Shelaybackinthebigchair，lookingsopaleandwearythatHarryhardlybelieveditwasthesamewomanthathadjustbeenkeepingahundredandfiftypeoplekeenlyalertforanhourandahalf，andleadingthemwithsuchintellectualandemotionalpower。
　　"Thatclassistoohardforyou，auntie，"hesaid。"IfIwereyourhusbandIwouldnotletyoukeepiton。"
　　"Butyouseemyhusbandisnothere。Heistwelvemilesaway。"
　　"ThenIwouldlockyouup，ortakeyouwithme。"
　　"Oh！"criedHughie，"IwouldmuchratherteachtheBibleclassthanlistentoanothersermon。"
　　"Somethinginthat，"saidhiscousin，"especiallyifIwerethepreacher，eh？"atwhichtheyalllaughed。
　　ItwasahappyhourforRanald。Hehadbeentooshytojointhesingingschool，andhadneverheardanypartsingingtillhebegantoattendtheBibleclass。Therehemadethedelightfuldiscoverythat，withoutanyinstruction，hecouldjoininthebass，andhadmade，also，thefurtherdiscoverythathisvoice，whichhehadthoughtroughandcoarse，andforayearpast，worsethanever，couldreachtoextraordinarydepths。OneSabbathevening，itchancedthatJohn"Aleck，"whoalwayshadanearopenforagoodvoice，heardhimrollingouthisdeepbass，andseizinghimonthespot，hadmadehimpromisetojointhesingingschool。Therehediscoveredatalentanddevelopedatasteforsingingthatdelightedhisleader'sheart，andopenedouttohimselfanewworld。Thepiano，too，wasanewandraretreattoRanald。Inallthecountrytherewasnoother，andeveninthemanseitwasseldomheard，forMrs。Murrayfoundlittletime，amidthemultitudeofhouseholdandcongregationalduties，tokeepupherpianopractice。
　　Thatpartofherlife，withothersoflikekind，shehadbeenforcedtolose。
　　ButsinceMaimie'scoming，thepianohadbeenindailyuse，andevenontheSabbathdays，thoughnotwithoutdangertothesensibilitiesoftheneighbors，shehadusedittoaccompanythehymnswithwhichthedayalwaysclosed。
　　"Letushavetheparts，"criedHughie。"MaimieandIwilltaketheair，andRanaldwilltakethebass。CousinHarry，canyousing？"
　　"Oh，I'llhum。"
　　"Nonsense，"saidMaimie，"hesingstenorsplendidly。"
　　"Oh，that'sfine！"criedHughie，withdelight。Hehimselfwasfullofmusic。"Comeon，Ranald，youstandupbehindMaimie，youwillneedtoseethenotes；andIwillsithere，"plantinghimselfbesidehismother。
　　SoHughiearrangeditall，andforanhourthesingingwenton，thefavoritehymnsofeachbeingsunginturn。Forthemostpart，Mrs。
　　Murraysatsilent，butnowandthenshewouldjoinwiththeothers，singingaltowhenshedidso，byHughie'sspecialdirection。Hervoicewasnotstrong，butitwastrue，mellow，andfullofmusic。
　　Hughielovedtohearhersingalto，andmoreespeciallybecausehelikedtojoininwithher，whichhewastooshytodoalone，eveninhishome，andwhichhewouldneverthinkofdoingintheBibleclass，orinthepresenceofanyoftheboyswhomight，forthisreason，thinkhim"proud。"WhentheycametoHughie'sturn，hechosethehymnbyBliss，recentlypublished，"Whosoeverwill，"thewordsseemtostrikehimtonight。
　　"Mother，"hesaid，aftersingingitthrough，"doesthatmeaneverybodythatlikes？"
　　"Yes，mydear，anyonethatwishes。"
　　"Pharaoh，mother？"
　　"Yes，Pharaoh，too。"
　　"But，mother，yousaidhecouldnotpossibly。"
　　"Onlybecausehedidnotwantto。"
　　"Buthecouldnot，evenifhedidwantto。"
　　"IhopeIdidnotsaythat，"saidhismother，smilingattheeagerandearnestyoungface。
　　"No，auntie，"saidHarry，takingupHughie'scause，"notexactly，butsomethingverylikeit。YousaidthatPharaohcouldnotpossiblyhaveactedinanyotherwaythanhedid。"
　　"Yes，Isaidthat。"
　　"Notevenifhewantedto？"askedHughie。
　　"Oh，Ididnotsaythat。"
　　"TheLordhardenedPharaoh'sheart，"quotedRanald，whoknewhisBiblebetterthanHarry。
　　"Yes，thatisit，"saidHarry，"andsothatmadeitimpossibleforPharaohtodoanythingelse。Hecouldnothelpfollowingafterthosepeople。"
　　"Whynot？"saidMrs。Murray。"Whatmadehimfollow？Nowjustthink，whatmadehimfollowafterthosepeople？"
　　"Why，hewantedtogetthemback，"saidHughie。
　　"Quitetrue，"saidhismother。"Soyousee，hedidexactlyashewantedto。"
　　"ThenyoumeantheLordhadnothingtodowithit？"askedRanald。
　　"No，Icouldnotsaythat。"
　　"Then，"saidHarry，"Pharaohcouldnothelphimself。Now，couldhe？"
　　"Hedidwhathewishedtodo，"saidhisaunt。
　　"Yes，"saidRanald，quickly，"butcouldhehelpwishingtodowhathedid？"
　　"Ifhehadbeenadifferentman，morehumbleminded，andmorewillingtobetaught，hewouldnothavewishedtodowhathedid。"
　　"Mother，"saidHughie，changinghisgroundalittle，andloweringhisvoice，"doyouthinkPharaohislost，andallhissoldiers，and——andallthepeoplewhowerebad？"
　　Mrs。Murraylookedathiminsilenceforafewmoments，thensaid，verysadly，"Ican'tanswerthatquestion，Hughie。Idonotknow。"
　　"But，mother，"persistedHughie，"arenotwickedpeoplelost？"
　　"Yes，Hughie，"repliedhismother，"allthosewhodonotrepentoftheirsinsandcrytoGodformercy。"
　　"Oh，mother，"criedHughie，"forever？"
　　Hismotherdidnotreply。
　　"WillHeneverletthemout，mother？"continuedHughie，inpiteousappeal。
　　"Listentome，Hughie，"saidhismother，verygently。"Weknowverylittleaboutthis。Wouldyoubeverysorry，evenforverybadmen？"
　　"Oh，mother，"criedHughie，histenderlittleheartmovedwithagreatcompassion，"thinkofawholeyear，allsummerlong，andallwinterlong。IthinkIwouldletanybodyout。"
　　"Then，Hughie，dear，"saidhismother，"rememberthatGodismuchkinderthanyouare，andhasaheartfarmoretender，andwhileHewillbejustandmustpunishsin，Hewilldonothingunjustorunkind，youmaybequitesureofthat。DonotforgethowHegaveupHisowndearsonforus。"
　　PoorHughiecouldbearitnolonger。Heputhisheadinhismother'slapandsobbedout，"Oh，mother，Ihopehewillletthemout。"
　　Asheutteredthispitifullittlecry，hiscousinHarrygotupfromhischair，andmovedacrosstothewindow，whileMaimieopenlywipedhereyes，butRanaldsatwithhisfacesethard，andhiseyesgleaming，waitingeagerlyforMrs。Murray'sanswer。
　　ThemotherstrokedHughie'sheadsoftly，andwhilehertearsfellonthebrowncurls，saidtohim，"Youwouldnotbeafraidtotrustyourmother，Hughie，andourFatherinheavenlovesusallmuchmorethanIloveyou。"
　　AndwiththatHughiewascontent。
　　"Nowletussingonemorehymn，"saidhismother。"It'smychoice。"Andshechoseoneofthenewhymnswhichtheyhadjustlearnedinthesingingschool，andofwhichHughiewasveryfond，thechildren'shymn，"CometotheSaviour。"WhiletheyweresingingtheyheardMr。Murraydriveintotheyard。
　　"There'spapa，"saidMrs。Murray。"Hewillbetiredandhungry，"
　　andshehurriedouttomeetherhusband，followedbyHarryandHughie，leavingRanaldandMaimieintheroomtogether。Ranaldhadneverbeenalonewithherbefore，norindeedhadheeverspentfiveminutesofhislifealonewithanygirlbeforenow。Buthedidnotfeelawkwardorshy；hewasthinkingnow，ashehadbeenthinkingnowandthenthroughthewholeevening，ofonlyonething，thatMaimiewasgoingaway。Thatwouldmakeagreatdifferencetohim，sogreatthathewasconsciousofaheart-sinkingatthemerethoughtofit。Duringthelastweeks，hislifehadcometomoveaboutacenter，andthatcenterwasMaimie；andnowthatshewasgoingaway，therewouldbenothingleft。Nothing，thatis，thatreallymattered。Butthequestionhewasrevolvinginhismindwas，wouldsheforgetallabouthim。Heknewhewouldneverforgether，thatwas，ofcourse，impossible，forsomanythingswouldremindhimofher。Hewouldneverseethemoonlightfallingthroughthetreesasitfellthatnightofthesugaring-off，withoutthinkingofher。Hewouldneverseetheshadowsintheevening，orhearthewindintheleaves，withoutthinkingofher。
　　Thechurchandtheminister'spew，themanseandallbelongingtoitwouldremindhimofMaimie。Hewouldrecallhowshelookedatdifferenttimesandplaces，theturnofherhead，thewayherhairfellonherneck，herlaugh，thelittletossofherchin，andthecurveinherlips。Hewouldremembereverythingabouther。Wouldsherememberhim，orwouldsheforgethim？Thatwasthequestionburninginhisheart；andthatquestionhemusthavesettled，andthiswasthetime。
　　Butthoughthesethoughtsandemotionswererushingthroughhisbrainandblood，hefeltstrangelyquietandself-controlledashewalkedovertoherwhereshestoodbesidethepiano，andlookingintohereyeswithanintensityofgazeshecouldnotmeet，said，inalow，quickvoice："Youaregoingaway？"
　　"Yes，"shereplied，sostartledthattheeasysmilewithwhichshehadgreetedhimfadedoutofherface。"IntwoweeksIshallbegone。"
　　"Gone！"echoedRanald。"Yes，youwillbegone。Willyouforgetme？"Histonewasalmoststern。
　　"Why，no，"shesaid，inasurprisedvoice。"Ofcoursenot。Didnotyousavemylife？Youwillbefarmorelikelytoforgetme。"
　　"No，"hesaid，simply，asifthatpossibilityneednotbeconsidered。
　　"Iwillneverforgetyou。Iwillalwaysbethinkingofyou。Willyouthinkofme？"hepersisted。
　　"Why，certainly。Wouldn'tIbeaveryungratefulgirlifIdidnot？"
　　"Ungrateful！"exclaimedRanald，impatiently。"WhatIdidwasnothing。Forgetthat。Doyounotunderstandme？Iwillbethinkingofyoueveryday，inthemorningandatnight，andIneverthoughtofanyoneelsebeforeforaday。Willyoubethinkingofme？"
　　Therewasamovementinthekitchen，andtheycouldheartheministertalkingtoHarry；andsomeonewasmovingtowardthedoor。
　　"Tellme，Maimie，quick，"saidRanald，andthoughhisvoicewasintenseandstern，therewasappealinitaswell。
　　Shetookastepnearerhim，andlookingupintohisface，said，inawhisper，"Yes，Ranald，Iwillalwaysrememberyou，andthinkofyou。"
　　Swiftly，almostfiercely，hethrewhisarmsabouther，andkissedherlips，thenhestoodbacklookingather。
　　"Icouldnothelpit，"hesaid，boldly。"Youmademe。"
　　"Madeyou？"exclaimedMaimie，herfacehotwithblushes。
　　"Yes，youmademe。Icouldnothelpit，"herepeated。"AndIdonotcareifyouareangry。IamgladIdidit。"
　　"Glad？"echoedMaimieagain，notknowingwhattosay。
　　"Yes，glad，"hesaid，exultantly。"Areyou？"
　　Shemadenoreply。Thedooropenedbehindthem。Shesankdownuponthepiano-stoolandletherhandsfalluponthekeys。
　　"Areyou？"hedemanded，ignoringtheinterruption。
　　Withherheadlowdown，whileshestruckthechordsofthehymntheyhadjustsung，shesaid，hesitatingly，"Iamnotsorry。"
　　"Sorryforwhat？"saidHarry。
　　"Oh，nothing，"saidMaimie，lightly。
　　"Nobodyis，ifhehasgotanysense。"
　　ThenMrs。Murraycamein。"Won'tyoustayforsupper，Ranald？Youmustbehungry。"
　　"No，thankyou，"saidRanald。"Imustgonow。"
　　Heshookhandswithaneaseandfreedomthattheministerhadneverseeninhim，andwentout。
　　"Thatyoungmaniscomingon，"saidtheminister。"Ineversawanyonechangeanddevelopashehasinthelastfewmonths。Letmesee。Heisonlyeighteen，isn'the，andhemightbetwenty-one。"
　　TheministerspokeasifhewerenottoowellpleasedwiththisprecocityinRanald。
　　ButlittledidRanaldcare。Thatyoungmanwasstridinghomewardthroughthenight，hisheadstrikingthestars。Hispathlaythroughthewoods，andwhenhecametothe"sugarcamp"road，hestoodstill，andletthememoriesofthenightwhenhehadsnatchedMaimiefromthefiretroopthroughhismind。SuddenlyhethoughtofAleckMcRae，andlaughedaloud。
　　"PoorAleck，"hesaid。Aleckseemedsoharmlesstohimnow。Andthenhestoodsilent，motionless，lookingstraighttowardthestars，butseeingthemnot。HewasrememberingMaimie'sfacewhenshesaid，"Yes，Ranald，Iwillalwaysrememberyouandthinkofyou"；andthenthethoughtofwhatfollowed，sentthebloodjumpingthroughhisveins。
　　"Shewillnotforget，"hesaidaloud，andwentonhisway。Itwashishappynight，thehappiestofhislifethusfar，andhewouldalwaysbehappy。Whatdifferencecouldanythingmake？
　　CHAPTERXV
　　THEREVIVAL
　　ThoselastdaysofMaimie'svisitspedbyonwingedfeet。ToRanaldtheywerebrimmingwithhappiness，everyoneofthem。Itwastheslacktimeoftheyear，betweenseedingandharvest，andtherewasnothingmuchtokeephimathome。Andso，withHarry，hisdevotedcompanion，Ranaldroamedthewoods，hitchingupLisetteinYankee'sbuckboard，putherthroughherpaces，andwouldnowandthengetupsuchburstsofspeedastookHarry'sbreathaway；andmorethanall，therewasthechanceofawordwithMaimie。Hehadlostmuchofhisawkwardness。Hewentaboutwithanairofmastery，andwhynot？Hehadentereduponhiskingdom。Theministernoticedandwondered；hiswifenoticedandsmiledsometimes，butoftenersighed，wiselykeepingsilence，forsheknewthatintimeslikethisthebestwordswerethoseunspoken。
　　ThehappiestdayofallforRanaldwasthelast，when，afteralongtrampwithHarrythroughthewoods，hedrovehimbacktothemanse，comingupfromthegatetothedoorlikeawhirlwind。
　　AsLisettestoodpawingandtossingherbeautifulhead，Mrs。
　　Murray，whostoodwithMaimiewatchingthemdriveup，criedout，admiringly："Whatabeautysheis！"
　　"Isn'tshe！"criedHarry，enthusiastically。"Andsuchaflyer！
　　Getin，auntie，andsee。"
　　"Do，"saidRanald；"Iwouldbeveryglad。Justtothechurchhillandback。"
　　"Go，auntie，"pleadedHarry。"Sheiswonderful。"
　　"Yougo，Maimie，"saidheraunt，towhomeveryofferedpleasuresimplyfurnishedanopportunityofthoughtforothers。
　　"Nonsense！"criedHarry，impatiently。"Youmightgratifyyourselfalittleforonceinyourlife。Besides，"headded，withtruebrotherlyblindness，"it'syouRanaldwants。Atleasthetalksenoughaboutyou。"
　　"Yes，auntie，dogo！Itwillbelovely，"chimedinMaimie，withsuspiciousheartiness。
　　So，withmanyprotestations，Mrs。MurraytookherplacebesideRanaldandwaswhirledofflikethewind。Shereturnedinaveryfewminutes，herhairblownloosetillthelittlecurlshungaboutherglowingfaceandhereyesshiningwithexcitement。
　　"Oh，sheisperfectlysplendid！"sheexclaimed。"Andsogentle。
　　Youmustgo，Maimie，ifonlytothegate。"AndMaimiewent，butnottoturnateventhechurchhill。
　　ForamiledowntheconcessionroadRanaldletLisettejogataneasypacewhilehetoldMaimiesomeofhisaimsandhopes。Hedidnotmeantobeafarmernoralumberman。Hewasgoingtothecity，andtheremakehisfortune。Hedidnotsayitinwords，buthistone，hismanner，everythingabouthim，proclaimedhisconfidencethatsomedayhewouldbeagreatman。AndMaimiebelievedhim，notbecauseitseemedreasonable，orbecausethereseemedtobeanygroundforhisconfidence，butjustbecauseRanaldsaidit。Hissuperbself-confidencewroughtinherassurance。
　　"Andthen，"hesaid，proudly，"Iamgoingtoseeyou。"
　　"Oh，Ihopeyouwillnotwaittillthen，"sheanswered。
　　"Idonotknow，"hesaid。"Icannottell，butitdoesnotmattermuch。Iwillbealwaysseeingyou。"
　　"ButIwillwanttoseeyou，"saidMaimie。
　　"Yes，"saidRanald，"Iknowyouwill，"asifthatwereathingtobeexpected。"Butyouwillbecomingbacktoyouraunthere。"ButofthisMaimiecouldnotbesure。
　　"Oh，yes，youwillcome，"hesaid，confidently；"Iamsureyouwillcome。Harryiscoming，andyouwillcome，too。"Andhavingsettledthispoint，heturnedLisetteandfromthatoutgavehisattentiontohisdriving。Thecoltseemedtorealizethenecessityofmakingadisplayofherbestspeed，andwithoutanyurging，shewentalongtheconcessionroad，increasingherspeedateverystridetillshewheeledinatthegate。ThenRanaldshookthelinesoverherbackandcalledtoher。MagnificentlyLisetteresponded，andsweptuptothedoorwithsuchsplendiddashthatthewholehouseholdgreetedherwithwavingapplause。Asthecoltcametoastand，Maimiesteppedoutfromthebuckboard，andturningtowardRanald，saidinalow，hurriedvoice："O，Ranald，thatwassplendid，andIamsohappy；andyouwillbesuretocome？"
　　"Iwillcome，"saidRanald，lookingdownintotheblueeyeswithalooksolongandsteadyandsofullofpassionatefeelingthatMaimieknewhewouldkeephisword。
　　Thenfarewellsweresaid，andRanaldturnedaway，HarryandMrs。
　　Murraywatchinghimfromthedoortillhedisappearedoverthechurchhill。
　　"Well，that'sthefinestchapIeversaw，"saidHarry，withemphasis。"Andwhatabodyhehas！Hewouldmakeagreathalf-
　　back。"
　　"PoorRanald！Ihopehewillmakeagreatandgoodman，"saidhisaunt，witharingofsadnessinhervoice。
　　"Whypoor，auntie？"
　　"I'msureIdonotknow，"shesaid，withaveryuncertainsmileplayingabouthermouth。ThenshewentupstairsandfoundMaimiesittingatthewindowoverlookingthechurchhill，andoncemoresheknewhowgoldenissilence。SoshesettoworktopackMaimie'strunkforher。
　　"Itwillbeaveryearlystart，Maimie，"shesaid，"andsowewillgeteverythingreadyto-night。"
　　"Yes，auntie，"saidMaimie，goingtoherandputtingherarmsabouther。"HowhappyIhavebeen，andhowgoodyouhavebeentome！"
　　"AndhowgladIhavebeentohaveyou！"saidheraunt。
　　"Oh，Iwillneverforgetyou！YouhavetaughtmesomuchthatI
　　neverknewbefore。Iseeeverythingsodifferently。Itseemseasytobegoodhere，and，oh！Iwishyouwerenotsofarawayfromme，auntie。Iamafraid——afraid——"
　　Thetearscouldnolongerbedenied。Sheputherheadinheraunt'slapandsobbedoutherheart'soverflow。Foranhourtheysatbytheopentrunk，forgettingallaboutthepacking，whileheraunttalkedtoMaimieasnoonehadevertalkedtoherbefore；andoften，throughthelongyearsofsufferingthatfollowed，thewordsofthateveningcametoMaimietolightenandtocomfortanhouroffearandsorrow。Mrs。Murraywasofthosetowhomitisgiventospeakwordsthatwillnotdiewithtime，butwilllive，forthattheyfallfromlipstouchedwiththefireofGod。
　　BeforetheyhadfinishedtheirtalkHarrycamein，andthenMrs。
　　Murraytoldthemabouttheirmother，ofherbeautyandherbrightnessandhergoodness，butmostlyofhergoodness。
　　"Shewasadear，deargirl，"saidtheiraunt，"andhergoodnesswasofthekindthatmakesonethinkofafreshspringmorning，sobright，sosweet，andpure。Andshewasbeautiful，too。Youwillbelikeher，Maimie，"and，afterapause，sheadded，softly，"And，mostofall，shelovedherSaviour，andthatwasthesecretofbothherbeautyandhergoodness。"
　　"Auntie，"saidHarry，suddenly，"don'tyouthinkyoucouldcometousforavisit？Itwoulddofather——Imeanitwouldbesuchagreatthingforfather，andforme，too，forusall。"
　　Mrs。Murraythoughtofherhomeandallitsties，andthensaid，smiling："Iamafraid，Harry，thatcouldhardlybe。Besides，mydearboy，thereisOnewhocanalwaysbewithyou，andnoonecantakeHisplace。"
　　"Allthesame，Iwishyoucouldcome，"saidHarry。"WhenIamhereIfeellikedoingsomethingwithmylife，butathomeIonlythinkofhavingfun。"
　　"But，Harry，"saidhisaunt，"lifeisaverysacredandverypreciousthing，andatallcosts，youmustmakeitworthyofHimwhogaveittoyou。"
　　Nextmorning，whenHarrywassaying"Farewell"tohisaunt，sheputherarmsroundhim，andsaid："Yourmotherwouldhavewishedyoutobeanobleman，andyoumustnotdisappointher。"
　　"Iwilltry，auntie，"hesaid，andcouldsaynomore。
　　Forthenextfewweekstheministerandhiswifewerebothbusyandanxious。Formorethaneightyearstheyhadlaboredwiththeirpeoplewithoutmuchsignofresult。Weekafterweektheministerpouredintohissermonsthestrengthofhisheartandmind，andthengavethemtohispeoplewithallthefervorofhisnature。
　　Weekafterweekhiswife，inherwomen'smeetingsandinherBibleclass，lavishedfreelyuponthemthesplendidrichesofherintellectualandspiritualpowers，andtogetherinthehomesofthepeopletheywroughtandtaught。Attimesitseemedtotheministerthattheywerespendingtheirstrengthfornaught，andatsuchtimeshebitterlygrudged，nothisowntoils，butthoseofhiswife。Noneknewbetterthanhehowwellfittedshewas，bothbythenativeendowmentsofhermindandbythegracesofhercharacter，tofillthehighestsphere，andhesometimesgrewimpatientthatsheshouldspendherselfwithoutstintandreapnoadequatereward。
　　Thesewerehisthoughtsashelayonhiscouch，ontheeveningofthelastSabbathintheoldchurch，afteraday'sworkmorethanusuallyexhausting。Thenewchurchwastobeopenedthefollowingweek。Formonthsithadbeentheburdenoftheirprayersthatatthededicationoftheirchurch，whichhadbeenbuiltandpaidforatthecostofmuchthoughtandtoil，thereshouldbesome"signalmarkofthedivineacceptance。"Nowondertheministerwasmorethanusuallydepressedto-night。
　　"Thereisnotmuchsignofmovementamongthedrybones，"hesaidtohiswife。"Theyareasdryandasdeadasever。"
　　Hiswifewassilentforsometime，forshe，too，hadhermomentsofdoubtandfear，butshesaid："Ithinkthereissomesign。Thepeoplewerecertainlymuchimpressedthismorning，andtheBibleclasswasverylarge，andtheywereveryattentive。"
　　"Sotheyareeveryday，"saidtheminister，ratherbitterly。"Butwhatdoesitamountto？Thereisnotasignofoneoftheseyoungpeople'comingforward。'Justthink，onlyoneyoungmanamemberofthechurch，andhehasn'tgotmuchspunkinhim。Andmanyoftheoldermenremainashardasthenethermillstone。"
　　"Ireallythink，"saidhiswife，"thatanumberoftheyoungpeoplewould'comeforward'ifsomeonewouldmakeabeginning。Theyareallveryshy。"
　　"Soyoualwayssay，"saidherhusband，withatouchofimpatience；
　　"butthereisnoshynessinotherthings，intheirfrolicsandtheirfightings。Iamsurethislastoutrageousbusinessisenoughtobreakone'sheart。"
　　"Whatdoyoumean？"saidhiswife。
　　"Oh，Isupposeyouwillhearsoonenough，soIneednottrytokeepitfromyou。ItwasLongJohnCamerontoldme。ItisstrangethatHughiehasnotheard。Indeed，perhapshehas，butsincehisbelovedRanaldisinvolved，heiskeepingitquiet。"
　　"Whatisit？"saidhiswife，anxiously。
　　"Oh，nothinglessthanaregularpitchedbattlebetweentheMcGregorsandtheMcRaesoftheSixteenth，andallonRanald'saccount，too，Ibelieve。"
　　Mrs。Murraysatinsilentandbitterdisappointment。ShehadexpectedmuchfromRanald。Herhusbandwentonwithhistale。
　　"ItseemstherewasanoldquarrelbetweenyoungAleckMcRaeandRanald，overwhatIcannotfindout；andyoungAngusMcGregor，whowilldoanythingforaMacdonald，mustneedstakeRanald'spart，withtheresultthatthathot-headedyoungfire-eaterAleckMcRaemustchallengethewholeclanMcGregor。Soitwasarranged，onSundaymorning，too，mindyou，twoweeksago，aftertheservice，thatsixofthebestofeachsideshouldmeetandsettlethebusiness。OfcourseRanaldwasboundtobeintoit，andbeggedandpleadedwiththeMcGregorsthatheshouldbeoneofthesix；andI
　　hearitwasbyYankee'sadvicethathisrequestwasgranted。Thatgodlessfellow，itseems，hasbeengivingRanalddailylessonswiththeboxing-gloves，andtosomepurpose，too，asthefightproved。
　　ItseemsthatyoungAleckMcRae，whoisaterriblefighter，andmustbefortypoundsheavierthanRanald，was，byRanald'sespecialdesireandbyYankee'sarrangement，pittedagainsttheboy，andbythetimethefightwasover，Ranald，althoughbeatenandbruisedtoa'bloodypulp，'asLongJohnsaid，hadAleckthoroughlywhipped。
　　Andnobodyknowswhatwouldhavehappened，sofiercewastheyoungvillain，hadnotPeterMcGregorandMacdonaldBhainappeareduponthescene。ItappearsAleckhadbeensayingsomethingaboutMaimie，LongJohndidnotknowwhatitwas；butRanaldwasdeterminedtofinishAleckupthereandthen。Itmusthavebeenadisgustingandterriblesight；butMacdonaldBhainapparentlysettledtheminahurry；andwhatismore，madethemallshakehandsandpromisetodropthequarrelthenceforth。IfancyRanald'shandlingofyoungAleckMcRaedidmoretobringaboutthesettlementthananythingelse。Whatalotofsavagestheyare！"continuedtheminister。"Itreallydoesnotseemmuchusetopreachtothem。"
　　"Wemustnotsaythat，mydear，"saidhiswife，buthertonewasnonetoohopeful。"ImustconfessIamdisappointedinRanald。
　　Well，"shecontinued，"wecanonlywaitandtrust。"
　　FromHughie，whohadhadthestoryfromDon，andwhohadbeenpledgedtosaynothingofit，shelearnedmoreaboutthefight。
　　"ItwasAleck'sfault，mother，"hesaid，anxioustoscreenhishero。"HesaidsomethingaboutMaimie，thatDonwouldn'ttellme，attheblacksmithshopintheSixteenth，andRanaldstruckhimandknockedhimflat，andhecouldnotgetupforalongtime。Yankeehasbeenshowinghimhow。Iamgoingtolearn，mother，"interjectedHughie。"AndthenAngusMcGregortookRanald'spart，anditwasallarrangedafterchurch，andRanaldwasboundtobeinit，andsaidhewouldstopthewholethingifnotallowed。Donsaidhewasjustterrible。Itwasanawfulfight。AngusMcGregorfoughtPeterMcRae，Aleck'sbrother，youknowand——"
　　"Nevermind，Hughie，"saidhismother。"Idon'twanttohearofit。Itistoodisgusting。WasRanaldmuchhurt？"
　　"Oh，hewashurtawfulbad，andhewasgoingtobelicked，too。Hewouldn'tkeepcoolenough，andhewouldn'tusehislegs。"
　　"Usehislegs？"saidhismother；"whatdoyoumean？"
　　"That'swhatDonsays，andYankeemadehim。Yankeekeptcallingtohim，'Nowgetaway，getawayfromhim！Useyourlegs！Getawayfromhim！'andwheneverRanaldbegantodoashewastold，thenhegotthebetterofAleck，andhegaveAleckaterriblehammering，andDonsaidifMacdonaldBhainhadnotstoppedthemAleckMcRaewouldnothavebeenabletowalkhome。HesaidRanaldwasawful。
　　Hesaidheneversawhimlikehewasthatday。Wasn'titfine，mother？"
　　"Fine，Hughie！"saidhismother。"Itisanythingbutfine。Itissimplydisgustingtoseemenactlikebeasts。Itisvery，verysad。IamverymuchdisappointedinRanald。"
　　"But，mother，Ranaldcouldn'thelpit。Andanyway，IamgladhegavethatAleckMcRaeagoodthrashing。Yankeesaidhewouldneverberightuntilhegotit。"
　　"YoumustnotrepeatwhatYankeesays，"saidhismother。"Iamafraidhisinfluenceisnotofthebestforanyofthoseboys。"
　　"Oh，mother，hedidn'tsetthemon，"saidHughie，whowantedtobefairtoYankee。"ItwaswhenhecouldnothelpitthathetoldRanaldhowtodo。Iamgladhedid，too。"
　　"Iamvery，verysorryaboutit，"saidhismother，sadly。Itwasagreaterdisappointmenttoherthanshecaredtoacknowledgeeithertoherhusbandortoherself。
　　Butthecommotioncausedinthecommunitybythefightwassoonswallowedupintheinterestarousedbytheopeningofthenewchurch，aneventforwhichtheyhadmadelongandelaboratepreparation。Thebigbazaar，forwhichthewomenhadbeensewingforayearormore，washeldonWednesday，andturnedouttobeagreatsuccess，sufficientmoneybeingrealizedtopayforthechurchfurnishing，whichtheyhadundertakentoprovide。
　　Thedayfollowingwasthefirstofthe"CommunionSeason。"InaHighlandcongregationtheCommunionSeasonsarethegreatoccasionsoftheyear。Forweeksbefore，thecongregationiskeptinmindoftheapproachingevent，andontheThursdayofthecommunionweektheseasonopenswithasolemnfastday。
　　TheannualFastDay，stillanationalinstitutioninScotland，althoughithaslostmuchofitssolemnityandsacrednessinsomeplaces，wasoriginallyassociatedwiththeLord'sSupper，andwasobservedwithgreatstrictnessinthematterofeatinganddrinking；andinIndianLands，asinallcongregationsofthatpartofthecountry，thecustomofcelebratingtheFastDaywaskeptup。
　　Itwasadayofgreatsolemnityinthehomesofthepeopleofagodlysort。Therewasnocookingofmealstillafter"theservices，"andindeed，someofthemtastedneithermeatnordrinkthewholedaylong。Totheyoungerpeopleofthecongregationitwasadayofgloomandterror，akindofdayofdoom。Eventothoseadvancedingodlinessitbroughtsearchingsofheart，minuteanddiligent，withagoniesofpenitenceandremorse。Itwasaday，inshort，inwhichconsciencewasinvitedtotakecommandofthememoryandtheimaginationtothescourgingofthesoulforthesoul'sgood。Thesermonforthedaywassupposedtostimulateandtoaidconscienceinthiswork。
　　ForthecommunionserviceMr。Murrayalwaysmadeitapointtohavetheassistanceofthebestpreachershecouldprocure，andonthisoccasion，whenthechurchopeningwascombinedwiththesacrament，byaspecialefforttwopreachershadbeenprocured——afamousdivinefromHuronCounty，thatstrongholdofCalvinism，andacollegeprofessorwhohadbeenrecentlyappointed，butwhohadalreadygainedareputationasadoctrinalpreacher，andwhowas，asPeterMcRaereported，"grandontheAttributesandterriblefineontheLaw。"TohimwasassignedthehonorofpreachingtheFastDaysermon，andofdeclaringthechurch"open。"
　　Thenewchurchwasverydifferentfromtheold。Insteadofthehighcrow'snest，withthewonderfulsounding-boardoverit，thepulpitwassimplyaraisedplatformpartlyinclosed，withthedeskinfront。Therewasnoprecentor'sbox，overthelossofwhichStraightRorydidnotgrieveunduly，inasmuchasthesingingwastobeled，intheEnglishatleast，byJohn"Aleck。"Henceforththeelderswouldsitwiththeirfamilies。Theelders'seatwasgone；
　　PeterMcRae'swrathatthisbeingsomewhatappeasedbyhissecuringforhimselfoneoftheshortsideseatsattherightofthepulpit，fromwhichhecouldcommandaviewofboththeministerandthecongregation——apositionwithobviousadvantages。Theminister'spewwasattheverybackofthechurch。
　　Itwasagreatassemblagethatgatheredinthenewchurchtoheartheprofessordiscourse，asdoubtlesshewould，itbeingtheFastDay，uponsomethemeofjudgment。Withagreatswingoftriumphinhisvoice，Mr。MurrayroseandannouncedtheHundredthPsalm。Anelectricthrillwentthroughthecongregationas，withawaveofhishand，hesaid："Letusriseandsing。Now，John，OldHundred。"
　　NeverdidJohn"Aleck"andthecongregationofIndianLandssingastheydidthatmorning。Itwasthefirsttimethatthecongregation，asawhole，hadfollowedtheleadofthatgreatringingvoice，andtheyfollowedwithajoyous，triumphantshout，asofmencometovictory。
　　"Forwhy？TheLordourGodisgood，"
　　rolledoutthemajesticnotesofOldHundred。
　　"What'sthematter，mother？"whisperedHughie，whowasstandingupintheseatthathemightlookonhismother'sbook。
　　"Nothing，darling，"saidhismother，herfaceradiantthroughhertears。Afterlongmonthsoftoilandwaiting，theywereactuallysingingpraisetoGodinthenewchurch。
　　Whentheprofessorarose，itwasaneager，responsivecongregationthatwaitedforhisword。Thepeoplewerefullypreparedforasermonthatwouldshakethemtotheirsouls'depths。Theyoungerportionshiveredandshrankfromtheordeal；theolderandmoreexperiencedshiveredandwaitedwithnotunpleasinganticipations；
　　itdidthemgood，thatremorselessexaminationoftheirhearts'
　　secretdepravities。Tosomeitwasakindofsatisfactionofferedtoconscience，afterwhichtheycouldmoreeasilycometopeace。
　　Withothersitwasanhonest，heroicefforttoknowthemselvesandtorightthemselveswiththeirGod。
　　Thetextwasdisappointing。"Aboveallthesethings，putoncharity，whichisthebondofperfectness，"readtheprofessorfromthatexquisiteandtouchingpassagewhichbeginsatthetwelfthverseofthefifteenthchapterofColossians。"Love，thebondofperfectness，"washistheme，andinsimple，calm，lucidspeechhedilateduponthebeauty，theexcellence，andthesupremacyofthisChristiangrace。ItwasthemostGodlikeofallthevirtues，forGodwaslove；andmorethanzeal，morethanknowledge，morethanfaith，itwas"themark"ofthenewbirth。
　　PeterMcRaewasevidentlykeenlydisappointed，andhiswholebearingexpressedsterndisapproval。Andastheprofessorproceeded，extollingandillustratingthesupremegraceoflove，Peter'shardfacegrewharderthanever，andhiseyesbegantoemitbluesparksoffire。Thiswasnodayforthepreachingofsmooththings。ThepeopleweretheretoconsiderandtolamenttheirOriginalandActualsin；andtheyexpectedandrequiredtohearofthejudgmentsoftheLord，andtobesummonedtofleefromthewrathtocome。
　　DonaldRosssatwithhiskindlyoldfaceinaglowofdelight，butwithalookofperplexityonitwhichhisfurtiveglancesinPeter'sdirectiondidnothelptolessen。Thesermonwasdelightingandtouchinghim，buthewasnotquitesurewhetherthiswasagoodsigninhimorno。Hesethimselfnowandthentofindfaultwiththesermon，butthepreacherwassohumble，sorespectful，andaboveall，soearnest，thatDonaldRosscouldnotbringhimselftocriticise。
　　Theapplicationcameunderthethirdhead。Asarule，theapplicationtoaFastDaysermonwasdeliveredinterrifyingtonesofthunderorinanawfulwhisper。Butto-daythepreacher，withoutraisinghisvoice，begantoforceintohishearers'heartsthemessageoftheday。
　　"Thisisadayforself-examination，"hesaid，andhisclear，quiettonesfellintotheearsofthepeoplewithpenetratingpower。
　　"Andself-examinationisawiseandprofitableexercise。Itisanexerciseofthesouldesignedtoyieldadiscoveryofsinintheheartandlife，andtoinducepenitenceandcontritionandsosecurepardonandpeace。Buttoooften，myfriends，"andherehisvoicebecameashadesofter，"itresultsinaself-righteousandsinfulself-complaisance。Whatisrequiredisasimplehonestyofmindandspiritualillumination，andthelattercannotbewithouttheformer。Therearethosewhoareeversearchingfor'themarks'
　　ofagenuinelygodlystateofheart，andtheyhavetheideathatthesemarksareobscureanddifficultforplainpeopletodiscover。
　　Makenomistake，mybrethren，theyareaseasilyseenasaretheapplesonatree。Thefruitsofthespiritareasdiscernibletoanyonehonestenoughandfearlessenoughtolook；andthefirstandsupremeofallisthatwhichwehavebeenconsideringthismorning。Thequestionforyouandforme，mybrethren，issimplythis：Areourlivesfullofthegraceoflove？Donotshrinkfromthequestion。Donotdeceiveyourselveswithanysubstitutes；
　　therearemanyofferingzeal，thegiftofprayerorofspeech，yea，thegiftoffaithitself。Noneofthesewillatoneforthelackoflove。Leteachaskhimself，AmIalovingman？"
　　Withquietpersistencehepursuedthemintoalltheirrelationsinlife——husbandsandwives，fathersandsons，neighborandneighbor。
　　Hewouldnotletthemescape。Relentlesslyheforcedthemtoreviewtheirhabitsofspeechandaction，theirattitudetowardeachotheraschurchmembers，andtheirattitudetoward"thosewithout。"Behindallrefugesandthroughallsubterfugeshemadehismessagefollowthem，searchingtheirdeepesthearts。Andthen，withhisfaceilluminedaswithdivinefire，hemadehisfinalappeal，whileheremindedthemoftheInfinitelovethathadstoopedtosave，andthathadwroughtitselfoutintheagoniesofthecross。Andwhilehespokehislastwords，alloverthechurchthewomenwereweeping，andstrongmenweresittingtremblingandpale。
　　Afterashortprayer，theprofessorsatdown。Thentheministerrose，andforsomelittletimestoodfacinghispeopleinsilence，thegleaminhiseyesshowingthathisferventHighlandnaturewasonfire。
　　"Mypeople，"hebegan，andhismagnificentvoicepealedforthlikeasolemnbell，"thisisthemessageoftheLord。Letnonedarerefusetohear。Itisamessagetoyourminister，itisamessagetoyou。Youareanxiousfor'themarks。'Searchyouforthismark。"Hepausedwhilethepeoplesatlookingathiminfixedandbreathlesssilence。Then，suddenly，hebrokeforthintoaloudcry："Whereareyourchildrenatthissolemntimeofprivilege？
　　Fathers，whereareyoursons？WhyweretheynotwithyouattheTable？Areyoumenoflove？Areyoumenoflove，orbylackofloveareyoushuttingthedooroftheKingdomagainstyoursonswiththeirfightingsandtheirquarrelings？"Then，raisinghishandshigh，heliftedhisvoiceinakindofwailingchant："Woeuntoyou！Woeuntoyou！Yourhouseisleftuntoyoudesolate，andthevoiceofloveiscryingoveryou。Yewouldnot！Yewouldnot！
　　O，LambofGod，havemercyuponus！O，Christ，withthepiercedhands，saveus！"Againhepaused，lookingupward，whilethepeoplewaitedwithupliftedwhitefaces。
　　"Behold，"hecried，inasoul-thrillingvoice，"Iseeheavenopen，andJesusstandingattherighthandofGod，andIhearavoice，'Turnye，turnye。Whywillyedie？'LordJesus，theywillnotturn。"Againhepaused。"Listen。Departfromme，yecursed，intoeverlastingfire。Departye！Nay，LordJesus！notso！Havemercyuponus！"Hisvoicebrokeinitspassionatecry。Theeffectwasoverwhelming。Thepeopleswayedastreesbeforeamightywind，andavoicecriedaloudfromthecongregation："Godbemercifultome，asinner！"
　　ItwasMacdonaldDubh。Atthatloudcry，womenbegantosob，andsomeofthepeoplerosefromtheirseats。
　　"Bestill，"commandedtheminister。"Rendyourheartsandnotyourgarments。Letuspray。"Andasheprayed，thecriesandsobssubsidedandagreatcalmfelluponall。Afterprayer，theminister，insteadofgivingoutaclosingpsalm，solemnlychargedthepeopletogototheirhomesandtoconsiderthattheLordhadcomeverynearthem，andadjuredthemnottogrievetheHolySpiritofGod。Thenhedismissedthemwiththebenediction。
　　Thepeoplewentoutofthechurch，subduedandastonished，speaking，ifatall，inlowtonesofwhattheyhadseenandheard。
　　Immediatelyafterpronouncingthebenediction，theministercamedowntofindMacdonaldDubh，buthewasnowheretobeseen。TowardeveningMrs。Murrayrodeovertohishouse，butfoundthathehadnotreturnedfromthemorningservice。
　　"Hewillbeathisbrother's，"saidKirsty，"andRanaldwilldriveoverforhim。"
　　ImmediatelyRanaldhitchedupLisetteanddroveovertohisuncle's，butashewasreturninghesentinwordtothemanse，hisfacebeingnotyetpresentable，thathisfatherwasnowheretobefound。ItwasMacdonaldBhainthatfoundhimatlastinthewoods，proneuponhisface，andinanagony。
　　"Hugh，man，"hecried，"whatailsyou？"Buttherewereonlylowgroansforanswer。
　　"Riseup，man，riseupandcomeaway。"
　　Thenfromtheprostratefigurehecaughtthewords，"Departfromme！Departfromme！ThatisthewordoftheLord。"
　　"Thatisnottheword，"saidMacdonaldBhain，"foranylivingman，butforthedead。Butcome，rise，man；theneighborswillbehereinameenute。"AtthatBlackHughrose。
　　"Letmeaway，"hesaid。"Letmenotseethem。Iamalostman。"
　　Andsohisbrotherbroughthimhome，shakeninspiritandexhaustedinbodywithhislongfastandhisoverpoweringemotion。Allnightthroughhisbrotherwatchedwithhimalone，forMacdonaldDubhwouldhavenooneelsetoseehim，till，fromutterexhaustion，towardthedawningoftheday，hefellasleep。
　　Intheearlymorningtheministerandhiswifedroveovertoseehim，andleavinghiswifewithKirsty，theministerpassedatonceintoMacdonaldDubh'sroom。But，inspiteofallhisreasoning，inspiteofallhisreadingsandhisprayers，thegloomremainedunbrokenexceptbyoccasionalparoxysmsoffearandremorse。
　　"Thereisnoforgiveness！Thereisnoforgiveness！"wastheburdenofhiscry。
　　InvaintheministerproclaimedtohimthemercyofGod。Atlengthhewasforcedtoleavehimtoattendthe"QuestionMeeting"whichwastobeheldinthechurchthatday。Buthelefthiswifebehindhim。
　　Withoutaword，Mrs。Murrayproceededtomakethepoormancomfortable。Shepreparedadaintybreakfastandcarrieditintohim，andthenshesatbesidehimwhilehefellintoadeepsleep。
　　ItwasafternoonwhenMacdonaldDubhawokeandgreetedherwithhiswontedgravecourtesy。
　　"Youarebetter，Mr。Macdonald，"shesaid，brightly。"AndnowI
　　willmakeyouafreshcupoftea"；andthoughheprotested，shehurriedout，andinafewmomentsbroughthimsometeaandtoast。
　　Then，whilehelayingloomysilence，shereadtohim，asshedidoncebeforefromhisGaelicpsalmbook，withoutawordofcomment。
　　Andthenshebegantotellhimofallthehopesshehadcherishedinconnectionwiththeopeningofthenewchurch，andhowthatdayshehadfeltatlasttheblessinghadcome。
　　"And，O，Mr。Macdonald，"shesaid，"Iwasgladtohearyoucry，forthenIknewthattheSpiritofGodwasamongus。"
　　"Glad！"saidMacdonaldDubh，faintly。
　　"Yes，glad。ForacrylikethatnevercomesbutwhentheSpiritofGodmovesintheheartofaman。"
　　"Indeed，IwillbethinkingthatHehascastmeoffforever，"hesaid，wonderingatthisnewphaseofthesubject。
　　"ThenyoumustthankHim，Mr。Macdonald，thatHehasnotsodone；
　　andthesureprooftoyouisthatHehasbroughtyoutocryformercy。Thatisagladcry，intheearsoftheSaviour。Itisthecryofthesheepinthewilderness，thatdiscovershimtotheshepherd。"Andthen，withoutargument，shetookhimintoherconfidenceandpouredouttohimallherhopesandfearsfortheyoungpeopleofthecongregation，andespeciallyforRanald，tillMacdonaldDubhpartlyforgothisownfearsinhers。Andthen，justbeforeitwastimeforKirstytoarrivefromthe"QuestionMeeting，"
　　shetookherGaelicBibleandopenedattheLord'sPrayer，asshehaddoneoncebefore。
　　"Itisaterriblethingtobeunforgiven，Mr。Macdonald，"shesaid，"bymanorbyGod。AndGodisunwillingthatanyofusshouldfeelthatpain，andthatiswhyheissofreewithhisofferofpardontoallwhocomewithsorrowtohim。Theycomewithsorrowtohimnow，buttheywillcometohimsomedaywithgreatjoy。"Andthenshespokealittleofthegreatcompanyoftheforgivenbeforethethrone，andattheverylast，afewwordsaboutthegentlelittlewomanthathadpassedoutfromMacdonaldDubh'ssightsomanyyearsbefore。Then，fallingonherknees，shebeganintheGaelic，"OurFatherwhichartinHeaven。"
　　EarnestlyandbrokenlyMacdonaldDubhfollowed，whisperingthepetitionsafterher。Whentheycameto"Forgiveusourdebts，asweforgiveourdebtors，"
　　MacdonaldDubhbrokeforth："Oh，itisalittlething，whatever！
　　ItislittleIhavetoforgive。"Andthen，inaclear，firmvoice，herepeatedthewordsafterhertothecloseoftheprayer。
　　ThenMrs。Murrayrose，andtakinghimbythehandtobidhimgoodby，shesaid，slowly："'Forifyeforgivementheirtrespasses，yourheavenlyFatherwillalsoforgiveyouyourtrespasses。'Youhaveforgiven，Mr。Macdonald。"
　　"Indeed，itisnothing，"hesaid，earnestly。
　　"Then，"repliedMrs。Murray，"theLordwillnotbreakhispromisetoyou。"Andwiththatshewentaway。
　　OnSaturdaymorningthesessionmetbeforetheservicefortheday。
　　InthemidstoftheirdeliberationsthedooropenedandMacdonaldBhainandhisbrother，MacdonaldDubh，walkedinandstoodsilentbeforetheelders。Mr。Murrayroseastonished，andcomingforward，saidtoMacdonaldBhain："Whatisit，Mr。Macdonald？Youwishtoseeme？"
　　"Iamhere，"hesaid，"formyownsakeandformybrother's。Wewishtomakeconfessionofoursins，inthatwehavenotbeenmenoflove，andtoseektheforgivenessofGod。"
　　Theministerstoodandgazedathiminamazedsilenceforsomemoments，andthen，givinghishandtoMacdonaldDubh，hesaid，inavoicehuskywithemotion："Comeaway，mybrother。TheLordhasawelcomeforyou。"
　　AndtherewerenoquestionsthatdayaskedinthesessionbeforeMacdonaldDubhreceivedhistoken。
　　CHAPTERXVI
　　ANDTHEGLORY
　　Thefirstcommunioninthenewchurchwasmarkedbyverygreatsolemnity。Therewerefewnewmembers，butamongtheoldermenwhohadhithertokept"backfromthetable"therewasamanifestanxiety，andamongtheyoungerpeopleaverygreatseriousness。
　　The"comingforward"ofMacdonaldDubhwasaneventsoremarkableastomakeagreatimpressionnotonlyuponalltheMacdonaldmenwhohadbeenassociatedwithhimsomanyyearsinthelumbering，butalsouponthewholecongregation，towhomhisrecordandreputationwerewellknown。Hischangeofattitudetothechurchandallitsinterests，aswellashischangeofdispositionandtemperament，weresostrikingastoleaveinnoone'smindanydoubtastothegenuinenessofhis"changeofheart，"andeveryweekmadethismoreapparent。Asolemnsenseofresponsibilityandanintensityofearnestnessseemedtopossesshim，whilehishumilityandgentlenessweretouchingtosee。
　　OntheeveningofMonday，thedayofthanksgivingintheSacramentWeek，agreatcongregationassembledfortheclosingmeetingoftheCommunionSeason。Duringtheprogressofthemeeting，Mr。Murrayandtheministersassistinghimbecameawarethattheywereinthepresenceofsomeremarkableandmysteriousphenomenon。ThepeoplelistenedtotheWordwithanintensity，response，andeagernessthatgavetokenofastateofmindandheartwhollyunusual。Hereandthere，whilethepsalmswerebeingsungorprayersbeingoffered，womenandmenwouldbreakdowninaudibleweeping；andinthepreachingthespeakerwasconsciousofapowerpossessinghimthathecouldnotexplain。
　　Atlengththelastpsalmwasgivenout，andthecongregation，contrarytotheirusualcustom，bytheminister'sdirection，rosetosing。AsJohn"Aleck"ledthepeopleinthatgreatvolumeofpraise，theministersheldahastyconsultationinthepulpit。Theprofessorhadneverseenanythingsomarvelous；Mr。MurraywasremindedofthedaysofW。C。Burns。Thequestionwas，Whatwastobedone？Shouldthemeetingsbecontinued，orshouldtheyclosetonight？Theyhadagreatfearofreligiousexcitement。Theyhadseensomethingofthedreadfulreactionfollowingastateofexaltedreligiousfeeling。Itwasthebeginningofharvest，too。
　　Woulditbeadvisabletocallthepeoplefromtheirhardworkinthefieldstonightlymeetings？
　　Atlength，asthecongregationwerenearingthecloseofthepsalm，theprofessorspoke。"Brethren，"hesaid，"thisisnotourwork。
　　LetusleaveittotheLordtodecide。Putthequestiontothepeopleandabidebytheirdecision。"
　　Afterthepsalmwassung，theministermotionedthecongregationtotheirseats，andwithoutcommentorsuggestion，putbeforethemthequestionthathadbeendiscussedinthepulpit。Wasittheirdesirethatthemeetingsshouldbecontinuedornot？Adeep，solemnsilencelayuponthecrowdedchurch，andforsometimenoonemoved。ThenthecongregationwerestartledtoseeMacdonaldDubhriseslowlyfromhisplaceinthemiddleofthechurch。
　　"Mr。Murray，"hesaid，inavoicethatvibratedstrangely，"youwillpardonmeforlettingmyvoicebeheardinthisplace。Itisthevoiceofagreatsinner。"
　　"Speak，Mr。Macdonald，"saidtheminister，"andIthankGodforthesoundofyourvoiceinHishouse。"
　　"Itisnotformetomakeanyspeecheshere。Iwillonlymakeboldtogivemywordthatthemeetingsbecontinued。ItmaybethattheLord，whohasdonesuchgreatthingsforme，willdogreatthingsforothersalso。"Andwiththathesatdown。
　　"Iwilltakethatforamotion，"saidtheminister。"Willanyonesecondit？"
　　KennyCrubachatonceroseandsaid："WearealwaysslowatfollowingtheLord。Letusgoforward。"
　　TheministerwaitedforsomemomentsafterKennyhadspoken，andthensaid，inavoicegraveandwithafeelingofresponsibilityinit："Youhaveheardthesebrethren，mypeople。Iwaitfortheexpressionofyourdesire。"
　　Likeonemanthegreatcongregationrosetotheirfeet。Itwasasceneprofoundlyimpressive，andwiththeseserious-minded，soberpeople，onethatindicatedoverwhelmingemotion。
　　Andthusthegreatrevivalbegan。
　　Foreighteenmonths，nightafternight，everynightintheweekexceptSaturday，thepeoplegatheredinsuchnumbersastofillthenewchurchtothedoor。Throughoutallthebusyharvestseason，inspiteoftheautumnrainsthatfilledtheswampsandmadetheroadsalmostimpassable，inthefaceofthedrivingsnowsofwinter，throughthemeltingiceofthespring，andagainthroughthefollowingsummerandautumn，thegreatrevivalheldon。Nofictitiousmeanswereemployedtostirtheemotionsofthepeopleortokindleexcitementamongthem。Therewereneitherspecialsermonsnorrevivalhymns。Theolddoctrineswereproclaimed，butproclaimedwithafullnessandpowerunknownatothertimes。Theoldpsalmsweresung，butsungperhapsastheyhadneverbeenbefore。ForwhenJohn"Aleck's"mightyvoicerolledforthinitsfullpower，andwhenhisbandoftrainedsingersfollowed，liftingonwardwiththemthegreatcongregation——foreveryman，woman，andchildsangwithfullheartandopenthroat——theeffectwassomethingaltogetherwonderfulandworthhearing。Eachnighttherewasasermonbytheminister，who，forsixmonths，tillhishealthbrokedown，hadsolechargeofthework。Thenthesermonwasfollowedbyshortaddressesorprayersbytheelders，andafterthattheministerwouldtakethemen，andhiswifethewomen，forcloserandmorepersonaldealing。
　　Astherevivaldeepeneditbecamethecustomforothersthantheelderstotakepart，byreadingapsalmorotherScripture，withoutcomment，orbyprayer。Therewasashrinkingfromanythinglikeaviolentdisplayofemotion，andfromanyunveilingofthesacredsecretsoftheheart，butScripturereadingorquotingwassupposedtoexpressthethoughts，thehopes，thefears，thegratitude，thedevotion，thatmadethereligiousexperienceofthespeaker。Thiswasasfarastheyconsidereditsafeorseemlytogo。
　　Oneofthefirst，outsidetheranksoftheelders，totakepartinthiswaywasMacdonaldDubh；thenLongJohnCameronfollowed；thenPeterMcGregorandothersofthemenofmatureryears。AdistinctstageintherevivalwasreachedwhenyoungAleckMcRaerosetoreadhisScripture。HewasquicklyfollowedbyDon，youngFindlayson，andothersofthatage，andfromthattimeonwardtheoldlinethathadsoclearlydistinguishedagefromyouthinrespecttoreligiousdutyandprivilege，wasobliteratedforever。
　　Ithadbeenastrange，ifnotverydoubtful，phenomenontoseeayoungman"comingforward，"orinanywaygivingindicationofreligiousfeeling。Butthiswouldneverbeagain。
　　ItwasnosmallanxietyandgrieftoMrs。MurraythatRanald，thoughheregularlyattendedthemeetings，seemedtoremainunmovedbythetideofreligiousfeelingthatwaseverywheresurgingthroughtheheartsofthepeople。Theministeradvisedlettinghimalone，butMrs。MurraywasanxiouslywaitingforthetimewhenRanaldwouldcometoher。Thattimecame，butnotuntillongmonthsofwearywaitingonherpart，andofpainfulstruggleonhis，hadpassed。
　　Fromtheveryfirstofthegreatmovementhisfatherthrewhimselfintoitwithalltheearnestintensityofhisnature，butatthesametimewithahumilitythatgavetokenthatthememoryofthewilddaysofhisyouthandearlymanhoodwereneverfarawayfromhim。Hewaseagertoserveinthework，andwasaconstantsourceofwondertoallwhohadknownhiminhisyouthandearlymanhood。
　　Atallthedifferentmeetingshewaspresent。Nothingcouldkeephimaway。"Nightcometh，"hesaidtohisbrother，whowasremonstratingwithhim。Hisday'sworkwasdrawingtoitsclose。
　　ButRanaldwouldnotlethimselfseethefailingofhisfather'shealth，andwhen，intheharvest，theslightestworkinthefieldswouldsendhisfatherpantingtotheshade，Ranaldwouldsay，"Itisthehotweather，father。Whenthecooldayscomeyouwillbebetter。Andwhyshouldyoubebotheringyourselfwiththework，anyway？SurelyYankeeandIcanlookafterthat。"Andindeedtheyseemedtobequitefittotakeofftheharvest。
　　DaybydayRanaldswunghiscradleafterYankeewithallaman'ssteadinesstillallthegrainwascut；andbythetimetheharvestwasover，Ranaldhaddevelopedastrengthofmuscleandaskillintheharvestworkthatmadehimequalofalmostanymaninthecountry。Hewasallthemoreeagertohavetheharvestworkdoneintime，thathisfathermightnotfretoverhisowninabilitytohelp。ForRanaldcouldnotbeartoseethelookofdisappointmentthatsometimesshoweditselfinhisfather'sfacewhenweaknessdrovehimfromthefield，anditwasthisthatmadehimthrowhimselfintotheworkashedid。Hewascarefulalsotoconsultwithhisfatherinregardtoallthedetailsofthemanagementofthefarm，andtotellhimallthathewasplanningtodoaswellasallthatwasdone。HisfatherhadalwaysbeenakindofherotoRanald，whoadmiredhimforhisprowesswiththegunandtheax，aswellasforhisgreatstrengthandcourage。Buteversincecalamityhadbefallenhim，theboy'shearthadgoneouttohisfatherinanewtenderness，andthelastmonthshaddrawnthetwoveryclosetogether。ItwasadarkdayforRanaldwhenhewasforcedtofacethefactthathisfatherwasgrowingdailyweaker。
　　Itwashisuncle，MacdonaldBhain，whofinallymadehimseeit。
　　"Yourfatherisfailing，Ranald，"hesaidonedaytowardthecloseofharvest。
　　"Itisthehotweather，"saidRanald。"Hewillbebetterinthefall。"
　　"Ranald，myboy，"saidhisuncle，gravely，"yourfatherwillfadewiththeleaf，andthefirstsnowwilllieuponhim。"
　　AndthenRanaldfairlyfacedthefactthatbeforelonghewouldbealoneintheworld。Withoutanyexchangeofwords，heandhisfathercametounderstandeachother，andtheybothknewthattheywerespendingtheirlastdaysonearthtogether。Ontheson'sside，theyweredaysofdeepeningsorrow；butwiththefather，everydayseemedtobringhimagreaterpeaceofmindandaclearershiningofthelightthatneverfades。Tohisson，MacdonaldDubhneverspokeofthedeaththathefelttobedrawingnearer，butheoftenspoketohimofthelifehewouldlikehissontolive。Hisonlyotherconfidantinthesematterswastheminister'swife。ToherMacdonaldDubhopeneduphisheart，andtoher，morethantoanyoneelse，heowedhisgrowingpeaceandlight；anditwastouchingtoseethedevotionandthetendernessthatheshowedtoherasoftenasshecametoseehim。Withhisbrother，MacdonaldBhain，hemadeallthearrangementsnecessaryforthedisposalofthefarmandthepaymentofthemortgage。
　　Ranaldhadnodesiretobeafarmer，andindeed，whenthemortgagewaspaidtherewouldnotbemuchleft。
　　"Hewillbemyson，"saidMacdonaldBhaintohisbrother；"andmyhomewillbehiswhileIlive。"
　　SoineverywaytherewasquietpreparationforMacdonaldDubh'sgoing，andwhenatlastthedaycame，therewasnohasteorfear。
　　ItwasintheafternoonofabrightSeptemberday，asthesunwasnearingthetopsofthepine-treesinthewest。Hisbrotherwassupportinghiminhisstrongarms，whileRanaldkneltbythebedside。Nearhimsattheminister'swife，andatalittledistanceKirsty。
　　"Liftmeup，Tonal，"saidthedyingman；"Iwillbewantingtoseethesunagain，andthenIwillbegoing。Iwillbegoingtothelandwheretheywillnotneedthelightofthesun。Tonal，bhodaich，itisthegoodbrotheryouhavebeentome，andmany'sthegooddaywehavehadtogether。"
　　"Och，Hugh，man。Areyougoingfromme？"saidMacdonaldBhain，withgreatsorrowinhisvoice。
　　"Aye，Tonal，foralittle。"ThenhelookedforafewmomentsatKirsty，whowasstandingatthefootofthebed。
　　"Comenearme，Kirsty，"hesaid；andKirstycametothebedside。
　　"Youhavealwaysbeenkindtomeandmine，andyouwerekindtoHER
　　aswell，andtherewardwillcometoyou。"ThenheturnedtoMrs。
　　Murray，andsaid，withagreatlightofjoyinhiseyes："ItisyouthatcametomeastheangelofGodwithawordofsalvation，andforevermoreIwillbeblessingyou。"Andthenheadded，inavoicefulloftenderness，"Iwillbetellingheraboutyou。"HetookMrs。Murray'shandandtremblinglyliftedittohislips。
　　"Ithasbeenagreatjoytome，"saidMrs。Murray，withdifficultysteadyinghervoice，"toseeyoucometoyourSaviour，Mr。
　　Macdonald。"
　　"Aye，Iknowitwell，"hesaid；andthenheadded，inavoicethatsankalmosttoawhisper，"Nowyouwillbereadingtheprayer。"
　　AndMrs。Murray，openingherGaelicBible，repeatedinherclear，softvoice，thewordsoftheLord'sPrayer。Throughallthepetitionshefollowedher，untilhecametothewords，"Forgiveusourdebts。"Therehepaused。
　　"Ranald，myman，"hesaid，raisinghishandwithdifficultyandlayingitupontheboy'shead，"youwilllistentomenow。Somedayyouwillfindthemanthatbroughtmetothis，andyouwillsaytohimthatyourfatherforgavehimfreely，andwishedhimalltheblessingofGod。Youwillpromisemethis，Ranald？"saidMacdonaldDubh。
　　"Yes，father，"saidRanald，liftinghishead，andlookingintohisfather'sface。
　　"And，Ranald，you，too，willbeforgivinghim？"Buttothistherewasnoreply。Ranald'sheadwasburiedinthebed。
　　"Ah，"saidMacdonaldDubh，withdifficulty，"youareyourfather'sson；butyouwillnotbelayingthisbitternessuponmenow。Youwillbeforgivinghim，Ranald？"
　　"Oh，father！"criedRanald，withabreakingvoice，"howcanI
　　forgivehim？HowcanIforgivethemanwhohastakenyouawayfromme？"
　　"Itisnoman，"repliedhisfather，"buttheLordhimself；theLordwhohasforgivenyourfathermuch。Iamwaitingtohearyou，Ranald。"
　　Then，withagreatsob，Ranaldbrokeforth："Oh，father，Iwillforgivehim，"andimmediatelybecamequiet，andsocontinuedtotheend。
　　Aftersomemomentsofsilence，MacdonaldDubhlookedoncemoretowardtheminister'swife，andaradiantsmilespreadoverhisface。
　　"Youwillbefinishing，"hesaid。
　　Herfacewaswetwithtears，andforafewmomentsshecouldnotspeak。Butitwasnotimetofailinduty，so，commandinghertears，withaclear，unwaveringvoiceshewentontotheendoftheprayer——
　　"Forthineisthekingdomandthepowerandtheglory，foreverandever。Amen。"
　　"Glory！"saidMacdonaldDubhafterher。"Aye，theGlory。Ranald，myboy，whereareyou？Youwillbefollowingme，lad，totheGlory。SHEwillbeaskingmeaboutyou。Youwillbefollowingme，lad？"
　　TheanxiousnoteinhisvoicestruckRanaldtotheheart。
　　"Oh，father，itiswhatIwant，"hereplied，brokenly。"Iwilltry。"
　　"Aye，"saidMacdonaldDubh，"andyouwillcome。IwillbetellingHER。Nowlaymedown，Tonal；Iwillbegoing。"
　　MacdonaldBhainlaidhimquietlybackonhispillow，andforamomenthelaywithhiseyesclosed。
　　Oncemoreheopenedhiseyes，andwithatroubledlookuponhisface，andinavoiceofdoubtandfear，hecried："Itisasinfulman，OLord，asinfulman。"
　　HiseyeswanderedtilltheyfellonMrs。Murray'sface，andthenthetroubleandfearpassedoutofthem，andinagentlervoicehesaid："Forgiveusourdebts。"Then，feelingwithhishandtillitrestedonhisson'shead，MacdonaldDubhpassedaway，atpeacewithmenandwithGod。
　　TherewaslittlesadnessandnobittergriefatMacdonaldDubh'sfuneral。Thetoneallthroughwasoneoftriumph，fortheyallknewhislife，andhowsorethefighthadbeen，andhowhehadwonhisvictory。Hishumilityandhisgentlenessduringthelastfewweeksofhislifehadremovedallthedistancethathadseparatedhimfromthepeople，andhaddrawntheirheartstowardhim；andnowinhisfinaltriumphtheycouldnotfinditintheirheartstomourn。
　　ButtoRanaldthesadnesswasmorethanthetriumph。Throughthewild，ungovernedyearsofhisboyhoodhisfatherhadbeenmorethanafathertohim。Hehadbeenafriend，sharingacommonlot，andwithoutmuchshowoftenderness，understandingandsympathizingwithhim，andnowthathisfatherhadgonefromhim，agreatlonelinessfelluponthelad。
　　Thefarmanditsbelongingsweresold。KirstybroughtwithherthebigboxofblanketsandlinenthathadbelongedtoRanald'smother。
　　Ranaldtookhismother'sGaelicBible，hisfather'sgunandax，andwiththegreatdeerhound，Bugle，andhiscolt，Lisette，leftthehomeofhischildhoodbehindhim，andwithhisAuntKirsty，wenttolivewithhisuncle。
　　Throughouttheautumnmonthshewasbusyhelpinghisunclewiththeplowing，thepotatoes，andthefallwork。Soontheairbegantonip，andthenight'sfrosttolastthroughouttheshorteningday，andthenMacdonaldBhainbegantopreparewoodforthewinter，andtomakeallthingssnugaboutthehouseandbarn；andwhenthefirstfallofsnowfellsoftly，hetookdownhisbroad-ax，andthenRanaldknewthatthegangwouldsoonbeoffagainfortheshanties。
　　Thatnighthisuncletalkedlongwithhimabouthisfuture。
　　"Ihavenoson，Ranald，"hesaid，astheysattalking；"and，foryourfather'ssakeandforyourown，itismydesirethatyoushouldbecomeasontome，andthereisnoonebutyourselftowhomthefarmwouldgo。AndgladwillIbeifyouwillstaywithme。
　　But，stayornot，allthatIhavewillbeyours，ifitpleasetheLordtospareyou。"
　　"Iwouldwantnothingbetter，"saidRanald，"thantostaywithyouandworkwithyou，butIdonotdrawtowardthefarm。"
　　"Andwhatelsewouldyoudo，Ranald？"
　　"Indeed，Iknownot，"saidRanald，"butsomethingelsethanfarming。