Shewasnearingherfifteenthbirthday，andthoughalmosteveryletterbroughtaninvitationtovisitthemanseinthebackwoods，itwasonlywhenthegirl'spalecheekandlanguidairawakenedherfather'sanxietythatshewasallowedtoaccepttheinvitationtospendsomeweeksinthecountry。
*****
WhenRanaldandHughiedroveuptothemanseonSaturdayeveninginthejumperthewholehouseholdrushedforthtoseethem。Theywereworthseeing。BurnedblackwiththesunandtheMarchwinds，theywouldhaveeasilypassedforyoungIndians。Hughie'sclotheswereamelancholyandflutteringruin；andwhileRanald'sstouthomespunsmockandtrousershadsuccessfullydefiedthebush，hisdarkfaceandunkempthair，hisroughdressandheavyshantyboots，madehimappear，toMaimie'seyes，anuncouth，ifnotpitiable，object。
"Oh，mother！"criedHughie，throwinghimselfuponher，"I'mhomeagain，andwe'vehadasplendidtime，andwemadeheapsofsugar，andI'vebroughtyouawholelot。"Hedrewoutofhispocketsthreeorfourcakesofmaplesugar。"Thereisoneforeach，"hesaid，handingthemtohismother。
"Here，Hughie，"shereplied，"speaktoyourcousinMaimie。"
Hughiewentupshylytohiscousinandofferedagrimyhand。
Maimie，lookingattheraggedlittlefigure，couldhardlyhideherdisgustasshetookthedirty，stickylittlehandverygingerlyinherfingers。ButHughiewasdeterminedtodohisdutytothefull，eventhoughRanaldwaspresent，andshakinghiscousin'shandwithgreatheartiness，hehelduphisfacetobekissed。Hewasmuchsurprised，andnotalittlerelieved，whenMaimierefusedtonoticehisofferandturnedtolookatRanald。
Shefoundhimscanningherwithastraight，searchinglook，asifseekingtodiscoverofwhatsortshewas。ShefelthehadnoticedhershrinkingfromHughie，andwasannoyedtofindherselfblushingunderhiskeengaze。ButwhenMrs。MurraypresentedRanaldtoherniece，itwashisturntoblushandfeelawkward，ashecameforwardwithatriangularsortofmovementandofferedhishand，saying，withanaccessofhisHighlandaccent，"Itisafineday，ma'am。"ItrequiredallMaimie'sgoodmannerstokeepbackthelaughthatfluttereduponherlips。
Slightasitwas，Ranaldnoticedthesmile，andturningfromherabruptlytoMrs。Murray，said："WewerethinkingthatFridaywouldbeagooddayforthesugaring-off，ifthatwilldoyou。"
"Quitewell，Ranald，"saidtheminister'swife；"anditisverygoodofyoutohaveus。"
She，too，hadnotedMaimie'ssmile，andseeingthedarkflushonRanald'scheek，sheknewwellwhatitmeant。
"Comeandsitdownalittle，Ranald，"shesaid，kindly；"IhavegotsomebookshereforyouandDontoread。"
ButRanaldwouldnotsit，norwouldhewaitamoment。"Thankyou，ma'am，"hesaid，"butIwillneedtobegoing。"
"Wait，Ranald，amoment，"criedMrs。Murray。Sheranintothenextroom，andinafewmomentsreturnedwithtwoorthreebooksandsomemagazines。"These，"shesaid，handinghimthebooks，"aresomeofWalterScott's。Theywillbegoodforweek-days；andthese，"givinghimthemagazines，"youcanreadafterchurchonSabbath。"
Theboy'seyeslightedupashethankedMrs。Murray，andheshookhandswithherverywarmly。Then，withabowtothecompany，andwithoutlookingatMaimieagain，helefttheroom，withHughiefollowingathisheels。InashorttimeHughiecamebackfullofenthusiasticpraiseofhishero。
"Oh，mother！"hecried，"heisawfulsmart。Hecanjustdoanything。
Hecanmakeasplendidbedofbalsambrush，andporridge，andpancakes，and——and——and——everything。"
"Abedofbalsambrushandporridge！Whatawonderfulboyhemustbe，Hughie，"saidMaimie，teasinghim。"Butisn'thejustalittlequeer？"
"He'snotabitqueer，"saidHughie，stoutly。"Heisthebest，best，bestboyinalltheworld。"
"Indeed！howextraordinary！"saidMaimie；"youwouldn'tthinksotolookathim。"
"Ithinkheisjustsplendid，"saidHughie；"don'tyou，mother？"
"Indeed，heisferybrownwhatever，"mockedMaimie，mimickingRanald'sHighlandtongue，atrickatwhichshewasveryclever，"and——notjustferyclean。"
"You'rejustamean，mean，red-headedsnip！"criedHughie，inarage，"andIdon'tlikeyouonebit。"
ButMaimiewasproudofhergoldenhair，soHughie'sshotfellharmless。
"Andwhenwillyoubegoingtothesugaring-off，MistressMurray？"
wentonMaimie，mimickingRanaldsocleverlythatinspiteofherselfMrs。Murraysmiled。
Itwashismother'ssmilethatperfectedHughie'sfury。Withoutawordofthreatorwarning，heseizedadipperofwaterandthrewitoverMaimie，soakingherprettyribbonsandcollar，andwaspromptlysentupstairstorepent。
"PoorHughie！"saidhismother，afterhehaddisappeared；"Ranaldishishero，andhecannotbearanycriticismofhim。"
"Hedoesn'tlookmuchofahero，auntie，"saidMaimie，dryingherfaceandcurls。
"Veryfewheroesdo，"saidheraunt，quietly。"Ranaldhasnoblequalities，buthehashadveryfewadvantages。"
ThenMrs。MurraytoldherniecehowRanaldhadputhimselfbetweenherandthepursuingwolves。Maimie'sblueeyeswerewidewithhorror。
"But，auntie，"shecried，"whyintheworlddoyougotosuchplaces？"
"Whatplaces，Maimie？"saidtheminister，whohadcomeintotheroom。
"Why，thoseawfulplaceswherethewolvesare。"
"Indeed，youmayaskwhy，"saidtheminister，gravely。Hehadheardthestoryfromhiswifethenightbefore。"Butitwouldneedamantobeonguarddayandnighttokeepyourauntfrom'thoseplaces。'"
"Yes，andyouruncle，too，"saidMrs。Murray，shakingherheadatherhusband。"Yousee，Maimie，welivein'thoseplaces'；andafterall，theyareassafeasany。Weareingoodkeeping。"
"AndwasHughieoutallnightwiththosetwoboysinthosewoods，auntie？"
"Oh，therewasnodanger。Thewolveswillnotcomenearafire，andtheboyshavetheirdogsandguns，"saidMrs。Murray；"besides，Ranaldistobetrusted。"
"Trusted？"saidtheminister；"indeed，Iwouldnottrusthimtoofar。Heisjustwildenough，likehisfatherbeforehim。"
"Oh，papa，youdon'tknowRanald，"saidhiswife，warmly；"norhisfathereither，forthatmatter。Ineverdidtillthislastweek。
Theyhavekeptalooffromeverything，andreally——"
"Andwhosefaultisthat？"interruptedtheminister。"Whyshouldtheykeepalooffromthemeansofgrace？Theyareagodlesslot，that'swhattheyare。"Theminister'sindignationwasrising。
"But，mydear，"persistedMrs。Murray，"Ibelieveiftheyhadachance——"
"Chance！"exclaimedtheminister；"whatmorechancedotheywant？
Havetheynotallthatotherpeoplehave？MacdonaldDubhisrarelyseenattheservicesontheLord'sday，andasforRanald，hecomesandgoesathisownsweetwill。"
"Letushope，"saidhiswife，gently，"theywillimprove。I
believeRanaldwouldcometoBibleclasswerehenotsoshy。"
"Shy！"laughedtheminister，scornfully；"heisnottooshytostanduponthetablebeforeahundredmenafteralogginganddancetheHighlandfling，andbeautifullyhedoesit，too，"headded。
"Butforallthat，"saidhiswife，"heisveryshy。"
"Idon'tlikeshypeople，"saidMaimie；"theyaresoawkwardanddreadfultodowith。"
"Well，"saidheraunt，quietly，"Iratherlikepeoplewhoarenottoosureofthemselves，andIthinkallthemoreofRanaldforhisshynessandmodesty。"
"Oh，Ranald'smodestywon'tdisablehim，"saidtheminister。"Formypart，Ithinkheisadaringyoungrascal；andindeed，ifthereisanymischiefgoinginthecountrysideyoumaybesureRanaldisnotfaraway。"
"Oh，papa，Idon'tthinkRanaldisaBADboy，"saidhiswife，almostpleadingly。
"Bad？I'msureIdon'tknowwhatyoucallit。Wholetoffthedamlastyearsothatthesaw-millcouldnotrunforaweek？WhoabusedpoorDuncieMacBainsothathewascarriedhomegroaning？"
"DuncieMacBain！"exclaimedhiswife，contemptuously；"great，big，softlump，thatheis。Why，he'saman，asbigaseverhe'llbe。"
"WhobroketheLittleChurchwindowstilltherewasn'tapaneleft？"pursuedtheminister，unheedinghiswife'sinterruption。
"Itwasn'tRanaldthatbrokethechurchwindows，papa，"pipedHughiefromabove。
"Howdoyouknow，sir？Whodidit，then？"demandedhisfather。
"Itwasn'tRanald，anyway，"saidHughie，stoutly。
"Whowasit，then？Tellmethat，"saidhisfatheragain。
"Hughie，gotoyourroomandstaythere，asItoldyou，"saidhismother，fearinganinvestigationintothewindow-breakingepisode，ofwhichHughiehadmadefullconfessiontoherashisownparticularachievement，inrevengeforabrokenwindowinthenewchurch。
"Ithink，"continuedMr。Murray，asifclosingthediscussion，"you'llfindthatyourRanaldisnotthemodest，shy，gentleyoungmanyouthinkhimtobe，butaparticularlyboldyoungrascal。"
"PoorRanald，"sighedhiswife；"hehasnomother，andhisfatherhasjustlethimgrowupwild。"
"Aye，that'strueenough，"assentedherhusband，passingintohisstudy。
ButhecouldhaveadoptednobettermeansofawakeningMaimie'sinterestinRanaldthanbytherecitalofhisvariousescapades。
Womenlovegoodmen，butareinterestedinmenwhosegoodnessismoreorlessimpaired。SoMaimiewasdeterminedthatshewouldknowmoreofRanald，andhencetookeveryopportunityofencouragingHughietosingthepraisesofhisheroandrecounthismanyadventures。Shewasglad，too，thatheraunthadfixedthesugaring-offforatimewhenshecouldbepresent。ButneitheratchurchonSundaynorduringtheweekthatfolloweddidshecatchsightofhisface，andthoughHughiecameinwithexcitedreportsnowandthenofhavingseenorheardofRanald，Maimiehadtocontentherselfwiththese；and，indeed，wereitnotthattheinvitationhadalreadybeengiven，andthedayfixedforhervisittothecamp，thechancesarethatMaimie'sacquaintancewithRanaldwouldhaveendedwhereitbegan，inwhichcasebothhadbeensavedmanybitterdays。
CHAPTERVIII
THESUGARING-OFF
Thesugartimeis，inmanyways，thebestofalltheyear。Itisthetimeofcrispmornings，when"thecrustbears，"andtheboysgocrunchingoverallthefieldsandthroughthewoods；thetime，too，ofsunnynoonsandchillynights。Winterisstillnear，buthehaslostmostofhisgrip，andallhisterror。Fortheearthhasheardthecallofspringfromafar，andknowsthatsoonshewillbeseen，dancinghershydances，inthesunnyspacesoftheleaflesswoods。
Then，byandby，fromalltheopenfieldsthesnowisdrivenbackintothefencecorners，andliesthereinsoiledandsullenheaps。
Inthewoodsitstillliesdeep；butthereiseverywherethetinkleofrunningwater，anditisnotlongtillthebrownleafcarpetbeginstoshowinpatchesthroughthewhite。Then，overhead，thebudsbegintoswellandthrillwiththenewlife，andwhenitisbroadnoon，allthroughthewoodsathousandvoicespassthegladwordthatwinter'sdayisgoneandthatalllivingthingsarefree。
Butwhennightdrawsupoverthetreetops，andtheshadowsstealdowntheforestaisles，thejubilantvoicesdiedownandachillfearcreepsoverallthegleeful，swellingbudsthattheyhavebeentoosureandtoohappy；andallthemoreif，fromthenortheast，theresweepsdown，asoftenhappens，astingingstormofsleetandsnow，winter'slastsavageslap。Butwhatmattersthat？Theverynextday，whenthebright，warmraystrickledownthroughtheinterlacingbranches，bathingthebudsandtwigsandlimbsandtrunksandfloodingallthewoods，theworldgrowssurerofitsnewjoy。Andso，inalternatinghopeandfear，thedaysandnightsgoby，tillaneveningfallswhentheairislanguidandasoftraincomesupfromthesouth，fallingallnightlongoverthebudsandtreeslikewarm，lovingfingers。Thenthebudsbreakforveryjoy，andtimidgreenthingspushupthroughtheleaf-mold；andfromtheswampsthelittlefrogsbegintopipe，atfirstinsolo，butsooninexultantchorus，tillthewholemoistnightisvocal，andtheneveryoneknowsthatthesugartimeisover，andtroughsandspilesaregatheredup，andwithsap-barrelsandkettles，arestoredinthebackshedforanotheryear。
Butnoraincamebeforethenightfixedforthesugaring-off。Itwasaperfectsugarday，warm，bright，andstill，followinganightofsharpfrost。ThelongsunnyafternoonwasdeepeningintotwilightwhentheCameronsdroveuptothesugar-campintheirbigsleigh，bringingwiththemthemanseparty。RanaldandDon，withAuntKirsty，weretheretoreceivethem。ItwasoneofthoserareeveningsoftheearlyCanadianspring。Thebarewoodswerefilledwiththetangledraysoflightfromthesettingsun。Hereandthereahillsidefacingtheeastlayinshadowthatgrewblackwherethebalsamsandcedarsstoodinclumps。Buteverywhereelsethelightfellsweetandsilentaboutthebaretrunks，fillingthelongavenuesunderthearchingmaplelimbswithayellowhaze。
Infrontoftheshantythekettleshungoverthefireonalongpolewhichstoodinanuprightcrutchateitherend。Underthebigkettlethefirewasroaringhigh，forthefreshsapneededmuchboilingbeforethesyrupandtaffycouldcome。Butunderthelittlekettlethefireburnedlow，forthatmustnotbehurried。
OverthefireandthekettlesRanaldpresided，black，grimy，andsilent，andtoDonfellthedutyofdoingthehonorsofthecamp；
andrightworthilydidhedohispart。Hegreetedhismotherwithreverence，cuffedhisyoungbrother，kissedhislittlesisterJennie，tossingherhigh，andwelcomedwithwarmheartinessMrs。
Murrayandherniece。TheAirdshadnotyetcome，butalltherestwerethere。TheFinlaysonsandtheMcKerachers，DanCampbell'sboys，andtheirsisterBetsy，whomeveryonecalled"BetsyDan，"
redheaded，freckled，andirrepressible；theMcGregors，andadozenormoreofthewildestyoungstersthatcouldbefoundinalltheIndianLands。Depositingtheirbasketsintheshanty，fortheyhadnothoughtoffasting，theycrowdedaboutthefire。
"Attention！"criedDon，whohada"giftofthegab，"ashismothersaid。"Ladiesandgentlemen，theprogramforthiseveningisasfollows：games，tea，andtaffy，intheordermentioned。Inthefirst，allMUSTtakepart；inthesecond，allMAYtakepart；butinthethird，noneNEEDtakepart。"
Afterthelaughterandthechorusof"Ohs"hadsubsided，Donproceeded："Thecaptainsfortheeveningare，ElizabethCampbell，betterknownas'BetsyDan，'andJohnFinlayson，familiartousallas'JohnnietheWidow，'twoyoungpeopleofexcellentcharacter，andIbelieve，slightlyknowntoeachother。"
Againashoutwentupfromthecompany，butBetsyDan，whocarednotatallforDon'sbanter，contentedherselfwithpushingoutherlowerlipathimwithscorn，inthatindescribablemannernaturaltogirls，buttoboysimpossible。
Thenthechoosingbegan。BetsyDan，claimingfirstchoicebyvirtueofhersex，immediatelycalledout，"RanaldMacdonald。"
ButRanaldshookhishead。"Icannotleavethefire，"hesaid，blushing；"takeDonthere。"
ButBetsydemurred。"Idon'twantDon，"shecried。"Comeon，Ranald；thefirewilldoquitewell。"Betsy，asindeeddidmostoftheschool-girls，adoredRanaldinhersecretheart，thoughshescornedtoshowit。
ButRanaldstillrefused，tillDonsaid，"Itistoobad，Betsy，butyou'llhavetotakeme。"
"Oh，comeon，then！"laughedBetsy；"youwillbebetterthannobody。"
ThenitwasJohnnietheWidow'schoice："MaimieSt。Clair。"
Maimiehesitatedandlookedatheraunt，whosaid，"Yes，go，mydear，ifyouwouldlike。"
"MargetAird！"criedBetsy，spyingMargetandherbrotherscomingdowntheroad。"Comealong，Marget；youareonmyside——onDon'sside，Imean。"AtwhichpoorMarget，atall，fairgirl，withsweetfaceandshymanner，blushedfuriously，but，aftergreetingtheminister'swifeandtherestoftheolderpeople，shetookherplacebesideDon。
Thechoosingwentontilleveryonepresentwastaken，notevenAuntKirstybeingallowedtoremainneutralinthecominggames。
Foranhourthesportswenton。Racing，jumping，bear，Londonbridge，crackthewhip，andlastly，forfeits。
MeantimeRanaldsuperintendedthesap-boiling，keepingontheoppositesideofthefirefromtheladies，andansweringinmonosyllablesanyquestionsaddressedtohim。Butwhenitwastimetomakethetea，Mrs。CameronandKirstyinsistedontakingchargeofthis，andMrs。Murray，comingroundtoRanald，said："Now，Ranald，Icametolearnallaboutsugar-making，andwhiletheothersaremakingtea，Iwantyoutoteachmehowtomakesugar。"
Ranaldgladlyagreedtoshowherallheknew。Hehadbeenfeelingawkwardandmiserableinthenoisycrowd，butespeciallyinthepresenceofMaimie。Hehadnotforgottenthesmileofamusementwithwhichshehadgreetedhimatthemanse，andhiswoundedpridelongedforanopportunitytopouruponherthevialsofhiscontempt。Butsomehow，inherpresence，contemptwouldnotarisewithinhim，andhewasdrivenintowretchedsilenceandself-
abasement。Itwas，therefore，withpeculiargratitudethatheturnedtoMrs。Murrayastoonewhobothunderstoodandtrustedhim。
"Ithankyouforthebooks，Mrs。Murray，"hebegan，inalow，hurriedvoice。"Theyarejustwonderful。ThatRobRoyandIvanhoe，oh！theyarethegrandbooks。"Hisfacewasfairlyblazingwithenthusiasm。"Ineverknewthereweresuchbooksatall。"
"Iamverygladyoulikethem，Ranald，"saidMrs。Murray，intonesofwarmsympathy，"andIshallgiveyouasmanyasyoulike。"
"Icannotthankyouenough。Ihavenotthewords，"saidtheboy，lookingasifhemightfalldownatherfeet。Mrs。Murraywasgreatlytouchedbothbyhisenthusiasmandhisgratitude。
"Itisagreatpleasuretome，Ranald，thatyoulikethem，"shesaid，earnestly。"Iwantyoutolovegoodbooksandgoodmenandnobledeeds。"
Ranaldstoodlisteninginsilence。
"Thensomedayyouwillbeagoodandgreatmanyourself，"sheadded，"andyouwilldosomenoblework。"
Theboystoodlookingfarawayintothewoods，hisblackeyesfilledwithamysteriousfire。Suddenlyhethrewbackhisheadandsaid，asifhehadforgottenMrs。Murray'spresence，"Yes，somedayIwillbeagreatman。Iknowitwell。"
"Andgood，"softlyaddedMrs。Murray。
Heturnedandlookedatheramomentasifinadream。Then，recallinghimself，heanswered，"Isupposethatisthebest。"
"Yes，itisthebest，Ranald，"shereplied。"Nomanisgreatwhoisnotgood。Butcomenowandgivememylesson。"
Ranaldsteppedoutintothebush，andfromatreenearbyheliftedatroughofsapandemptieditintothebigkettle。
"That'sthefirstthingyoudowiththesap，"hesaid。
"How？Carryeverytroughtothekettle？"
"Oh，Isee，"laughedRanald。"Youmusthaveeverystep。"
"Yes，indeed，"shereplied，withdetermination。
"Well，hereitis。"
Heseizedabucket，wenttoanothertree，emptiedthesapfromthetroughintothebucket，andthenceintothebarrel，andfromthebarrelintothebigkettle。
"Thenfromthebigkettleintothelittleone，"hesaid，catchingupabigdippertiedtoalongpole，andtransferringtheboilingsapashespokefromonekettletoanother。
"Buthowcanyoutellwhenitisready？"askedMrs。Murray。
"Onlybytasting。Whenitisverysweetitmustgointothelittlekettle。"
"Andthen？"
Hereagerdeterminationtoknowallthedetailsdelightedhimbeyondmeasure。
"Thenyoumustbeverycarefulindeed，oryouwillloseallyourday'swork，andyoursugarbesides，foritisveryeasytoburn。"
"Buthowcanyoutellwhenitisready？"
"Oh，youmustjustkeeptastingeveryfewminutestillyouthinkyouhavethesyrup，andthenforthesugaryoumustjustboilitalittlelonger。"
"Well，"saidMrs。Murray，"whenitisreadywhatdoyoudo？"
"Then，"hesaid，"youmustquicklyknockthefirefromunderit，andpouritintothepans，stirringittillitgetsnearlycool。"
"Andwhydoyoustirit？"sheasked。
"Oh，tokeepitfromgettingtoohard。"
"NowIhavelearnedsomethingIneverknewbefore，"saidtheminister'swife，delightedly，"andIamverygratefultoyou。
Wemusthelpeachother，Ranald。"
"Indeed，itislittleIcandoforyou，"hesaid，shyly。
"YoudonotknowhowmuchIamgoingtoaskyoutodo，"shesaid，lightly。"Waitandsee。"
Atthatmomentaseriesofshrieksrosehighabovetheshoutingandlaughterofthegames，andMaimiecameflyingdowntowardthecamp，pursuedbyDon，withtheothersfollowing。
"Oh，auntie！"shepanted，he'sgoingto——goingto——"shepaused，withcheeksburning。
"It'sforfeits，Mrs。Murray，"explainedDon。
"Hoot，lassie，"saidMrs。Cameron；"itwillnotmuchhurtyou，anyway。Theythatkissinthelightwillnotkissinthedark。"
"Sheplayed，andlostherforfeit，"saidDon，unwillingtobejeeredatbytheothersforfaint-heartedness。"Sheoughttopay。"
"I'mafraid，Don，shedoesnotunderstandourways，"saidMrs。
Murray，apologetically。
"Beoff，Don，"saidhismother。"KissMargetthere，ifyoucan——itwillnothurther——andleavetheyoungladyalone。"
"It'sjusthorridofthem，auntie，"saidMaimie，indignantly，astheotherswentbacktotheirgames。
"Indeed，"saidMrs。Cameron，warmly，"ifyouwillneverdoworsethankissaladdieinagame，it'slittleharmwillbecomingtoyou。"
ButMaimieignoredher。
"Isitnothorrid，auntie？"shesaid。
"Well，mydear，ifyouthinkso，itis。Butnotforthesegirls，whoplaythegamewithneverathoughtofimproprietyandwithnoshocktotheirmodesty。Muchdependsonhowyouthinkaboutthesethings。"
ButMaimiewasnotsatisfied。ShewasindignantatDonforofferingtokissher，butasshestoodandwatchedthegamesgoingonunderthetrees——thetag，thechase，thecatch，andthekiss——
shesomehowbegantofeelasifitwerenotsoterribleafterall，andtothinkthatperhapsthesegirlsmightplaythegameandstillbeniceenough。Butshehadnothoughtofgoingbacktothem，andsosheturnedherattentiontothepreparationsfortea，nowalmostcomplete。HerauntandRanaldweretoastingslicesofbreadatthebigblazingfire，onforksmadeoutoflongswitches。
"Letmetry，auntie，"shesaid，pushinguptothefirebetweenherauntandRanald。"IamsureIcandothat。"
"Becarefulofthatfire，"saidRanald，sharply，pullingbackherskirt，thathadblowndangerouslyneartheblaze。"Standbackfurther，"hecommanded。
Mamielookedathim，surprise，indignation，andfearstrugglingforthemastery。Wasthistheawkwardboythathadblushedandstammeredbeforeheraweekago？
"It'sverydangerous，"heexplainedtoMrs。Murray，"thewindblowsouttheflames。"
AshespokehehandedMaimiehistoastingstickandretiredtotheothersideofthefire，andbegantoattendtotheboilingsap。
"Heneedn'tbesuchabear，"poutedMaimie。
"Mydear，"repliedheraunt，"whatRanaldsaysisquitetrue。Youcannotbetoocarefulinmovingaboutthefire。"
"Well，heneedn'tbesocrossaboutit，"saidMaimie。Shehadneverbeenorderedaboutbeforeinherlife，andshedidnotenjoytheexperience，andallthemoreatthehandsofanuncouthcountryboy。ShewatchedRanaldattendingtothefireandthekettles，however，withanewrespect。Hecertainlyhadnofearofthefire，butmovedaboutitandhandleditwiththeutmostsang-froid。Hehadacertaingrace，too，inhismovementsthatcaughthereye，andshewishedhewouldcomenearersothatshecouldspeaktohim。
Shehadconsiderableconfidenceinherpowersofattraction。Asiftoanswerherwish，Ranaldcamestraighttowhereherauntandshewerestanding。
"Ithinkitwillbetimeforteanow，"hesaid，withasuddenreturnofhisawkwardmanner，thatmadeMaimiewonderwhyshehadeverbeenafraidofhim。"IwilltellDon，"headded，stridingofftowardthegroupofboysandgirls，stillbusywiththeirgamesunderthetrees。
SoonDon'sshoutwasheard："Tea，ladiesandgentlemen；takeyourseatsatthetables。"Andspeedilytherewasarushandscramble，andinafewmomentsthegreatheapsofgreenbalsamboughsarrangedaroundthefirewerefullofboysandgirlspulling，pinching，andtumblingoveroneanotherinwildglee。
Thetoaststoodinbrownheapsonbirch-barkplatesbesidethefire，andbasketswerecarriedoutoftheshantybulgingwithcakes；theteawasbubblinginthebigtintea-pail，andeverythingwasreadyforthefeast。ButRanaldhadcaughtMrs。Murray'seye，andatasignfromher，stoodwaitingwiththetea-pailinhishand。
"Comeonwiththetea，Ranald，"criedDon，seizingaplateoftoast。
"Waitaminute，Don，"saidRanald，inalowtone。
"What'sthematter？"
ButRanaldstoodstill，lookingsilentlyattheminister'swife。
Then，asalleyesturnedtowardher，shesaid，inagentle，sweetvoice，"IthinkweoughttogivethankstoourFatherinheavenforallthisbeautyaboutusandforallourjoy。"
AtonceRanaldtookoffhishat，andastheboysfollowedhisexample，Mrs。Murraybowedherheadandinafew，simplewordslifteduptheheartsofallwithherowninthanksgivingforthebeautyofthewoodsandskyabovethem，andallthemanygiftsthatcametofilltheirliveswithjoy。
ItwasnotthefirsttimethatRanaldhadheardhervoiceinprayer，butsomehowitsoundeddifferentintheopenairunderthetreesandinthemidstofallthejollityofthesugaring-off。
WithallotherpeoplethatRanaldknewreligionseemedtobesomethingapartfromcommondays，commonpeople，andcommonthings，andseemed，besides，asolemnandterribleexperience；butwiththeminister'swife，religionwasapartofherevery-dayliving，andseemedtobeaseasilyassociatedwithherpleasureaswithanythingelseabouther。Itwassoeasy，sosimple，sonatural，thatRanaldcouldnothelpwonderingif，afterall，itwastherightkind。Itwassounlikethereligionoftheeldersandallthegoodpeopleinthecongregation。ItwasagreatpuzzletoRanald，astomanyothers，bothbeforeandsincehistime。
Afterteawasoverthegreatbusinessoftheeveningcameon。
Ranaldannouncedthatthetaffywasready，andDon，asmasterofceremonies，immediatelycriedout："Thegentlemenwillprovidetheladieswithplates。"
"Plates！"echoedtheboys，withalaughofderision。
"Plates，"repeatedDon，steppingbacktoagreatsnowbank，nearabalsamclump，andreturningwithapieceof"crust。"Atoncetherewasascurrytothesnowbank，andsooneveryonehadasnowplateready。ThenRanaldandDonslidthelittlekettlealongthepoleoffthefire，andwithtindippersbegantopourthehotsyrupuponthesnowplates，whereitimmediatelyhardenedintotaffy。Thenthepullingbegan。Whatfuntherewas，whatlarks，whatshrieks，whatrompingandtumbling，tillallwereheartilytired，bothofthetaffyandthefun。
Thenfollowedthesugar-molding。Thelittlekettlewassetbackonthefireandkeptcarefullystirred，whiletindishesofallsorts，shapes，andsizes——milk-pans，pattie-pans，mugs，andcups——wellgreasedwithporkrind，weresetoutinorder，imbeddedinsnow。
Thelastactofallwasthemakingof"hens'nests。"Adozenorsoofhens'eggs，blownempty，andthreegooseeggsforthegrown-ups，weresetinsnownests，andcarefullyfilledfromthelittlekettle。Inafewminutesthenestswerefilledwithsugareggs，andthesugaring-offwasover。
Thereremainedstillagooseeggprovidedagainstanymishap。
"Whowantsthegooseegg？"criedDon，holdingitup。
"Me！""me！""me！"coaxedthegirlsoneveryside。
"Willyougiveittome，Don，fortheminister？"saidMrs。Murray。
"Oh，yes！"criedMaimie，"andletmefillit。"
Asshespoke，sheseizedthedipper，andranforthekettle。
"Lookoutforthatfire，"criedDon，droppingtheeggintoitssnowbed。Hewastoolate。Alittletongueofflameleapedoutfromunderthekettle，nippedholdofherfrock，andinamomentshewasinablaze。Withawildscreamshesprangbackandturnedtofly，butbeforeshehadgonemorethanasinglestepRanald，dashingthecrowdrightandleft，hadseizedandflungherheadlongintothesnow，beatingouttheflameswithhisbarehands。Inamomentalldangerwasover，andRanaldliftedherup。Stillscreaming，sheclungtohim，whilethewomenallrantoher。Herauntreachedherfirst。
"Hush，Maimie；hush，dear。Youarequitesafenow。Letmeseeyourface。Therenow，bequiet，child。Thedangerisallover。"
StillMaimiekeptscreaming。Shewasthoroughlyterrified。
"Listentome，"herauntsaid，inaneven，firmvoice。"Donotbefoolish。Letmelookatyou。"
Thequiet，firmvoicesoothedher，andMaimie'sscreamsceased。
Herauntexaminedherface，neck，andarmsforanysignsoffire，butcouldfindnone。Shewashardlytouched，soswifthadbeenherrescue。ThenMrs。Murray，suddenlyputtingherarmsroundaboutherniece，andholdinghertight，cried："ThankGod，mydarling，forhisgreatkindnesstoyouandtousall。ThankGod！thankGod！"
Hervoicebroke，butinamoment，recoveringherself，shewenton，"AndRanald，too！noblefellow！"
Ranaldwasstandingatthebackofthecrowd，lookingpale，disturbed，andawkward。Mrs。Murray，knowinghowhatefultohimwouldbeanydemonstrationsoffeeling，wenttohim，andquietlyheldoutherhand，saying："Itwasbravelydone，Ranald。Frommyheart，Ithankyou。"
Foramomentortwoshelookedsteadilyintohisfacewithtearsstreamingdownhercheeks。Thenputtingherhandsuponhisshoulders，shesaid，softly：
"Forherdear，deadmother'ssake，Ithankyou。"
ThenMaimie，whohadbeenstandinginakindofstuporallthiswhile，seemedsuddenlytoawake，andrunningswiftlytowardRanald，sheputoutbothhands，crying："Oh，Ranald，Icanneverthankyouenough！"
Hetookherhandsinanagonyofembarrassment，notknowingwhattodoorsay。ThenMaimiesuddenlydroppedhishands，andthrowingherarmsabouthisneck，kissedhim，andranbacktoheraunt'sside。
"Ithoughtyoudidn'tplayforfeits，Maimie，"saidDon，inagrievedvoice。Andeveryonewasgladtolaugh。
Thentheminister'swife，lookingrounduponthemall，said："Dearchildren，Godhasbeenverygoodtous，andIthinkweoughttogivehimthanks。"
Andstandingtherebythefire，theybowedtheirheadsinanewthanksgivingtoHimwhosekeepingneverfailsbydayornight。Andthen，withheartsandvoicessubdued，andwithquietgoodnights，theywenttheirwayshome。
ButastheCameronsleighdroveoffwithitsload，Maimielookedback，andseeingRanaldstandingbythefire，shewhisperedtoheraunt："Oh，auntie！Isn'thejustsplendid？"
Butherauntmadenoreply，seeinganewdangerforthemboth，greaterthanthattheyhadescaped。
CHAPTERIX
ASABBATHDAY'SWORK
TheSabbaththatfollowedthesugaring-offwastoMaimiethemostremarkableSabbathofherlifeuptothatday。ItwastotallyunliketheSabbathofherhome，which，aftertheformal"churchparade，"asHarrycalledit，inthemorning，herfatherspentinloungingwithhismagazineandpipe，herauntinsleepingorinsocialgossipwithsuchfriendsasmightdropin，andHarryandMaimieasbesttheycould。
TheSabbathintheminister'shouse，asinthehomesofhispeople，wasadaysosetapartfromotherdaysthatithadtobeapproached。
TheSaturdayafternoonandeveningcaughtsomethingofitsatmosphere。Nofrivolity，indeednolightamusement，wasproperontheeveningthatputaperiodtotheworldlyoccupationsandengagementsoftheweek。Thateveningwasoneofpreparation。Thehouse，andespeciallythekitchen，wasthoroughly"reddup。"Wood，water，andkindlingswerebroughtin，clotheswerebrushed，bootsgreasedorpolished，dinnerprepared，andineverywaypossiblethewholehouse，itsdwellers，anditsbelongings，madereadyforthemorrow。So，whentheSabbathmorningdawned，peopleawokewithafeelingthatoldthingshadpassedawayandthatthewholeworldwasnew。Thesunshonewitharadiancenotknownonotherdays。Hewasshininguponholythings，andlightingmenandwomentoholyduties。
Throughallthefarmsthefieldslaybathedinhisgenialglow，atrest，andtheverytreesstoodinsilentworshipofthebendingheavens。Upfromstableandfromkitchencamenosoundsofwork。
Thehorsesknewthatnowheelwouldturnthatdayinlabor，andthedogslaysleepinginsunnynooks，knowingaswellasanythattherewastobenohuntingorroamingforthemthatday，unlesstheychosetogoonafreehunt；whichnonebutlight-headedpuppiesordissipatedandreprobatedogswouldcaretodo。
Overallthingsrestbrooded，andoutoftherestgrewholythoughtsandhopes。Itwasadayofbeginnings。Forthepast，brokenandstained，therewasanewofferofoblivionandhealing，andtheheartwassummonedtolookforwardtonewlifeandtohopeforbetterthings，andtodrinkinallthosesoothing，healinginfluencesthatmemoryandfaithcombinetogive；sothatwhenthedaywasdone，wearyanddiscouragedmenandwomenbegantofeelthat，perhapsafteralltheymightbeabletoendureandeventohopeforvictory。
TheministerroseearlieronSabbaththanonotherdays，theresponsibilityofhisofficepressingharduponhim。Breakfastwasmoresilentthanusual，ordinarysubjectsofconversationbeingdiscouraged。Theministerwaspreoccupiedandimpatientofanyinterruptionofhisthoughts。Buthiswifecametothetablewithasweeterserenitythanusual，andacalmuponherfacethattoldofhiddenstrength。EvenMaimiecouldnoticethedifference，butshecouldonlywonder。Thesecretofitwashiddenfromher。Herauntwaslikenootherwomanthatsheknew，andthereweremanythingsabouthertoodeepforMaimie'sunderstanding。
Afterworship，whichwasbriefbutsolemnandintense，Lamberthurriedtobringroundtothefrontthebigblackhorse，hitchedupinthecarryall，andtheyallmadespeedtopackthemselvesin，Maimieandherauntinfront，andHughieonthefloorbehindwithhislegsundertheseat；forwhenoncetheministerwashimselfquiteready，andhadgothisgreatmeerschaumpipegoing，itwasunsafeforanyonetodelayhimasingleinstant。
Thedrivetothechurchwasanexperiencehardlyinkeepingwiththespiritoftheday。Itwasmoreexcitingthanrestful。Blackwasahorsewithasingleaim，whichwastodevourthespacethatstretchedoutbeforehim，withafinedisregardofconsequence。
ThefirstpartoftheroaduptothechurchhillanddownagaintotheswampwastoBlack，astotheothers，anunmixedjoy，forhewasfreshfromhisoatsandeagertogo，andhisdriverwasaseagertolethimhavehiswill。
Butwhentheswampwasreached，andthebuggybegantoleapfromlogtologofthecorduroy，Blackbegantochafeinimpatienceofthereinwhichcommandedcaution。Indeed，thepassageoftheswampwasalwaysmoreorlessofanadventure，theresultofwhichnoonecouldforetell，andittookallMrs。Murray'ssteadinessofnervetorepressanexclamationofterroratcriticalmoments。ThecorduroywasBlack'sabomination。Helongedtodashthroughandbedonewithit；but，howevermuchtheministersympathizedwithBlack'sdesire，prudenceforbadethathismethodshouldbeadopted。
Sofromlogtolog，andfromholetohole，Blackplungedandsteppedwithallthecarehecouldbepersuadedtoexercise，everylurchofthecarryallbringingascreamfromMaimieinfrontandadelightedchucklefromHughiebehind。Hisdelightintheadventurewasmateriallyincreasedbyhiscousin'sterror。
Butoncetheswampwascrossed，andBlackfoundhimselfonthefirmroadthatwoundoverthesand-hillsandthroughtheopenpinewoods，hetossedhisgreatmanebackfromhiseyes，andgettinghisheadsetoffatapacethatforebodeddisastertoanythingtryingtokeepbeforehim，andinashorttimedrewupatthechurchgates，hisflankssteamingandhisgreatchestwhitewithfoam。
"My！"saidMaimie，whenshehadrecoveredherbreathsufficientlytospeak，"isthatthechurch？"Shepointedtoahugewoodenbuildingaboutwhosedooragroupofmenwerestanding。
"Huh-huh，that'sit，"saidHughie；"butwewillsoonbedonewiththeuglyoldthing。"
Themostenthusiasticmemberofthecongregationcouldscarcelycalltheoldchurchbeautiful，andtoMaimie'seyesitwaspositivelyhideous。Nosteepleortowergaveanyhintofitssacredcharacter。Itsweather-beatenclapboardexterior，spottedwithblackknots，asifstrickenwithsomedisfiguringdisease，hadnothingbutitsrowofuncurtainedwindowstodistinguishitfromanordinarybarn。
Theyenteredbythedoorattheendofthechurch，andproceededdownthelongaislethatranthefulllengthofthebuilding，tilltheycametoacrossaislethatledthemtotheminister'spewattheleftsideofthepulpit，andcommandingaviewofthewholecongregation。Themainbodyofthechurchwasseatedwithlongboxpewswithhingeddoors。Butthegallerythatranroundthreesideswasfittedwithsimplebenches。Immediatelyinfrontofthepulpitwasasquarepewwhichwassetapartfortheuseoftheelders，andcloseuptothepulpit，andindeedaspartofthisstructure，wasaprecentor'sdesk。Thepulpitwas，toMaimie'seyes，awonder。Itwasanoctagonalboxplacedhighononesideofthechurchonalevelwiththegallery，andreachedbyaspiralstaircase。Aboveithungthehighlyornateandaltogetherextraordinarysounding-
boardandcanopy。Therewasnosignofpaintanywhere，buttheyellowpine，ofwhichseats，gallery，andpulpitwereallmade，haddeepenedwithageintoarichbrown，notunpleasanttotheeye。
Thechurchwasfull，fortheIndianLandspeoplebelievedingoingtochurch，andtherewasnotahouseformanymilesaroundbutwasrepresentedinthechurchthatday。Theretheysat，rowuponrowofmen，brawnyandbrownwithwindandsun，anotablecompany，worthyoftheirancestryandworthyoftheirheritage。Besidethemsattheirwives，brown，too，andweather-beaten，butstrong，deep-
bosomed，andwithfacesofcalmcontent，worthytobemothersoftheirhusbands'sons。Thegirlsandyoungerchildrensatwiththeirparents，modest，shy，andreverent，buttheyoungmen，forthemostpart，filledthebackseatsunderthegallery。Andahardylottheywere，asbrownandbrawnyastheirfathers，buttinglingwithlifetotheirfinger-tips，readyforanything，andimpossibleofcontrolexceptbyonewhomtheyfearedaswellasreverenced。AndsuchamanwasAlexanderMurray，fortheyknewwellthat，litheandbrawnyastheywere，therewasnotamanofthembuthecouldflingoutofthedoorandoverthefenceifhesowished；andtheyknew，too，thathewouldbeprompttodoitifoccasionarose。HencetheywaitedforthewordofGodwithallduereverenceandfear。
Inthesquarepewinfrontofthepulpitsattheelders，hoary，massive，andvenerable。TheIndianLandsSessionwereworthseeing。Greatmentheywere，everyoneofthem，excepting，perhaps，KennethCampbell，"KennyCrubach，"ashewascalled，fromhishaltingstep。Kennywasneitherhoarynormassivenorvenerable。Hewasashort，grizzledmanwithsnappingblackeyesandatongueforclever，bitingspeech；andwhileheboreastainlesscharacter，noonethoughtofhimasaneminentlygodlyman。Inpublicprayerheneverattainedanygreatlength，nordidheemploythattoneofunctiondeemedsuitableinthissacredexercise。Heseldom"spoketothequestion，"butwhenhedidpeopleleanedforwardtolisten，andmoreespeciallytherowsofthecarelessandungodlyunderthegallery。Kennyhadnotthelookofanelder，andindeed，manywonderedhowhehadevercometobechosenfortheoffice。Buttheothersallhadthelookofelders，andcarriedwiththemthefullrespectandaffectionofthecongregation。Eventheyoungmenunderthegalleryregardedthemwithreverencefortheirgodlycharacter，butforotherthingsaswell；fortheseoldmenhadbeenfamousintheirday，andtaleswerestilltoldaboutthefiresidesofthepeopleoftheirprowessinthewoodsandontheriver。
Therewas，forinstance，FinlayMcEwen，orMcKeowen，astheyallpronounceditinthatcountry，who，forawager，hadcarriedafour-hundred-poundbarreluponeachhipacrossthelongbridgeovertheScotchRiver。AndnexthimsatDonaldRoss，whoseveryface，withitshaloofwhitehair，borebenedictionwithitwhereverhewent。Whatamanhemusthavebeeninhisday！Sixfeetfourincheshestoodinhisstockingsoles，andwith"abacklikeabarndoor，"ashissonDanny，or"Curly，"nowintheshantywithMacdonaldBhain，usedtosay，inaffectionatepride。ThentherewasFarquharMcNaughton，big，kindly，andgood-natured，amightymanwiththeaxinhistime。"Kirsty'sFarquhar"theycalledhim，forobviousreasons。AndagoodthingforFarquharitwasthathehadhadKirstyathissideduringtheseyearstomakehisbargainsforhimandtokeephimandallotherstothem，elsehewouldneverhavebecomethesubstantialmanhewas。
NexttoFarquharwasPeterMcRae，thechiefofalargeclanofrespectable，andnonetoorespectable，families，whomallalikeheldinfear，forPeterruledwitharodofiron，andhiswordranaslawthroughouttheclan。ThentherewasIanMoreMacgregor，or"BigJohnMacgregor，"astheyoungergenerationcalledhim，almostasbigasDonaldRossandquiteaskindly，butwithadarker，sadderface。Somethingfromhiswilderyouthhadcastitsshadowoverhislife。Noonebuthisministerandtwoothersknewthatstory，buttheoldmanknewithimself，andthatwasenough。Oneofthosewhosharedhissecretwashisneighborandcrony，DonaldRoss，anditwasworthajourneyofsomelengthtoseethesetwogreatoldmen，onewiththesadandtheotherwiththesunnyface，strideofftogether，staffinhand，atthecloseoftheGaelicservice，toDonald'shome，wheretheafternoonwouldbespentindiscoursefittingtheLord'sdayandinprayer。
TheonlyotherelderwasRoderickMcCuiag，whosat，notintheelders'pew，butintheprecentor'sbox，forhewastheLeaderofPsalmody。"StraightRory，"ashewascalledbytheirreverent，wastall，spare，andstraightasaramrod。Hewasdevotedtohisoffice，jealousofitsdignity，andstrenuousinhisoppositiontoallinnovationsinconnectionwiththeServiceofPraise。Hewasespeciallyopposedtotheintroductionofthose"new-fangledranting"tuneswhichwerebeingtaughttheyoungpeoplebyJohn"Alec"Fraserintheweeklysinging-schoolintheNineteenth，andwhichweresungatMrs。Murray'sSabbatheveningBibleclassintheLittleChurch。StraightRoryhadbeeneducatedforateacherinScotland，andwassomethingofascholar。Helovedschoolexaminations，wherehewastheterrorofpupilsandteachersalike。
Hisacutemindreveledinthemetaphysicsoftheology，whichmadehimthedreadofallcandidateswhoappearedbeforethesessiondesiring"tocomeforward。"ItwastomanyanimpressivesighttoseeStraightRoryriseintheprecentor'sbox，feelround，withmuchfacialcontortion，forthepitch——hedespisedatuning-fork——
andthen，straighteninghimselfuptillhebentoverbackwards，raisethechantthatintroducedthetunetothecongregation。Buttotheyoungmenunderthegalleryhewasmorehumorousthanimpressive，anditistobefearedthattheywaitedfortheprecentor'sweeklyperformancewithadelightedexpectationthatneverflaggedandthatwasneverdisappointed。Itwasonlytheflashoftheminister'sblueeyethatheldtheirfacesrigidinpreternaturalsolemnity，andforcedthemtocontentthemselveswithwinksandnudgesfortheexpressionoftheirdelight。
AsMaimie'seyewentwanderingshylyovertherowsofbrownfacesthatturnedinsolemnandsteadfastregardtotheminister'spew，Hughienudgedherandwhispered："There'sDon。See，inthebackseatbythewindow，nexttoPeterRuaghyonder；thered-headedfellow。"
HepointedtoPeterMcRae，grandsonof"PetertheElder。"Therewasnomistakingthatlandmark。
"Look，"criedHughie，eagerly，pointingwithterribledirectnessstraightatDon，toMaimie'sconfusion。
"Whisht，Hughie，"saidhismothersoftly。
"There'sRanald，mother，"saidthediplomaticHughie，knowingwellthathismotherwouldrejoicetohearthatbitofnews。"See，mother，justinfrontofDon，there。"
AgainHughie'sterriblefingerpointedstraightintothefaceofthegazingcongregation。
"Hush，Hughie，"saidhismother，severely。
Maimieknewahundredeyeswerelookingstraightattheminister'spew，butforthelifeofhershecouldnotpreventhereyefollowingthepointingfinger，tillitfoundthesteadygazeofRanaldfasteneduponher。Itwasonlyforamoment，butinthatmomentshefeltherheartjumpandherfacegrowhot，anditdidnothelpherthatsheknewthatthepeoplewereallwonderingatherfuriousblushes。Ofcoursethestoryofthesugaring-offhadgonethelengthofthelandandhadformedthesubjectofconversationatthechurchdoorthatmorning，whereRanaldhadtobearagooddealofchaffabouttheyounglady，andherdislikeofforfeits，tillhewasreadytofightifachanceshouldbutoffer。
Withunspeakablerageandconfusion，henoticedHughie'spointingfinger。Hecaught，too，Maimie'squicklook，withthevividblushthatfollowed。Unfortunately，othersbesideshimselfhadnoticedthis，andDonandPeterRuagh，intheseatbehindhim，madeitthesubjectofcongratulatoryremarkstoRanald。
Atthispointtheministerroseinthepulpit，andallwaitedwithearnestandreverentmienfortheannouncingofthepsalm。
TheRev。AlexanderMurraywasamantoberegardedinanycompanyandunderanycircumstances，butwhenhestoodupinhispulpitandfacedhiscongregationhewastrulysuperb。Hewasabovetheaverageheight，offaultlessformandbearing，athletic，active，andwitha"springineverymuscle。"Hehadcoal-blackhairandbeard，andaflashingblueeyethatheldhispeopleinuttersubjectionandputthefearofdeathuponevil-doersunderthegallery。Ineverymovement，tone，andglancetherebreathedimperialcommand。
"LetusworshipGodbysingingtoHispraiseintheonehundredandtwenty-firstpsalm：
'Itothehillswillliftmineeyes，Fromwhencedothcomemineaid。'"
Hisvoicerangoutoverthecongregationlikeasilverbell，andMaimiethoughtshehadneverseenamanofsuchnoblepresence。
Afterthereadingofthepsalmtheministersatdown，andStraightRoryroseinhisbox，andafterhismanner，beganfeelingaboutforthefirstnoteofthechantthatwouldintroducethenobleoldtune"St。Paul's。"Afewmomentshespenttwistinghisfaceandshouldersinamannerthatthreatenedtoruinthesolemnityoftheworshipersunderthegallery，tillfinallyheseemedtohituponthepitchdesired，andthrowingbackhisheadandclosingoneeye，heproceededonhisway。Eachlinehechantedalone，aftertheancientScottishcustom，afterwhichthecongregationjoinedwithhiminthetune。Thecustomsurvivedfromthetimewhenpsalm-
bookswereinthehandsofbutfewandthe"lining"ofthepsalmwasthereforenecessary。
Therewasnohastetobedonewiththepsalm。Whyshouldtherebe？
TheyhadonlyoneSabbathintheweek，andthewholedaywasbeforethem。ThepeoplesurrenderedthemselvestotheleadofStraightRorywithunmistakabledelightinthatpartof"theexercises"ofthedayinwhichtheywerepermittedtoaudiblyjoin。Butofallthecongregation，noneenjoyedthesingingmorethanthedearoldwomenwhosatinthefrontseatsnearthepulpit，theirquietoldfaceslookingsosweetandpureundertheirsnow-white"mutches。"
Theretheysatandsangandquavered，swayingtheirbodieswiththetuneinanecstasyofrestfuljoy。
MaimiehadoftenheardSt。Paul'sbefore，butneverasitwaschantedbyStraightRoryandsungbytheIndianLandscongregationthatday。Theextraordinaryslidesandslursalmostobliteratedthenotesoftheoriginaltune，andthe"littlekick，"asMaimiecalledit，attheendofthesecondline，gaveheralittlestart。
"Auntie，"shewhispered，"isn'titawfullyqueer？"
"Isn'titbeautiful？"herauntanswered，withanuncertainsmile。
Shewasrememberinghowthesewinding，sliding，slurringoldtuneshadaffectedherwhenfirstsheheardtheminherhusband'schurchyearsago。Thestatelymovement，theweirdquavers，andthepatheticcadenceshadinsomemysteriouswayreachedthedeepplacesinherheart，andbeforesheknew，shehadfoundthetearscoursingdownhercheeksandherbreathcatchinginsobs。Indeed，asshelistenedto-day，rememberingtheseoldimpressions，thetearsbegantoflow，tillHughie，notunderstanding，creptovertohismother，andtocomforther，slippedhishandintohers，lookingfiercelyatMaimieasifsheweretoblame。Maimie，too，noticedthetearsandsatwondering，andasthecongregationswungonthroughtheversesofthegrandoldpsalmtherecreptintoherheartanewanddeeperemotionthanshehadeverknown。
"Listentothewords，Maimiedear，"whisperedheraunt。AndasMaimielistened，thenoblewords，borneonthemightyswingofSt。
Paul's，liftedupbysixhundredvoices——formen，women，andchildrenweresingingwithalltheirhearts——awakenedechoesfromgreatdeepswithinherasyetunsounded。Thedaysforsuchsingingare，alas！longgone。Thenoblerhythm，thestatelymovement，thecontinuouscurvingstreamofmelody，thatoncemarkedthepraiseserviceoftheoldScottishchurch，havegivenplacetothelight，staccatotinkleoftherevivalchorus，ortheshornandmutilatedskeletonoftheancientpsalmtune。
Butwhilethepsalmhadbeenmovingoninitssolemnandstatelyway，RanaldhadbeenenduringagonyatthehandsofPeterRuaghsittingjustbehindhim。Peter，whosehuge，clumsybodywasafittingtabernacleforthesoulwithin，laboredundertheimpressionthathewasahumorist，andindulgedahabitofponderousjoking，tryingenoughtomostpeople，buttooneofRanald'stemperamentexasperatingtoahighdegree。HisthemewasRanald'srescueofMaimie，andthepausesofthesinginghefilledinwithhumorouscommentsthat，outside，wouldhaveproducedonlyweariness，butinthechurch，owingtothestrangeperversityofhumannature，sentasnickeralongtheseat。Unfortunatelyforhim，Ranald'sfacewassoturnedthathecouldnotseeit，andsohehadnohintofthewraththatwassteadilyboilinguptothepointofoverflow。
Theywerenearingthecloseofthelastverseofthepsalm，whenHughie，whoseeyesneverwanderedlongfromRanald'sdirection，utteredasharp"Oh，my！"Therewasashufflingconfusionunderthegallery，andwhenMaimieandherauntlooked，PeterRuagh'splacewasvacant。
Bythistimetheministerwasstandingupforprayer。Hiseye，too，caughtthemovementinthebackseat。
"Youngmen，"hesaid，sternly，"rememberyouareinGod'shouse。
Letmenothavetomentionyournamesbeforethecongregation。Letuspray。"
Asthecongregationroseforprayer，Mrs。MurraynoticedPeterRuaghappearfrombeneaththebook-boardandquietlyslipoutbythebackdoorwithhishandtohisfaceandthebloodstreamingbetweenhisfingers；andthoughRanaldwasstandingupstraightandstiffinhisplace，Mrs。MurraycouldreadfromhisrigidlooktheexplanationofPeter'sbloodyface。Shegavehermindtotheprayerwithasoreheart，forshehadlearnedenoughofthosewild，hot-headedyouthstoknowthatbeforePeterRuagh'sfacewouldbehealedmorebloodwouldhavetoflow。
Theprayerproceededinitsleisurelyway，indulginghereandthereinquietreverie，orinexultantjubilationoverthe"attributes，"
embracinginitsworldwidesweep"theinterestsofthekingdom"farandnear，andofthatpartofhumanityincludedthereinpresentandtocome，andbuttressingitspetitionswiththeologicalargument，systematicandunassailable。Beforetheclose，however，theministercametodealwiththeneedsofhisownpeople。Oldandyoung，absentandpresent，thesick，theweary，thesin-burdened——
allwererememberedwithawarmthofsympathy，withadirectnessofpetition，andwithanearnestnessofappealthatthrilledandsubduedtheheartsofall，andmadeeventheboys，whohadbornewithdifficultythelasthalf-hourofthelongprayer，forgettheirweariness。
ThereadingofScripturefollowedtheprayer。Inthistheministerexcelled。Hisfinevoiceandhisdramaticinstinctcombinedtomakethisanimpressiveandbeautifulportionoftheservice。Butto-daymuchofthebeautyandimpressivenessofthereadingwaslostbythefrequentinterruptionscausedbytheentranceoflatecomers，ofwhom，owingtothebadroads，therewerealargernumberthanusual。Theministerwasevidentlyannoyed，notsomuchbytheopeningandshuttingofthedoorasbytheinattentionofhishearers，whokeptturningroundtheirheadstoseewhothenewarrivalswere。Atlengththeministercouldbearitnolonger。
"Mydearpeople，"hesaid，pausinginthereading，"nevermindthosecomingin。GiveyouheedtothereadingofGod'sWord，andifyoumustknowwhoareentering，Iwilltellyou。Yes，"headded，deliberately，"giveyouheedtome，andIwillletyouknowwhotheselatecomersare。"
Withthatstartlingdeclaration，heproceededwiththereading，buthadnotgonemorethanafewverseswhen"click"wentthedoor-
latch。Notaheadturned。ItwasMalcolmMonroe，slow-goingandgood-natured，withhisquietlittlewifefollowinghim。
Theministerpaused，lookingtowardthedoor，andannounced："Mydearpeople，herecomesourfriendMalcolmMonroe，andhisgoodwifewithhim，andalongwalktheyhavehad。Comeaway，Malcolm；
comeaway；wewilljustwaitforyou。"
Malcolm'sfacewasapicture。Surprise，astonishment，andconfusionfollowedeachotheracrosshisstolidcountenance；andwithquickerpacethanhewaseverknowntouseinhislifebefore，hemadehiswaytohisseat。Nosoonerhadthereadingbeganagainwhenoncemorethedoorclicked。Truetohispromise，theministerpausedandcheerfullyannouncedtohispeople："This，myfriends，isJohnCampbell，whomyouallknowas'JohnnieSarah，'andweareverygladtoseehim，for，indeed，hehasnotbeenhereforsometime。Comeaway，John；comeaway，man，"headded，impatiently，"forweareallwaitingforyou。"
JohnnieSarahstoodparalyzedwithamazementandseemeduncertainwhethertoadvanceortoturnandflee。Theminister'simpatientcommand，however，decidedhim，andhedroppedintothenearestseatwithallspeed，andgazedabouthimasiftodiscoverwherehewas。
Hehadnosoonertakenhisseatthanthedooropenedagain，andsomehalf-dozenpeopleentered。Theministerstoodlookingatthemforsomemomentsandthensaid，inavoiceofresignation：
"Friends，thesearesomeofourpeoplefromtheIsland，andtherearesomestrangerswiththem。Butifyouwanttoknowwhotheyare，youwilljusthavetolookatthemyourselves，forImustgetonwiththereading。"
Needlesstosay，notasoulofthecongregation，howeverconsumedwithcuriosity，daredtolookaround，andthereadingofthechapterwentgravelyontotheclose。TosaythatMaimiesatinutterastonishmentduringthisextraordinaryproceedingwouldgivebutafaintideaofherstateofmind。EvenMrs。Murrayherself，whohadbecomeaccustomedtoherhusband'seccentricities，satinastateofutterbewilderment，notknowingwhatmighthappennext；
nordidshefeelquitesafeuntilthetextwasannouncedandthesermonfairlybegun。
Importantasweretheexercisesofreading，praise，andprayer，theywereonlythe"openingservices，"andmerelyleduptotheeventoftheday，whichwasthesermon。Anditwastheevent，notonlyoftheday，butoftheweek。Itwouldformthethemeofconversationandaffordfoodfordiscussionineverygatheringofthepeopleuntilanothercametotakeitsplace。To-dayitlastedafullhourandahalf，andwasanextraordinaryproduction。Calm，deliberatereasoning，flightsofvividimagination，passionatedenunciation，andfervidappeal，markeditscourse。ItssubjectwasthegreatdoctrineofJustificationbyFaith，anditcontainedacompletesystemoftheologyarrangedwithreferencetothatdoctrine。Ancientheresieswereattackedandexposedwithcompletenessamountingtoannihilation。Modernerrors，intowhichour"friends"ofthedifferentdenominationshadfallen，weredeploredandcorrected，andallpossiblemisapplicationsofthedoctrinetopracticallifeguardedagainst。Onthepositivesidetheneed，theground，themeans，themethod，theagent，theresults，ofJustification，werefullysetforthandillustrated。
Therewerenoanecdotesandnopoetry。Thesubjectwasmuchtoomassiveandtremendoustopermitofanysuchtrifling。
Asthesermonrolledonitsmajesticcourse，thecongregationlistenedwithanattentiveanddiscriminatingappreciationthattestifiedtotheirearnestnessandintelligence。True，onehereandtheredroppedintoamomentarydoze，buthisslumberwasnevereasy，forhewasharassedbytheterriblefearofasuddensummonsbynamefromthepulpitto"awakeandgiveheedtothemessage，"
whichforthenextfewminuteswouldhaveanapplicationsopersonalandpungentthatitwouldeffectuallypreventsleepforthatandsomesuccessiveSabbaths。TheonlyapparentlapseofattentionoccurredwhenDonaldRossopenedhishornsnuff-box，andaftertappingsolemnlyuponitslid，drewforthahugepinchofsnuffandpassedittohisneighbor，who，afterhelpinghimselfinlikemanner，passedtheboxon。Thatthelapsewasonlyapparentwasmadeevidentbytheairofabstractionwithwhichthisoperationwascarriedon，thesnuffbeingheldbetweenthethumbandforefingerforsomemoments，untilasuitableresting-placeinthesermonwasreached。
Whentheministerhadarrivedatthemiddleofthesecondhead，hemadethediscovery，aswasnotfrequentlythecase，thattheremotestlimitsoftheallotedtimehadbeenpassed，andannouncingthatthesubjectwouldbeconcludedonthefollowingSabbath，hesummarilybroughttheEnglishservicetoaclose，anddismissedthecongregationwithabriefprayer，twoversesofapsalm，andthebenediction。
WhenMaimierealizedthattheservicewasreallyover，shefeltasifshehadbeeninchurchforaweek。Afterthebenedictionthecongregationpassedoutintothechurchyardanddisposedthemselvesingroupsaboutthegateandalongthefencesdiscussingthesermonandmakingbriefinquiriesastothe"wealandill"ofthemembersoftheirfamilies。Mrs。Murray，leavingHughieandMaimietowanderatwill，passedfromgrouptogroup，welcomedbyallwithequalrespectandaffection。Youngmenandoldmen，womenandgirlsalike，weregladtogetherword。To-day，however，theyoungmenwerenotatfirsttobeseen，butMrs。Murrayknewthemwellenoughtosuspectthattheywouldbefoundatthebackofthechurch，soshepassedslowlyaroundthechurch，greetingthepeopleasshewent，anduponturningthecornershesawacrowdunderthebigmaple，therendezvousfortheyoungerportionofthecongregationbefore"churchwentin。"InthecenterofthegroupstoodRanaldandDon，withMurdie，Don'seldestbrother，ahuge，good-naturedman，besidethem，andPeterRuagh，withhiscousinAleck，andothersoftheclan。Ranaldwasstanding，paleandsilent，withhisheadthrownback，ashismannerwaswheninpassion。ThetalkwasmainlybetweenAleckandMurdie，theotherscrowdingeagerlyaboutandputtinginawordastheycould。Murdiewasreasoninggood-humoredly，Aleckreplyingfiercely。
"Itwasgoodenoughforhim，"Mrs。MurrayheardDoninterject，inatriumphanttone，toMurdie。ButMurdieshuthimoffsternly。
"Whisht，Don，youarenottalkingjustnow。"
DonwasabouttoreplywhenhecaughtsightofMrs。Murray。
"Here'stheminister'swife，"hesaid，inalowtone，andatoncethegrouppartedinshamefacedconfusion。ButMurdiekepthisfaceunmoved，andasMrs。Murraydrewslowlynear，said，inaquietvoiceofeasygood-humor，toAleck，whowasstandingwithafacelikethatofadetectedcriminal："Well，wewillseeaboutitto-
morrownight，Aleck，atthepost-office，"andhefacedabouttomeetMrs。Murraywithaneasysmile，whileAleckturnedaway。ButMrs。Murraywasnotdeceived，andshewentstraighttothepoint。
"Murdie，"shesaid，quietly，whenshehadansweredhisgreeting，"willyoujustcomewithmealittle；Iwanttoaskyouaboutsomething。"AndMurdiewalkedawaywithher，followedbythewinksandnodsoftheothers。
WhatshesaidMurdienevertold，buthecamebacktothemmoredetermineduponpeacethanever。Thedifficultylay，notwiththegood-naturedPeter，whowasreadyenoughtosettlewithRanald，butwiththefieryAleck，whorepresentedthenon-respectablesectionoftheclanMcRae，wholivedsouthoftheSixteenth，andhadareputationforwildness。Fightingwastheirglory，andnoonecaredtoenteruponafeudwithanyoneofthem。MurdiehadinterferedonRanald'sbehalf，chieflybecausehewasDon'sfriend，butalsobecausehewasunwillingthatRanaldshouldbeinvolvedinaquarrelwiththeMcRaes，whichheknewwouldbeaseriousaffairforhim。Butnowhisstrongestreasonfordesiringpeacewasthathehadpledgedhimselftotheminister'swifetobringitaboutinsomewayorother。SohetookPeteroffbyhimself，andwithoutmuchdifficulty，persuadedhimtoactthemagnanimouspartanddropthequarrel。
WithRanaldhehadahardertask。Thatyoungmanwaspreparedtoseehisquarrelthroughatwhateverconsequencestohimself。HeknewtheMcRaes，andknewwelltheirreputation，butthatonlymadeitmoreimpossibleforhimtoretreat。ButMurdieknewbetterthantoarguewithhim，soheturnedawayfromhimwithanindifferentair，saying："Oh，verywell。Peteriswillingtoletitdrop。
Youcandoasyouplease，onlyIknowtheminister'swifeexpectsyoutomakeitup。"
"Whatdidshesaytoyou，then？"askedRanald，fiercely。
"Shesaidanumberofthingsthatyoudon'tneedtoknow，butshesaidthis，whatever，'Hewillmakeitupformysake，Iknow。'"
Ranaldstoodamomentsilent，thensaid，suddenly："Iwill，too，"
andwalkingstraightovertoPeter，heofferedhishand，saying，"I
wastooquick，Peter，andIamwillingtotakeasmuchasIgave。
Youcangoon。"
ButPeterwasfartoosoft-heartedtoacceptthatinvitation，andseizingRanald'shand，said，heartily："Nevermind，Ranald，itwasmyownfault。Wewilljustsaynothingmoreaboutit。"