"Nosupper，"saidArchie。"ItisimpossiblethatIshouldeat。"
　　"Notimpossible，"saidthetalloldman，layinghishanduponhisshoulder，"and，ifyouwillbelieveme，necessary。"
　　"Youknowwhatbringsme？"saidArchie，assoonastheservanthadlefttheroom。
　　"Ihaveaguess，Ihaveaguess，"repliedGlenalmond。"Wewilltalkofitpresently-whenCarstairshascomeandgone，andyouhavehadapieceofmygoodCheddarcheeseandapullattheportertankard：notbefore。"
　　"ItisimpossibleIshouldeat"repeatedArchie。
　　"Tut，tut！"saidLordGlenalmond。"Youhaveeatennothingto-day，andI
　　venturetoadd，nothingyesterday。Thereisnocasethatmaynotbemadeworse;thismaybeaverydisagreeablebusiness，butifyouweretofallsickanddie，itwouldbestillmoreso，andforallconcerned-
　　forallconcerned。"
　　"Iseeyoumustknowall，"saidArchie。"Wheredidyouhearit？"
　　"Inthemartofscandal，intheParliamentHouse，"saidGlenalmond。"Itrunsriotbelowamongthebarandthepublic，butitsiftsuptousuponthebench，andrumourhassomeofhervoiceseveninthedivisions。"
　　Carstairsreturnedatthismoment，andrapidlylaidoutalittlesupper;
　　duringwhichLordGlenalmondspokeatlargeandalittlevaguelyonindifferentsubjects，sothatitmightberathersaidofhimthathemadeacheerfulnoise，thanthathecontributedtohumanconversation;
　　andArchiesatupontheotherside，notheedinghim，broodingoverhiswrongsanderrors。
　　Butsosoonastheservantwasgone，hebrokeforthagainatonce。"Whotoldmyfather？Whodaredtotellhim？Couldithavebeenyou？"
　　"No，itwasnotme，"saidtheJudge;"although-tobequitefrankwithyou，andafterIhadseenandwarnedyou-itmighthavebeenme-I
　　believeitwasGlenkindie。"
　　"Thatshrimp！"criedArchie。
　　"Asyousay，thatshrimp，"returnedmylord;"althoughreallyitisscarceafittingmodeofexpressionforoneofthesenatorsoftheCollegeofJustice。Wewerehearingthepartiesinalong，crucialcase，beforethefifteen;Creechwasmovingatsomelengthforaninfeftment;whenIsawGlenkindieleanforwardtoHermistonwithhishandoverhismouthandmakehimasecretcommunication。Noonecouldhaveguesseditsnaturefromyourfather：fromGlenkindie，yes，hismalicesparkedoutofhimalittlegrossly。Butyourfather，no。Amanofgranite。ThenextmomenthepounceduponCreech。`Mr。Creech，’sayshe，`I’lltakealookofthatsasine，’andforthirtyminutesafter，"
　　saidGlenalmond，withasmile，"Messrs。CreechandCo。werefightingaprettyup-hillbattle，whichresulted，Ineedhardlyadd，intheirtotalrout。Thecasewasdismissed。No，IdoubtifeverIheardHermistonbetterinspired。HewasliterallyrejoicingINAPICIBUSJURIS。"
　　Archiewasabletoendurenolonger。Hethrusthisplateawayandinterruptedthedeliberateandinsignificantstreamoftalk。"Here，"hesaid，"Ihavemadeafoolofmyself，ifIhavenotmadesomethingworse。
　　Doyoujudgebetweenus-judgebetweenafatherandason。Icanspeaktoyou;itisnotlike……IwilltellyouwhatIfeelandwhatImeantodo;andyoushallbethejudge，"herepeated。
　　"Ideclinejurisdiction，"saidGlenalmond，withextremeseriousness。
　　"But，mydearboy，ifitwilldoyouanygoodtotalk，andifitwillinterestyouatalltohearwhatImaychoosetosaywhenIhaveheardyou，Iamquiteatyourcommand。Letanoldmansayit，foronce，andnotneedtoblush：Iloveyoulikeason。"
　　TherecameasuddensharpsoundinArchie’sthroat。"Ay，"hecried，"andthereitis！Love！Likeason！AndhowdoyouthinkIlovemyfather？"
　　"Quietly，quietly，"saysmylord。
　　"Iwillbeveryquiet，"repliedArchie。"AndIwillbebaldlyfrank。I
　　donotlovemyfather;IwondersometimesifIdonothatehim。There’smyshame;perhapsmysin;atleast，andinthesightofGod，notmyfault。HowwasItolovehim？Hehasneverspokentome，neversmileduponme;Idonotthinkheevertouchedme。Youknowthewayhetalks？
　　Youdonottalkso，yetyoucansitandhearhimwithoutshuddering，andIcannot。Mysoulissickwhenhebeginswithit;Icouldsmitehiminthemouth。Andallthat’snothing。IwasatthetrialofthisJopp。
　　Youwerenotthere，butyoumusthaveheardhimoften;theman’snotoriousforit，forbeing-lookatmyposition！he’smyfatherandthisishowIhavetospeakofhim-notoriousforbeingabruteandcruelandacoward。LordGlenalmond，Igiveyoumyword，whenIcameoutofthatCourt，Ilongedtodie-theshameofitwasbeyondmystrength：butI-I-"herosefromhisseatandbegantopacetheroominadisorder。"Well，whoamI？Aboy，whohaveneverbeentried，haveneverdoneanythingexceptthistwopennyimpotentfollywithmyfather。
　　ButItellyou，mylord，andIknowmyself，Iamatleastthatkindofaman-orthatkindofaboy，ifyoupreferit-thatIcoulddieintormentsratherthanthatanyoneshouldsufferasthatscoundrelsuffered。Well，andwhathaveIdone？Iseeitnow。Ihavemadeafoolofmyself，asIsaidinthebeginning;andIhavegoneback，andaskedmyfather’spardon，andplacedmyselfwhollyinhishands-andhehassentmetoHermiston，"withawretchedsmile，"forlife，Isuppose-
　　andwhatcanIsay？hestrikesmeashavingdonequiteright，andletmeoffbetterthanIhaddeserved。"
　　"Mypoor，dearboy！"observedGlenalmond。"Mypoordearand，ifyouwillallowmetosayso，veryfoolishboy！Youareonlydiscoveringwhereyouare;tooneofyourtemperament，orofmine，apainfuldiscovery。Theworldwasnotmadeforus;itwasmadefortenhundredmillionsofmen，alldifferentfromeachotherandfromus;there’snoroyalroadthere，wejusthavetosclamberandtumble。Don’tthinkthatIamatalldisposedtobesurprised;don’tsupposethatIeverthinkofblamingyou;indeedIratheradmire！Buttherefalltobeofferedoneortwoobservationsonthecasewhichoccurtomeandwhich（ifyouwilllistentothemdispassionately）maybethemeansofinducingyoutoviewthemattermorecalmly。Firstofall，Icannotacquityouofagooddealofwhatiscalledintolerance。Youseemtohavebeenverymuchoffendedbecauseyourfathertalksalittlesculdudderyafterdinner，whichitisperfectlylicitforhimtodo，andwhich（althoughIamnotveryfondofitmyself）appearstobeentirelyanaffairoftaste。Yourfather，Iscarcelyliketoremindyou，sinceitissotriteacommonplace，isolderthanyourself。Atleast，heisMAJORandSUI
　　JURIS，andmaypleasehimselfinthematterofhisconversation。And，doyouknow，Iwonderifhemightnothaveasgoodanansweragainstyouandme？WesaywesometimesfindhimCOARSE，butIsuspecthemightretortthathefindsusalwaysdull。Perhapsarelevantexception。"
　　HebeamedonArchie，butnosmilecouldbeelicited。
　　"Andnow，"proceededtheJudge，"for`ArchibaldonCapitalPunishment。’
　　Thisisaveryplausibleacademicopinion;ofcourseIdonotandI
　　cannotholdit;butthat’snottosaythatmanyableandexcellentpersonshavenotdonesointhepast。Possibly，inthepastalso，Imayhavealittledippedmyselfinthesameheresy。Mythirdclient，orpossiblymyfourth，wasthemeansofareturninmyopinions。IneversawthemanImorebelievedin;Iwouldhaveputmyhandinthefire，I
　　wouldhavegonetothecrossforhim;andwhenitcametotrialhewasgraduallypicturedbeforeme，byundeniableprobation，inthelightofsogross，socold-blooded，andsoblack-heartedavillain，thatIhadamindtohavecastmybriefuponthetable。IwasthenboilingagainstthemanwithevenamoretropicaltemperaturethanIhadbeenboilingforhim。ButIsaidtomyself：`No，youhavetakenuphiscase;andbecauseyouhavechangedyourminditmustnotbesufferedtoletdrop。
　　Allthatrichtideofeloquencethatyoupreparedlastnightwithsomuchenthusiasmisoutofplace，andyetyoumustnotdeserthim，youmustsaysomething。’SoIsaidsomething，andIgothimoff。Itmademyreputation。Butanexperienceofthatkindisformative。Amanmustnotbringhispassionstothebar-ortothebench，"headded。
　　ThestoryhadslightlyrekindledArchie’sinterest。"Icouldneverdeny，"hebegan-"ImeanIcanconceivethatsomemenwouldbebetterdead。ButwhoarewetoknowallthespringsofGod’sunfortunatecreatures？WhoarewetotrustourselveswhereitseemsthatGodHimselfmustthinktwicebeforeHetreads，andtodoitwithdelight？
　　Yes，withdelight。TIGRISUTASPERA。"
　　"Perhapsnotapleasantspectacle，"saidGlenalmond。"Andyet，doyouknow，Ithinksomehowagreatone。"
　　"I’vehadalongtalkwithhimto-night，"saidArchie。
　　"Iwassupposingso，"saidGlenalmond。
　　"Andhestruckme-Icannotdenythathestruckmeassomethingverybig，"pursuedtheson。"Yes，heisbig。Heneverspokeabouthimself;
　　onlyaboutme。IsupposeIadmiredhim。Thedreadfulpart-"
　　"Supposewedidnottalkaboutthat，"interruptedGlenalmond。"Youknowitverywell，itcannotinanywayhelpthatyoushouldbrooduponit，andIsometimeswonderwhetheryouandI-whoareapairofsentimentalists-arequitegoodjudgesofplainmen。"
　　"Howdoyoumean？"askedArchie。
　　"FAIRjudges，mean，"repliedGlenalmond。"Canwebejusttothem？Dowenotasktoomuch？TherewasawordofyoursjustnowthatimpressedmealittlewhenyouaskedmewhoweweretoknowallthespringsofGod’sunfortunatecreatures。Youappliedthat，asIunderstood，tocapitalcasesonly。Butdoesit-Iaskmyself-doesitnotapplyallthrough？Isitanylessdifficulttojudgeofagoodmanorofahalf-
　　goodman，thanoftheworstcriminalatthebar？Andmaynoteachhaverelevantexcuses？"
　　"Ah，butwedonottalkofpunishingthegood，"criedArchie。
　　"No，wedonottalkofit，"saidGlenalmond。"ButIthinkwedoit。Yourfather，forinstance。"
　　"YouthinkIhavepunishedhim？"criedArchie。
　　LordGlenalmondbowedhishead。
　　"IthinkIhave，"saidArchie。"Andtheworstis，Ithinkhefeelsit！
　　Howmuch，whocantell，withsuchabeing？ButIthinkhedoes。"
　　"AndIamsureofit，"saidGlenalmond。
　　"Hashespokentoyou，then？"criedArchie。
　　"Ono，"repliedthejudge。
　　"Itellyouhonestly，"saidArchie，"Iwanttomakeituptohim。I
　　willgo，IhavealreadypledgedmyselftogotoHermiston。Thatwastohim。AndnowIpledgemyselftoyou，inthesightofGod，thatIwillclosemymouthoncapitalpunishmentandallothersubjectswhereourviewsmayclash，for-howlongshallIsay？whenshallIhavesenseenough？-tenyears。Isthatwell？"
　　"Itiswell，"saidmylord。
　　"Asfarasitgoes，"saidArchie。"Itisenoughasregardsmyself，itistolaydownenoughofmyconceit。Butasregardshim，whomIhavepubliclyinsulted？WhatamItodotohim？Howdoyoupayattentionstoa-anAlplikethat？"
　　"Onlyinoneway，"repliedGlenalmond。"Onlybyobedience，punctual，prompt，andscrupulous。"
　　"AndIpromisethatheshallhaveit，"answeredArchie。"Iofferyoumyhandinpledgeofit。"
　　"AndItakeyourhandasasolemnity，"repliedthejudge。"Godblessyou，mydear，andenableyoutokeepyourpromise。Godguideyouinthetrueway，andspareyourdays，andpreservetoyouyourhonestheart。"
　　Atthat，hekissedtheyoungmanupontheforeheadinagracious，distant，antiquatedway;andinstantlylaunched，withamarkedchangeofvoice，intoanothersubject。"Andnow，letusreplenishthetankard;
　　andIbelieveifyouwilltrymyCheddaragain，youwouldfindyouhadabetterappetite。TheCourthasspoken，andthecaseisdismissed。"
　　"No，thereisonethingImustsay，"criedArchie。"Imustsayitinjusticetohimself。Iknow-Ibelievefaithfully，slavishly，afterourtalk-hewillneveraskmeanythingunjust。Iamproudtofeelit，thatwehavethatmuchincommon，Iamproudtosayittoyou。"
　　TheJudge，withshiningeyes，raisedhistankard。"AndIthinkperhapsthatwemightpermitourselvesatoast，"saidhe。"Ishouldliketoproposethehealthofamanverydifferentfrommeandverymuchmysuperior-amanfromwhomIhaveoftendiffered，whohasoften（inthetrivialexpression）rubbedmethewrongway，butwhomIhaveneverceasedtorespectand，Imayadd，tobenotalittleafraidof。ShallIgiveyouhisname？"
　　"TheLordJustice-Clerk，LordHermiston，"saidArchie，almostwithgaiety;andthepairdrankthetoastdeeply。
　　Itwasnotpreciselyeasytore-establish，aftertheseemotionalpassages，thenaturalflowofconversation。ButtheJudgeekedoutwhatwaswantingwithkindlooks，producedhissnuff-box（whichwasveryrarelyseen）tofillinapause，andatlast，despairingofanyfurthersocialsuccess，wasuponthepointofgettingdownabooktoreadafavouritepassage，whentherecamearatherstartlingsummonsatthefrontdoor，andCarstairsusheredinmyLordGlenkindie，hotfromamidnightsupper。IamnotawarethatGlenkindiewaseverabeautifulobject，beingshort，andgross-bodied，andwithanexpressionofsensualitycomparabletoabear’s。Atthatmoment，cominginhissingfrommanypotations，withaflushedcountenanceandblurredeyes，hewasstrikinglycontrastedwiththetall，pale，kinglyfigureofGlenalmond。
　　ArushofconfusedthoughtcameoverArchie-ofshamethatthiswasoneofhisfather’selectfriends;ofpride，thatattheleastofitHermistoncouldcarryhisliquor;andlastofall，ofrage，thatheshouldhavehereunderhiseyesthemanthathadbetrayedhim。Andthenthattoopassedaway;andhesatquiet，bidinghisopportunity。
　　ThetipsysenatorplungedatonceintoanexplanationwithGlenalmond。
　　Therewasapointreservedyesterday，hehadbeenabletomakeneitherheadnortailofit，andseeinglightsinthehouse，hehadjustdroppedinforaglassofporter-andatthispointhebecameawareofthethirdperson。Archiesawthecod’smouthandthebluntlipsofGlenkindiegapeathimforamoment，andtherecognitiontwinkleinhiseyes。
　　"Who’sthis？"saidhe。"What？isthispossiblyyou，DonQuickshot？Andhowareye？Andhow’syourfather？Andwhat’sallthiswehearofyou？
　　Itseemsyou’reamostextraordinaryleveller，byalltales。Noking，noparliaments，andyourgorgerisesatthemacers，worthymen！Hoot，toot！Dear，dearme！Yourfather’ssontoo！Mostrideeculous！"
　　Archiewasonhisfeet，flushingalittleatthereappearanceofhisunhappyfigureofspeech，butperfectlyself-possessed。"Mylord-andyou，LordGlenalmond，mydearfriend，"hebegan，"thisisahappychanceforme，thatIcanmakemyconfessionandoffermyapologiestotwoofyouatonce。"
　　"Ah，butIdon’tknowaboutthat。Confession？It’llbejudeecial，myyoungfriend，"criedthejocularGlenkindie。"AndI’mafraidtolistentoye。Thinkifyeweretomakemeacoanvert！"
　　"Ifyouwouldallowme，mylord，"returnedArchie，"whatIhavetosayisveryserioustome;andbepleasedtobehumorousafterIamgone！"
　　"Remember，I’llhearnothingagainstthemacers！"putintheincorrigibleGlenkindie。
　　ButArchiecontinuedasthoughhehadnotspoken。"Ihaveplayed，bothyesterdayandto-day，apartforwhichIcanonlyoffertheexcuseofyouth。Iwassounwiseastogotoanexecution;itseemsImadeasceneatthegallows;notcontentwithwhich，Ispokethesamenightinacollegesocietyagainstcapitalpunishment。ThisistheextentofwhatIhavedone，andincaseyouhearmoreallegedagainstme，I
　　protestmyinnocence。Ihaveexpressedmyregretalreadytomyfather，whoissogoodastopassmyconductover-inadegree，andupontheconditionthatIamtoleavemylawstudies。"……
　　CHAPTERV-WINTERONTHEMOORS
　　I。ATHERMISTON
　　THEroadtoHermistonrunsforagreatpartofthewayupthevalleyofastream，afavouritewithanglersandwithmidges，fulloffallsandpools，andshadedbywillowsandnaturalwoodsofbirch。Hereandthere，butatgreatdistances，abywaybranchesoff，andagauntfarmhousemaybedescriedaboveinafoldofthehill;butthemorepartofthetime，theroadwouldbequiteemptyofpassageandthehillsofhabitation。HermistonparishisoneoftheleastpopulousinScotland;
　　and，bythetimeyoucamethatlength，youwouldscarcebesurprisedattheinimitablesmallnessofthekirk，adwarfish，ancientplaceseatedforfifty，andstandinginagreenbytheburn-sideamongtwo-scoregravestones。Themansecloseby，althoughnomorethanacottage，issurroundedbythebrightnessofaflower-gardenandthestrawroofsofbees;andthewholecolony，kirkandmanse，gardenandgraveyard，findsharbourageinagroveofrowans，andisalltheyearroundinagreatsilencebrokenonlybythedroneofthebees，thetinkleoftheburn，andthebellonSundays。Amilebeyondthekirktheroadleavesthevalleybyaprecipitousascent，andbringsyoualittleaftertotheplaceofHermiston，whereitcomestoanendintheback-yardbeforethecoach-house。Allbeyondandaboutisthegreatfield，ofthehills;theplover，thecurlew，andthelarkcrythere;thewindblowsasitblowsinaship’srigging，hardandcoldandpure;andthehill-topshuddleonebehindanotherlikeaherdofcattleintothesunset。
　　Thehousewassixtyyearsold，unsightly，comfortable;afarmyardandakitchen-gardenontheleft，withafruitwallwherelittlehardgreenpearscametotheirmaturityabouttheendofOctober。
　　Thepolicy（aswhoshouldsaythepark）wasofsomeextent，butveryillreclaimed;heatherandmoorfowlhadcrossedtheboundarywallandspreadandroostedwithin;anditwouldhavetaskedalandscapegardenertosaywherepolicyendedandunpoliciednaturebegan。MylordhadbeenledbytheinfluenceofMr。SheriffScottintoaconsiderabledesignofplanting;manyacreswereaccordinglysetoutwithfir，andthelittlefeatherybesomsgaveafalsescaleandlentastrangeairofatoy-shoptothemoors。Agreat，rootysweetnessofbogswasintheair，andatallseasonsaninfinitemelancholypipingofhillbirds。Standingsohighandwithsolittleshelter，itwasacold，exposedhouse，splashedbyshowers，drenchedbycontinuousrainsthatmadethegutterstospout，beatenuponandbuffetedbyallthewindsofheaven;andtheprospectwouldbeoftenblackwithtempest，andoftenwhitewiththesnowsofwinter。Butthehousewaswindandweatherproof，thehearthswerekeptbright，andtheroomspleasantwithlivefiresofpeat;andArchiemightsitofaneveningandhearthesquallsbugleonthemoorland，andwatchthefireprosperintheearthyfuel，andthesmokewindingupthechimney，anddrinkdeepofthepleasuresofshelter。
　　Solitaryastheplacewas，Archiedidnotwantneighbours。Everynight，ifhechose，hemightgodowntothemanseandsharea"brewst"oftoddywiththeminister-ahare-brainedancientgentleman，longandlightandstillactive，thoughhiskneeswereloosenedwithage，andhisvoicebrokecontinuallyinchildishtrebles-andhisladywife，aheavy，comelydame，withoutawordtosayforherselfbeyondgood-evenandgood-day。Harum-scarum，clodpoleyounglairdsoftheneighbourhoodpaidhimthecomplimentofavisit。YoungHayofRomanesrodedowntocall，onhiscrop-earedpony;youngPringleofDrumannocameuponhisbonygrey。Hayremainedonthehospitablefield，andmustbecarriedtobed;
　　Pringlegotsomehowtohissaddleabout3A。M。，and（asArchiestoodwiththelampontheupperdoorstep）lurched，utteredasenselessview-
　　holloa，andvanishedoutofthesmallcircleofilluminationlikeawraith。Yetaminuteortwolongertheclatterofhisbreak-neckflightwasaudible，thenitwascutoffbytheinterveningsteepnessofthehill;andagain，agreatwhileafter，therenewedbeatingofphantomhorse-hoofs，farinthevalleyoftheHermiston，showedthatthehorseatleast，ifnothisrider，wasstillonthehomewardway。
　　TherewasaTuesdayclubatthe"Cross-keys"inCrossmichael，wheretheyoungbloodsofthecountry-sidecongregatedanddrankdeeponapercentageoftheexpense，sothathewasleftgainerwhoshouldhavedrunkthemost。Archiehadnogreatmindtothisdiversion，buthetookitlikeadutylaiduponhim，wentwithadecentregularity，didhismanfullestwiththeliquor，helduphisheadinthelocaljests，andgothomeagainandwasabletoputuphishorse，totheadmirationofKirstieandthelassthathelpedher。HedinedatDriffel，suppedatWindielaws。Hewenttothenewyear’sballatHuntsfieldandwasmadewelcome，andthereafterrodetohoundswithmyLordMuirfell，uponwhosename，asthatofalegitimateLordofParliament，inaworksofullofLordsofSession，mypenshouldpausereverently。YetthesamefateattendedhimhereasinEdinburgh。Thehabitofsolitudetendstoperpetuateitself，andanausterityofwhichhewasquiteunconscious，andapridewhichseemedarrogance，andperhapswaschieflyshyness，discouragedandoffendedhisnewcompanions。Haydidnotreturnmorethantwice，Pringleneveratall，andtherecameatimewhenArchieevendesistedfromtheTuesdayClub，andbecameinallthings-whathehadhadthenameofalmostfromthefirst-theRecluseofHermiston。
　　High-nosedMissPringleofDrumannoandhigh-steppingMissMarshalloftheMainswereunderstoodtohavehadadifferenceofopinionabouthimthedayaftertheball-hewasnonethewiser，hecouldnotsupposehimselftoberemarkedbytheseentrancingladies。AttheballitselfmyLordMuirfell’sdaughter，theLadyFlora，spoketohimtwice，andthesecondtimewithatouchofappeal，sothathercolourroseandhervoicetrembledalittleinhisear，likeapassinggraceinmusic。Hesteppedbackwithaheartonfire，coldlyandnotungracefullyexcusedhimself，andalittleafterwatchedherdancingwithyoungDrumannooftheemptylaugh，andwasharrowedatthesight，andragedtohimselfthatthiswasaworldinwhichitwasgiventoDrumannotoplease，andtohimselfonlytostandasideandenvy。Heseemedexcluded，asofright，fromthefavourofsuchsociety-seemedtoextinguishmirthwhereverhecame，andwasquicktofeelthewound，anddesist，andretireintosolitude。Ifhehadbutunderstoodthefigurehepresented，andtheimpressionhemadeonthesebrighteyesandtenderhearts;ifhehadbutguessedthattheRecluseofHermiston，young，graceful，wellspoken，butalwayscold，stirredthemaidensofthecountywiththecharmofByronismwhenByronismwasnew，itmaybequestionedwhetherhisdestinymightnotevenyethavebeenmodified。Itmaybequestioned，andIthinkitshouldbedoubted。Itwasinhishoroscopetobeparsimoniousofpaintohimself，orofthechanceofpain，eventotheavoidanceofanyopportunityofpleasure;tohaveaRomansenseofduty，aninstinctivearistocracyofmannersandtaste;tobethesonofAdamWeirandJeanRutherford。
　　2。KIRSTIE
　　Kirstiewasnowoverfifty，andmighthavesattoasculptor。Longoflimb，andstilllightoffoot，deep-breasted，robust-loined，hergoldenhairnotyetmingledwithanytraceofsilver，theyearshadbutcaressedandembellishedher。Bythelinesofarichandvigorousmaternity，sheseemeddestinedtobethebrideofheroesandthemotheroftheirchildren;andbehold，bytheiniquityoffate，shehadpassedthroughheryouthalone，anddrewneartotheconfinesofage，achildlesswoman。Thetenderambitionsthatshehadreceivedatbirthhadbeen，bytimeanddisappointment，divertedintoacertainbarrenzealofindustryandfuryofinterference。Shecarriedherthwartedardoursintohousework，shewashedfloorswithheremptyheart。Ifshecouldnotwintheloveofonewithlove，shemustdominateallbyhertemper。Hasty，wordy，andwrathful，shehadadrawnquarrelwithmostofherneighbours，andwiththeothersnotmuchmorethanarmedneutrality。Thegrieve’swifehadbeen"sneisty";thesisterofthegardenerwhokepthouseforhimhadshownherself"upsitten";andshewrotetoLordHermistonaboutonceayeardemandingthedischargeoftheoffenders，andjustifyingthedemandbymuchwealthofdetail。Foritmustnotbesupposedthatthequarrelrestedwiththewifeanddidnottakeinthehusbandalso-orwiththegardener’ssister，anddidnotspeedilyincludethegardenerhimself。Astheupshotofallthispettyquarrellingandintemperatespeech，shewaspracticallyexcluded（likealightkeeperonhistower）fromthecomfortsofhumanassociation;exceptwithherownindoordrudge，who，beingbutalassieandentirelyathermercy，mustsubmittotheshiftyweatherof"themistress’s"moodswithoutcomplaint，andbewillingtotakebuffetsorcaressesaccordingtothetemperofthehour。ToKirstie，thussituateandintheIndiansummerofherheart，whichwasslowtosubmittoage，thegodssentthisequivocalgoodthingofArchie’spresence。Shehadknownhiminthecradleandpaddledhimwhenhemisbehaved;andyet，asshehadnotsomuchasseteyesonhimsincehewaselevenandhadhislastseriousillness，thetall，slender，refined，andrathermelancholyyounggentlemanoftwentycameuponherwiththeshockofanewacquaintance。
　　Hewas"YoungHermiston，""thelairdhimsel’"：hehadanairofdistinctivesuperiority，acoldstraightglanceofhisblackeyes，thatabashedthewoman’stantrumsinthebeginning，andthereforethepossibilityofanyquarrelwasexcluded。Hewasnew，andthereforeimmediatelyarousedhercuriosity;hewasreticent，andkeptitawake。
　　Andlastlyhewasdarkandshefair，andhewasmaleandshefemale，theeverlastingfountainsofinterest。
　　Herfeelingpartookoftheloyaltyofaclanswoman，thehero-worshipofamaidenaunt，andtheidolatryduetoagod。Nomatterwhathehadaskedofher，ridiculousortragic，shewouldhavedoneitandjoyedtodoit。Herpassion，foritwasnothingless，entirelyfilledher。Itwasarichphysicalpleasuretomakehisbedorlighthislampforhimwhenhewasabsent，topulloffhiswetbootsorwaitonhimatdinnerwhenhereturned。Ayoungmanwhoshouldhavesodotedontheidea，moralandphysical，ofanywoman，mightbeproperlydescribedasbeinginlove，headandheels，andwouldhavebehavedhimselfaccordingly。
　　ButKirstie-thoughherheartleapedathiscomingfootsteps-though，whenhepattedhershoulder，herfacebrightenedfortheday-hadnotahopeorthoughtbeyondthepresentmomentanditsperpetuationtotheendoftime。Tilltheendoftimeshewouldhavehadnothingaltered，butstillcontinuedelightedlytoserveheridol，andberepaid（saytwiceinthemonth）withaclapontheshoulder。
　　Ihavesaidherheartleaped-itistheacceptedphrase。Butrather，whenshewasaloneinanychamberofthehouse，andheardhisfootpassingonthecorridors，somethinginherbosomroseslowlyuntilherbreathwassuspended，andasslowlyfellagainwithadeepsigh，whenthestepshadpassedandshewasdisappointedofhereyes’desire。Thisperpetualhungerandthirstofhispresencekeptheralldayonthealert。Whenhewentforthatmorning，shewouldstandandfollowhimwithadmiringlooks。Asitgrewlateanddrewtothetimeofhisreturn，shewouldstealforthtoacornerofthepolicywallandbeseenstandingtheresometimesbythehourtogether，gazingwithshadedeyes，waitingtheexquisiteandbarrenpleasureofhisviewamileoffonthemountains。
　　Whenatnightshehadtrimmedandgatheredthefire，turneddownhisbed，andlaidouthisnight-gear-whentherewasnomoretobedonefortheking’spleasure，buttorememberhimferventlyinherusuallyverytepidprayers，andgotobedbroodinguponhisperfections，hisfuturecareer，andwhatsheshouldgivehimthenextdayfordinner-therestillremainedbeforeheronemoreopportunity;shewasstilltotakeinthetrayandsaygood-night。SometimesArchiewouldglanceupfromhisbookwithapreoccupiednodandaperfunctorysalutationwhichwasintruthadismissal;sometimes-andbydegreesmoreoften-thevolumewouldbelaidaside，hewouldmeethercomingwithalookofrelief;andtheconversationwouldbeengaged，lastoutthesupper，andbeprolongedtillthesmallhoursbythewaningfire。ItwasnowonderthatArchiewasfondofcompanyafterhissolitarydays;andKirstie，uponherside，exertedalltheartsofhervigorousnaturetoensnarehisattention。
　　Shewouldkeepbacksomepieceofnewsduringdinnertobefiredoffwiththeentranceofthesuppertray，andformasitweretheLEVERDE
　　RIDEAUoftheevening’sentertainment。Oncehehadheardhertonguewag，shemadesureoftheresult。Fromonesubjecttoanothershemovedbyinsidioustransitions，fearingtheleastsilence，fearingalmosttogivehimtimeforananswerlestitshouldslipintoahintofseparation。Likesomanypeopleofherclass，shewasabravenarrator;
　　herplacewasonthehearth-rugandshemadeitarostrum，mimeingherstoriesasshetoldthem，fittingthemwithvitaldetail，spinningthemoutwithendless"quo’he’s"and"quo’she’s，"hervoicesinkingintoawhisperoverthesupernaturalorthehorrific;untilshewouldsuddenlyspringupinaffectedsurprise，andpointingtotheclock，"Mercy，Mr。
　　Archie！"shewouldsay，"whattenatimeo’nightisthisofit！Godforgivemeforadaftwife！"Soitbefell，bygoodmanagement，thatshewasnotonlythefirsttobeginthesenocturnalconversations，butinvariablythefirsttobreakthemoff;soshemanagedtoretireandnottobedismissed。
　　3。ABORDERFAMILY
　　SuchanunequalintimacyhasneverbeenuncommoninScotland，wheretheclanspiritsurvives;wheretheservanttendstospendherlifeinthesameservice，ahelpmeetatfirst，thenatyrant，andatlastapensioner;where，besides，sheisnotnecessarilydestituteoftheprideofbirth，butis，perhaps，likeKirstie，aconnectionofhermaster’s，andatleastknowsthelegendofherownfamily，andmaycountkinshipwithsomeillustriousdead。ForthatisthemarkoftheScotofallclasses：thathestandsinanattitudetowardsthepastunthinkabletoEnglishmen，andremembersandcherishesthememoryofhisforebears，goodorbad;andthereburnsaliveinhimasenseofidentitywiththedeadeventothetwentiethgeneration。NomorecharacteristicinstancecouldbefoundthaninthefamilyofKirstieElliott。Theywereall，andKirstiethefirstofall，readyandeagertopourforththeparticularsoftheirgenealogy，embellishedwitheverydetailthatmemoryhadhandeddownorfancyfabricated;and，behold！fromeveryramificationofthattreetheredangledahalter。TheElliottsthemselveshavehadachequeredhistory;buttheseElliottsdeduced，besides，fromthreeofthemostunfortunateoftheborderclans-theNicksons，theEllwalds，andtheCrozers。Oneancestorafteranothermightbeseenappearingamomentoutoftherainandthehillmistuponhisfurtivebusiness，speedinghome，perhaps，withapaltrybootyoflamehorsesandleankine，orsquealinganddealingdeathinsomemoorlandfeudoftheferretsandthewildcats。Oneafteranotherclosedhisobscureadventuresinmid-air，triceduptothearmoftheroyalgibbetortheBaron’sdule-tree。FortherustyblunderbussofScotscriminaljustice，whichusuallyhurtnobodybutjurymen，becameaweaponofprecisionfortheNicksons，theEllwalds，andtheCrozers。
　　Theexhilarationoftheirexploitsseemedtohauntthememoriesoftheirdescendantsalone，andtheshametobeforgotten。Prideglowedintheirbosomstopublishtheirrelationshipto"AndrewEllwaldoftheLaverockstanes，called`UnchancyDand，’whowasjustifeedwi’seevenmairofthesamenameatJeddartinthedaysofKingJamestheSax。"Inallthistissueofcrimeandmisfortune，theElliottsofCauldstaneslaphadoneboastwhichmustappearlegitimate：themalesweregallows-
　　birds，bornoutlaws，pettythieves，anddeadlybrawlers;but，accordingtothesametradition，thefemaleswereallchasteandfaithful。Thepowerofancestryonthecharacterisnotlimitedtotheinheritanceofcells。IfIbuyancestorsbythegrossfromthebenevolenceofLyonKingofArms，mygrandson（ifheisScottish）willfeelaquickeningemulationoftheirdeeds。ThemenoftheElliottswereproud，lawless，violentasofright，cherishingandprolongingatradition。Inlikemannerwiththewomen。Andthewoman，essentiallypassionateandreckless，whocrouchedontherug，intheshineofthepeatfire，tellingthesetales，hadcherishedthroughlifeawildintegrityofvirtue。
　　HerfatherGilberthadbeendeeplypious，asavagedisciplinarianintheantiquestyle，andwithalanotorioussmuggler。"ImindwhenIwasabairngettingmonyaskelpandbeingshoo’dtobedlikepou’try，"shewouldsay。"Thatwouldbewhentheladsandtheirbitkegswereontheroad。We’vehadtheriffraffoftwo-threecountiesinourkitchen，mony’sthetime，betwix’thetwelveandthethree;andtheirlanternswouldbestandingintheforecourt，ay，ascoreo’thematonce。ButtherewasnaeungodlytalkpermittedatCauldstaneslap。Myfaitherwasaconsistentmaninwalkandconversation;justletslipanaith，andtherewasthedoortoye！HehadthatzealfortheLord，itwasafairwondertohearhimpray，butthefamilyhasayehadagiftthatway。"
　　Thisfatherwastwicemarried，oncetoadarkwomanoftheoldEllwaldstock，bywhomhehadGilbert，presentlyofCauldstaneslap;and，secondly，tothemotherofKirstie。"Hewasanauldmanwhenhemarriedher，afellauldmanwi’amucklevoice-youcouldhearhimrowtingfromthetopo’theKye-skairs，"shesaid;"butforher，itappearsshewasaperfitwonder。Itwasgentlebloodshehad，Mr。Archie，foritwasyourain。Thecountry-sidegaedgyteaboutherandhergowdenhair。
　　Minesisnotobementionedwi’it，andthere’sfewweemenhasmairhairthanwhatIhave，oryetabonniercolour。OftenwouldItellmydearMissJeannie-thatwasyourmother，dear，shewascruelta’enupaboutherhair，itwasunco’tender，yesee-’Houts，MissJeannie，’Iwouldsay，’justflingyourwashesandyourFrenchdentifrishesinthebacko’
　　thefire，forthat’stheplaceforthem;andawa’downtoaburnside，andwashyersel’incauldhillwater，anddryyourbonnyhairinthecallerwindo’themuirs，thewaythatmymotherayewashedhers，andthatIhaveayemadeitapracticetohavewishenmines-justyoudowhatItellye，mydear，andye’llgivemenewsofit！Ye’llhavehair，androuthofhair，apigtailasthick’smyarm，’Isaid，`andthebonniestcolourlikethecleargowdenguineas，soastheladsinkirk’llnocankeeptheireyesoffit！’Weel，itlastedouthertime，puirthing！Icuttitalockofituponhercorpthatwaslyingtheresaecauld。I’llshowityesomeofthirdaysifye’regood。But，asIwassayin’，mymither-"
　　Onthedeathofthefatherthereremainedgolden-hairedKirstie，whotookservicewithherdistantkinsfolk，theRutherfords，andblack-a-
　　visedGilbert，twentyyearsolder，whofarmedtheCauldstaneslap，married，andbegotfoursonsbetween1773and1784，andadaughter，likeapostscript，in’97，theyearofCamperdownandCapeSt。Vincent。Itseemeditwasatraditioninthefamilytowindupwithabelatedgirl。
　　In1804，attheageofsixty，Gilbertmetanendthatmightbecalledheroic。Hewasduehomefrommarketanytimefromeightatnighttillfiveinthemorning，andinanyconditionfromthequarrelsometothespeechless，forhemaintainedtothatagethegoodlycustomsoftheScotsfarmer。Itwasknownonthisoccasionthathehadagoodbitofmoneytobringhome;thewordhadgoneroundloosely。Thelairdhadshownhisguineas，andifanybodyhadbutnoticedit，therewasanill-
　　looking，vagabondcrew，thescumofEdinburgh，thatdrewoutofthemarketlongereitwasduskandtookthehill-roadbyHermiston，whereitwasnottobebelievedthattheyhadlawfulbusiness。Oneofthecountry-side，oneDickieson，theytookwiththemtobetheirguide，anddearhepaidforit！OfasuddeninthefordoftheBrokenDykes，thisverminclanfellonthelaird，sixtoone，andhimthreepartsasleep，havingdrunkhard。ButitisilltocatchanElliott。
　　Forawhile，inthenightandtheblackwaterthatwasdeepastohissaddle-girths，hewroughtwithhisstafflikeasmithathisstithy，andgreatwasthesoundofoathsandblows。Withthattheambuscadewasburst，andherodeforhomewithapistol-ballinhim，threeknifewounds，thelossofhisfrontteeth，abrokenribandbridle，andadyinghorse。Thatwasaracewithdeaththatthelairdrode！Inthemirknight，withhisbrokenbridleandhisheadswimming，hedughisspurstotherowelsinthehorse’sside，andthehorse，thatwasevenworseoffthanhimself，thepoorcreature！screamedoutloudlikeapersonashewent，sothatthehillsechoedwithit，andthefolksatCauldstaneslapgottotheirfeetaboutthetableandlookedateachotherwithwhitefaces。Thehorsefelldeadattheyardgate，thelairdwonthelengthofthehouseandfellthereonthethreshold。Tothesonthatraisedhimhegavethebagofmoney。"Hae，"saidhe。Allthewayupthethieveshadseemedtohimtobeathisheels，butnowthehallucinationlefthim-hesawthemagainintheplaceoftheambuscade-andthethirstofvengeanceseizedonhisdyingmind。Raisinghimselfandpointingwithanimperiousfingerintotheblacknightfromwhichhehadcome，heutteredthesinglecommand，"BrockenDykes，"andfainted。
　　Hehadneverbeenloved，buthehadbeenfearedinhonour。Atthatsight，atthatword，gaspedoutatthemfromatoothlessandbleedingmouth，theoldElliottspiritawokewithashoutinthefoursons。
　　"Wantingthehat，"continuesmyauthor，Kirstie，whomIbuthaltinglyfollow，forshetoldthistalelikeoneinspired，"wantingguns，fortherewasnatwagrainso’pouderinthehouse，wi’naemairweeponsthantheirsticksintotheirhands，thefowero’themtooktheroad。OnlyHob，andthatwastheeldest，hunkeredatthedoorsillwherethebloodhadrin，fyledhishandwi’it-andhadditituptoHeeveninthewayo’theauldBorderaith。`Hellshallhaveherainagainthisnicht！’heraired，androdeforthuponhisearrand。"ItwasthreemilestoBrokenDykes，downhill，andasoreroad。KirstiehasseenmenfromEdinburghdismountingthereinplaindaytoleadtheirhorses。ButthefourbrothersrodeitasifAuldHorniewerebehindandHeaveninfront。
　　Cometotheford，andtherewasDickieson。Byalltales，hewasnotdead，butbreathedandreareduponhiselbow，andcriedouttothemforhelp。Itwasatagracelessfacethatheaskedmercy。AssoonasHobsaw，bytheglintofthelantern，theeyesshiningandthewhitenessoftheteethintheman’sface，"Damnyou！"sayshe;"yehaeyourteeth，haeye？"androdehishorsetoandfrouponthathumanremnant。Beyondthat，Dandiemustdismountwiththelanterntobetheirguide;hewastheyoungestson，scarcetwentyatthetime。"A’nichtlongtheygaedinthewetheathandjennipers，andwhaurtheygaedtheyneitherknewnorcared，butjustfollowedthebluidstainsandthefootprintso’
　　theirfaither’smurderers。Anda’nichtDandiehadhisnosetothegrundlikeatyke，andtheithersfollowedandspak’naething，neitherblacknorwhite。Therewasnaenoisetobeheard，butjustthesoughoftheswalledburns，andHob，thedouryin，rispinghisteethashegaed。"
　　Withthefirstglintofthemorningtheysawtheywereonthedroveroad，andatthatthefourstoppedandhadadramtotheirbreakfasts，fortheyknewthatDandmusthaveguidedthemright，andtheroguescouldbebutlittleahead，hotfootforEdinburghbythewayofthePentlandHills。Byeighto’clocktheyhadwordofthem-ashepherdhadseenfourmen"uncolymishandled"gobyinthelasthour。"That’syinapiece，"saysClem，andswunghiscudgel。"Fiveo’them！"saysHob。
　　"God’sdeath，butthefaitherwasaman！Andhimdrunk！"Andthentherebefellthemwhatmyauthortermed"asairmisbegowk，"fortheywereovertakenbyaposseofmountedneighbourscometoaidinthepursuit。Foursourfaceslookedonthereinforcement。"TheDeil’sbroughtenyou！"saidClem，andtheyrodethenceforwardintherearofthepartywithhangingheads。Beforetentheyhadfoundandsecuredtherogues，andbythreeoftheafternoon，astheyrodeuptheVennelwiththeirprisoners，theywereawareofaconcourseofpeoplebearingintheirmidstsomethingthatdripped。"Fortheboadyofthesaxt，"
　　pursuedKirstie，"wi’hisheadsmashedlikeahazelnit，hadbeena’thatnichtinthechairgeo’HermistonWater，anditduntingitonthestanes，andgrundingitontheshallows，andflingingthedeidthingheels-ower-hurdieattheFa’so’Spango;andinthefirsto’theday，Tweedhadgotaholdo’himandcarriedhimofflikeawind，foritwasuncolyswalled，andracedwi’him，bobbingunderbrae-sides，andwaslongplayingwiththecreatureinthedrumlielynnsunderthecastle，andatthehinderendofallcuisthimuponthestarlingofCrossmichaelbrig。Saetheretheywerea’thegitheratlast（forDickiesonhadbeenbroughtinonacartlongsyne），andfolkcouldseewhatmainnero’manmybritherhadbeenthathadheldhisheadagainsaxandsavedthesiller，andhimdrunk！"ThusdiedofhonourableinjuriesandinthesavouroffameGilbertElliottoftheCauldstaneslap;buthissonshadscarcelessgloryoutofthebusiness。Theirsavagehaste，theskillwithwhichDandhadfoundandfollowedthetrail，thebarbaritytothewoundedDickieson（whichwaslikeanopensecretinthecounty），andthedoomwhichitwascurrentlysupposedtheyhadintendedfortheothers，struckandstirredpopularimagination。SomecenturyearlierthelastoftheminstrelsmighthavefashionedthelastoftheballadsoutofthatHomericfightandchase;butthespiritwasdead，orhadbeenreincarnatedalreadyinMr。SheriffScott，andthedegeneratemoorsmenmustbecontenttotellthetaleinprose，andtomakeofthe"FourBlackBrothers"aunitafterthefashionofthe"TwelveApostles"
　　orthe"ThreeMusketeers。"
　　Robert，Gilbert，Clement，andAndrew-intheproperBorderdiminutives，Hob，Gib，Clem，andDandElliott-theseballadheroes，hadmuchincommon;inparticular，theirhighsenseofthefamilyandthefamilyhonour;buttheywentdiverseways，andprosperedandfailedindifferentbusinesses。AccordingtoKirstie，"theyhada’beesintheirbonnetsbutHob。"Hobthelairdwas，indeed，essentiallyadecentman。
　　AnelderoftheKirk，nobodyhadheardanoathuponhislips，saveperhapsthriceorsoatthesheep-washing，sincethechaseofhisfather’smurderers。Thefigurehehadshownonthateventfulnightdisappearedasifswallowedbyatrap。Hewhohadecstaticallydippedhishandintheredblood，hewhohadriddendownDickieson，became，fromthatmomenton，astiffandrathergracelessmodeloftherusticproprieties;cannilyprofitingbythehighwarprices，andyearlystowingawayalittlenest-egginthebankagainstcalamity;approvedofandsometimesconsultedbythegreaterlairdsforthemassiveandplacidsenseofwhathesaid，whenhecouldbeinducedtosayanything;andparticularlyvaluedbytheminister，Mr。Torrance，asaright-handmanintheparish，andamodeltoparents。Thetransfigurationhadbeenforthemomentonly;someBarbarossa，someoldAdamofourancestors，sleepsinallofustillthefitcircumstanceshallcallitintoaction;and，forassoberashenowseemed，Hobhadgivenonceforallthemeasureofthedevilthathauntedhim。Hewasmarried，and，byreasonoftheeffulgenceofthatlegendarynight，wasadoredbyhiswife。
　　Hehadamoboflittlelusty，barefootchildrenwhomarchedinacaravanthelongmilestoschool，thestagesofwhosepilgrimageweremarkedbyactsofspoliationandmischief，andwhowerequalifiedinthecountry-
　　sideas"fairpests。"Butinthehouse，if"faitherwasin，"theywerequietasmice。Inshort，Hobmovedthroughlifeinagreatpeace-therewardofanyonewhoshallhavekilledhisman，withanyformidableandfigurativecircumstance，inthemidstofacountrygaggedandswaddledwithcivilisation。
　　ItwasacurrentremarkthattheElliottswere"guidandbad，likesanguishes";andcertainlytherewasacuriousdistinction，themenofbusinesscomingalternatelywiththedreamers。Thesecondbrother，Gib，wasaweaverbytrade，hadgoneoutearlyintotheworldtoEdinburgh，andcomehomeagainwithhiswingssinged。TherewasanexaltationinhisnaturewhichhadledhimtoembracewithenthusiasmtheprinciplesoftheFrenchRevolution，andhadendedbybringinghimunderthehawseofmyLordHermistoninthatfuriousonslaughtofhisupontheLiberals，whichsentMuirandPalmerintoexileanddashedthepartyintochaff。
　　Itwaswhisperedthatmylord，inhisgreatscornforthemovement，andprevaileduponalittlebyasenseofneighbourliness，hadgivenGibahint。MeetinghimonedayinthePotterrow，mylordhadstoppedinfrontofhim："Gib，yeeediot，"hehadsaid，"what’sthisIhearofyou？
　　Poalitics，poalitics，poalitics，weaver’spoalitics，isthewayofit，I
　　hear。Ifyearenaa’thegitherdozenedwithcediocy，ye’llgangyourwaysbacktoCauldstaneslap，andca’yourloom，andca’yourloom，man！"
　　AndGilberthadtakenhimatthewordandreturned，withanexpeditionalmosttobecalledflight，tothehouseofhisfather。TheclearestofhisinheritancewasthatfamilygiftofprayerofwhichKirstiehadboasted;andthebaffledpoliticiannowturnedhisattentiontoreligiousmatters-or，asotherssaid，toheresyandschism。EverySundaymorninghewasinCrossmichael，wherehehadgatheredtogether，onebyone，asectofaboutadozenpersons，whocalledthemselves"God’sRemnantoftheTrueFaithful，"or，forshort，"God’sRemnant。"
　　Totheprofane，theywereknownas"Gib’sDeils。"BailieSweedie，anotedhumoristinthetown，vowedthattheproceedingsalwaysopenedtothetuneof"TheDeilFlyAwaywiththeExciseman，"andthatthesacramentwasdispensedintheformofhotwhisky-toddy;bothwickedhitsattheevangelist，whohadbeensuspectedofsmugglinginhisyouth，andhadbeenovertaken（asthephrasewent）onthestreetsofCrossmichaeloneFairday。ItwasknownthateverySundaytheyprayedforablessingonthearmsofBonaparte。Forthis"God’sRemnant，"astheywere"skailing"fromthecottagethatdiddutyforatemple，hadbeenrepeatedlystonedbythebairns，andGibhimselfhootedbyasquadronofBordervolunteersinwhichhisownbrother，Dand，rodeinauniformandwithadrawnsword。The"Remnant"werebelieved，besides，tobe"antinomianinprinciple，"whichmightotherwisehavebeenaseriouscharge，butthewaypublicopinionthenblewitwasquiteswallowedupandforgotteninthescandalaboutBonaparte。Fortherest，GilberthadsetuphisloominanouthouseatCauldstaneslap，wherehelabouredassiduouslysixdaysoftheweek。Hisbrothers，appalledbyhispoliticalopinions，andwillingtoavoiddissensioninthehousehold，spokebutlittletohim;helesstothem，remainingabsorbedinthestudyoftheBibleandalmostconstantprayer。Thegauntweaverwasdry-nurseatCauldstaneslap，andthebairnslovedhimdearly。Exceptwhenhewascarryinganinfantinhisarms，hewasrarelyseentosmile-as，indeed，therewerefewsmilersinthatfamily。Whenhissister-in-lawralliedhim，andproposedthatheshouldgetawifeandbairnsofhisown，sincehewassofondofthem，"Ihavenoclearnessofminduponthatpoint，"hewouldreply。Ifnobodycalledhimintodinner，hestayedout。Mrs。Hob，ahard，unsympatheticwoman，oncetriedtheexperiment。Hewentwithoutfoodallday，butatdusk，asthelightbegantofailhim，hecameintothehouseofhisownaccord，lookingpuzzled。"I’vehadagreatgaleofprayeruponmyspeerit，"saidhe。"Icannamindsaemuckle’swhatIhadfordenner。"
　　ThecreedofGod’sRemnantwasjustifiedinthelifeofitsfounder。
　　"AndyetIdinnaken，"saidKirstie。"He’smaybenomorestockfishthanhisneeghbours！Herodewi’theresto’them，andhadagoodstamachtothework，bya’thatIhear！God’sRemnant！Thedeil’sclavers！TherewasnamuckleChristianityinthewayHobguidedJohnnyDickieson，attheleastofit;butGuidkens！IsheaChristianeven？HemightbeaMahommedanoraDeeviloraFire-worshipper，forwhatIken。"
　　Thethirdbrotherhadhisnameonadoor-plate，noless，inthecityofGlasgow，"Mr。ClementElliott，"aslongasyourarm。Inhiscase，thatspiritofinnovationwhichhadshownitselftimidlyinthecaseofHobbytheadmissionofnewmanures，andwhichhadruntowastewithGilbertinsubversivepoliticsandhereticalreligions，boreusefulfruitinmanyingeniousmechanicalimprovements。Inboyhood，fromhisaddictiontostrangedevicesofsticksandstring，hehadbeencountedthemosteccentricofthefamily。Butthatwasallbynow;andhewasapartnerofhisfirm，andlookedtodieabailie。Hetoohadmarried，andwasrearingaplentifulfamilyinthesmokeanddinofGlasgow;hewaswealthy，andcouldhaveboughtouthisbrother，thecock-laird，sixtimesover，itwaswhispered;andwhenheslippedawaytoCauldstaneslapforawell-earnedholiday，whichhedidasoftenashewasable，heastonishedtheneighbourswithhisbroadcloth，hisbeaverhat，andtheamplepliesofhisneckcloth。Thoughaneminentlysolidmanatbottom，afterthepatternofHob，hehadcontractedacertainGlasgowbrisknessandAPLOMBwhichsethimoff。AlltheotherElliottswereasleanasarake，butClementwaslayingonfat，andhepantedsorelywhenhemustgetintohisboots。Dandsaid，chuckling："Ay，Clemhastheelementsofacorporation。""Aprovostandcorporation，"returnedClem。Andhisreadinesswasmuchadmired。
　　Thefourthbrother，Dand，wasashepherdtohistrade，andbystarts，whenhecouldbringhismindtoit，excelledinthebusiness。NobodycouldtrainadoglikeDandie;nobody，throughtheperilofgreatstormsinthewintertime，coulddomoregallantly。Butifhisdexteritywereexquisite，hisdiligencewasbutfitful;andheservedhisbrotherforbedandboard，andatrifleofpocket-moneywhenheaskedforit。Helovedmoneywellenough，knewverywellhowtospendit，andcouldmakeashrewdbargainwhenheliked。Buthepreferredavagueknowledgethathewaswelltowindwardtoanycountedcoinsinthepocket;hefelthimselfricherso。Hobwouldexpostulate："I’manamatureherd。"Dandwouldreply，"I’llkeepyoursheeptoyouwhenI’msominded，butI’llkeepmylibertytoo。Thir’snomancancoandescendonwhatI’mworth。"
　　Cleinwouldexpoundtohimthemiraculousresultsofcompoundinterest，andrecommendinvestments。"Ay，man？"Dandwouldsay;"anddoyouthink，ifItookHob’ssiller，thatIwouldnadrinkitorwearitonthelassies？And，anyway，mykingdomisnoofthisworld。EitherI’mapoetorelseI’mnothing。"Clemwouldremindhimofoldage。"I’lldieyoung，like，RobbieBurns，"hewouldsaystoutly。Noquestionbuthehadacertainaccomplishmentinminorverse。His"HermistonBurn，"withitsprettyrefrain-
　　"Ilovetogangthinkingwhauryeganglinking，Hermistonburn，inthehowe;"
　　his"Auld，auldElliotts，clay-cauldElliotts，dour，bauldElliottsofauld，"andhisreallyfascinatingpieceaboutthePrayingWeaver’sStone，hadgainedhimintheneighbourhoodthereputation，stillpossibleinScotland，ofalocalbard;and，thoughnotprintedhimself，hewasrecognisedbyotherswhowereandwhohadbecomefamous。WalterScottowedtoDandiethetextofthe"RaidofWearie"intheMINSTRELSY;
　　andmadehimwelcomeathishouse，andappreciatedhistalents，suchastheywere，withallhisusualgenerosity。TheEttrickShepherdwashissworncrony;theywouldmeet，drinktoexcess，roarouttheirlyricsineachother’sfaces，andquarrelandmakeitupagaintillbedtime。Andbesidestheserecognitions，almosttobecalledofficial，Dandiewasmadewelcomeforthesakeofhisgiftthroughthefarmhousesofseveralcontiguousdales，andwasthusexposedtomanifoldtemptationswhichherathersoughtthanfled。Hehadfiguredonthestoolofrepentance，foroncefulfillingtotheletterthetraditionofhisheroandmodel。HishumorousversestoMr。Torranceonthatoccasion-"KenspeckleheremylaneIstand"-unfortunatelytooindelicateforfurthercitation，ranthroughthecountrylikeafierycross-theywererecited，quoted，paraphrased，andlaughedoverasfarawayasDumfriesontheonehandandDunbarontheother。
　　Thesefourbrotherswereunitedbyaclosebond，thebondofthatmutualadmiration-orrathermutualhero-worship-whichissostrongamongthemembersofsecludedfamilieswhohavemuchabilityandlittleculture。Eventheextremesadmiredeachother。Hob，whohadasmuchpoetryasthetongs，professedtofindpleasureinDand’sverses;Clem，whohadnomorereligionthanClaverhouse，nourishedaheartfelt，atleastanopen-mouthed，admirationofGib’sprayers;andDandiefollowedwithrelishtheriseofClem’sfortunes。Indulgencefollowedhardontheheelsofadmiration。Thelaird，Clem，andDand，whowereToriesandpatriotsofthehottestquality，excusedtothemselves，withacertainbashfulness，theradicalandrevolutionaryheresiesofGib。Byanotherdivisionofthefamily，thelaird，Clem，andGib，whoweremenexactlyvirtuous，swallowedthedoseofDand’sirregularitiesasakindofclogordrawbackinthemysteriousprovidenceofGodaffixedtobards，anddistinctlyprobativeofpoeticalgenius。ToappreciatethesimplicityoftheirmutualadmirationitwasnecessarytohearClem，arrivedupononeofhisvisits，anddealinginaspiritofcontinuousironywiththeaffairsandpersonalitiesofthatgreatcityofGlasgowwherehelivedandtransactedbusiness。Thevariouspersonages，ministersofthechurch，municipalofficers，mercantilebig-wigs，whomhehadoccasiontointroduce，wereallalikedenigrated，allservedbutasreflectorstocastbackaflatteringside-lightonthehouseofCauldstaneslap。TheProvost，forwhomClembyexceptionentertainedameasureofrespect，hewouldlikentoHob。"Hemindsmeo’thelairdthere，"hewouldsay。"HehassomeofHob’sgrand，whunstanesense，andthesamewaywithhimofsteikinghismouthwhenhe’snoverypleased。"AndHob，allunconscious，woulddrawdownhisupperlipandproduce，asifforcomparison，theformidablegrimacereferredto。TheunsatisfactoryincumbentofSt。Enoch’sKirkwasthusbrieflydismissed："Ifhehadbuttwafingerso’Gib’s，hewouldwakenthemup。"AndGib，honestman！
　　wouldlookdownandsecretlysmile。Clemwasaspywhomtheyhadsentoutintotheworldofmen。HehadcomebackwiththegoodnewsthattherewasnobodytocomparewiththeFourBlackBrothers，nopositionthattheywouldnotadorn，noofficialthatitwouldnotbewelltheyshouldreplace，nointerestofmankind，secularorspiritual，whichwouldnotimmediatelybloomundertheirsupervision。Theexcuseoftheirfollyisintwowords：scarcethebreadthofahairdividedthemfromthepeasantry。Themeasureoftheirsenseisthis：thatthesesymposiaofrusticvanitywerekeptentirelywithinthefamily，likesomesecretancestralpractice。Totheworldtheirseriousfaceswereneverdeformedbythesuspicionofanysimperofself-contentment。Yetitwasknown。"Theyhaeaguidprideo’themsel’s！"wasthewordinthecountry-side。
　　Lastly，inaBorderstory，thereshouldbeaddedtheir"two-names。"HobwasTheLaird。"Roynepuis，princenedaigne";hewasthelairdofCauldstaneslap-sayfiftyacres-IPSISSIMUS。ClementwasMr。Elliott，asuponhisdoor-plate，theearlierDaftyhavingbeendiscardedasnolongerapplicable，andindeedonlyareminderofmisjudgmentandtheimbecilityofthepublic;andtheyoungest，inhonourofhisperpetualwanderings，wasknownbythesobriquetofRandyDand。
　　Itwillbeunderstoodthatnotallthisinformationwascommunicatedbytheaunt，whohadtoomuchofthefamilyfailingherselftoappreciateitthoroughlyinothers。Butastimewenton，Archiebegantoobserveanomissioninthefamilychronicle。
　　"Istherenotagirltoo？"heasked。
　　"Ay：Kirstie。Shewasnamedforme，ormygrandmotheratleast-it’sthesamething，"returnedtheaunt，andwentonagainaboutDand，whomshesecretlypreferredbyreasonofhisgallantries。
　　"Butwhatisyourniecelike？"saidArchieatthenextopportunity。
　　"Her？Asblack’syourhat！ButIdinnasupposeshewouldmaybebewhatyouwouldca’ILL-LOOKEDa’thegither。Na，she’sakindofahandsomejaud-akindo’gipsy，"saidtheaunt，whohadtwosetsofscalesformenandwomen-orperhapsitwouldbemorefairtosaythatshehadthree，andthethirdandthemostloadedwasforgirls。
　　"HowcomesitthatIneverseeherinchurch？"saidArchie。
　　"’Deed，andIbelieveshe’sinGlesgiewithClemandhiswife。Aheapgoodshe’sliketogetofit！Idinnasayformenfolk，butwhereweemenfolkareborn，thereletthembide。GlorytoGod，Iwasneverfar’erfromherethanCrossmichael。"
　　InthemeanwhileitbegantostrikeArchieasstrange，thatwhileshethussangthepraisesofherkinsfolk，andmanifestlyrelishedtheirvirtuesand（Imaysay）theirviceslikeathingcreditabletoherself，thereshouldappearnottheleastsignofcordialitybetweenthehouseofHermistonandthatofCauldstaneslap。GoingtochurchofaSunday，astheladyhousekeepersteppedwithherskirtskilted，threetucksofherwhitepetticoatshowingbelow，andherbestIndiashawluponherback（ifthedaywerefine）inapatternofradiantdyes，shewouldsometimesovertakeherrelativesprecedinghermoreleisurelyinthesamedirection。Gibofcoursewasabsent：byskreighofdayhehadbeengonetoCrossmichaelandhisfellow-heretics;buttherestofthefamilywouldbeseenmarchinginopenorder：HobandDand，stiff-necked，straight-backedsix-footers，withseveredarkfaces，andtheirplaidsabouttheirshoulders;theconvoyofchildrenscattering（inastateofhighpolish）onthewayside，andeverynowandagaincollectedbytheshrillsummonsofthemother;andthemotherherself，byasuggestivecircumstancewhichmighthaveaffordedmatterofthoughttoamoreexperiencedobserverthanArchie，wrappedinashawlnearlyidenticalwithKirstie’s，butathoughtmoregaudyandconspicuouslynewer。Atthesight，Kirstiegrewmoretall-Kirstieshowedherclassicalprofile，noseinairandnostrilspread，thepurebloodcameinhercheekevenlyinadelicatelivingpink。
　　"Abrawdaytoye，MistressElliott，"saidshe，andhostilityandgentilitywerenicelymingledinhertones。"Afineday，mem，"thelaird’swifewouldreplywithamiraculouscurtsey，spreadingthewhileherplumage-settingoff，inotherwords，andwithartsunknowntothemereman，thepatternofherIndiashawl。Behindher，thewholeCauldstaneslapcontingentmarchedincloserorder，andwithanindescribableairofbeinginthepresenceofthefoe;andwhileDandiesalutedhisauntwithacertainfamiliarityasofonewhowaswellincourt，Hobmarchedoninawfulimmobility。Thereappeareduponthefaceofthisattitudeinthefamilytheconsequencesofsomedreadfulfeud。
　　Presumablythetwowomenhadbeenprincipalsintheoriginalencounter，andthelairdhadprobablybeendrawnintothequarrelbytheears，toolatetobeincludedinthepresentskin-deepreconciliation。
　　"Kirstie，"saidArchieoneday，"whatisthisyouhaveagainstyourfamily？"
　　"Idinnacomplean，"saidKirstie，withaflush。"Isaynaething。"
　　"Iseeyoudonot-notevengood-daytoyourownnephew，"saidhe。
　　"Ihaenaethingtobeashamedof，"saidshe。"IcansaytheLord’sprayerwithagoodgrace。IfHobwasill，orinpreesonorpoverty，I
　　wouldseetohimblithely。Butforcurtchyingandcomplimentingandcolloguing，thankyekindly！"
　　Archiehadabitofasmile：heleanedbackinhischair。"IthinkyouandMrs。Robertarenotverygoodfriends，"saysheslyly，"whenyouhaveyourIndiashawlson？"
　　Shelookeduponhiminsilence，withasparklingeyebutanindecipherableexpression;andthatwasallthatArchiewaseverdestinedtolearnofthebattleoftheIndiashawls。
　　"Dononeofthemevercomeheretoseeyou？"heinquired。
　　"Mr。Archie，"saidshe，"IhopethatIkenmyplacebetter。Itwouldbeaqueerthing，Ithink，ifIwastoclamjamfryupyourfaither’shouse-
　　thatIshouldsayit！-wi’adirty，black-a-visedclan，noaneo’themitwasworthwhiletomarsoapuponbutjustmysel’！Na，they’realldamnifeedwi’theblackEllwalds。Ihavenaepatiencewi’blackfolk。"
　　Then，withasuddenconsciousnessofthecaseofArchie，"Nothatitmaittersformensaemuckle，"shemadehastetoadd，"butthere’snaebodycandenythatit’sunwomanly。Longhairistheornamento’
　　womanonyway;we’vegoodwarrandiseforthat-it’sintheBible-andwhacandoubtthattheApostlehadsomegowden-hairedlassieinhismind-Apostleandall，forwhatwashebutjustamanlikeyersel’？"
　　CHAPTERVI-ALEAFFROMCHRISTINA’SPSALM-BOOK
　　ARCHIEwassedulousatchurch。SundayafterSundayhesatdownandstoodupwiththatsmallcompany，heardthevoiceofMr。Torranceleapinglikeanill-playedclarionetfromkeytokey，andhadanopportunitytostudyhismoth-eatengownandtheblackthreadmittensthathejoinedtogetherinprayer，andliftedupwithareverentsolemnityintheactofbenediction。Hermistonpewwasalittlesquarebox，dwarfishinproportionwiththekirkitself，andenclosingatablenotmuchbiggerthanafootstool。TheresatArchie，anapparentprince，theonlyundeniablegentlemanandtheonlygreatheritorintheparish，takinghiseaseintheonlypew，fornootherinthekirkhaddoors。
　　Thencehemightcommandanundisturbedviewofthatcongregationofsolidplaidedmen，strappingwivesanddaughters，oppressedchildren，anduneasysheep-dogs。ItwasstrangehowArchiemissedthelookofrace;exceptthedogs，withtheirrefinedfoxyfacesandinimitablycurlingtails，therewasnoonepresentwiththeleastclaimtogentility。TheCauldstaneslappartywasscarcelyanexception;Dandieperhaps，asheamusedhimselfmakingversesthroughtheinterminableburdenoftheservice，stoodoutalittlebytheglowinhiseyeandacertainsuperioranimationoffaceandalertnessofbody;butevenDandieslouchedlikearustic。Therestofthecongregation，likesomanysheep，oppressedhimwithasenseofhob-nailedroutine，dayfollowingday-ofphysicallabourintheopenair，oatmealporridge，peasbannockthesomnolentfiresideintheevening，andthenight-longnasalslumbersinabox-bed。Yetheknewmanyofthemtobeshrewdandhumorous，menofcharacter，notablewomen，makingabustleintheworldandradiatinganinfluencefromtheirlow-broweddoors。Heknewbesidestheywerelikeothermen;belowthecrustofcustom，rapturefoundaway;hehadheardthembeatthetimbrelbeforeBacchus-hadheardthemshoutandcarouseovertheirwhisky-toddy;andnotthemostDutch-
　　bottomedandseverefacesamongthemall，noteventhesolemneldersthemselves，butwerecapableofsingulargambolsatthevoiceoflove。
　　Mendrawingneartoanendoflife’sadventurousjourney-maidsthrillingwithfearandcuriosityonthethresholdofentrance-womenwhohadborneandperhapsburiedchildren，whocouldremembertheclingingofthesmalldeadhandsandthepatterofthelittlefeetnowsilent-hemarvelledthatamongallthosefacesthereshouldbenofaceofexpectation，nonethatwasmobile，noneintowhichtherhythmandpoetryoflifehadentered。"Oforaliveface，"hethought;andattimeshehadamemoryofLadyFlora;andattimeshewouldstudythelivinggallerybeforehimwithdespair，andwouldseehimselfgoontowastehisdaysinthatjoylesspastoralplace，anddeathcometohim，andhisgravebedugundertherowans，andtheSpiritoftheEarthlaughoutinathunder-pealatthehugefiasco。
　　OnthisparticularSunday，therewasnodoubtbutthatthespringhadcomeatlast。Itwaswarm，withalatentshiverintheairthatmadethewarmthonlythemorewelcome。Theshallowsofthestreamglitteredandtinkledamongbunchesofprimrose。VagrantscentsoftheeartharrestedArchiebythewaywithmomentsofetherealintoxication。ThegreyQuakerishdalewasstillonlyawakenedinplacesandpatchesfromthesobrietyofitswintercolouring;andhewonderedatitsbeauty;anessentialbeautyoftheoldearthitseemedtohim，notresidentinparticularsbutbreathingtohimfromthewhole。Hesurprisedhimselfbyasuddenimpulsetowritepoetry-hedidsosometimes，loose，gallopingocto-syllabicsintheveinofScott-andwhenhehadtakenhisplaceonaboulder，nearsomefairyfallsandshadedbyawhipofatreethatwasalreadyradiantwithnewleaves，itstillmoresurprisedhimthatheshouldhavenothingtowrite。Hisheartperhapsbeatintimetosomevastindwellingrhythmoftheuniverse。Bythetimehecametoacornerofthevalleyandcouldseethekirk，hehadsolingeredbythewaythatthefirstpsalmwasfinishing。Thenasalpsalmody，fullofturnsandtrillsandgracelessgraces，seemedtheessentialvoiceofthekirkitselfupraisedinthanksgiving，"Everything’salive，"hesaid;andagaincriesitaloud，"thankGod，everything’salive！"Helingeredyetawhileinthekirk-yard。Atuftofprimroseswasbloominghardbythelegofanoldblacktabletombstone，andhestoppedtocontemplatetherandomapologue。Theystoodforthonthecoldearthwithatrenchancyofcontrast;andhewasstruckwithasenseofincompletenessintheday，theseason，andthebeautythatsurroundedhim-thechilltherewasinthewarmth，thegrossblackclodsabouttheopeningprimroses，thedampearthysmellthatwaseverywhereintermingledwiththescents。ThevoiceoftheagedTorrancewithinroseinanecstasy。AndhewonderedifTorrancealsofeltinhisoldbonesthejoyousinfluenceofthespringmorning;
　　Torrance，ortheshadowofwhatoncewasTorrance，thatmustcomesosoontolieoutsidehereinthesunandrainwithallhisrheumatisms，whileanewministerstoodinhisroomandthunderedfromhisownfamiliarpulpit？Thepityofit，andsomethingofthechillofthegrave，shookhimforamomentashemadehastetoenter。