’myheartisbrokeforhim.
　　He’sheetnotingfortreedays，butjisdreenk，dreenk，dreenk.’
　　Thenextdayamancameformeinhaste.Thebabywasdyingandthedoctorwasdrunk.IfoundthelittleoneinaconvulsionlyingacrossMrs.Mavor’sknees，themotherkneelingbesideit，wringingherhandsinadumbagony，andSlavinstandingnear，silentandsuffering.IglancedatthebottleofmedicineuponthetableandaskedMrs.Mavorthedose，andfoundthebabyhadbeenpoisoned.
　　MylookofhorrortoldSlavinsomethingwaswrong，andstridingtomehecaughtmyarmandasked——
　　’Whatisit？Isthemedicinewrong？’
　　Itriedtoputhimoff，buthisgriptightenedtillhisfingersseemedtoreachthebone.
　　’Thedoseiscertainlytoolarge;butletmego，Imustdosomething.’
　　Heletmegoatonce，sayinginavoicethatmademyheartsoreforhim，’Hehaskilledmybaby;hehaskilledmybaby.’Andthenhecursedthedoctorwithawfulcurses，andwithalookofsuchmurderousfuryonhisfacethatIwasgladthedoctorwastoodrunktoappear.
　　Hiswifehearinghiscurses，andunderstandingthecause，brokeoutintowailinghardtobear.
　　’Ah！monpetitange！Itisdatwheeskeydat’skeelmonbaby.Ah！
　　moncheri，monamour.Ah！monDieu！Ah，Michael，howoftenIsaythatwheeskeyhe’snotgoodting.’
　　ItwasmorethanSlavincouldbear，andwithawfulcurseshepassedout.Mrs.Mavorlaidthebabyinitscrib，fortheconvulsionhadpassedaway;andputtingherarmsaboutthewailinglittleFrenchwoman，comfortedandsoothedherasamothermightherchild.
　　’Andyoumusthelpyourhusband，’Iheardhersay.’Hewillneedyoumorethanever.Thinkofhim.’
　　’Ahoui！Iweel，’wasthequickreply，andfromthatmomenttherewasnomorewailing.
　　ItseemednomorethanaminutetillSlavincameinagain，sober，quiet，andsteady;thepassionwasallgonefromhisface，andonlythegriefremained.
　　Aswestoodleaningoverthesleepingchildthelittlethingopeneditseyes，sawitsfather，andsmiled.Itwastoomuchforhim.
　　Thebigmandroppedonhiskneeswithadrysob.
　　’Istherenochanceatall，atall？’hewhispered，butIcouldgivehimnohope.Heimmediatelyrose，andpullinghimselftogether，stoodperfectlyquiet.
　　Anewterrorseizeduponthemother.
　　’Mybabyisnot——whatyoucallit？’goingthroughtheformofbaptism.’An’hewillnotcometolasainteVierge，’shesaid，crossingherself.
　　’Donotfearforyourlittleone，’saidMrs.Mavor，stillwithherarmsabouther.’ThegoodSaviourwilltakeyourdarlingintoHisownarms.’
　　Butthemotherwouldnotbecomfortedbythis.AndSlavintoo，wasuneasy.
　　’WhereisFatherGoulet？’heasked.
　　’Ah！youwerenotgoodtotheholyperedelastam，Michael，’sherepliedsadly.’Thesaintsarenotpleaseforyou.’
　　’Whereisthepriest？’hedemanded.
　　’Iknownotforsure.AtdeLandin’，dat’slak.’
　　’I’llgoforhim，’hesaid.Buthiswifeclungtohim，beseechinghimnottoleaveher，andindeedhewaslothtoleavehislittleone.
　　IfoundCraigandtoldhimthedifficulty.Withhisusualpromptness，hewasreadywithasolution.
　　’Nixonhasateam.Hewillgo.’Thenheadded，’Iwonderiftheywouldnotlikemetobaptizetheirlittleone.FatherGouletandI
　　haveexchangedofficesbeforenow.Irememberhowhecametooneofmypeopleinmyabsence，whenshewasdying，readwithher，prayedwithher，comfortedher，andhelpedheracrosstheriver.
　　Heisagoodsoul，andhasnononsenseabouthim.Sendformeifyouthinkthereisneed.Itwillmakenodifferencetothebaby，butitwillcomfortthemother.’
　　Nixonwaswillingenoughtogo;butwhenhecametothedoorMrs.
　　Mavorsawthehardlookinhisface.Hehadnotforgottenhiswrong，fordaybydayhewasstillfightingthedevilwithinthatSlavinhadcalledtolife.ButMrs.Mavor，undercoverofgettinghiminstructions，drewhimintotheroom.Whilelisteningtoher，hiseyeswanderedfromonetotheotherofthegrouptilltheyresteduponthelittlewhitefaceinthecrib.Shenoticedthechangeinhisface.
　　’TheyfearthelittleonewillneverseetheSaviourifitisnotbaptized，’shesaid，inalowtone.
　　Hewaseagertogo.
　　’I’lldomybesttogetthepriest，’hesaid，andwasgoneonhissixtymiles’racewithdeath.
　　Thelongafternoonworeon，butbeforeitwashalfgoneIsawNixoncouldnotwin，andthatthepriestwouldbetoolate，soIsentforMr.Craig.Fromthemomentheenteredtheroomhetookcommandofusall.Hewassosimple，somanly，sotender，theheartsoftheparentsinstinctivelyturnedtohim.
　　Ashewasabouttoproceedwiththebaptism，themotherwhisperedtoMrs.Mavor，whohesitatinglyaskedMr.Craigifhewouldobjecttousingholywater.
　　’Tomeitisthesameasanyother，’herepliedgravely.
　　’An’willhemakethegoodsign？’askedthemothertimidly.
　　AndsothechildwasbaptizedbythePresbyterianministerwithholywaterandwiththesignofthecross.Idon’tsupposeitwasorthodox，anditrenderedchaoticsomeofmyreligiousnotions，butIthoughtmoreofCraigthatmomentthaneverbefore.Hewasmoremanthanminister，orperhapshewassogoodaministerthatdaybecausesomuchaman.AshereadabouttheSaviourandthechildrenandthediscipleswhotriedtogetinbetweenthem，andashetoldusthestoryinhisownsimpleandbeautifulway，andthenwentontopicturethehomeofthelittlechildren，andthesameSaviourinthemidstofthem，Ifeltmyheartgrowwarm，andI
　　couldeasilyunderstandthecryofthemother——
　　’Oh，monJesu，prenezmoiaussi，takemewizmonmignon.’
　　ThecrywakenedSlavin’sheart，andhesaidhuskily——
　　’Oh！Annette！Annette！’
　　’Ah，oui！an’Michaeltoo！’ThentoMr.Craig——
　　’YoutinkHe’stakmesomeday？Eh？’
　　’AllwholoveHim，’hereplied.
　　’An’Michaeltoo？’sheasked，hereyessearchinghisface，’An’
　　Michaeltoo？’
　　ButCraigonlyreplied：’AllwholoveHim.’
　　’Ah，Michael，youmustpraylebonJesu.He’sgardenotremignon.’
　　Andthenshebentoverthebabe，whispering——
　　’Ah，moncheri，monamour，adieu！adieu！monange！’tillSlavinputhisarmsaboutherandtookheraway，forasshewaswhisperingherfarewells，herbaby，withalittleansweringsigh，passedintotheHousewithmanyrooms.
　　’Whisht，Annettedarlin’;don’tcryforthebaby，’saidherhusband.’Shureit’sbetteroffthantherestavus，itis.An’
　　didn’tyehearwhattheministersaidaboutthebeautifulplaceitis？An’shurehewouldn’tlietousatall.’Butamothercannotbecomfortedforherfirst—bornson.
　　AnhourlaterNixonbroughtFatherGoulet.HewasalittleFrenchmanwithgentlemannersandthefaceofasaint.Craigwelcomedhimwarmly，andtoldhimwhathehaddone.
　　’Thatisgood，mybrother，’hesaid，withgentlecourtesy，and，turningtothemother，’Yourlittleoneissafe.’
　　BehindFatherGouletcameNixonsoftly，andgazeddownuponthelittlequietface，beautifulwiththemagicofdeath.Slavincamequietlyandstoodbesidehim.Nixonturnedandofferedhishand.
　　ButSlavinsaid，movingslowlyback——
　　’Ididyeawrong，Nixon，an’it’sasorrymanIamthisdayforit.’
　　’Don’tsayaword，Slavin，’answeredNixon，hurriedly.’Iknowhowyoufeel.I’vegotababytoo.Iwanttoseeitagain.That’swhythebreakhurtmeso.’
　　’AsGod’sabove，’repliedSlavinearnestly，’I’llhinderyenomore.’Theyshookhands，andwepassedout.
　　Welaidthebabyunderthepines，notfarfromBillyBreen，andthesweetspringwindblewthroughtheGap，andcamesoftlydownthevalley，whisperingtothepinesandthegrassandthehidingflowersoftheNewLifecomingtotheworld.Andthemothermusthaveheardthewhisperinherheart，for，asthePriestwassayingthewordsoftheService，shestoodwithMrs.Mavor’sarmsabouther，andhereyeswerelookingfarawaybeyondthepurplemountain—
　　tops，seeingwhatmadehersmile.AndSlavin，too，lookeddifferent.Hisveryfeaturesseemedfiner.Thecoarsenesswasgoneoutofhisface.WhathadcometohimIcouldnottell.
　　ButwhenthedoctorcameintoSlavin’shousethatnightitwastheoldSlavinIsaw，butwithalookofsuchdeadlyfuryonhisfacethatItriedtogetthedoctoroutatonce.Buthewashalfdrunkandafterhismannerwashideouslyhumorous.
　　’Howdo，ladies！Howdo，gentlemen！’washisloud—voicedsalutation.
　　’Quiteaprofessionalgathering，clergypredominating.LionandLambtoo，ha！ha！whichisthelamb，eh？ha！ha！verygood！awfullysorrytohearofyourloss，Mrs.Slavin;didourbestyouknow，can’thelpthissortofthing.’
　　Beforeanyonecouldmove，Craigwasathisside，andsayinginaclear，firmvoice，’Onemoment，doctor，’caughthimbythearmandhadhimoutoftheroombeforeheknewit.Slavin，whohadbeencrouchinginhischairwithhandstwitchingandeyesglaring，roseandfollowed，stillcrouchingashewalked.Ihurriedafterhim，callinghimback.Turningatmyvoice，thedoctorsawSlavinapproaching.Therewassomethingsoterrifyinginhisswiftnoiselesscrouchingmotion，thatthedoctor，cryingoutinfear’Keephimoff，’fairlyturnedandfled.Hewastoolate.LikeatigerSlavinleapeduponhimandwithoutwaitingtostrikehadhimbythethroatwithbothhands，andbearinghimtotheground，worriedhimthereasadogmightacat.
　　ImmediatelyCraigandIwereuponhim，butthoughweliftedhimclearoffthegroundwecouldnotloosenthattwo—handedstranglinggrip.Atwewerestrugglingtherealighthandtouchedmyshoulder.ItwasFatherGoulet.
　　’Pleaselethimgo，andstandawayfromus，’hesaid，wavingusback.Weobeyed.HeleanedoverSlavinandspokeafewwordstohim.Slavinstartedasifstruckaheavyblow，lookedupatthepriestwithfearinhisface，butstillkeepinghisgrip.
　　’Lethimgo，’saidthepriest.Slavinhesitated.’Lethimgo！
　　quick！’saidthepriestagain，andSlavinwithasnarlletgohisholdandstoodsullenlyfacingthepriest.
　　FatherGouletregardedhimsteadilyforsomesecondsandthenasked——
　　’Whatwouldyoudo？’Hisvoicewasgentleenough，evensweet，buttherewassomethinginitthatchilledmymarrow.’Whatwouldyoudo？’herepeated.
　　’Hemurderedmychild，’growledSlavin.
　　’Ah！how？’
　　’Hewasdrunkandpoisonedhim.’
　　’Ah！whogavehimdrink？Whomadehimadrunkardtwoyearsago？
　　Whohaswreckedhislife？’
　　Therewasnoanswer，andtheeven—tonedvoicewentrelentlesslyon——
　　’Whoisthemurdererofyourchildnow？’
　　Slavingroanedandshuddered.
　　’Go！’andthevoicegrewstern.’Repentofyoursinandaddnotanother.’
　　Slavinturnedhiseyesuponthemotionlessfigureonthegroundandthenuponthepriest.FatherGoulettookonesteptowardshim，and，stretchingouthishandandpointingwithhisfinger，said——
　　’Go！’
　　AndSlavinslowlybackedawayandwentintohishouse.Itwasanextraordinaryscene，anditisoftenwithmenow：thedarkfigureontheground，theslighterectformofthepriestwithoutstretchedarmandfinger，andSlavinbackingaway，fearandfurystrugglinginhisface.
　　Itwasanearthingforthedoctor，however，andtwominutesmoreofthatgripwouldhavedoneforhim.Asitwas，wehadthegreatestdifficultyinrevivinghim.
　　WhatthepriestdidwithSlavinaftergettinghiminsideIknownot;thathasalwaysbeenamysterytome.ButwhenwewerepassingthesaloonthatnightaftertakingMrs.Mavorhome，wesawalightandheardstrangesoundswithin.Entering，wefoundanotherwhiskyraidinprogress，Slavinhimselfbeingtheraider.
　　Westoodsomemomentswatchinghimknockingintheheadsofcasksandemptyingbottles.Ithoughthehadgonemad，andapproachedhimcautiously.
　　’Hello，Slavin！’Icalledout;’whatdoesthismean？’
　　Hepausedinhisstrangework，andIsawthathisface，thoughresolute，wasquietenough.
　　’ItmeansI’mdonewidthebusiness，Iam，’hesaid，inadeterminedvoice.’I’llhelpnomoretokillanyman，or，’inalowertone，’anyman’sbaby.’Thepriest’swordshadstruckhome.
　　’ThankGod，Slavin！’saidCraig，offeringhishand;’youaremuchtoogoodamanforthebusiness.’
　　’Goodorbad，I’mdonewidit，’hereplied，goingonwithhiswork.
　　’Youarethrowingawaygoodmoney，Slavin，’Isaid，astheheadofacaskcrashedin.
　　’It’smeselfthatknowsit，forthepriceofwhiskyhasrizintownthisweek，’heanswered，givingmealookoutofthecornerofhiseye.’Bedad！itwasararecleverjob，’referringtoourBlackRockHotelaffair.
　　’Butwon’tyoubesorryforthis？’askedCraig.
　　’BeloikeIwill;an’that’swhyI’mdoin’itbeforeI’msorryforit，’hereplied，withadelightfulbull.
　　’Lookhere，Slavin，’saidCraigearnestly;’ifIcanbeofusetoyouinanyway，countonme.’
　　’It’sgoodtomethebothofyezhavebeen，an’I’llnotforgetittoyez，’hereplied，withlikeearnestness.
　　AswetoldMrs.Mavorthatnight，forCraigthoughtittoogoodtokeep，hereyesseemedtogrowdeeperandthelightinthemtoglowmoreintenseasshelistenedtoCraigpouringouthistale.Thenshegavehimherhandandsaid——
　　’Youhaveyourmanatlast.’
　　’Whatman？’
　　’Themanyouhavebeenwaitingfor.’
　　’Slavin！’
　　’Whynot？’
　　’Ineverthoughtofit.’
　　’Nomoredidhe，noranyofus.’Then，afterapause，sheaddedgently，’Hehasbeensenttous？’
　　’Doyouknow，Ibelieveyouareright，’Craigsaidslowly，andthenadded，’Butyoualwaysare.’
　　’Ifearnot，’sheanswered;butIthoughtshelikedtohearhiswords.
　　ThewholetownwasastoundednextmorningwhenSlavinwenttoworkinthemines，anditsastonishmentonlydeepenedasthedayswenton，andhestucktohiswork.BeforethreeweekshadgonetheLeaguehadboughtandremodelledthesaloonandhadsecuredSlavinasResidentManager.
　　TheeveningofthereopeningofSlavin’ssaloon，asitwasstillcalled，waslongrememberedinBlackRock.Itwastheoccasionofthefirstappearanceof’TheLeagueMinstrelandDramaticTroupe，’
　　inwhatwasdescribedasa’hair—liftingtragedywithappropriatemusicalselections.’Thentherewasagrandsupperandspeechesandgreatenthusiasm，whichreacheditsclimaxwhenNixonrosetoproposethetoastoftheevening——’OurSaloon.’Hisspeechwassimplyaquiet，manlyaccountofhislongstrugglewiththedeadlyenemy.Whenhecametospeakofhisrecentdefeathesaid——
　　’AndwhileIamblamingnoonebutmyself，Iamgladto—nightthatthissaloonisonourside，formyownsakeandforthesakeofthosewhohavebeenwaitinglongtoseeme.ButbeforeIsitdownIwanttosaythatwhileIliveIshallnotforgetthatIowemylifetothemanthattookmethatnighttohisownshackandputmeinhisownbed，andmetmenextmorningwithanopenhand;forI
　　tellyouIhadsworntoGodthatthatmorningwouldbemylast.’
　　Geordie’sspeechwascharacteristic.Afterabriefreferencetothe’mysteeriouswayso’Providence，’whichheacknowledgedhemightsometimesfailtounderstand，hewentontoexpresshisunqualifiedapprovalofthenewsaloon.
　　’It’sacosyplace，an’there’snaesulphuraboot.Besidesa’
　　that，’hewentonenthusiastically，’it’llbeaterriblesavin’.
　　I’vejuistbeencoontin’.’
　　’Youbet！’ejaculatedavoicewithgreatemphasis.
　　’I’vejuistbeencoontin’，’wentonGeordie，ignoringtheremarkandthelaughwhichfollowed，’an’it’sanawfu’—likemoneyyepitowerwi’thewhusky.Yeseeyecannadaewi’anebitglass;yemaunhaetwaorthreeattheverraleast，forit’snoverraforrityegetwi’aneglass.Butwi’yoncoffeeyejuistgetasaxpence—
　　worthan’yewantnaemair.’
　　Therewasanothershoutoflaughter，whichpuzzledGeordiemuch.
　　’Idinnaseethejowk，butI’veslippitowerinwhuskymairnorahunnerdollars.’
　　Thenhepaused，lookinghardbeforehim，andtwistinghisfaceintoextraordinaryshapestillthemenlookedathiminwonder.
　　’I’mraleglado’thissaloon，butit’sowerlatefortheladthatcannabehelpitthenoo.He’llnotbeneedin’helpo’oors，I
　　doot，butthereareithers’——andhestoppedabruptlyandsatdown，withnoapplausefollowing.
　　ButwhenSlavin，oursaloon—keeper，rosetoreply，themenjumpedupontheseatsandyelledtilltheycouldyellnomore.Slavinstood，evidentlyintroublewithhimself，andfinallybrokeout——
　　’It’sspachelessIamentirely.What’scometomeIknownot，norhowit’scome.ButI’lldomybestforyez.’Andthentheyellingbrokeoutagain.
　　Ididnotyellmyself.IwastoobusywatchingthevaryinglightsinMrs.Mavor’seyesasshelookedfromCraigtotheyellingmenonthebenchesandtables，andthentoSlavin，andIfoundmyselfwonderingifsheknewwhatitwasthatcametoSlavin.
　　CHAPTERXI
　　THETWOCALLS
　　WiththecalltoMr.CraigIfancyIhadsomethingtodomyself.
　　Thecallcamefromayoungcongregationinaneasterncity，andwasbasedpartlyuponhiscollegerecordandmoreupontheadviceofthoseamongtheauthoritieswhoknewhisworkinthemountains.
　　ButIflattermyselfthatmyletterstofriendswhowereofimportanceinthatcongregationwerenotwithoutinfluence，forI
　　wasofthemindthatthemanwhocouldhandleBlackRockminersashecouldwasreadyforsomethinglargerthanamountainmission.
　　ThathewouldrefuseIhadnotimagined，thoughIoughttohaveknownhimbetter.Hewasbutlittletroubledoverit.HewentwiththecallandthelettersurginghisacceptancetoMrs.Mavor.
　　IwasputtingthelasttouchestosomeofmyworkintheroomatthebackofMrs.Mavor’shousewhenhecamein.Shereadthelettersandthecallquietly，andwaitedforhimtospeak.
　　"Well？’hesaid;’shouldIgo？’
　　Shestarted，andgrewalittlepale.Hisquestionsuggestedapossibilitythathadnotoccurredtoher.ThathecouldleavehisworkinBlackRockshehadhithertoneverimagined;buttherewasotherwork，andhewasfitforgoodworkanywhere.Whyshouldhenotgo？Isawthefearinherface，butIsawmorethanfearinhereyes，asforamomentortwosheletthemrestuponCraig’sface.Ireadherstory，andIwasnotsorryforeitherofthem.
　　Butshewastoomuchawomantoshowherhearteasilytothemansheloved，andhervoicewasevenandcalmassheansweredhisquestion.
　　’Isthisaverylargecongregation？’
　　’OneofthefinestinalltheEast，’Iputinforhim.’ItwillbeagreatthingforCraig.’
　　Craigwasstudyinghercuriously.Ithinkshenoticedhiseyesuponher，forshewentonevenmorequietly——
　　’Itwillbeagreatchanceforwork，andyouareableforalargersphere，youknow，thanpoorBlackRockaffords.’
　　’WhowilltakeBlackRock？’heasked.
　　’Letsomeotherfellowhaveatryatit，’Isaid.’Whyshouldyouwasteyourtalentshere？’
　　’Waste？’criedMrs.Mavorindignantly.
　　’Well，"bury，"ifyoulikeitbetter，’Ireplied.
　　’Itwouldnottakemuchofagraveforthatfuneral，’saidCraig，smiling.
　　’Oh，’saidMrs.Mavor，’youwillbeagreatmanIknow，andperhapsyououghttogonow.’
　　Butheansweredcoolly：’TherearefiftymenwantingthatEasterncharge，andthereisonlyonewantingBlackRock，andIdon’tthinkBlackRockisanxiousforachange，soIhavedeterminedtostaywhereIamyetawhile.’
　　EvenmydeepdisgustanddisappointmentdidnotpreventmefromseeingthesuddenleapofjoyinMrs.Mavor’seyes，butshe，withagreateffort，answeredquietly——
　　’BlackRockwillbeveryglad，andsomeofusvery，veryglad.’
　　Nothingcouldchangehismind.Therewasnooneheknewwhocouldtakehisplacejustnow，andwhyshouldhequithiswork？Itannoyedmeconsiderablytofeelhewasright.Whyisitthattherightthingsaresofrequentlyunpleasant？
　　AndifIhadhadanydoubtaboutthematternextSabbatheveningwouldhaveremovedit.Forthemencameabouthimaftertheserviceandlethimfeelintheirownwayhowmuchtheyapprovedhisdecision，thoughtheself—sacrificeinvolveddidnotappealtothem.TheyweretootrulyWesterntoimaginethatanyinducementstheEastcouldoffercouldcompensateforhislossoftheWest.ItwasonlyfittingthattheWestshouldhavethebest，andsotheminerstookalmostasamatterofcourse，andcertainlyastheirright，thatthebestmantheyknewshouldstaywiththem.Buttherewerethosewhoknewhowmuchofwhatmostmenconsiderworthwhilehehadgivenup，andtheylovedhimnolessforit.
　　Mrs.Mavor’scallwasnotsoeasilydisposedof.Itcamecloseupontheother，andstirredBlackRockasnothingelsehadeverstirreditbefore.
　　Ifoundheroneafternoongazingvacantlyatsomelegaldocumentsspreadoutbeforeheronthetable，andevidentlyovercomebytheircontents.Therewasfirstalawyer’sletterinformingherthatbythedeathofherhusband’sfathershehadcomeintothewholeoftheMavorestates，andallthewealthpertainingthereto.Theletteraskedforinstructions，andurgedanimmediatereturnwithaviewtoapersonalsuperintendenceoftheestates.Aletter，too，fromadistantcousinofherhusbandurgedherimmediatereturnformanyreasons，butchieflyonaccountoftheoldmotherwhohadbeenleftalonewithnonenearerofkinthanhimselftocareforherandcheerheroldage.
　　Withthesetwocameanotherletterfromhermother—in—lawherself.
　　Thecrabbed，tremblingcharacterswereevenmoreeloquentthanthewordswithwhichtheletterclosed.
　　’Ihavelostmyboy，andnowmyhusbandisgone，andIamalonelywoman.Ihavemanyservants，andsomefriends，butnoneneartome，nonesonearanddearasmydeadson’swife.Mydaysarenottobemany.Cometome，mydaughter;IwantyouandLewis’schild.’
　　’MustIgo？’sheaskedwithwhitelips.
　　’Doyouknowherwell？’Iasked.
　　’Ionlysawheronceortwice，’sheanswered;’butshehasbeenverygoodtome.’
　　’Shecanhardlyneedyou.Shehasfriends.Andsurelyyouareneededhere.’
　　Shelookedatmeeagerly.
　　’Doyouthinkso？’shesaid.
　　’Askanymaninthecamp——Shaw，Nixon，youngWinton，Geordie.AskCraig，’Ireplied.
　　’Yes，hewilltellme，’shesaid.
　　EvenasshespokeCraigcameupthesteps.Ipassedintomystudioandwentonwithmywork，formydaysatBlackRockweregettingfew，andmanysketchesremainedtobefilledin.
　　ThroughmyopendoorIsawMrs.MavorlayherlettersbeforeMr.
　　Craig，saying，’Ihaveacalltoo.’Theythoughtnotofme.
　　Hewentthroughthepapers，carefullylaidthemdownwithoutawordwhileshewaitedanxiously，almostimpatiently，forhimtospeak.
　　’Well？’sheasked，usinghisownwordstoher;’shouldIgo？’
　　’Idonotknow，’hereplied;’thatisforyoutodecide——youknowallthecircumstances.’
　　’Theletterstellall.’Hertonecarriedafeelingofdisappointment.Hedidnotappeartocare.
　　’Theestatesarelarge？’heasked.
　　’Yes，largeenough——twelvethousandayear.’
　　’Andhasyourmother—in—lawanyonewithher？’
　　’Shehasfriends，but，asshesays，nonenearofkin.Hernephewlooksaftertheworks——ironworks，youknow——hehassharesinthem.’
　　’Sheisevidentlyverylonely，’heansweredgravely.
　　’WhatshallIdo？’sheasked，andIknewshewaswaitingtohearhimurgehertostay;buthedidnotsee，oratleastgavenoheed.
　　’Icannotsay，’herepeatedquietly.’Therearemanythingstoconsider;theestates——’
　　’Theestatesseemtotroubleyou，’shereplied，almostfretfully.
　　Helookedupinsurprise.Iwonderedathisslowness.
　　’Yes，theestates，’hewenton，’andtenants，Isuppose——yourmother—in—law，yourlittleMarjorie’sfuture，yourownfuture.’
　　’Theestatesareincapablehands，Ishouldsuppose，’sheurged，’andmyfuturedependsuponwhatIchoosemyworktobe.’
　　’Butonecannotshiftone’sresponsibilities，’herepliedgravely.
　　’Theseestates，thesetenants，havecometoyou，andwiththemcomeduties.’
　　’Idonotwantthem，’shecried.
　　’Thatlifehasgreatpossibilitiesofgood，’hesaidkindly.
　　’Ihadthoughtthatperhapstherewasworkformehere，’shesuggestedtimidly.
　　’Greatwork，’hehastenedtosay.’Youhavedonegreatwork.Butyouwilldothatwhereveryougo.Theonlyquestioniswhereyourworklies.’
　　’YouthinkIshouldgo，’shesaidsuddenlyandalittlebitterly.
　　’Icannotbidyoustay，’heansweredsteadily.
　　’HowcanIgo？’shecried，appealingtohim.’MustIgo？’
　　HowhecouldresistthatappealIcouldnotunderstand.Hisfacewascoldandhard，andhisvoicewasalmostharshashereplied——
　　’Ifitisright，youwillgo——youmustgo.’
　　Thensheburstforth——
　　’Icannotgo.Ishallstayhere.Myworkishere;myheartishere.HowcanIgo？Youthoughtitworthyourwhiletostayhereandwork，whyshouldnotI？’
　　Themomentarygleaminhiseyesdiedout，andagainhesaidcoldly——
　　’Thisworkwasclearlymine.Iamneededhere.’
　　’Yes，yes！’shecried，hervoicefullofpain;’youareneeded，butthereisnoneedofme.’
　　’Stop，stop！’hesaidsharply;’youmustnotsayso.’
　　’Iwillsayit，Imustsayit，’shecried，hervoicevibratingwiththeintensityofherfeeling.’Iknowyoudonotneedme;youhaveyourwork，yourminers，yourplans;youneednoone;youarestrong.But，’andhervoicerosetoacry，’Iamnotstrongbymyself;youhavemademestrong.Icamehereafoolishgirl，foolishandselfishandnarrow.Godsentmegrief.Threeyearsagomyheartdied.NowIamlivingagain.Iamawomannow，nolongeragirl.Youhavedonethisforme.Yourlife，yourwords，yourself——youhaveshowedmeabetter，ahigherlife，thanIhadeverknownbefore，andnowyousendmeaway.’
　　Shepausedabruptly.
　　’Blind，stupidfool！’Isaidtomyself.
　　Heheldhimselfresolutelyinhand，answeringcarefully，buthisvoicehadlostitscoldnessandwassweetandkind.
　　’HaveIdonethisforyou？ThensurelyGodhasbeengoodtome.
　　Andyouhavehelpedmemorethananywordscouldtellyou.’
　　’Helped！’sherepeatedscornfully.
　　’Yes，helped，’heanswered，wonderingatherscorn.
　　’Youcandowithoutmyhelp，’shewenton.’Youmakepeoplehelpyou.Youwillgetmanytohelpyou;butIneedhelp，too.’Shewasstandingbeforehimwithherhandstightlyclasped;herfacewaspale，andhereyesdeeperthanever.Hesatlookingupatherinakindofmazeasshepouredoutherwordshotandfast.
　　’Iamnotthinkingofyou.’Hiscoldnesshadhurtherdeeply.’I
　　amselfish;Iamthinkingofmyself.HowshallIdo？Ihavegrowntodependonyou，tolooktoyou.ItisnothingtoyouthatIgo，buttome——’Shedidnotdaretofinish.
　　BythistimeCraigwasstandingbeforeher，hisfacedeadlypale.
　　Whenshecametotheendofherwords，hesaid，inavoicelow，sweet，andthrillingwithemotion——
　　’Ah，ifyouonlyknew！Donotmakemeforgetmyself.Youdonotguesswhatyouaredoing.’
　　’WhatamIdoing？Whatistheretoknow，butthatyoutellmeeasilytogo？Shewasstrugglingwiththetearsshewastooproudtolethimsee.
　　Heputhishandsresolutelybehindhim，lookingatherasifstudyingherfaceforthefirsttime.Underhissearchinglookshedroppedhereyes，andthewarmcolourcameslowlyupintoherneckandface;then，asifwithasuddenresolve，sheliftedhereyestohis，andlookedbackathimunflinchingly.
　　Hestarted，surprised，drewslowlynear，puthishandsuponhershoulders，surprisegivingplacetowildjoy.Shenevermovedhereyes;theydrewhimtowardsher.Hetookherfacebetweenhishands，smiledintohereyes，kissedherlips.Shedidnotmove;hestoodbackfromher，threwuphishead，andlaughedaloud.Shecametohim，putherheaduponhisbreast，andliftingupherfacesaid，’Kissme.’Heputhisarmsabouther，bentdownandkissedherlipsagain，andthenreverentlyherbrow.Thenputtingherbackfromhim，butstillholdingbothherhands，hecried——
　　’Notyoushallnotgo.Ishallneverletyougo.’
　　Shegavealittlesighofcontent，and，smilingupathim，said——
　　’Icangonow’;butevenasshespoketheflushdiedfromherface，andsheshuddered.
　　’Never！’healmostshouted;’nothingshalltakeyouaway.Weshallworkheretogether.’
　　’Ah，ifwecould，ifweonlycould，’shesaidpiteously.
　　’Whynot？’hedemandedfiercely.
　　’Youwillsendmeaway.Youwillsayitisrightformetogo，’
　　sherepliedsadly.
　　’Dowenotloveeachother？’washisimpatientanswer.
　　’Ah！yes，love，’shesaid;’butloveisnotall.’
　　’No！’criedCraig;’butloveisthebest’
　　’Yes！’shesaidsadly;’loveisthebest，anditisforlove’ssakewewilldothebest.’
　　’Thereisnobetterworkthanhere.Surelythisisbest，’andhepicturedhisplansbeforeher.Shelistenedeagerly.
　　’Oh！ifitshouldberight，’shecried，’Iwilldowhatyousay.
　　Youaregood，youarewise，youshalltellme.’
　　Shecouldnothaverecalledhimbetter.Hestoodsilentsomemoments，thenburstoutpassionately——
　　’Whythenhaslovecometous？Wedidnotseekit.SurelyloveisofGod.DoesGodmockus？’
　　Hethrewhimselfintohischair，pouringouthiswordsofpassionateprotestation.Shelistened，smiling，thencametohimand，touchinghishairasamothermightherchild’s，said——
　　’Oh，Iamveryhappy！Iwasafraidyouwouldnotcare，andIcouldnotbeartogothatway.’
　　’Youshallnotgo，’hecriedaloud，asifinpain.’Nothingcanmakethatright.’
　　Butsheonlysaid，’Youshalltellmeto—morrow.Youcannotseeto—night，butyouwillsee，andyouwilltellme.’
　　Hestoodupand，holdingbothherhands，lookedlongintohereyes，thenturnedabruptlyawayandwentout.
　　Shestoodwhereheleftherforsomemoments，herfaceradiant，andherhandspresseduponherheart.Thenshecametowardmyroom.
　　Shefoundmebusywithmypainting，butasIlookedupandmethereyessheflushedslightly，andsaid——
　　’Iquiteforgotyou.’
　　’Soitappearedtome.’
　　’Youheard？’
　　’Andsaw，’Irepliedboldly.’Itwouldhavebeenrudetointerrupt，yousee.’
　　’Oh，Iamsogladandthankful.’
　　’Yes;itwasratherconsiderateofme.’
　　’Oh，Idon’tmeanthat，’theflushdeepening;’Iamgladyouknow.’
　　’Ihaveknownsometime.’
　　’Howcouldyou？Ionlyknewto—daymyself.’
　　’Ihaveeyes.’Sheflushedagain.
　　’Doyoumeanthatpeople——’shebegananxiously.
　　’No;Iamnot"people."Ihaveeyes，andmyeyeshavebeenopened.’
　　’Opened？’
　　’Yes，bylove.’
　　ThenItoldheropenlyhow，weeksago，Istruggledwithmyheartandmasteredit，forIsawitwasvaintoloveher，becauseshelovedabettermanwholovedherinreturn.Shelookedatmeshylyandsaid——
　　’Iamsorry.’
　　’Don’tworry，’Isaidcheerfully.’Ididn’tbreakmyheart，youknow;Istoppeditintime.’
　　’Oh！’shesaid，slightlydisappointed;thenherlipsbegantotwitch，andshewentoffintoafitofhystericallaughter.
　　’Forgiveme，’shesaidhumbly;’butyouspeakasifithadbeenafever.’
　　’Feverisnothingtoit，’Isaidsolemnly.’Itwasanearthing.’
　　Atwhichshewentoffagain.Iwasgladtoseeherlaugh.Itgavemetimetorecovermyequilibrium，anditrelievedherintenseemotionalstrain.SoIrattledonsomenonsenseaboutCraigandmyselftillIsawshewasgivingnoheed，butthinkingherownthoughts：andwhatthesewereitwasnothardtoguess.
　　Suddenlyshebrokeinuponmytalk——
　　’HewilltellmethatImustgofromhim.’
　　’Ihopeheisnosuchfool，’Isaidemphaticallyandsomewhatrudely，Ifear;forIconfessIwasimpatientwiththeverypossibilityofseparationforthesetwo，towhomlovemeantsomuch.Somepeopletakethissortofthingeasilyandsomenotsoeasily;butloveforawomanlikethiscomesonceonlytoaman，andthenhecarriesitwithhimthroughthelengthofhislife，andwarmshisheartwithitindeath.Andwhenamansmilesorsneersatsuchloveasthis，Ipityhim，andsaynoword，formyspeechwouldbeinanunknowntongue.SomyheartwassoreasIsatlookingupatthiswomanwhostoodbeforeme，overflowingwiththejoyofhernewlove，anddullyconsciousofthecomingpain.ButI
　　soonfounditwasvaintourgemyopinionthatsheshouldremainandsharetheworkandlifeofthemansheloved.Sheonlyanswered——
　　’Youwillhelphimallyoucan，foritwillhurthimtohavemego.’
　　Thequiverinhervoicetookoutalltheangerfrommyheart，andbeforeIknewIhadpledgedmyselftodoallIcouldtohelphim.
　　ButwhenIcameuponhimthatnight，sittinginthelightofhisfire，Isawhemustbeletalone.Somebattleswefightsidebyside，withcomradescheeringusandbeingcheeredtovictory;buttherearefightswemaynotshare，andthesearedeadlyfightswherelivesarelostandwon.SoIcouldonlylaymyhanduponhisshoulderwithoutaword.Helookedupquickly，readmyface，andsaid，withagroan——
　　’Youknow？’
　　’Icouldnothelpit.Butwhygroan？’
　　’Shewillthinkitrighttogo，’hesaiddespairingly.
　　’Thenyoumustthinkforher;youmustbringsomecommon—sensetobearuponthequestion.’
　　’Icannotseeclearlyyet，’hesaid;’thelightwillcome.’
　　’MayIshowyouhowIseeit？’Iasked.
　　’Goon，’hesaid.
　　ForanhourItalked;eloquently，evenvehementlyurgingthereasonandrightofmyopinion.Shewouldbedoingnomorethaneverywomandoes，nomorethanshedidbefore;hermother—in—lawhadacomfortablehome，allthatwealthcouldprocure，goodservants，andfriends;theestatescouldbemanagedwithoutherpersonalsupervision;afterafewyears’workheretheywouldgoeastforlittleMajorie’seducation;whyshouldtwolivesbebroken？——andsoIwenton.
　　Helistenedcarefully，eveneagerly.
　　’Youmakeagoodcase，’hesaid，withaslightsmile.’Iwilltaketime.Perhapsyouareright.Thelightwillcome.Surelyitwillcome.But，’andherehesprangupandstretchedhisarmstofulllengthabovehishead，’Iamnotsorry;whatevercomesIamnotsorry.Itisgreattohaveherlove，butgreatertoloveherasI
　　do.ThankGod！nothingcantakethataway.Iamwilling，gladtosufferforthejoyoflovingher.’
　　Nextmorning，beforeIwasawake，hewasgone，leavinganoteforme：——
　　’MYDEARCONNOR，——IamdueattheLanding.WhenIseeyouagainI
　　thinkmywaywillbeclear.Nowallisdark.AttimesIamacoward，andoften，asyousometimeskindlyinformme，anass;butI
　　hopeImayneverbecomeamule.
　　Iamwillingtobeled，orwanttobe，atanyrate.Imustdothebest——notsecondbest——forher，forme.ThebestonlyisGod’swill.Whatelsewouldyouhave？Begoodtoherthesedays，dearoldfellow.——Yours，CRAIG.’
　　Howoftenthosewordshavebracedmehewillneverknow，butIamabettermanforthem：’ThebestonlyisGod’swill.Whatelsewouldyouhave？’IresolvedIwouldrageandfretnomore，andthatI
　　wouldworryMrs.Mavorwithnomoreargumentorexpostulation，but，asmyfriendhadasked，’Begoodtoher.’
　　CHAPTERXII
　　LOVEISNOTALL
　　ThosedayswhenwewerewaitingCraig’sreturnwespentinthewoodsoronthemountainsides，ordowninthecanyonbesidethestreamthatdanceddowntomeettheBlackRockriver，Italkingandsketchingandreading，andshelisteninganddreaming，withoftenahappysmileuponherface.Butthereweremomentswhenacloudofshudderingfearwouldsweepthesmileaway，andthenIwouldtalkofCraigtillthesmilecamebackagain.
　　Butthewoodsandthemountainsandtheriverwereherbest，herwisest，friendsduringthosedays.Howsweettheministryofthewoodstoher！Thetreeswereintheirnewsummerleaves，freshandfulloflife.Theyswayedandrustledaboveus，flingingtheirinterlacingshadowsuponus，andtheirswayingandtheirrustlingsoothedandcomfortedlikethevoiceandtouchofamother.Andthemountains，too，inallthegloryoftheirvaryingrobesofbluesandpurples，stoodcalmly，solemnlyaboutus，upliftingoursoulsintoregionsofrest.Thechanginglightsandshadowsflittedswiftlyovertheirruggedfronts，butleftthemeverasbeforeintheirsteadfastmajesty.’God’sinHisheaven.’Whatwouldyouhave？Andeverthelittleriversangitscheerfulcourage，fearingnotthegreatmountainsthatthreatenedtobaritspassagetothesea.Mrs.Mavorheardthesongandhercouragerose.
　　’Wetooshallfindourway，’shesaid，andIbelievedher.
　　ButthroughthesedaysIcouldnotmakeherout，andIfoundmyselfstudyingherasImightanewacquaintance.Yearshadfallenfromher;shewasagirlagain，fullofyoungwarmlife.Shewasassweetasbefore，buttherewasasoftshynessoverher，ahalf—
　　shamed，half—frankconsciousnessinherface，agladlightinhereyesthatmadeherallnewtome.HerperfecttrustinCraigwastouchingtosee.
　　’Hewilltellmewhattodo，’shewouldsay，tillIbegantorealisehowimpossibleitwouldbeforhimtobetraysuchtrust，andbeanythingbuttruetothebest.
　　SomuchdidIdreadCraig’shome—coming，thatIsentforGraemeandoldmanNelson，whowasmoreandmoreGraeme’strustedcounsellorandfriend.TheywerebothhighlyexcitedbythestoryIhadtotell，forIthoughtitbesttotellthemall;butIwasnotalittlesurprisedanddisgustedthattheydidnotseethematterinmylight.InvainIprotestedagainstthemadnessofallowinganythingtosendthesetwofromeachother.Graemesummedupthediscussioninhisownemphaticway，butwithanearnestnessinhiswordsnotusualwithhim.
　　’Craigwillknowbetterthananyofuswhatisrighttodo，andhewilldothat，andnomancanturnhimfromit;and，’headded，’I
　　shouldbesorrytotry.’
　　Thenmywrathrose，andIcried——
　　’It’satremendousshame！Theyloveeachother.Youaretalkingsentimentalhumbugandnonsense！’
　　’Hemustdotheright，’saidNelsoninhisdeep，quietvoice.
　　’Right！Nonsense！Bywhatrightdoeshesendfromhimthewomanheloves？’
　　’"HepleasednotHimself，"’quotedNelsonreverently.
　　’Nelsonisright，’saidGraeme.’Ishouldnotliketoseehimweaken.’
　　’Lookhere，’Istormed;’Ididn’tbringyoumentobackhimupinhisnonsense.Ithoughtyoucouldkeepyourheadslevel.’
　　’Now，Connor，’saidGraeme，’don’trage——leavethatfortheheathen;it’sbadform，anduselessbesides.Craigwillwalkhiswaywherehislightfalls;andbyallthat’sholy，Ishouldhatetoseehimfail;forifheweakensliketherestofusmyNorthStarwillhavedroppedfrommysky.’
　　’Niceselfishspirit，’Imuttered.
　　’Entirelyso.I’mnotasaint，butIfeellikesteeringbyonewhenIseehim.’
　　Whenafteraweekhadgone，Craigrodeuponeearlymorningtohisshackdoor，hisfacetoldmethathehadfoughthisfightandhadnotbeenbeaten.Hehadriddenallnightandwasreadytodropwithweariness.
　　’Connor，oldboy，’hesaid，puttingouthishand;’I’mratherplayed.TherewasabadrowattheLanding.IhavejustclosedpoorColley’seyes.Itwasawful.Imustgetsleep.LookafterDandy，willyou，likeagoodchap？’
　　’Oh，Dandybehanged，！’Isaid，forIknewitwasnotthefight，northewatching，northelongridethathadshakenhisironnerveandgivenhimthatface.’GoinandliedownI’llbringyousomething.’
　　’Wakemeintheafternoon，’hesaid;’sheiswaiting.Perhapsyouwillgotoher’——hislipsquivered——’mynerveisrathergone.’
　　Thenwithaverywansmileheadded，’Iamgivingyoualotoftrouble.’
　　’Yougotothunder！’Iburstout，formythroatwashotandsorewithgriefforhim.
　　’IthinkI’drathergotosleep，’hereplied，stillsmiling.I
　　couldnotspeak，andwasgladofthechanceofbeingalonewithDandy.
　　WhenIcameinIfoundhimsittingwithhisheadinhisarmsuponthetablefastasleep.Imadehimtea，forcedhimtotakeawarmbath，andsenthimtobed，whileIwenttoMrs.Mavor.Iwentwithafearfulheart，butthatwasbecauseIhadforgottenthekindofwomanshewas.
　　Shewasstandinginthelightofthewindowwaitingforme.Herfacewaspalebutsteady，therewasaproudlightinherfathomlesseyes，aslightsmilepartedherlips，andshecarriedherheadlikeaqueen.
　　’Comein，’shesaid.’Youneednotfeartotellme.Isawhimridehome.Hehasnotfailed，thankGod！Iamproudofhim;I
　　knewhewouldbetrue.Helovesme’——shedrewinherbreathsharply，andafaintcolourtingedhercheek——’butheknowsloveisnotall——ah，loveisnotall！Oh！Iamgladandproud！’
　　’Glad！’Igasped，amazed.
　　’Youwouldnothavehimprovefaithless！’shesaidwithprouddefiance.
　　’Oh，itishighsentimentalnonsense，’Icouldnothelpsaying.
　　’Youshouldnotsayso，’shereplied，andhervoicerangclear.
　　’Honour，faith，anddutyaresentiments，buttheyarenotnonsense.’
　　InspiteofmyrageIwaslostinamazedadmirationofthehighspiritofthewomanwhostoodupsostraightbeforeme.But，asI
　　toldhowwornandbrokenhewas，shelistenedwithchangingcolourandswellingbosom，herproudcourageallgone，andonlylove，anxiousandpitying，inhereyes.
　　’ShallIgotohim？’sheaskedwithtimideagernessanddeepeningcolour.
　　’Heissleeping.Hesaidhewouldcometoyou，’Ireplied.
　　’Ishallwaitforhim，’shesaidsoftly，andthetendernessinhertonewentstraighttomyheart，anditseemedtomeamanmightsuffermuchtobelovedwithlovesuchasthis.
　　IntheearlyafternoonGraemecametoher.Shemethimwithbothhandsoutstretched，sayinginalowvoice——
　　’Iamveryhappy.’
　　’Areyousure？’heaskedanxiously.
　　’Oh，yes，’shesaid，buthervoicewaslikeasob;’quite，quitesure.’
　　TheytalkedlongtogethertillIsawthatCraigmustsoonbecoming，andIcalledGraemeaway.Heheldherhands，lookingsteadilyintohereyesandsaid——
　　’YouarebettereventhanIthought;I’mgoingtobeabetterman.’
　　Hereyesfilledwithtears，buthersmiledidnotfadeassheanswered——
　　’Yes！youwillbeagoodman，andGodwillgiveyouworktodo.’
　　Hebenthisheadoverherhandsandsteppedbackfromherasfromaqueen，buthespokenowordtillwecametoCraig’sdoor.Thenhesaidwithhumilitythatseemedstrangeinhim，’Connor，thatisgreat，toconqueroneself.Itisworthwhile.Iamgoingtotry.’
　　IwouldnothavemissedhismeetingwithCraig.Nelsonwasbusywithtea.Craigwaswritingnearthewindow.HelookedupasGraemecamein，andnoddedaneasygood—evening;butGraemestrodetohimand，puttingonehandonhisshoulder，heldouthisotherforCraigtotake.