MissBrodiegavehimherhandwithsomehesitation。”I’mverygladtomeetyou，Mr。Rae，butisthisquitetheusualmethod？Imeantosay，I’veheardofhavingadvicehurledatone’shead，butI
　　can’tsaythatIeverwaspresentatademonstrationofthemethod。””Oh，”saidMr。Rae，withblandandgallantcourtesy，”themethod，mydearyounglady，varieswiththesubjectinhand。””Ah，thesubject！””Andwiththeobjectinview。””Oh，Isee。””Butpraybeseated。Andnowexplainthismostwonderfulphenomenon。”Hetappedtheletter。”Oh，thatisquitesimple，”saidMissBrodie。”IsetthecaseofyoungMr。Cameronbeforemyuncle，andofcourseheatoncesawthattheonlythingtodowaswithdrawtheprosecution。”
　　Mr。Raestoodgazingsteadilyatherasifstrivingtotakeinthemeaningofherwords，thewhilescrewinguphisearmostviolentlytillitstuckoutlikeahornuponthesideofhisshiny，baldhead。”Permitmetosay，MissBrodie，”hesaid，withadeliberateandmeasuredemphasis，”thatyoumustbeamostextraordinaryyounglady。”AtthispointMr。Rae’ssmilebrokeforthinallitsglory。”Oh，thankyou，Mr。Rae，”repliedMissBrodie，smilingresponsivelyathim。”Youaremost——”ButMr。Rae’ssmilehadvanished。”What！Ibegyourpardon！”MissBrodie’ssmilingresponsewasabruptlyarrestedbyfindingherselfgazingatafacewhosegravesolemnityrebukedhersmileasunwarrantedlevity。”Notatall，notatall！”saidMr。Rae。”Butnow，therearemattersdemandingimmediateaction。First，Mr。Sherattmustreceiveandactuponthisletterwithoutdelay。”Ashespokehewasscribblinghastilyanote。”Mr。Dunn，myyoungmenhavegonefortheday。MightItroubleyou？””Mostcertainly，”criedMr。Dunn。”Isananswerwanted？””Bringhimwithyou，ifpossible；indeed，bringhimwhetheritispossibleornot。Butwait，itispastthehourappointed。AlreadytheofficerhasgoneforyoungCameron。Wemustsavehimthehumiliationofarrest。””Oh，couldInotwarnhim？”criedMissBrodieeagerly。”No，”sheadded，”Robwillgo。Heisinthewaitingroomnow，poorlittlechap。Itwillbeajoytohim。””ItisjustaswellRobshouldknownothing。HeisawfullyfondofCameron。Itwouldbreakhisheart，”saidMr。Dunn。”Oh，ofcourse！Quiteunnecessarythatheshouldknowanything。
　　WesimplywishCameronhereattheearliestpossiblemoment。”
　　Dunnwentwithhisyoungbrotherdownthestairsandouttothestreet。”Now，Rob，youaretogotoCameron’slodgingsandtellhimthatMr。Raewantshim，andthatIwanthim。Holdon，youngster！”hecried，grabbingRobbythecollar，”doyouunderstand？ItisveryimportantthatCameronshouldgethereasquickashepossiblycan，and——Isay，Rob，”thebigbrother’seyestraveledoverthedarkeningstreetsthatledupintotheoldtown，”you’renotafraid？””Aweebit，”saidRob，tuggingatthegrasponhiscollar；”butI
　　don’tcareifIam。””Goodboy！”criedhisbrother。”Goodlittlebrick！Iwouldn’tletyougo，butit’ssimplygottobedone，oldchap。Nowfly！”Heheldhimjustamomentlongertoslaphimontheback，thenreleasedhishold。DunnstoodwatchingthelittlefiguretearinguptheNorthBridge。”Greatlittlesoul！”hemuttered。”NowforoldSheratt！”
　　HeputhisheaddownandbegantoborethroughthecrowdtowardMr。
　　Sheratt’shouse。Whenhehadgonebutalittledistancehewasbroughtupshortbyabangfullinthestomach。”Why，whatthedeuce！””Dodgastye！Whaurareye’reeen？”ItwasDavie，breathlessandfuriousfromtheimpact。”Wadyewalkowerme，dangye？”criedthelittlemanagain。DaviewasFreeKirk，andthereforelimitedintherangeofhisvocabulary。”Oh！Thatyou，Davie？I’msorryIdidn’tseeyou。””A’mno’asbigasahoose，buta’mveesible。”AndDaviewalkedwrathfullyabouthisbusiness。”Oh，quite，”acknowledgedDunncheerfully，hurryingon；”andtangible，aswell。””He’scomin’，”criedDavieoverhisshoulder；”butgarithadbeenmasel’，”headdedgrudgingly，”catchme！”
　　ButDunnwastoofaronhiswaytomakereply。AlreadyhismindwasonthemeetingofthelawyersinMr。Rae’soffice，andwonderingwhatwouldcomeofit。OnthissubjecthemeditateduntilhereachedMr。Sheratt’shome。Twiceherangthebell，stillmeditating。”ByJove，sheisstunning！She’sawonder！”heexclaimedtohimselfashestoodinMr。Sheratt’sdrawing-room。”She’sgot’emallskinnedamile，asMartinwouldsay。”ItissafetoaffirmthatMr。Dunnwasnotreferringtothemiddle-agedandhighlyrespectablemaidwhohadopenedthedoortohim。Itisequallysafetoaffirmthatthiswastheunanimousverdictofthethreemenwho，halfanhourlater，broughttheirdeliberationstoaconclusion，franklyacknowledgingtoeachotherthatwhattheyhadoneandallfailedtoachieve，theladyhadaccomplished。
　　CHAPTERVI
　　THEWASTER’SREFUGE”Isay，youblessedColonial，what’scomeoveryou？”Linklaterwasobviouslydisturbed。Hehadjustreturnedfromasummer’syachtingthroughtheNorwayfjords，brownandburstingwithlife。Thelasthalf-hourhehadbeenpouringforthhisexperiencestohisfriendMartin。Theseexperiencesweresomeofthemexciting，someofthemofdoubtfulethicalquality，butallofthemtoLinklateratleastinteresting。DuringtherecitalitwasgraduallyborneinuponhimthathisfriendMartinwaschanged。Linklater，astheconsciousnessofthechangeinhisfriendgrewuponhim，waspreparedtoresentit。”Whatthedeuceisthematterwithyou？”heenquired。”Areyouill？””Neverbetter。Icouldatthispresentmomentsituponyourfatandfloridcarcass。””Well，whattheniswrong？Isay，youhaven’t——itisn’tagirl，isit？””Nothingsoluckyforabloomin’Colonialinthislandofwealthandculture。IfIonlydared！””There’ssomething，”insistedLinklater；”butI’venodoubtitwilldevelop。Meantimeletusgoout，and，inyourownpicturesquevocabulary，letus’hittheflowingbowl。’””No，Sir！”criedMartinemphatically。”Nomore！Iamonthewaterwagon，andhavebeenallsummer。””Iknewitwassomething，”repliedLinklatergloomily，”butI
　　didn’tthinkitwasquitesobadasthat。Nowonderyou’vehadahardsummer！””Bestsummerever！”criedMartin。”IonlywishIhadstartedtwoyearsagowhenIcametothisbibulousburgh。””Howcameit？Religion？””No；justhorsesense，andtheoldchief。””Dunn！”exclaimedLinklater。”Ialwaysknewhewasagainstthatsortofthingintraining，butIdidn’tthinkhewouldcarryittothislength。””Yes，Dunn！Isay，oldboy，I’venodoubtyouthinkyouknowhim，Ithoughtso，too，butI’velearnedsomethissummer。Here’sayarn，anditisimpressive。DunnhadplannedanextensivewalkingtourintheHighlands；youknowhecameoutofhisexamsawfullyfagged。Well，atthisparticularmomentithappenedthatBalfourMurray——youknowthechapthathasbeenrunningthatsettlementjointintheCanongateforthelasttwoyears——proposestoDunnthatheshouldspendafewweeksinleadingtheyounghopefulsinthatinterestinganduncleanlyneighbourhoodintopathsofvirtueandhighercitizenshipbywayofsoccerandkindredathleticstunts。Dunninhisinnocenceagrees，whereuponBalfourMurraypromptlydevelopsasharpattackofpneumonia，necessitatingrestandchangeofair，leavingthepooroldchiefinthedeadlybreach。
　　Ofcourse，everybodyknowswhatthechiefwoulddoinanydeadlybreachaffair。HegaveuphisHighlandtour，shoulderedthewholeCanongatebusiness，organisedthethingasneverbefore，inveigledallhisfriendsintothesamedeadlybreach，amongthenumberyourhumbleservant，whoatthetimewasfiercelyendeavouringinthelastlapofthecoursetoatoneforatwoyears’loaf，organisedachampionteamwhichhaslickedthespotsoffeverythinginsight，andinshort，hasmadethewholebusinessahowlingsuccess；atthecost，however，ofallworldlydelights，includinghisHighlandtourandtheInternational。””Oh，Isay！”moanedLinklater。”Itmakesmequiteilltothinkoftheoldchiefgoingoffthisway。”
　　Martinnoddedsympathetically。”Kindof’Daysthatarenomore，’
　　’Lostleader’feeling，eh？””Exactly，exactly！Oh，it’srotten！Andyou，too！He’sgotyouonthissamepiousline。””Lookhere，”shoutedMartin，withmenaceinhisvoice，”areyouclassifyingmewiththeoldchief？Don’tbeadernedfool。”
　　Linklaterbrightenedperceptibly。”Nowyou’regettingalittlenatural，”hesaidinahopefultone。”Oh，Isupposeyou’dliketohearmestringoutalotofdamns。””Well，itmighthelp。Iwouldn’tfeelquitesolonely。Butdon’tviolate——””I’ddoitifIthoughtitwouldreallyincreaseyourcomfort，thoughIknowI’dfeellikeaninfernalass。I’vegotnewlightuponthis’damning’business。I’vecometoregarditastherefugeofthementallyinert，nottosayimbecile，whohavelostthecapacityfororiginalityandforceinspeech。Forme，Iamcured。””Ah！”saidLinklater。”Dunnagain，Isuppose。””Notabit！Clearcaseofpsychologicalreaction。AfterlisteningtotheCanongateexpertsIwasimmediatelyconsciousofanoverwhelmingandmortifyingsenseofinadequacy，ofamateurishness；
　　henceIquit。Besides，ofcourse，thechiefismakingratherapointofupliftingtheCanongateformsofspeech。”
　　Linklatergazedsteadilyatthisfriend，thensaidwithmournfuldeliberation，”Youdon’tdrink，youdon’tswear，youdon’tsmoke——””Oh，that’syourgrouch，isit？”criedMartin。”Forgiveme；here’smypouch，oldchap；orwait，here’ssomethingaltogetherfinerthananythingyou’vebeenaccustomedto。IwasatoldKingston’slastnight，andtheoldboywouldhavemeloadupwithhisfinest。YouknowI’vebeenworkingwithhimthissummer。Awfullyfineforme！
　　Dunngotmeon；orrather，hisgovernor。Thereyouarenow！Smokethatwithreverence。””Ah，”sighedLinklater，ashedrewinhisfirstwhiff，”thereisstillsomethinglefttolivefor。Nowtellme，whataboutCameron？””Oh，Cameron！Cameron’sallupatree。ThelasttimeIsawhim，byJove，Iwasgladitwasintheopendaylightandonafrequentedstreet。HisfaceandmannersuggestedRoderickDhu，TheBlackDouglas，andalltherestofthatinterestinggangofcutthroats。
　　Ican’tbringmyselftotalkofCameron。He’sbeentheoldchief’srelaxationduringdog-days。ItmakesmehottoseeDunnwiththatchap。””Why，what’sthetrouble？””Hetriedhimoutinhalfadozenpositions，ineveryoneofwhichheprovedadeadfailure。ThelastwasinMr。Rae’soffice，alawyer，youknow，Writer，touseyourlucidandluminousspeech。
　　Thatexperimentprovedtheclimax。”AtthememoryofthatexperienceMartinlaughedloudandlong。”Itwasfunny！Mr。Rae，thecool，dignified，methodical，exactmanofthelaw，strugglingtolickintoshapethishaughtyHighlandchieftain，whoinhisheartscornedthewholesillybusiness。Theresult，thecompletedisorganisationofMr。Rae’sbusiness，andtotaldemoralisationofMr。Rae’sofficestaff，whooneandallsworeallegiancetotheyoungchief。Finally，whenMr。Raehadreachedthedepthsofdesperation，Camerongraciouslydeignedtoinformhisbossthathefoundtheofficeanditsclaimsquiteinsupportable。””Oh，itmusthavebeenfunny。Whathappened？””Whathappened？YoubetoldRaefellonhisneckwithtearsofjoy，andsenthimoffwithahandsomehonorarium，asyourgentlespeechhasit。Thatwasafortnightago。ThenDunn，indespair，tookCameronofftohisnativehaunts，andthereheistothisday。
　　Bythesametoken，thisistheveryafternoonthatDunnreturns。
　　Letusgotomeethimwithcornetsandcymbals！Theunexpectedpleasureofyourreturnmademequiteforget。Butwon’therevelinyou，oldboy！””Idon’tknowaboutthat，”saidLinklatergloomily。”I’veakindoffeelingthatI’vedroppedoutofthiscombination。””What？”ThenMartinfelluponhim。
　　ButifMartin’sattemptstorelievehisfriendofmelancholyforebodingswerenotwhollysuccessful，Dunn’sshoutofjoyandhisdouble-handedshakeashegrappledLinklatertohim，drovefromthatyoungman’sheartthelastlingeringshadeofdoubtastohisstandingwithhisfriends。
　　OnhiswayhomeDunndroppedintoMartin’sdiggingsfora”crack，”
　　andforanhourthethreefriendsreviewedthesummer’shappenings，eachfindingintheexperienceoftheothersaskeenajoyasinhisown。
　　Linklater’sholidayhadbeenthemostfruitfulinexcitingincident。FortwomonthsheandhiscrewhaddodgedaboutamongquaintNorwegianharboursandinandoutoffjordsofwonderfulbeauty。Stormstheyhadweatheredandcalmstheyhadendured；lazydaystheyhadspent，swimming，fishing，loafing；andwilddaysinfightinggalesandhigh-runningseasthatthreatenedtoburythemandtheircrewbeneaththeirwhite-toppedmountainouspeaks。”Isay，thatmusthavebeengreat，”criedDunnwithenthusiasticdelightinhisfriend’sexperiences。”Itsoundsgood，eveninthetelling，”criedMartin，whohadbeenlisteningwithenviousears。”Nowmyexperiencesarequiteother。
　　Oneworddescribesthem，grind，grind，grind，dayinanddayout，inagallantbutfutileattempttojustifythewisdomofmylateexaminersingrantingmemyTriple。””Don’tlistentohim，Linklater，”saidDunn。”Ihappentoknowthathecamethroughwithbannersflyinganddrumsbeating；andhehasturnedintonoendofasurgeon。I’veheardoldKingstononhim。””Butwhataboutyou，Dunn？”askedLinklater，withakindofcuriousuncertaintyinhisvoice，asifdreadingataleofcalamity。”Oh，I’veloafedabouttownalittle，golfingabitandslummingabitforachapthatgotill，andinsparemomentslookingafterMartinhere。””AndtheInternational？”
　　Dunnhesitated。”Comeon，oldchap，”saidMartin，”takeyourmedicine。””Well，”admittedDunn，”Ihadtochuckit。But，”hehastenedtoadd，”Nesbitthasgotthethinginfineshape，thoughofcourselackingthetwobrilliantquartersoflastyearandthehalf——forCameron’soutofit——it’sratherroughonNesbitt。””Oh，Isay！It’srotten，it’sreallyghastly！Howcouldyoudoit，Dunn？”saidLinklater。”Icouldweeptearsofblood。”
　　TothisDunnmadenoreply。Hisdisappointmentwasevenyettookeenforhimtotreatitlightly。”Anythingelseseemedquiteimpossible，”atlengthhesaid；”Ihadtochuckit。””Bytheway，”saidMartin，”how’sCameron？”
　　AgainDunnpaused。”IwishIcouldtellyou。He’shadhardluckthissummer。Hesomehowcan’tgetholdofhimself。Infact，I’mquiteworriedaboutCameron。Ican’ttellyouchapsthewholestory，butlastspringhehadareallybadjolt。””Well，what’shegoingtodo？”Martinasked，somewhatimpatiently。”IwishIknew，”repliedDunngloomily。”Thereseemsnothinghecangetherethat’ssuitable。I’mafraidhewillhavetotrytheColonies；Canadaforpreference。””Oh，Isay，Dunn，”exclaimedMartin，”itcan’treallybeasbadasallthat？”
　　Dunnlaughed。”Iapologise，oldchap。Thatwasratherabadbreak，wasn’tit？Butallthesame，toaScotchman，andespeciallytoaHighlander，toleavehomeandfriendsandallthatsortofthing，youknow——””No，hedoesn’tknow，”criedLinklater。”Thebarbarian！Howcouldhe？””No，thankGod，”repliedMartinfervently，”Idon’tknow！TomymindanymanthathasachancetogotoCanadaonagoodjoboughttocallinhisfriendsandneighbourstorejoicewithhim。””ButIsay，thatremindsme，”saidDunn。”Mr。Raeiscomingtohaveatalkwithmygovernorandmeaboutthisverythingto-morrownight。I’dlikeawfullyifyoucoulddropin，Martin；andyou，too，Linklater。”
　　Linklaterdeclined。”Myfolkshavesomethingon，Ifear。”
　　Martinhesitated，protestingthattherewas”altogethertoomuchofthiscoddlingbusiness”inthematterofCameron’sfuture。”Besides，myworkisrathercrowdingme。””Oh，mypiousancestors！Work！”exclaimedLinklaterindisgust。”Atthisseasonoftheyear！Come，Martin，thisposeisunworthyofyou。””Ifyoucould，oldman，”saidDunnearnestly，”wewon’tkeepyoulong。Itwouldbeagreathelptousall。””Allright，I’llcome，”saidMartin。”There’llbenoonetherebutMr。Rae。We’lljusthaveasmokeandachat。”
　　ButinthisexpectationDunnwasreckoningwithouthisyoungbrother，Rob，who，eversinceacertainmomentousevening，hadenteredintoacovenantofcomradeshipwiththeyoungladywhohadfiguredsoprominentlyinthedeliveranceofhisbelovedCameronfrompendingevil，andwhoduringthesummerhadallowednoweektopasswithoutspendingatleastapartofadaywithher。Onthisparticularevening，havingobtainedleavefromhismother，theyounggentlemanhadsucceededinpersuadinghisfriendtoacceptaninvitationtodinner，assuringherthatnoonewouldbethereexceptJack，whowastoarrivehomethedaybefore。
　　TheconclaveofCameron’sfriendsfoundthemselves，therefore，unexpectedlyreinforcedbythepresenceofMissBrodie，totheunmingledjoyofallofthem，althoughinMartin’scasehisjoywastingedwithacertainfear，forhestoodinaweoftheyounglady，bothbecauseofherreputationforcleverness，andbecauseofthegrandairwhich，whenitpleasedher，shecouldassume。Martin，too，stoodinwholesomeaweofDoctorDunn，whosequietdignityandold-timecourtesyexercisedachasteninginfluenceupontheyoungman’ssomewhatpicturesquestyleoflanguageandexuberanceofmetaphor。ButwithMrs。Dunnhefeltquiteatease，forwiththatgentle，kindlysoul，herboys’friendswereherfriendsandwithoutquestionshetookthemtohermotherlyheart。
　　ImmediatelyuponMr。Rae’sarrivalCameron’sfuturebecamethesubjectofconversation，anditrequiredonlythebriefestdiscussiontoarriveatthemelancholy，inevitableconclusionthat，asMr。Raeputit，”forayoungmanofhispeculiartemperament，training，andhabits，Scotlandwasclearlyimpossible。””ButIhavenodoubt，”continuedthatexcellentadviser，”thatinCanada，wherethedemandforahighstandardofefficiencyislessexacting，andwhereopeningsaremoreplentiful，theyoungmanwilldoverywellindeed。”
　　Martintookthelawyerupsomewhatsharply。”Inotherwords，I
　　understandyoutomeanthatthemanwhoisafailureinScotlandmaybecomeasuccessinCanada。””Exactlyso。Wouldyounotsayso，Mr。Martin？””Itdependsentirelyuponthecauseoffailure。Iffailurearisesfromunfitness，hischancesinCanadaareinfinitelylessthaninScotland。””Andwhy？”inquiredMissBrodiesomewhatimpatiently。
　　Martinhesitated。Itwasextremelydifficultintheatmosphereofthathometocriticiseonewhomheknewtobeconsideredasafriendofthefamily。”Why，pray？”repeatedMissBrodie。”Well，ofcourse，”beganMartinhesitatingly，”comparisonsarealwaysodious。””Oh，wecanbearthem。”MissBrodie’ssmilewasslightlysarcastic。”Well，then，speakinggenerally，”saidMartin，somewhatnettledbyhersmile，”inthiscountrythereareheapsofchapsthatsimplycan’tfalldownbecauseofthesupportsthatsurroundthem，supportsofcustom，tradition，nottospeakoftheircountlessfriends，sisters，cousins，andaunts；ifthey’reanywayshalfdecentthey’rekeptagoing；whereasiftheyareinanewcountryandwithfewfriends，theymuststandaloneorfall。Herethecrowdsupportthem；therethecrowd，eagertogeton，shovethemasideortramplethemdown。””Ratheraghastlypicturethat，”saidMissBrodie。”Buttrue；thatis，oftheunfit。Peoplehaven’ttimetobotherwiththem；thegameistookeen。””Surelythepictureisoverdrawn，”saidDoctorDunn。”Itmaybe，Sir，”repliedMartin，”butIhaveseensomanyyoungfellowswhohadbeenshippedouttoCanadabecausetheywerefailuresathome。Ihaveseentheminveryhardluck。””Andwhataboutthefit？”inquiredMissBrodie。”Theygetcreditforeveryouncethat’sinthem。””ButthatissoinScotlandaswell。””Pardonme，MissBrodie，hardly。Hereevenstrongmenandfitmenhavetowaithalfalifetimeforthechancethatcallsforallthat’sinthem。Theymustmarchintheprocessionandthepaceisleisurely。InCanadathechancescomeeveryday，andthemanthat’sreadyjumpsinandwins。””Ah，Isee！”exclaimedMissBrodie。”Therearemoreladdersbywhichtoclimb。””Yes，”criedMartin，”andfewermenonthem。””But，”arguedDunn，”thereareothercausesoffailureinthiscountry。Manyayoungfellow，forinstance，cannotgetacongenialposition。””Yes，”repliedMartinquickly，”becauseyouwon’tlethim；yourcastelawforbids。Withusamancandoanythingdecentandnoonethinksthelessofhim。””Ah，Isee！”againcriedMissBrodie，moreeagerlythanbefore。”Notonlymoreladders，butmorekindsofladders。””Exactly，”saidMartinwithanapprovingglance。”Andhemustnotbetoolonginthechoosing。””Then，Mr。Martin，”saidMr。Rae，”whatwouldyousuggestforouryoungfriend？”
　　ButthisMartinrefusedtoanswer。”SurelythereareopeningsforayoungfellowinCanada，”saidDunn。”Takeafellowlikemyself。WhatcouldIdo？””You？”criedMartin，hiseyesshiningwithlovingenthusiasm。”TherearedoorsopenoneverybusinessstreetineverytownandcityinCanadaforyou，orforanyfellowwhohasbrainorbrawntosellandwhowilltakeanykindofajobandstaywithit。””Well，whatjob，forinstance？””Whatjob？”criedMartin。”Heapsofthem。”
　　Atthispointadiversionwascreatedbytheentranceof”Lily”
　　Laughton。BothMartinandDunnenviedtheeasygraceofhismanner，hisperfectself-possession，ashegreetedeachmemberofthecompany。Foreachhehadexactlytherightword。MissBrodiehegreetedwithanexaggerateddevotion，butwhenheshookhandswithDunntherewasnomistakingthegenuinewarmthofhisaffection。”Heardyouwerehome，oldchap，soIcouldn’thelpdroppingin。OfcourseIknewthatMrs。Dunnwouldbesuretobehere，andImorethansuspectedthatmydearMissBrodie，”herehesweptheranelaboratebow，”whomIdiscoveredtobeawayfromherownhome，mightbefoundinthispleasantcompany。””Yes，IfearthatmydevotiontoheryoungestboyisleadingmetooversteptheboundsofevenMrs。Dunn’svastandgeneroushospitality。””Notabit，mydear，”repliedMrs。Dunnkindly。”Youbringsunshinewithyou，andyoudousallgood。””Exactlymysentiments！”exclaimed”Lily”withenthusiasm。”Butwhatareyoualldoing？Justhavinga’collyshog’？”
　　Foramomentnoonereplied；thenDunnsaid，”WewerejusttalkingaboutCameron，whoisthinkingofgoingtoCanada。””ToCanadaofallplaces！”exclaimed”Lily”intonesofhorrifiedsurprise。”Howtrulydreadful！ButwhyshouldCameronofallbeingsexilehimselfinthoseremoteandbarbarousregions？””Andwhyshouldhenot？”criedMissBrodie。”WhatisthereforayoungmanofspiritinMr。Cameron’spositioninthiscountry？””Why，mydearMissBrodie，howcanyouask？Justthinkoftheheapsofthings，ofperfectlydeliciousthings，Cameroncando，——
　　theHighlandsinsummer，Edinburgh，London，intheseason，aruntotheContinent！Justthinkofthewildpossibilityofalifeofunalloyedbliss！””Don’tbesilly！”saidMissBrodie。”Wearetalkingseriously。””Seriously！Why，mydearMissBrodie，doyouimagine——？””Butwhatcouldhedoforalife-work？”saidDunn。”Afellowmusthavesomethingtodo。””Oh，dear，Isupposeso，”said”Lily”withasigh。”Butsurelyhecouldhavesomepositioninanofficeorsomething！””Exactly！”repliedMissBrodie。”Howbeautifullyyouputit！NowMr。MartinwasjustabouttotellusofthethingsamancoulddoinCanadawhenyouinterrupted。””Awfullysorry，Martin。Iapologise。Pleasegoon。WhatdothenativesdoinCanada？””Pleasedon’tpayanyattentiontohim，Mr。Martin。Iamextremelyinterested。Nowtellme，whataretheopeningsforayoungfellowinCanada？Yousaidtheprofessionsareallwideopen。”
　　IttookalittlepersuasiontogetMartinstartedagain，sodisgustedwashewithLaughton’sreferencestohisnativecountry。”Yes，MissBrodie，theprofessionsareallwideopen，butofcoursemenmustenterastheydohere，butwithadifference。Takelaw，forinstance：Knewachap——wentintoanofficeattendollarsamonth——didn’tknowathingaboutit。Inthreemonthshewasraisedtotwentydollars，andwithinayeartofortydollars。Inthreeorfouryearshehadpassedhisexams，gotajuniorpartnershipwortheasilytwothousanddollarsayear。Theywantedthatchap，andwantedhimbadly。Buttakebusiness：Thatchapgoesintoastoreand——””Astore？”inquired”Lily。””Yes，ashopyoucallithere；sayadrygoods——””Drygoods？WhatextraordinarytermstheseColonialsuse！””Oh，draper’sshop，”saidDunnimpatiently。”Goon，Martin；don’tmindhim。””Adraper’sclerk！”echoed”Lily。””Toselltapesandthings？””Yes，”repliedMartinstoutly；”orgroceries。””DoyoubyanychancemeanthataUniversityman，agentleman，takesapositioninagrocer’sshoptosellbutterandcheese？””Imeanjustthat，”saidMartinfirmly。”Oh，please！”said”Lily”withaviolentshudder。”Itistooawful！””Thereyouare！Youwouldn’tdemeanyourself。””NotI！”said”Lily”fervently。”Ordisgraceyourfriends。Youwantagentleman’sjob。TherearenotenoughtogoroundinCanada。””Oh，goon，”saidMissBrodieimpatiently。”’Lily，’wemustaskyoutonotinterrupt。Whathappens？Doeshestaythere？””Nothe！”saidMartin。”Fromthesmallbusinesshegoestobiggerbusiness。Firstthingyouknowamanwantshimforabigjobandoffhegoes。Meantimehesaveshismoney，investswisely。Soonheishisownboss。””That’sfine！”criedMissBrodie。”Goon，Mr。Martin。Starthimlowerdown。””Allright，”saidMartin，directinghisattentionsolelytotheyounglady。”Here’sanactualcase。AyoungfellowfromScotlandfoundhimselfstrapped——””Strapped？WhatDOEShemean？”said”Lily”inanappealingvoice。”Ontherocks。””Rocks？””Dearme！”criedMissBrodieimpatiently。”Youareterriblylackinginimagination。Broke，hemeans。””Oh，thanks！””Well，findshimselfbroke，”saidMartin；”getsashovel，jumpsintoacellar——””Andwhyacellar，pray？”inquires”Lily”mildly。”Tohidehimselffromthepublic？””Notatall；theywerediggingacellarpreparatorytobuildingahouse。””Oh！””Hejumpsin，blistershishands，breakshisback——buthestayswiththejob。Inaweekthebossmakeshimtimekeeper；inthreemonthshehimselfisbossofasmallgang；thenextyearheismadeforemanatahundredamonthorso。””Ahundredamonth？”cries”Lily”inastonishment。”Oh，Martin，please！Wearegreen，butahundredpoundsamonth——！””Dollars，”saidMartinshortly。”Don’tbeanass！Ibegpardon，”
　　headded，turningtoMrs。Dunn，whowasmeantimegreatlyamused。”Ahundreddollarsamonth；thatis——Iamsoweakinarithmetic——
　　twentypounds，Iunderstand。Goon，Martin；I’mwaitingforthecarriageandpair。””That’swhereyougetleft，”saidMartin。”Nocarriageandpairforthischapyetawhile；overallsandslouchhatforthenextfiveyearsforhim。Thenhebeginscontractingonhisown。””Ibegyourpardon，”says”Lily。””Imeanhebeginstakingjobsonhisown。””Great！”criedMissBrodie。”Or，”continuedMartin，nowfairlystartedonafavouritetheme，”therearetherailroadsallshoutingformenofexperience，whetherintheconstructiondepartmentorintheoperatingdepartment。””Doesanyoneherehappentounderstandhim？”inquires”Lily”
　　faintly。”Certainly，”criedMissBrodie；”alltheintelligentpeopledo。Atleast，I’veakindofnotiontherearebigthingsdoing。IonlywishIwereaman！””Oh，MissBrodie，howcanyou？”cried”Lily。””Thinkofusinsuchacontingency！””But，”saidMr。Rae，”allofthisismostinteresting，extremelyinteresting，Mr。Martin。Still，theycannotallarriveattheseexaltedpositions。””No，Mr。Rae。Imayhavegiventhatimpression。IconfesstoalittlemadnesswhenIbegintalkingCanada。””Ah！”exclaimed”Lily。””ButIsaidmenofbrawnandbrains，youremember。””Andbounce，toperfectthealliteration，”murmured”Lily。””Yes，bounce，too，”saidMartin；”atleast，hemustnevertakeback-water；hemustbereadytoattemptanything，eventheimpossible。””That’sthesplendidthingaboutit！”criedMissBrodie。”You’reentirelyonyourownandyouneversaydie！””Oh，mydearMissBrodie，”moaned”Lily”inpiteousaccents，”youaresofearfullyenergetic！Andthen，it’sallverysplendid，butjustthinkofa——ofagentlemanhavingtopotteraroundamongbutterandcheese，ormessaboutinmuddycellars！Ugh！
　　PositivelyGHAWSTLY！Iwouldsimplydie。””Oh，no，youwouldn’t，’Lily，’”saidMartinkindly。”WehaveafternoonteasandBrowningClubs，too，youmustremember，andsome’cultchaw’andthatsortofthing。”
　　TherewasajoyousshoutfromDunn。”But，Mr。Martin，”persistedMr。Rae，whosemindwassetinarrivingatasolutionoftheprobleminhand，”IhaveunderstoodthatagriculturewasthechiefpursuitinCanada。””Farming！Yes，itis，butofcoursethatmeanscapital。GoodlandinOntariomeansseventy-fivetoahundreddollarsperacre，andamancan’tdowithlessthanahundredacres；besides，farmingisgettingtobeasciencenow-a-days，Sir。””Ah，quitetrue！Buttoayoungmanbredonafarminthiscountry——””Excuseme，Mr。Rae，”repliedMartinquickly，”thereisnosuchthinginCanadaasagentlemanfarmer。Thefarmerworkswithhismen。””Doyoumeanthatheactuallyworks？”inquired”Lily。””Withtheploughandhoe，andthatsortofthing？””Worksalldaylong，aslongasanyofhismen，andindeedlonger。””Anddoesheactuallylive——？ofcoursehedoesn’teatwithhisservants？”said”Lily”inatonethatdeprecatedthepreposterousproposition。”Theyalleattogetherinthebigkitchen，”repliedMartin。”Howawful！”gasped”Lily。””Myfatherdoes，”repliedMartin，alittlecolourrisinginhischeek，”andmymother，andmybrothers。Theyalleatwiththemen；
　　mysister，too，exceptwhenshewaitsontable。””Fine！”exclaimedMissBrodie。”Andwhynot？’Lily，’I’mafraidyou’rehorriblysnobbish。””ThanktheLord，”said”Lily”devoutly，”IliveinthisbelovedScotland！””But，Mr。Martin，forgivemypersistence，IunderstandthereischeaperlandincertainpartsofCanada；in，say，ManitoBAW。””Ah，yes，Sir，ofcourse，lotsofit；squaremilesofit！”criedMartinwithenthusiasm。”Theverybestoutofdoors，andcheap，butIfancytherearesomehardshipsinManitoba。””ButIseebythepublicnewspapers，”continuedMr。Rae，”thatthereisaverylargemovementinthewayofemigrationtowardthatcountry。””Yes，there’sagreatboomoninManitobajustnow。””Boom？”said”Lily。””Andwhatexactlymaythatbeinthevernacular？””Itakeit，”saidMr。Rae，evidentlydeterminednottoallowtheconversationtogetoutofhishands，”youmeanagreatexcitementconsequentupontheemigrationandthenaturalriseinlandvalues？””Yes，Sir，”criedMartin，”you’vehititexactly。””Thenwouldtherenotbeopportunitytosecureaconsiderableamountoflandatalowfigureinthatcountry？””Mostcertainly！Butit’sfairtosaythatsuccesstheremeansworkandhardshipandprivation。Ofcourseitisalwayssoinanewcountry；itwassoinOntario。Why，thenewsettlersinManitobadon’tknowwhathardshipsmeanincomparisonwiththosethatfacedtheearlysettlersinOntario。Myfather，whenalittleboyoftenyears，wentwithhisfatherintothesolidforest；youdon’tknowwhatthatmeansinthiscountry，andnoonecanwhohasnotseenasolidmassofgreenreachingfromthegroundahundredfeethighwithoutabreakinitexceptwherethetrailenters。
　　Intothatsolidforestinsinglefilewentmygrandfather，histwolittleboys，andoneoxcarryingabagofflour，someporkandstuff。Byamarkonatreetheyfoundthecorneroftheirfarm。”
　　Martinpaused。”Dogoon，”saidMissBrodie。”Tellmetheveryfirstthinghedid。”
　　ButMartinseemedtohesitate。”Well，”hebeganslowly，”I’veoftenheardmyfathertellit。Whentheycametothattreewiththemarkonit，grandfathersaid，’Boys，wehavereachedourhome。
　　LetusthankGod。’Hewentuptoabigsprucetree，drovehisaxintothebutt，thenkneeleddownwiththetwolittleboysbesidehim，andIhaveheardmyfathersaythatwhenhelookedawayupbetweenthebigtreesandsawthebitofblueskythere，hethoughtGodwaslisteningatthatblueholebetweenthetree-tops。”Martinpausedabruptly，andforafewmomentssilenceheldthegroup。
　　ThenDoctorDunn，clearinghisthroat，saidwithquietemphasis：”Andhewasright，myboy；makenodoubtofthat。””Then？”inquiredMissBrodiesoftly。”Ifyoudon’tmind。”
　　Martinlaughed。”Thentheyhadgrub，andthatafternoongrandfathercutthetreesandtheboyslimbedthemoff，clearingthegroundwherethefirsthousestood。Thatnighttheysleptinalittlebrushhutthatdidthemforahouseuntilgrandmothercametwoweekslater。””What？”saidDoctorDunn。”Yourgrandmotherwentintotheforest？””Yes，Sir，”saidMartin；”andtwomilesofsolidblackbushstretchedbetweenherandthenextwoman。””Why，ofcourse，mydear，”saidMrs。Dunn，takingpartforthefirsttimeintheconversation。”Whatelse？”
　　Theyalllaughed。”Ofcourse，Mother，”saidhereldestson，”that’swhatyouwoulddo。””SowouldI，Mamma，wouldn’tI？”whisperedRob，leaningtowardsher。”Certainly，mydear，”repliedhismother；”Ihaven’ttheslightestdoubt。””Andsowouldanywomanworthhersaltifshelovedherhusband，”
　　criedMissBrodiewithgreatemphasis。”Why，why，”criedDoctorDunn，”it’sthesameoldbreed，Mother。””ButinManitoba——？”beganMr。Rae，stillclingingtothesubject。”Oh，inManitobathereisnoforesttocut。However，thereareotherdifficulties。Still，hundredsarecrowdingin，andanymanwhohasthecourageandthenervetostaywithitcangeton。””Andwhatdidtheydoforschools？”saidMrs。Dunn，returningtothethemethathadsogreatlyinterestedher。”Therewerenoschoolsuntilfatherwastoobigtobesparedtogoexceptforafewweeksinthewinter。””Howbigdoyoumean？””Sayfifteen。””Fifteen！”exclaimedMissBrodie。”Amereinfant！””Infant！”saidMartin。”Notmuch！Atfifteenmyfatherwasdoingaman’sfullworkinthebushandonthefarm，andwhenhegrewtobeamanheclearedmostofhisownland，too。Why，whenIwaselevenIdrovemyteamalldayonthefarm。””Andhowdidyougetyoureducation，Mr。Martin？””Oh，theykeptmeatschoolprettysteadily，exceptinharvestandhaytime，untilIwasfourteen，andafterthatinthewintermonths。WhenIwassixteenIgotateacher’scertificate，andthenitwaseasyenough。””Anddidyouputyourselfthroughcollege？”inquiredMr。Rae，bothinterestandadmirationinhisvoice，fornowtheywereongroundfamiliarinhisownexperience。”Why，yes，mostly。Fatherhelped，Isuspectmorethanheoughtto，buthewasanxiousformetogetthrough。””Rob，”criedMissBrodiesuddenly，”let’sgo！Whatdoyousay？
　　We’llgetabigbitofthatlandintheWest，andwon’titbesplendidtobuildupourownestateandallthat？”
　　Robglancedfromherintohismother’sface。”I’dlikeitfine，Mamma，”hesaidinalowvoice，slippinghishandintohers。”Butwhataboutme，Rob？”saidhismother，smilingtenderlydownintotheeagerface。”Oh，I’dcomebackforyou，Mamma。””Holdonthere，youngster，”saidhiselderbrother，”thereareothersthatmighthavesomethingtosayaboutthat。ButIsay，Martin，”continuedDunn，”wehearalotaboutthebigranchesfurtherWest。””Yes，inAlberta，butIconfessIdon’tknowmuchaboutthem。Therailwaysarejustbuildingandpeoplearebeginningtogoin。Butranchingneedscapital，too。Itmustbeagreatlife！Theypracticallyliveinthesaddle。It’sagloriouscountry！””Onthewhole，then，”saidMr。Rae，asifsummingupthediscussion，”ayoungmanhasbetteropportunitiesofmakinghisfortune，sotospeak，inthefarWestratherthanin，say，Ontario。””Ididn’tspeakoffortune，Mr。Rae，——fortuneisachancething，moreorless，——butwhatIsayisthis，thatanyyoungmannotafraidofwork，ofanykindofwork，andwillingtostaywithhisjob，canmakealivingandgetahomeinanypartofCanada，withabiggerchanceoffortuneintheWest。””AllIsay，Mr。Rae，isthis，”saidMissBrodieemphatically，”thatIonlywishIwereamanwithjustsuchachanceasyoungCameron！””Ah，mydearyounglady，ifalltheyoungmenwerepossessedofyourspirit，itwouldmatterlittlewheretheywent，fortheywouldachievedistinctsuccess。”AshespokeMr。Rae’ssmileburstforthinallitseffulgentglory。”DearMr。Rae，howverycleverofyoutodiscoverthat！”repliedMissBrodie，smilingsweetlyintoMr。Rae’sradiantface。”Andhowverysweetofyou——ah，Ibegyourpardon；thatis——”ThedisconcertingrapiditywithwhichMr。Rae’ssmilegaveplacetoanappearanceofgrave，ofevenseveresolemnity，threwMissBrodiequite”outofherstride，”asMartinsaidafterward，andleftherflounderinginahopelessattempttocompletehercompliment。
　　Herconfusionwastheoccasionofunlimitedjoyto”Lily，”whowasnotunfamiliarwiththisfacialphenomenononthepartofMr。Rae。”Oh，Isay！”hecriedtoDunninagaleofsmotheredlaughter，”howdoesthedearmandoit？Itisreallytoolovely！Imustlearnthetrickofthat。Ihaveneverseenanythingquitesoappallinglyflabbergasting。”
　　MeantimeMr。RaewasblandlyassistingMissBrodieoutofherdilemma。”Notatall，MissBrodie，notatall！But，”hecontinued，throwinghissmileabouttheroom，”Ithink，DoctorDunn，wehavereasontocongratulateourselvesuponnotonlyapleasantbutanextremelyprofitableevening——ah——asfarasthematterinhandisconcerned。Ihopetohavefurtherspeechwithouryoungfriend，”bowingtoMr。Martinandbringinghissmiletobearuponthatyounggentleman。”Oh，certainly，”beganMartinwithreadygeniality，”wheneveryou——
　　eh？Whatdidyousay，Sir？Ididn’tquite——”
　　ButMr。RaewasalreadybiddingMrs。Dunngoodnight，withafaceofpreternaturalgravity。”Whatthedeuce！”saidMartin，turningtohisfriendDunn。”Doestheoldboyoftengooffathalf-cockthatway？He’llhurthimselfsometime，sure。””Isn’titawful？”saidDunn。”He’sgotmeafewtimesthatway，too。ButIsay，oldboy，we’reawfullygratefultoyouforcoming。””Ifeellikeafool，”saidMartin；”asifI’dbeendeliveringalecture。””Don’tthinkit，”criedMissBrodie，whohaddrawnnear。”You’vebeenperfectlylovely，andIamsogladtohavegottoknowyoubetter。Forme，IamquiteresolvedtogotoCanada。””Butdoyouthinktheycanreallyspareusall，MissBrodie？”
　　exclaimed”Lily”inananxiousvoice。”For，ofcourse，ifyougowemust。””No，’Lily，’I’mquitesuretheycan’tspareyou。Justthink，whatcouldtheBrowning-Wagnercircledo？Besides，whatcouldwedowithyouwhenwewereallworking，forIcanquiteseethatthereisnousegoingtoCanadaunlessyoumeantowork？””You’vegotit，MissBrodie，”saidMartin。”Mylectureisnotinvain。ThereisnousegoingtoCanadaunlessyoumeantoworkandtostaywiththejobtillthecowscomehome。””Tillthecowscome——？”gasped”Lily。””Oh，nevermindhim，Mr。Martin！Come，’Lily’dear，I’llexplainittoyouonthewayhome。Good-night，Mr。Dunn；we’vehadajollyevening。AndasforourfriendCameron，I’veceasedtopityhim；
　　onthecontrary，Ienvyhimhisluck。”
　　CHAPTERVII
　　FAREWELLTOCUAGHOIR
　　Oncemorethegoldenlightofasunnyspringdaywasshiningonthesapphirelochatthebottom，andoverflowingattherimoftheCuaghOir。Butforallitsflowinggold，therewasgriefintheGlen——griefdeepandsilent，likethequietwatersofthelittleloch。Itwasseeninthegravefacesofthemenwhogatheredatthe”smiddy。”Itwasheardinthecadenceofthevoicesofthewomenastheygatheredto”kalie”Ceilidhinthelittlecottagesthatfringedtheloch’sside，ordottedtheheather-cladslopes。
　　Itevencheckedtheboisterousplayofthebairnsastheycameinfromschool。ItlaylikeacloudontheCuagh，andheavyontheheartsthatmadeupthelittlehill-girtcommunityofonehundredsouls，ormore。
　　Andthegriefwasthis，thatonthe”morrow’smorn”MaryRobertson’ssonwasdepartingfromtheGlen”neffertoreturnforeffermore，”asDonaldoftheHousefarmputit，withafacegloomyasthelochonadarkwinter’sday。”Aleaving”waseveranoccasionofwailingtotheGlen，andmanyaleavinghadtheGlenknownduringthelastfiftyyears。Forwhereverthetartanwaved，andthebonniefeathersdancedforthegloryoftheEmpire，sonsoftheGlenwereevertobefound；butnotforfiftyyearshadtheheartoftheGlenknowntheluxuryofasinglerallyingcentrefortheirprideandtheirlovetillthe”youngchentleman，”youngMr。Allan，begantogoinandoutamongthem。Andashegrewintomanhoodsogrewtheirprideinhim。Andas，fromtimetotime，attheGreatGameshebegantowingloryfortheGlenwithhisfeatsofskillandstrength，anduponthepipes，andinthedances，theirprideinhimgrewuntilitpassedalllimits。Hadhenot，theveryyearbeforehewenttothecollege，cutthecombofthe”CockoftheNorth”fromGlenUrquhart，inrunningandjumping；andtheverysameyearhadhenotwrestedfromCallumBheg，theprideofAthole，thecovetedbadgeofSpecialDistinctioninHighlandDancing？Thenlater，whentheschoolmasterwouldreadfromtheInvernessCouriertoonegroupafteranotheratthepostofficeandatthe”smiddy”itwasonlyfearoftheelderMacPherson，thatkeptthemasterfromreadingitaloudatthekirkdoorbeforetheserviceaccountsofthe”remarkableplaying”ofCameron，thebrilliantyoung”half-back”oftheAcademyinEdinburgh，theGlensettleddownintoanassuredconvictionthatithadreachedthepinnacleofvicariousglory，andthatinallScotlandtherewasnonetocomparewiththeiryoung”chieftain”as，quiteignoringtheCaptain，theylovedtocallhim。
　　Andtherewasmorethanprideinhim，foronhisholidayshecamebacktotheGlenunspoiledbyallhishonoursandachievements，andwentaboutamongthem”jistlikeaino’theirainsels，”acceptingtheirhomageashisright，butgivingtheminreturn，accordingtotheirvariousstations，duerespectandhonour，andtheirlovegrewgreaterthantheirpride。
　　Butthe”morrow’smorn”hewasleavingtheGlen，and，worsethanall，nooneknewforwhy。Amysteryhungoverthecauseofhisgoing，amysterydeepenedbyhisownbearingduringthepasttwelvemonths，forallthesemonthsaheavygloomhadshroudedhim，andfromallthathadoncebeenhisdelightandtheirgloryhehadwithdrawn。Thechallenge，indeed，fromthemenofGlenUrquhartwhichhehadacceptedlongago，herefusednot，buteventheoverwhelmingdefeatwhichhehadadministeredtohishaughtychallengers，hadapparentlybroughthimnomorethanapassinggleamofjoy。ThegloomremainedunliftedandthecausetheGlenknewnot，andnomanofthemwouldseektoknow。HencethegriefoftheGlenwasnocommongriefwhenthesonofMaryRobertson，thesonoftheHouse，theprideoftheGlen，andthecomradeandfriendofthemall，wasabouttodepartandnevertoreturn。
　　HislastdayintheGlenAllanspentmakinghispainfulwaythroughthecottages，leavinghisfarewell，andwitheachsomeslightgiftofremembrance。Itwasforhim，indeed，apilgrimageofwoe。ItwasnotonlythathisheartrootswereintheGlenandknitroundeverystickandstoneofit；itwasnotthathefelthewasleavingbehindhimaloveandloyaltyasdeepandlastingaslifeitself。
　　Itwasthatintearinghimselffromthemhecouldmakenoresponsetothedumbappealintheeyesthatfollowedhimwithadorationandfidelity：”Whereforedoyouleaveusatall？”and”Whydoyoumakenopromiseofreturn？”Tothatdumbappealtherewasnoanswerpossiblefromonewhocarriedonhisheartforhimself，andonhislifeforsomefewothers，andamongthesehisownfather，theterriblebrandofthecriminal。Itwasthisgrimfactthatstainedblackthewholelandscapeofhisconsciousness，andthathunglikeapallofdeathovereverylivinganddelightsomethinginthegardenofhissoul。Whilenonecould，withoutchallenge，condemnhim，yethisowntonguerefusedtoproclaimhisinnocence。Everyfaceheloveddrovedeeperintohishearthispain。ThedeathlessloyaltyandunboundedprideoftheGlenfolkrebukedhim，withouttheirknowing，forthedishonourhehaddonethem。TheGlenitself，thehills，thepurplingheather，thegleamingloch，howdeartohimhehadneverknowntillnow，threwinhisfaceasadandsilentreproach。SmallwonderthattheGlen，thatScotlandhadbecomeintolerabletohim。WiththisbitterburdenonhisheartitwasthatyoungMr。AllanwenthiswaythroughtheGlenmakinghisfarewells，notdaringtoindulgetheluxuryofhisgrief，andwithneverawordofreturn。
　　Hissister，whoknewall，andwhowouldhavecarried——oh！howgladly！——onherownheart，andforallherlifelong，thatbitterburden，pleadedtobeallowedtogowithhimonwhatsheknewfullwellwasajourneyofsorrowandsorepain，butthishewouldnotpermit。Thissorrowandpainwhichwerehisown，hewouldsharewithnoone，andleastofallwithheruponwhoselifehehadalreadycastsodarkashadow。Henceshewasatthehousealone，herfathernothavingyetreturnedfromanimportantmeetingataneighbouringvillage，whenayoungmancametothedooraskingforyoungMr。Cameron。”Whoisit，Kirsty？”sheinquiredanxiously，anewfearatherheartforherbrother。”Iknownot，buthehasnefferbeeninthisGlenbeforewhateffer，”
　　repliedKirsty，withanominousshakeofthehead，herprimitiveinstinctsleadinghertoviewthestrangerwithsuspicion。”But！”
　　sheadded，withaglanceatheryoungmistress’face，”heissnomantobeafraidof，atanyrate。Heisjustaladdie。””Oh，heisaYOUNGman，Kirsty？”repliedhermistress，glancingatherbluesergegown，hersecondbest，andwithherhandsstrivingtotuckinsomeofherwaywardcurls。”Och，yess，andnotmuchatthat！”repliedKirsty，withtheideaofrelievingheryoungmistressofunnecessaryfears。
　　ThenMoira，puttingonhergrandair，steppedintotheparlour，andsawstandingthereandawaitingher，ayoungmanwithathinandsomewhathardface，afirmmouth，andextraordinarilykeen，greyeyes。Uponherappearingtheyoungmanstoodlookinguponherwithoutaword。Asamatteroffact，hewasstrugglingwithaproblem；aproblemthatwasquitebewildering；theproblem，namely，”Howcouldhairevermanagetogetitselfintosuchanarrangementofwavesandcurls，andgoldengleamsandtwinkles？”Strugglingwiththisproblem，hebecameconsciousofhervoicegravelyquestioninghim。”Youwerewishingtoseemybrother？”Theyoungmancamebackpartway，andreplied，”Oh！howdoesit——？Thatis。
　　Ibegyourpardon。”Thesurpriseinherfacebroughthimquitetotheground，andhecameatoncetohisbusiness。”IamMr。
　　Martin，”hesaidinaquick，sharpvoice。”IknowyourbrotherandMr。Dunn。”Henotedalightdawninhereyes。”Infact，Iplayedwiththemonthesameteam——atfootball，youknow。””Oh！”criedthegirl，reliefandwelcomeinhervoice，”Iknowyou，Mr。Martin，quitewell。Iknowallaboutyou，andwhatasplendidquarter-backyouare。”Hereshegavehimbothherhands，whichMr。
　　Martintookinakindofdream，oncemoreplungedintothemazesofanotherandmoreperplexingproblem，viz。，Wasitherlipswiththatdeliciouscurvetothem？orhereyessosunnyandbrownorweretheybrown？withthatalluring，bewitchingtwinkle？orwasitbothlipsandeyesthatgavetothesmilewithwhichshewelcomedhimitssubtlepowertomakehisheartriseandchokehimasitneverhadbeenknowntodointhemoststrenuousofhismatches？”I’mawfullyglad，”heheardhimselfsay，andhervoicereplying，”Oh，yes！Allanhasoftenandoftenspokenofyou，Mr。Martin。”
　　Mr。MartinimmediatelybecameconsciousofaprofoundandgratefulaffectiontoAllan，stillstruggling，however，withtheproblemwhichhadbeencomplicatedstillfurtherbythecharmofhersoft，Highlandvoice。Hewasonthepointofdecidinginfavourofhervoice，whenonherfacehenotedaswiftchangefromgladwelcometosuspicionandfear，andthenintohersunnyeyesasuddenleapingoffiercewrath，asinthoseofalionessdefendingheryoung。”Whydoyoulookso？”shecriedinavoicesharpandimperious。”Isitmybrother——？Isanythingwrong？”
　　TheshockofthechangeineyesandvoicebroughtMartinquitetohimself。”Wrong？Notabit，”hehastenedtosay，”butjustthefinestthingintheworld。Itisallhereinthisletter。Dunncouldnotcomehimself，andtherewasnooneelse，andhethoughtCameronoughttohaveitto-day，sohereIam，andhereistheletter。Whereishe？””Oh！”criedthegirl，claspingherhandsuponherheart，hervoicegrowingsoft，andhereyesdimwithasuddenmist。”Iamsothankful！Iamsoglad！”ThechangeinhervoiceandinhereyessoaffectedMr。Martinthatheputhishandsresolutelybehindhisbacklesttheyshouldplayhimtricks，andshould，withouthiswill，getthemselvesroundheranddrawherclosetohisheart。”SoamI，”hesaid，”awfullyglad！Neverwassogladinallmylife！”Hewasmoreconsciousthaneverofbewildermentandperplexityinthemidstofincreasingproblemsthatcomplicatedthemselveswithmistbrowneyes，tremblinglips，andavoiceofsuchpatheticcadencesasarousedinhimanalmostuncontrollabledesiretoexercisehisutmostpowersofcomfort。Andallthewhiletherewasgrowinginhisheartadesperateanxietyastowhatwouldbethefinalissueofthesebewilderingdesiresandperplexities；
　　whenattheextremityofhisself-controlhewassavedbythegirl’ssuggestion。”Letusgoandfindmybrother。””Oh，yes！”criedMartin，”forheaven’ssakeletus。””WaituntilIgetmyhat。””Oh！Iwouldn’tputonahat，”criedheindismay。”Why？”enquiredthegirl，lookingathimwithsurprisedcuriosity。”Oh！because——becauseyoudon’tneedone；it’ssobeautifulandsunny，youknow。”InspiteofwhathecoulddoMr。Martin’seyeskeptwanderingtoherhair。”Oh，well！”criedMoira，inincreasingsurpriseatthisstrangeyoungman，”thesunwon’thurtme，socome，letusgo。”
　　Togethertheywentdowntheavenueofruggedfirs。Atthehighwayshepaused。BeforethemlaytheGleninallthesplendidsweepofitsbeauty。”Isn’titlovely！”shebreathed。”Lovely！”echoedMartin，hiseyesnotontheGlen。”Itissosunny，youknow。””Yes，”sheansweredquickly，”younoticethat？””HowcouldIhelpit？”saidMartin，hiseyesstillrestinguponher。”HowcouldI？””Ofcourse，”shereplied，”andsowecallittheGlenCuaghOir，thatisthe’GlenoftheCupofGold。’Andtothinkhehastoleaveitallto-morrow！”sheadded。
　　ThepatheticcadencesinhervoiceagaindroveMartintodespair。
　　Herecoveredhimself，however，tosay，”ButheisgoingtoCanada！””Yes，toCanada。Andweallfeelitsodreadfullyforhim，and，”
　　sheaddedinalowervoice，”forourselves。”