CHAPTERXXXVI。
　　ANIGHT-WATCH。
　　Whenhereachedthebottomofthehill，thereatthegatewasForgue，walkingupanddown，apparentlywaitingforhim。Hewouldhavepassedhim，butForguesteppedinfrontofhim。
　　“Grant，“hesaid，“itiswellweshouldunderstandeachother！”
　　“Ithink，mylord，ifyoudonotyetunderstandme，itcanscarcelybemyfault。“
　　“Whatdidmyfathersay？”
　　“Iwoulddelivertoyourlordshipamessagehegavemeforyoubutfortworeasons——one，thatIbelievehechangedhismindthoughhedidnotpreciselysayso，andtheother，thatIwillnotservehimoryouinthematter。“
　　“Thenyouintendneithertomeddlenormake？”
　　“Thatismyaffair，mylord。Iwillnottakeyourlordshipintomyconfidence。“
　　“Don'tbeunreasonable，now！Dogetoffyourhighhorse。Can'tyouunderstandafellow？Everybodycan'tkeephistemperasyoudo！I
　　meanthegirlnoharm。“
　　“Iwillnottalkwithyouabouther。Andwhateveryouinsistonsayingtome，Iwilluseagainstyouwithoutscruple，shouldoccasionoffer。“
　　AshespokehecaughtalookonForgue'sfacewhichrevealedsomehowthatitwasnotforhimhehadbeenwaiting，butforEppy。Heturnedandwentbacktowardsthecastle：hemightmeether！Forguecalledafterhim，buthepaidnoheed。
　　Ashehastenedupthehill，notsomuchastherustleofbirdormousedidhehear。Helingeredaboutthetopoftheroadforhalfanhour，thenturnedandwenttothecobbler's。
　　HefoundDooryingreatdistress；forshewasnotmerelysoretroubledaboutherson'schild，butAndrewwasinbedandsufferinggreatpain。ThemomentDonalsawhimhewentforthedoctor。Hesaidaribwasbroken，boundhimup，andgavehimsomemedicine。Alldonethatcouldbedone，Donalsatdowntowatchbesidehim。
　　Helaystill，withclosedeyesandwhiteface。Sopatientwashethathisverypainfoundutteranceinasortofblindsmile。Donaldidnotknowmuchaboutpain：hecouldreadinAndrew'slookhisdevotiontothewillofhimwhosebeingwashispeace，buthedidnotknowabovewhatsufferinghisfaithliftedhim，andheldhimhoveringyetsafe。Hisfaithmadehimonewithlife，theeternalLife——andthatissalvation。
　　Inclosestcontactwiththedivine，theoriginalrelationrestored，thesourceoncemoreholdingitsissue，thedivinelovepouringitselfintothedeepestvesseloftheman'sbeing，itselfbutavesselfortheholdingofthedivineranddivinest，whocanwonderifkeenestpainshouldnotbeabletoquenchthesmileoftheprostrate！Fewindeedhavereachedthepointofhealthtolaughatdisease，butaretherenone？Letnotamansaybecausehecannotthatnoonecan。
　　Theoldwomanwasverycalm，onlyeverynowandthenshewouldliftherhandsandshakeherhead，andlookasiftheuniverseweregoingtopieces，becauseherhusbandlaytherebythestrokeoftheungodly。Andifhehadlainthereforgotten，thenindeedtheuniversewouldhavebeengoingtopieces！Whenhecoughed，everypangseemedtogothroughherbodytoherheart。Loveisaslovelyintheoldasintheyoung——lovelierwheninthem，asoften，itismoresympatheticandunselfish——thatis，moretrue。
　　DonalwrotetoMrs。Brookesthathewouldnotbehomethatnight；
　　andhavingfoundamessengerattheinn，settledhimselftowatchbyhisfriend。
　　Thehoursglidedquietlyover。Andrewsleptagooddeal，andseemedtohavepleasantvisions。Hewasfindingyetmoresaving。Nowandthenhislipswouldmoveasifhewereholdingtalkwithsomefriendlysoul。OnceDonalheardthemurmuredwords，“Lord，I'ma'
　　yerain；“andnotedthathissleepgrewdeeperthereafter。Hedidnotwaketillthedaybegantodawn。Thenheaskedforsomewater。
　　SeeingDonal，anddiviningthathehadbeenbyhisbedsideallthenight，hethankedhimwithasmileandalittlenod——whichsomehowbroughttohismemorycertainwordsAndrewhadspokenonanotheroccasion：“There'sane，an'there'sa'；an'thea''sane，an'theane'sa'。“
　　WhenDonalreachedthecastle，hefoundhisbreakfastandMrs。
　　Brookeswaitingforhim。ShetoldhimthatEppy，meetingherinthepassagethenightbefore，hadburstintotears，butshecouldgetnothingoutofher，andhadsenthertoherroom；thismorningshehadnotcomedownatthepropertime，andwhenshesentafterher，didnotcome：shewentupherself，andfoundherdeterminedtoleavethecastlethatveryday；shewasnowpackingherthingstogo，nordidsheseeanygoodintryingtopreventher。
　　Donalsaidifshewouldgohome，therewasplentyforhertodothere；oldpeople'sboneswerenoteasytomend，anditwouldbesometimebeforehergrandfatherwaswellagain！
　　Mrs。Brookessaidshewouldnotkeephernowifshebeggedtostay；
　　shewasafraidshewouldcometogrief，andwouldrathershewenthome；shewouldtakeherhomeherself。
　　“Thelassisnoanillane，“sheadded：“butshedisnakenwhatshewudbeat。Shewantssomeo'theLord'saindiscipleen，I'mthinkin！”
　　“An'thatyemaybesureshe'llget，mistressBrookes！”saidDonal。
　　Eppywasquitereadytogohomeandhelpnursehergrandfather。Shethoughtherconductmustbythistimebethetalkofthecastle，andwasinmortalterroroflordMorven。Allthedomesticsfearedhim——itwouldbehardtosaypreciselywhy；itcameinpartofseeinghimsoseldomthathehadalmostcometorepresenttheghostsomesaidlivedintheinvisibleroomandhauntedthecastle。
　　ItwastheeasierforEppytogohomethathergrandmotherneededher，andthathergrandfatherwouldnotbeabletosaymuchtoher。
　　Shewasanaffectionategirl，andyethergrandfather'sconditionrousedinhernoindignation；fortheloveofbeinglovedissuchablindingthing，thatthegreatestinjusticefromthedearesttothenextdearestwillbysomenaturesbereadilytolerated。Godhelpus！
　　weareameanset——andmeanestthemanwhoisablesttojustifyhimself！
　　Mrs。Brookes，havingpreparedaheavybasketofgoodthingsforEppytocarryhometohergrandmother，andmadeittheheavierforthesakeofpunishingherwiththeweightofit，setoutwithher，sayingtoherself，“ThejaudwantsawheenharderwarknorIhaehaudentillherhan'，an'doobtlessit'spreparin'forher！”
　　Shewaskindlyreceived，withoutawordofreproach，byhergrandmother；thesufferer，forgetfulof，orforgivingherwordsofrejectioninthegarden，smiledwhenshecamenearhisbedside；andsheturnedawaytoconcealthetearsshecouldnotrepress。Shelovedhergrand-parents，andshelovedtheyounglord，andshecouldnotgetthetwolovestodwelltogetherpeaceablyinhermind——acommondifficultywithourweak，easilydivided，hardlyunitednatures——frangible，friable，readilydistorted！ItneedsnolessthanGodhimself，notonlytouniteustooneanother，buttomakeawholeoftheill-fitting，roughlydisjointedportionsofourindividualbeings。Tearfullybutdiligentlyshesetaboutherduties；andnotonlytheheart，butthelimbsandjointsofhergrandmotherwererelievedbyherpresence；whiledoubtlesssheherselffoundsomerefugefromanxiousthoughtintheservicesherendered。Whatshesawasherprobablefuture，Icannotsay；onehourherconfidenceinherlover'sfaithfulnesswouldbecomplete，thenextitwouldbedashedwithhugeblotsofuncertainty；buthergrandmotherrejoicedoverherasoutofharm'sway。
　　CHAPTERXXXVII。
　　LORDFORGUEANDLADYARCTURA。
　　Atthecastlethingsfellintotheiroldroutine。NothinghadbeenarrangedbetweenlordForgueandEppy，andheseemedcontentthatitshouldbeso。Mrs。Brookestoldhimthatshehadgonehome：hemadeneitherremarknorinquiry，manifestingnointerest。
　　Itwouldbewellhisfathershouldnotseeitnecessarytopushthingsfarther！Hedidnotwanttoturnoutofthecastle！Withoutmeans，whatwashetodo？Themarriagecouldnotbeto-dayorto-morrow！andinthemeantimehecouldseeEppy，perhapsmoreeasilythanatthecastle！Hewouldcontrive！Hewassorryhehadhurttheoldfellow，buthecouldnothelpit！hewouldgetintheway！Thingswouldhavebeenmuchworseifhehadnotgotfirsttohisfather！Hewouldwaitabit，andseewhatwouldturnup！Forthetutor-fellow，hemustnotquarrelwithhimdownright！Nogoodwouldcomeofthat！Intheendhewouldhavehisway！andthatinspiteofthemall！
　　Butwhathereallywantedhedidnotknow。Heonlyknew，orimagined，thathewasoverheadandearsinlovewiththegirl：whatwastocomeofitwasallintheclouds。Hehadsaidhemeanttomarryher；buttothatstatementhehadbeendriven，morethanheknew，bythedesiretoescapethecontemptofthetutorhescorned；
　　andherejoicedthathehadatleastdiscomfitedhim。HeknewthatifhedidmarryEppy，oranyoneelseofwhomhisfatherdidnotapprove，hehadnothingtolookforbutabsolutepoverty，forheknewnowaytoearnmoney；hewasthereforeunpreparedtodefyhimimmediately——whateverhemightdobyandby。Hesaidtohimselfsometimesthathewasaswillingasanymantoworkforhiswifeifonlyheknewhow；butwhenhesaidso，hadhealwaysaclearvisionofEppyasthewifeinprospect？Alas，itwouldtakeyearstomakehimabletoearnevenawoman'swages！Itwouldbeafinethingforalordtolabourlikeacommonmanforthesupportofachildofthepeopleforwhomhehadsacrificedeverything；butwherewasthepossibility？Whenthoughtslikethesegrewtoomanyforhim，Forguewishedhehadneverseenthegirl。Hisheartwouldimmediatelyreproachhim；immediatelyhewouldcomforthisconsciencewiththereflectionthattowishhehadneverseenherwasaverydifferentthingfromwishingtoactasifhehad。Heloafedaboutinherneighbourhoodasmuchashedared，hauntedthehouseitselfinthetwilight，andatnightevenventuredsometimestocreepupthestair，butforsometimeheneverevensawher：fordaysEppyneverwentoutofdoorsexceptintothegarden。
　　Thoughshehadnotspokenofit，Arcturahadhadmorethanasuspicionthatsomethingwasgoingonbetweenhercousinandtheprettymaid；forthelittlewindowofhersittingroompartiallyoverlookedacertainretiredspotfavouredofthelovers；andafterEppyleftthehouse，Davie，thoughhedidnotassociatethefacts，notedthatshewasmorecheerfulthanbefore。ButtherewasnoenlargementofintercoursebetweenherandForgue。Theyknewitwasthewishoftheheadofthehousethattheyshouldmarry，buttheearlhadbeenwiseenoughtosaynothingopenlytoeitherofthem：
　　hebelievedthethingwouldhaveabetterchanceonitsownmerits；
　　andasyettheyhadshownnosignofdrawingtoeachother。Itmight，perhaps，havebeenotherwiseonhisparthadnottheyounglordbeentakenwiththeprettyhousemaid，thoughatfirsthehadthoughtofnothingmorethanalittlepassingflirtation，reckoninghisadvantagewithherbytheheightonwhichhestoodinhisownregard；butitwasfromnojealousythatArcturawasrelievedbythedepartureofEppy。Shehadneverseenanythingattractiveinhercousin，andherreligiousimpressionswouldhavebeenenoughtoprotectherfromanydrawingtohim：hadtheynotpoisonedinhereventhevirtueofcommonhouse-friendlinesstowardaverydifferentman？ThesenseofreliefshehadwhenEppywent，layinbeingdeliveredfromthepresenceofsomethingclandestine，withwhichshecouldnotinterferesofarastoconfessknowledgeofit。Ithadrenderedheruneasy；shehadfeltshyanduncomfortable。OnceortwiceshehadbeenonthepointofsayingtoMrs。BrookesthatshethoughthercousinandEppyveryoddlyfamiliar，buthadfailedofcourage。Itwasnowonderthereforethatsheshouldbemorecheerful。
　　CHAPTERXXXVIII。
　　ARCTURAANDSOPHIA。
　　Aboutthistimeherfriend，MissCarmichael，returnedfromaratherlengthenedvisit。ButaftertheatonementthathadtakenplacebetweenherandDonal，itwaswithsomeanxietythatladyArcturalookedforwardtoseeingher。Sheshrankfromtellingherwhathadcomeaboutthroughthewonderfulpoem，asshethoughtit，whichhadsobewitchedher。Sheshranktoofromshowinghertheverses：theywerenotofakind，shewassure，tomeetwithrecognitionfromher。
　　Sheknewshewouldmakegameofthem，andthatnotgood-humouredlylikeKate，whoyetconfessedtosomebeautyinthem。Forherself，thepoemandthestudyofitsgrowthhadministeredsomuchnourishmenttocertainhealthypoeticseedslyinghardanddryinherbosom，thattheyhadbeguntosprout，indeedtoshootrapidlyup。Donal'spoemcouldnotfailthereforetobetoherthenceforwardsomethingsacred。Arelatedresultalsowasthatithadmadeherawareofsomethingverydefectiveinherfriend'sconstitution：shedidnotknowwhetherinherconstitutionmental，moral，orspiritual：probablyitwasinallthree。Doubtless，thoughtArctura，sheknewmostthingsbetterthanshe，andcertainlyhadagreatdealmorecommonsense；but，ontheotherhand，wasshenotsatisfiedwithfarlessthanshecouldbesatisfiedwith？Tobelieveasherfriendbelievedwouldnotsaveherfrominsanity！Shemustbemadeonasmallerscaleofnecessitiesthanherself！HowwassheabletolovetheGodshesaidshebelievedin？Godshouldatleastbeasbeautifulashiscreaturecouldimaginehim！ButMissCarmichaelwouldsayherpoorearthlyimaginationwasnottooccupyitselfwithsuchahighsubject！Oh，whywouldnotGodtellhersomethingabouthimself——somethingdirect——straightfromhimself？Whyshouldsheonlyhearofhimatsecondhand——alwaysandalways？
　　Alas，poorgirl！secondhand？Fivehundredthhandrather？AndshemighthavebeenallthetimecommuningwiththeveryGodhimself，manifestinhisownshape，whichisoursalso！——allthetimelearningthatherimaginationcouldnever——nottosayoriginate，but，whenpresented，receiveintoittheunspeakableexcessofhisloveliness，ofhisabsolutedevotionandtendernesstothecreatures，thechildrenofhisfather！
　　IntheabsenceofMissCarmichaelshehadthoughtwithlessoppressionofmanythingsthatinherpresenceappearedghastly-hopeless；nowintheprospectofherreappearanceshebegantofeelwickedindaringathoughtofherownconcerningtheGodthatwasnearertoherthanherthoughts！Suchanunhealthymasteryhadshegainedoverher！WhatiftheymetDonal，andshesawhersmiletohimasshealwaysdidnow！Onethingshewasdeterminedupon——andhereinlaythepledgeofhercomingfreedom！——thatshewouldnotbehavetohimintheleastotherwisethanherwont。Ifshewouldbeworthy，shemustbestraightforward！
　　Donalandshehadneverhadanyfurthertalk，muchasshewouldhavelikedit，uponthingspoetic。Asamatterofsupposedduty——whereshehadgottheideaIdonotknow——certainlynotfromMissCarmichael，seeingsheapprovedoflittlepoetrybutthatofYoung，Cowper，Pollok，andJamesMontgomery——shehadbeenreadingtheParadiseLost，andwishedmuchtospeakofittoDonal，buthadnotthecourage。
　　WhenMissCarmichaelcame，sheatonceperceivedadifferenceinher，anditsetherthinking。Shewasnotonetodoorsayanythingwithoutthinkingoveritfirst。Shehadsuchathoroughconfidenceinherjudgment，andsuchapleasureinexercisingit，thatshealmostalwaysrejectedanimpulse。Judgmentwasonthethrone；
　　feelingunderthefootstool。TherewassomethinginArctura'scarriagewhichremindedheroftheonlytimewhenshehadstooduponherrankwithher。Thiswasonceshemadearemarkdisparagingafavouritedog：fortheanimalsArcturacouldbraveevenherspiritualnightmare：theywerenotunderthewrathandcurselikemenandwomen，thereforemightbedefended！ShehadonthatoccasionshownsomuchoffencethatMissCarmichaelsaw，ifshewastokeepherinfluenceoverher，shemustavoidrousingthephantomofrankindefenceofprejudice。Shewasnowthereforecareful——saidnexttonothing，butwatchedherkeenly，andnotthelessslylythatshelookedherstraightintheface。Thereisanefforttoseeintothesoulofothersthatisessentiallytreacherous；wherever，friendshipbeingtheostensiblebond，inquiryoutrunsregard，itistreachery——anendeavourtograspmorethanthefriendwouldknowinglygive。
　　Theywentforalittlewalkinthegrounds；astheyreturnedtheymetDonalgoingoutwithDavie。ArcturaandDonalpassedwithabowandafriendlysmile；Daviestoppedandspoketotheladies，thenboundedafterhisfriend。
　　“Haveyouattendedthescripture-lessonregularly？”askedMissCarmichael。
　　“Yes；Ihavebeenabsentonlyonce，Ithink，sinceyouleft，“
　　repliedArctura。
　　“Good，mydear！Youhavenotbeenleavingyourlambtothewolf！”
　　“Ibegintodoubtifhebeawolf。“
　　“Ah！doeshewearhissheepskinsowell？Areyousureheisnotplottingtodevoursheepandshepherdtogether？”saidMissCarmichael，withanopenglanceofsearch。
　　“Don'tyouthink，“suggestedArctura，“whenyouarenotabletosayanything，itwouldbebetternottobepresent？Yoursilencelookslikeagreement。“
　　“Butyoucanalwaysprotest！Youcanassertheisallwrong。Youcansayyoudonotintheleastagreewithhim！”
　　“Butwhatifyouarenotsurethatyoudonotagreewithhim？”
　　“Ithoughtasmuch！”saidMissCarmichaeltoherself。“Imighthaveforeseenthis！”——Hereshespoke——“Ifyouarenotsureyoudoagree，youcansay，'Ican'tsayIagreewithyou！'Itisalwayssafertoadmitlittlethanmuch。“
　　“Idonotquitefollowyou。Butspeakingoflittleandmuch，IamsureIwantagreatdealmorethanIknowyettosaveme。Ihaveneveryetheardwhatseemsenough。“
　　“IsthattosayGodhasnotdonehispart？”
　　“No；itisonlytosaythatIhopehehasdonemorethanIhaveyetheard。“
　　“Morethansendhissontodieforyoursins？”
　　“Morethanyousaythatmeans。“
　　“YouhavebuttobelieveChristdidso。“
　　“Idon'tknowthathediedformysins。“
　　“Hediedforthesinsofthewholeworld。“
　　“ThenImustbesaved！”
　　“Yes，ifyoubelievethathemadeatonementforyoursins。“
　　“ThenIcannotbesavedexceptIbelievethatIshallbesaved。AndIcannotbelieveIshallbesaveduntilIknowIshallbesaved！”
　　“Youarecavilling，Arctura！Ah，thisiswhatyouhavebeenlearningofMr。Grant！Ioughtnottohavegoneaway！”
　　“Nothingofthesort！”saidArctura，drawingherselfupalittle。“I
　　amsorryifIhavesaidanythingwrong；butreallyIcangetholdofnothing！IfeelsometimesasifIshouldgooutofmymind。“
　　“Arctura，Ihavedonemybestforyou！Ifyouthinkyouhavefoundabetterteacher，nowarning，Ifear，willanylongeravail！”
　　“IfIdidthinkIhadfoundabetterteacher，nowarningcertainlywould；IamonlyafraidIhavenot。ButofonethingIamsure——thatthethingsMr。Grantteachesaremuchmoretobedesiredthan——“
　　“Bytheunsanctifiedheart，nodoubt！”saidSophia。
　　“Theunsanctifiedheart，“rejoinedArctura，astonishedatherownboldness，andthesenseofpowerandfreedomgrowinginherasshespoke，“surelyneedsGodasmuchasthesanctified！ButcantheheartbealtogetherunsanctifiedthatdesirestofindGodsobeautifulandgoodthatitcanworshiphimwithitswholepowerofloveandadoration？OrisGodlessbeautifulandgoodthanthat？”
　　“WeoughttoworshipGodwhateverheis。“
　　“Butcouldwelovehimwithallourheartsifhewerenotaltogetherlovable？”
　　“Hemightnotbethelesstobeworshippedthoughheseemedsotous。Wemustworshiphisjusticeasmuchashislove，hispowerasmuchashisjustice。“
　　Arcturareturnednoanswer；thewordshadfallenonherheartlikeanice-berg。Shewasnot，however，soutterlyoverwhelmedbythemasshewouldhavebeensometimebefore；shethoughtwithherself，“I
　　willaskMr。Grant！Iamsurehedoesnotthinklikethat！Worshippowerasmuchaslove！Ibegintothinkshedoesnotunderstandwhatsheistalkingabout！IfIweretomakeacreatureneedingallmylovetomakelifeendurabletohim，andthennotbekindenoughtohim，shouldInotbecruel？WouldInotbetoblame？CanGodbeGodanddoanythingconceivablytoblame——anythingthatisnotaltogetherbeautiful？ShetellsmewecannotjudgewhatitwouldberightforGodtodobywhatitwouldberightforustodo：ifwhatseemsrighttomeisnotrighttoGod，Imustwrongmyconscienceandbeasinnerinordertoservehim！ThenmyconscienceisnotthevoiceofGodinme！HowthenamImadeinhisimage？Whatdoesitmean？Ah，butthatimagehasbeendefacedbythefall！SoIcannottellabitwhatGodislike？ThenhowamItolovehim？Inevercanlovehim！Iamverymiserable！IamnotGod'schild！
　　Thus，longafterMissCarmichaelhadtakenacoldlysorrowfulfarewellofher，Arcturawentroundandroundtheoldmill-horserackofherself-questioning：Godwasnottobetrustedinuntilshehaddonesomethingshecouldnotdo，uponwhichhewouldtakeherintohisfavour，andthenshecouldtrusthim！WhataGodtogiveallherheartto，tolongfor，todreamofbeingathomewith！ThenshecomparedMissCarmichaelandDonalGrant，andthoughtwhetherDonalmightnotbeaslikelytoberightasshe。Oh，wherewasassurance，wherewascertaintyaboutanything！Howwassheevertoknow？Whatifthethingshecametoknowforcertainshouldbe——aGodshecouldnotlove！
　　ThenextdaywasSunday。Davieandhistutorovertookhergoinghomefromchurch。Itcameasofitselftoherlips，andshesaid，“Mr。Grant，howarewetoknowwhatGodislike？”
　　“'Philipsaithuntohim，Lord，showustheFatheranditsufficethus。Jesussaithuntohim，HaveIbeensolongtimewithyou，andyethastthounotknownme，Philip？Hethathathseenmehathseenthefather，andhowsayestthouthen，Showusthefather？'“
　　ThusansweredDonal，withoutawordofhisown，andthoughthethreewalkedsidebyside，itwastenminutesbeforeanotherwasspoken。
　　ThenatlastsaidArctura，“IfIcouldbutseeChrist！”
　　“Itisnotnecessarytoseehimtoknowwhatheislike。Youcanreadwhatthosewhoknewhimsaidhewaslike；thatisthefirststeptounderstandinghim，whichisthetrueseeing；thesecondis，doingwhathetellsyou：whenyouunderstandhim——thereisyourGod！”
　　>FromthatdayArctura'ssearchtookanewdeparture。Itisstrangehowoftenonemayhearathing，yetneverhavereallyheardit！Theheartcanhearonlywhatitiscapableofhearing；therefore“thetimesofthisignoranceGodwinkedat；“butalasforhimwhowillnothearwhatheiscapableofhearing！
　　HisfailuretogetwordorevensightofEppy，togetherwithsomeuneasinessattheconditioninwhichhergrandfathercontinued，inducedlordForguetoaccepttheinvitation——whichhisfatherhadtakenpainstohavesenthim——tospendthreeweeksoramonthwitharelativeinthenorthofEngland。HewouldgladlyhavesentamessagetoEppybeforehewent，buthadnoonehecouldtrustwithit：Daviewastoomuchundertheinfluenceofhistutor！Sohedepartedwithoutsign，andEppysoonimaginedhehaddesertedher。
　　Foratimehertearsflowedyetmorefreely，butbyandbyshebegantofeelsomethingofreliefinhavingthemattersettled，forshecouldnotseehowtheywereevertobemarried。Shewouldhavebeencontenttolovehimalways，shesaidtoherself，weretherenoprospectofmarriage，orevenweretherenomarriageinquestion；
　　butwouldhecontinuetocareforherlove？Shedidnotthinkshecouldexpectthat。Sowithmanytearsshegavehimup——orthoughtshedid。Hehadlovedher，andthatwasagrandthing！
　　Therewasmuchthatwasgood，andsomethingthatwaswiseinthegirl，notwithstandingherfollyinallowingsuchalover。Thetemptationwasgreat：evenifhisattentionswereintheirnaturebuttransient，theyweresweetwhiletheypassed。Idoubtifherlovewasofthedeepestshehadtogive；butwhocantell？Awomanwilllovewhereamancanseenothinglovely。Solongassheisablestilltolove，sheisneverquitetobepitied；butwhenthereactioncomes——？
　　Sothedulldayswentby。
　　ButforladyArcturaagreathopehadbeguntodawn——thehope，namely，thattheworldwasinthehand，yeaintheheartofOnewhomsheherselfmightonedaysee，inherinmostsoul，andwithclearesteyes，tobeLoveitself——notaloveshecouldnotcarefor，buttheveryheart，generatingcentre，embracingcircumference，andcrownofallloves。
　　DonalprayedtoGodforladyArctura，andwaited。Herhourwasnotyetcome，butwascoming！EveryonethatisreadytheFatherbringstoJesus：thediscipleisnotgreaterthanhismaster，andmustnotthinktohastenthehour，orleadonewhoisnotyettaughtofGod；
　　hemustnotbemiserableaboutanotherasifGodhadforgottenhim。
　　StrangehelpersofGodweshallbe，if，thinkingtodohiswork，weactasifhewereneglectingit！TowaitforGod，believingithisonedesigntoredeemhiscreatures，readytoputthehandto，themomenthishourstrikes，isthefaithfitforafellow-workerwithhim！
　　CHAPTERXXXIX。
　　THECASTLE-ROOF。
　　OnestormyFridaynightinthemonthofMarch，whenabittereastwindwasblowing，Donal，seatedattheplaindeal-tablehehadgotMrs。Brookestofindhimthathemightuseitregardlessofink，wasdrawinguponitadiagram，inquestofasimplificationforDavie，whenasuddensenseofcoldmadehimcastaglanceathisfire。Hehadbeenawarethatitwassinking，but，astherewasnofuelintheroom，hadforgottenitagain：itwasverylow，andhemustatoncefetchbothwoodandcoal！Incertaindirectionsanddegreesofwindthiswasratheraticklishtask；buthehadtakentheprecautionofputtinguphereandthereabitofrope。Closingthedoorbehindhimtokeepinwhatwarmthhemight，andascendingthestairsafewfeethigher，hesteppedoutonthebartizan，andsoroundthetowertotheroof。Therehestoodforamomenttolookabouthim。
　　Itwasamoonlitnight，sofarastheclouds，blowninhugeandalmostcontinuousmassesovertheheavens，wouldpermitthelightofthemoontoemerge。Theroaringoftheseacamelikealowrollingmistacrosstheflats。Theairgloomedanddarkenedandlightenedagainaroundhim，asthefoldsofthecloud-blanketoverheadweretorn，ordroppedtrailing，orgatheredagaininthearmsofthehurryingwind。Ashestood，itseemedsuddenlytochange，andtakeatouchofsouthinitsblowing。Thesameinstantcametohisearaloudwail：itwastheghost-music！Therewasinitthecryofadiscord，minglingwithawildrollingchangeofharmonies。Hestood“likeoneforbid，“andlistenedwithallhispower。Itcameagain，andagain，andwasmorecontinuousthanhehadeverhearditbefore。
　　Herewasnowachanceindeedoftracingithome！Asagaze-houndwithhiseyes，asasleuth-houndwithhisnose，hestoodreadytostarthuntingwithhislistinglisteningear。Theseemingapproachandrecessionofthesoundsmightbeoccasionedbychangesintheirstrength，notbyanychangeofposition！
　　“Itmustcomefromsomewhereontheroof！”hesaid，andsettingdownthepailhehadbrought，hegotonhishandsandknees，firsttoescapethewindinhisears，andnexttodiminishitsholdonhisperson。Overroofafterroofhecreptlikeacat，stoppingtolisteneverytimeanewgushofthesoundcame，thenstartingafreshinthesearchforitssource。Uponagreatgatheringofroofslikethese，erectedatvarioustimesonvariouslevels，andwithallkindsofarchitecturalaccommodationsofoneparttoanother，soundwouldbevariouslydeflected，andasdifficulttotraceasinsidethehouse！
　　Carelessofcoldordanger，hepersisted，creepingup，creepingdown，overflatleads，overslopingslates，overgreatroofingstones，alonglowparapets，androundticklishcorners——followingthesoundever，asacataflittingunconsciousbird：whenitceased，hewouldkeepslowlyoninthedirectionlastchosen。
　　Sometimes，whenthemoonwasmoreprofoundlyobscured，hewouldhavetostopaltogether，unabletogetapeepofhisway。
　　Ononesuchoccasion，whenitwasnearlypitch-dark，andthesoundhadforsometimeceased，hewascrouchinguponahigh-pitchedroofofgreatslabs，hisfingersclutchedaroundtheedgesofoneofthem，andhismountaineeringhabitsstandinghimingoodstead，protectedalittlefromtheforceoftheblastbyahugestackofchimneysthatrosetowindward：whileheclungthuswaiting——louderthanhehadyetheardit，almostinhisveryear，arosethemusicalghost-cry——thistimelikethatofasoulintorture。Themooncameout，asatthecry，tosee，butDonalcouldspynothingtosuggestitsorigin。Asifdisappointed，themooninstantlywithdrew，thedarknessagainfell，andthewindrusheduponhimfullofkeenslantingrain，asifwithfierceintentofprotectingthesecret：
　　therewaslittlechanceofsuccessthatnight！hemustbreakoffthehunttilldaylight！Iftherewasanymaterialfactorinthesound，hewouldbebetterabletodiscoveritthen！Bythegreatchimney-stackhecouldidentifythespotwherehehadbeennearesttoit！Thereremainedforthepresentbutthetaskoffindinghiswaybacktohistower。
　　Adifficulttaskitwas——moredifficultthanheanticipated。Hehadnotanideainwhatdirectionhistowerlay——hadnotanideaofthetrack，iftrackitcouldbecalled，bywhichhehadcome。Onethingonlywasclear——itwassomewhereelsethanwherehewas。Hesetouttherefore，likeanyhonestpilgrimwhoknowsonlyhemustgosomewhereelse，andbeganhiswanderings。Hefoundhimselffarmoreobstructedthanincoming。Againandagainhecouldgonofartherinthedirectionhewastrying，againandagainhadtoturnandtryanother。Itwashalf-an-houratleastbeforehecametoaspotheknew，andbythattime，withtherainthewindhadfallenalittle。
　　Againstabreakinthecloudshesawtheoutlineofoneofhisstore-sheds，andhiswaywasthenceforwardplain。Hecaughtuphispail，filleditwithcoalandwood，andhastenedtohisnestasquicklyascrampedjointswouldcarryhim，hopelessalmostoffindinghisfirestillalive。
　　Butwhenhereachedthestair，andhadgonedownafewsteps，hesawastrangesight：belowhim，athisdoor，withasmallwax-taperinherhand，stoodtheformofawoman，inthepostureofonewhohadjustknocked，andwashearkeningforananswer。Sointentwasshe，andsoloudwasthewindamongtheroofs，thatshehadnotheardhisstep，andhestoodamomentafraidtospeaklestheshouldstartleher。Presentlysheknockedagain。Hemadeanattemptatventriloquy，sayinginavoicetosoundfartheroffthanitwas，“Comein。“A
　　handrosetothelatch，andopenedthedoor。BythehandheknewitwasladyArctura。
　　“Welcometothestormysky，mylady！”hesaid，asheenteredtheroomafterher——apleasantobjectafterhiscrawlingexcursion！
　　Shestartedalittleathisvoicebehindher，andturningwasmorestartledstill。
　　Donalwasmorelikeachimney-sweepthanatutorinalord'scastle。
　　Hewasbegrimedandblackenedfromheadtofoot，andcarriedapailfulofcoalsandwood。Readingreadilyherlook，hemadehastetoexplain。
　　“Ihavebeenontheroofforthelasthour，“hesaid。
　　“Whatwereyoudoingthere，“sheasked，withastrangeminglingofexpressions，“insuchanight？”
　　“Iheardthemusic，mylady——theghost-music，youknow，thathauntsthecastle，and——“
　　“Iheardittoo，“shemurmured，withalookalmostofterror。“I
　　haveoftenhearditbefore，butneversoloudasto-night。Haveyouanynotionaboutit，Mr。Grant？”
　　“Nonewhatever——exceptthatIamnearlysureitcomesfromsomewhereabouttheroof。“
　　“Ifyoucouldclearupthemystery！”
　　“Ihavesomehopeofit——Youarenotfrightened，mylady？”
　　Shehadcaughtholdofthebackofachair。
　　“Dositdown。Iwillgetyousomewater。“
　　“No，no；Ishallberightinamoment！”sheanswered。“Yourstairhastakenmybreathaway。ButmyuncleisinsuchastrangeconditionthatIcouldnothelpcomingtoyou。“
　　“Ihaveseenhimmyself，morethanonce，verystrange。“
　　“Willyoucomewithme？”
　　“Anywhere。“
　　“Comethen。“
　　Shelefttheroom，andledtheway，bythelightofherdimtaper，downthestair。Aboutthemiddleofit，shestoppedatadoor，andturningsaid，withasmilelikethatofachild，andthefirstuntroubledlookDonalhadyetseenuponherface——
　　“Howdelightfulitistobetakenoutoffear！Iamnottheleastafraidnow！”
　　“Iamveryglad，“saidDonal。“Ishouldliketokillfear；itistheshadowthatfollowsattheheelsofwrong——Doyouthinkthemusichasanythingtodowithyouruncle'scondition？”
　　“Idonotknow。“
　　Sheturnedagainhastily，andpassingthroughthedoor，enteredapartofthehousewithwhichDonalhadnoacquaintance。Withmanybewilderingturns，sheledhimtothegreatstaircase，downwhichshecontinuedhercourse。Thehousewasverystill：itmustsurelybelaterthanhehadthought——onlythereweresofewservantsinitforitsextent！Hisguidewentveryfast，withasteplightasabird's：atonemomenthehadallbutlostsightofherinthegreatcurve。AttheroominwhichDonalfirstsawtheearl，shestopped。
　　Thedoorwasopen，buttherewasnolightwithin。Sheledhimacrosstothedoorofthelittlechamberbehind。Amurmur，butnolight，camefromit。Inamomentitwasgone，andthedeepestsilencefilledtheworld。Arcturaentered。Onestepwithinthedoorshestoodstill，andheldhighhertaper。Donallookedinsideways。
　　Asmallboxwasontheflooragainstthefootofthefarthestwall，andonthebox，inalongdressinggownofrichfadedstuff，thesilkandgoldinwhichshonefeeblyinthedimlight，stoodthetallmeagreformoftheearl，withhisbacktothedoor，hisfacetothewall，closetoit，andhisarmsandhandsstretchedoutagainstit，likeoneuponacross。Hestoodwithoutmovingamuscleorutteringasound。Whatcoulditmean？Donalgazedinablankdismay。
　　Notaminutehadpassed，thoughitwastohimalongandpainfultime，whenthemurmuringcameagain。Helistenedastoavoicefromanotherworld——athingterribletothosewhosefeardwellsinanotherworld。ButtoDonalitwasterribleasavoicefromnootherworldcouldhavebeen；itcamefromanunseenworldofsinandsuffering——aworldalmostanegationoftheeternal，aworldofdarknessandtheshadowofdeath。Butsurelytherewashopeforthatworldyet！——forwhosewerethewordsinwhichitsindwellingdespairgrewaudible？
　　“Andweindeedjustly；forwereceivetheduerewardofourdeeds；
　　butthismanhathdonenothingamiss！”
　　Againthesilencefell，buttheformdidnotmove，andstilltheystoodregardinghim。
　　>Fromfarawaycamethesoundoftheghost-music。Theheadagainstthewallbegantomoveasifwakingfromsleep。Thehandssankalongthewallandfellbythesides。Theearlgaveadeepsigh，butstillstoodleaninghisforeheadagainstthewall。
　　Arcturaturned，andtheylefttheroom。
　　Shewentdownthestair，andontothelibrary。Itsdarkoakcasesandoldbindingsreflectedhardlyarayofthepoortapershecarried；butthefirewasnotyetquiteout。Shesetdownthelight，andlookedatDonalinsilence。
　　“Whatdoesitallmean？”heaskedinahoarsewhisper。
　　“Godknows！”shereturnedsolemnly。
　　“Arewesafe？”heasked。“Mayhenotcomehere？”
　　“Idonotthinkhewill。Ihaveseenhiminmanypartsofthehouse，butneverhere。“
　　Evenasshespokethedoorswungnoiselesslyopen，andtheearlentered。Hisfacewasghastlypale；hiseyeswerewideopen；hecamestraighttowardsthem。Buthedidnotseethem；orifhedid，hesawthembutasphantomsofthedreaminwhichhewaswalking——phantomswhichhadnotyetbecomeactiveinthedream。Hedrewachairtotheembers，inhisfancydoubtlessagreatfire，satforamomentortwogazingintothem，rose，wentthewholelengthoftheroom，tookdownabook，returnedwithittothefire，drewtowardshimArctura'stinytaper，openedthebook，andbegantoreadinanaudiblemurmur。
　　Donal，tryingafterwardstorecallandsetdownwhathehadheard，wrotenothingbetterthanthis：——
　　Intheheartoftheearth-caveLaytheking。
　　ThroughchancelandchoirandnaveThebellsring。
　　Saidthewormathisside，Sweetfool，Turntothybride；
　　Isthenightsocool？
　　WouldstthoulielikeastonetilltheachingmornOutofthedarkbeborn？
　　Heavilypressedthenightenorm，Butheheardthevoiceoftheworm，Likethesoundofamutteredthunderlow，Intherealmswherenofeetgo。
　　Andhesaid，Iwillrise，Iwillwillmyselfglad；
　　Iwillopenmyeyes，Andnomoresleepsad。
　　ForwhoisagodButthemanwhocanspringUpfromthesod，Andbehisownking？
　　Iwillmodelmygladness，Digmydespair——
　　AndletgoodnessorbadnessBefolly'sowncare！
　　Iwillhecontent，AndtheworldshallspinroundTillitsforcebeoutspent。
　　ItshalldropLikeatopSpunbyaboy，WhileIsitinmytent，Inafeaturelessjoy——
　　Sitwithoutsound，Andtossupmyworld，TillitburstandbedrownedIntheblacknessupcurled>Fromthedeephell-ground。
　　ThedreamsofagodAretheworldsofhisslaves：
　　Iwillbemyowngod，Andrulemyownknaves！
　　Hewentoninthiswayforsomeminutes；thentherimesgrewlessperfect，andtheutterancesankintomeasuredprose。Thetoneofthespeakershowedthathetookthestuffforglowingverse，andregardeditasembodyinghisownpresentconsciousness。Onemighthavethoughtthewormwouldhaveawordtosayinrejoinder；butno；
　　thewormhadvanished，andtheburieddreamerhadmadehimselfagod——hisowngod！Donalstoleupsoftlybehindhim，andpeepedattheopenbook：itwastheNovumOrganum！
　　Theyglidedoutoftheroom，andleftthedreamertohisdreams。
　　“Doyouthink，“saidDonal，“IoughttotellSimmons？”
　　“Itwouldbebetter。Doyouknowwheretofindhim？”
　　“Idonot。“
　　“Iwillshowyouabellthatringsinhisroom。Hewillthinkhislordshiphasrungit。“
　　Theywentandrangthebell。Inaminuteortwotheyheardthestepsofthefaithfulservantseekinghismaster，andbadeeachothergood-night。
　　CHAPTERXL。
　　ARELIGION-LESSON。
　　InthemorningDonallearnedfromSimmonsthathismasterwasveryill——couldnotraisehishead。
　　“Thewayhedomoanandcry！”saidSimmons。“Youwouldthinksurehewaseitheroutofhismind，orhadsomethingheavyuponit！AlltheyearsIknownhim，hebeenlikethateverynowan'then，andbacktohisoldselfagain，littletheworse！Onlythefitsdocomeoftener。“
　　Towardsthecloseofschool，asDonalwasbeginningtogivehislessoninreligion，ladyArcturaentered，andsatdownbesideDavie。
　　“Whatwouldyouthinkofme，Davie，“Donalwassaying，“ifIwereangrywithyoubecauseyoudidnotknowsomethingIhadnevertaughtyou？”
　　Davieonlylaughed。Itwastohimagrotesque，animpossiblesupposition。
　　“If，“Donalresumed，“IweretoshowyouapropositionofEuclidwhichyouhadneverseenbefore，andsaytoyou，'Now，Davie，thisisoneofthemostbeautifulofallEuclid'spropositions，andyoumustimmediatelyadmireit，andadmireEuclidforconstructingit！'——whatwouldyousay？”
　　Daviethought，andlookedpuzzled。
　　“Butyouwouldn'tdoit，sir！”hesaid。“——Iknowyouwouldn'tdoit！”headded，afteramoment。
　　“WhyshouldInot？”
　　“Itisn'tyourway，sir。“
　　“ButsupposeIweretotakethatway？”
　　“Youwouldnotthenbelikeyourself，sir！”
　　“TellmehowIshouldbeunlikemyself。Think。“
　　“Youwouldnotbereasonable。“
　　“Whatwouldyousaytome？”
　　“Ishouldsay，'Please，sir，letmelearnthepropositionfirst，andthenIshallbeabletoadmireit。Idon'tknowityet！'“
　　“Verygood！——Nowagain，suppose，whenyoutriedtolearnit，youwerenotabletodoso，andthereforecouldseenobeautyinit——shouldIblameyou？”
　　“No，sir；Iamsureyouwouldnot——becauseIshouldnotbetoblame，anditwouldnotbefair；andyouneverdowhatisnotfair！”
　　“Iamgladyouthinkso：Itrytobefair——Thatlooksasifyoubelievedinme，Davie！”
　　“OfcourseIdo，sir！”
　　“Why？”
　　“Justbecauseyouarefair。“
　　“Suppose，Davie，Isaidtoyou，'HereisaverybeautifulthingI
　　shouldlikeyoutolearn，'andyou，afteryouhadpartlylearnedit，weretosay'Idon'tseeanythingbeautifulinthis：IamafraidI
　　nevershall！'——wouldthatbetobelieveinme？”
　　“No，surely，sir！foryouknowbestwhatIamablefor。“
　　“Supposeyousaid，'Idaresayitisallasgoodasyousay，butI
　　don'tcaretotakesomuchtroubleaboutit，'——whatwouldthatbe？”
　　“Nottobelieveinyou，sir。Youwouldnotwantmetolearnathingthatwasnotworthmytrouble，orathingIshouldnotbegladofknowingwhenIdidknowit。“
　　“Supposeyousaid，'Sir，Idon'tdoubtwhatyousay，butIamsotired，Idon'tmeantodoanythingmoreyoutellme，'——wouldyouthenbebelievinginme？”
　　“No。Thatmightbetobelieveyourword，butitwouldnotbetotrustyou。Itwouldbetothinkmythinksbetterthanyourthinks，andthatwouldbenofaithatall。“
　　Daviehadattimesanoddlychildishwayofputtingthings。
　　“Supposeyouweretosaynothing，butgoawayanddonothingofwhatItoldyou——whatwouldthatbe？”
　　“Worseandworse；itwouldbesneaking。“
　　“Onequestionmore：whatisfaith——thebigfaithImean——notthelittlefaithbetweenequals——thebigfaithweputinoneaboveus？”
　　“Itistogoatonceanddothethinghetellsustodo。“
　　“Ifwedon't，thenwehaven'tfaithinhim？”
　　“No；certainlynot。“
　　“Butmightnotthatbehisfault？”
　　“Yes——ifhewasnotgood——andsoIcouldnottrusthim。IfhesaidI
　　wastodoonekindofthing，andhedidanotherkindofthinghimself，thenofcourseIcouldnothavefaithinhim。“
　　“Andyetyoumightfeelyoumustdowhathetoldyou！”
　　“Yes。“
　　“Wouldthatbefaithinhim？”
　　“No。“
　　“Wouldyoualwaysdowhathetoldyou？”
　　“Notifhetoldmetodowhatitwouldbewrongtodo。“
　　“Nowtellme，Davie，whatisthebiggestfaithofall——thefaithtoputintheoneonlyaltogethergoodperson。“
　　“YoumeanGod，Mr。Grant？”
　　“WhomelsecouldImean？”
　　“YoumightmeanJesus。“
　　“Theyareone；theymeanalwaysthesamething，doalwaysthesamething，alwaysagree。Thereisonlyonethingtheydon'tdothesamein——theydonotlovethesameperson。“
　　“Whatdoyoumean，Mr。Grant？”interruptedArctura。
　　Shehadbeenlisteningintently：wastheclovenfootofMr。Grant'sheresynowatlastabouttoappearplainly？
　　“Imeanthis，“answeredDonal，withasmilethatseemedtoArcturasuchalightasshehadneverseenonhumanface，“——thatGodlovesJesus，notGod；andJesuslovesGod，notJesus。Weloveoneanother，notourselves——don'twe，Davie？”
　　“Youdo，Mr。Grant，“answeredDaviemodestly。
　　“Nowtellme，Davie，whatisthegreatbigfaithofall——thatwhichwehavetoputintheFatherofus，whoisasgoodnotonlyasthoughtcanthink，butasgoodasheartcanwish——infinitelybetterthananybodybutJesusChristcanthink——whatisthefaithtoputinhim？”
　　“Oh，itiseverything！”answeredDavie。
　　“Butwhatfirst？”askedDonal。
　　“First，itistodowhathetellsus。“
　　“Yes，Davie：itistolearnhisproblemsbygoinganddoinghiswill；nottryingtounderstandthingsfirst，buttryingfirsttodothings。Wemustspreadoutourarmstohimasachilddoestohismotherwhenhewantshertotakehim；thenwhenhesetsusdown，saying，'Goanddothisorthat，'wemustmakeallthehasteinustogoanddoit。Andwhenwegethungrytoseehim，wemustlookathispicture。“
　　“Whereisthat，sir？”
　　“Ah，Davie，Davie！don'tyouknowthatyet？Don'tyouknowthat，besidesbeinghimself，andjustbecauseheishimself，JesusisthelivingpictureofGod？”
　　“Iknow，sir！Wehavetogoandreadabouthiminthebook。“
　　“MayIaskyouaquestion，Mr。Grant？”saidArctura。
　　“Withperfectfreedom，“answeredDonal。“IonlyhopeImaybeabletoanswerit。“
　　“WhenwereadaboutJesus，wehavetodrawforourselveshislikenessfromwords，andyouknowwhatkindofalikenessthebestartistwouldmakethatway，whohadneverseenwithhisowneyesthepersonwhoseportraithehadtopaint！”
　　“Iunderstandyouquite，“returnedDonal。“Somegotoothermentodrawitforthem；andsomegotootherstohearfromthemwhattheymustdraw——thusgettingalltheirblundersinadditiontothosetheymustmakeforthemselves。Butthenearestlikenessyoucanseeofhim，istheonedrawnbyyourselfwhiledoingwhathetellsyou。Hehaspromisedtocomeintothosewhokeephisword。Hewillthenbemuchnearertothemthaninbodilypresence；andsuchmaywellbeabletodrawforthemselvesthelikenessofGod——Butfirstofall，andbeforeeverythingelse，mind，Davie，OBEDIENCE！”
　　“Yes，Mr。Grant；Iknow，“saidDavie。
　　“Thenoffwithyou！OnlythinksometimesitisGodwhogaveyouyourgame。“
　　“I'mgoingtoflymykite，Mr。Grant。“
　　“Do。Godlikestoseeyouflyyourkite，anditisallinhisMarchwinditflies。Itcouldnotgoupafootbutforthat。“
　　Daviewent。
　　“Youhaveheardthatmyuncleisveryillto-day！”saidArctura。
　　“Ihave。Poorman！”repliedDonal。
　　“Hemustbeinaverypeculiarcondition。“
　　“Ofbodyandmindboth。Hegreatlyperplexesme。“
　　“YouwouldbequiteasmuchperplexedifyouhadknownhimaslongasIhave！Neversincemyfather'sdeath，whichseemsacenturyago，haveIfeltsafe；neverinmyuncle'spresenceatease。Igetnonearertohim。Itseemstome，Mr。Grant，thatthecauseofdiscomfortandstrifeisneverthatwearetoonearothers，butthatwearenotnearenough。“
　　ThiswasaremarkafterDonal'sownheart。
　　“Iunderstandyou，“hesaid，“andentirelyagreewithyou。“
　　“Ineverfeelthatmyunclecaresformeexceptasoneofthefamily，andtheholderofitschiefproperty。Hewouldhavelikedmebetter，perhaps，ifIhadbeendependentonhim。“
　　“Howlongwillhebeyourguardian？”askedDonal。
　　“Heisnolongermyguardianlegally。Thetimesetbymyfather'swillendedlastyear。Iamthreeandtwenty，andmyownmistress。
　　Butofcourseitismuchbettertohavetheheadofthehousewithme。Iwishhewerealittlemorelikeotherpeople！——Buttellmeabouttheghost-music：wehadnottimetotalkofitlastnight！”
　　“Igotprettyneartheplaceitcamefrom。Butthewindblewso，anditwassodark，thatIcoulddonothingmorethen。“
　　“Youwilltryagain？”
　　“Ishallindeed。“
　　“Iamafraid，ifyoufindanaturalcauseforit，Ishallbealittlesorry。“
　　“Howcantherebeanyotherthananaturalcause，mylady？GodandNatureareone。GodisthecausingNature——Tellme，isnotthemusicheardonlyinstormynights，oratleastnightswithagooddealofwind？”
　　“Ihavehearditinthedaytime！”
　　“Onastillday？”
　　“Ithinknot。IthinktooIneverhearditonastillsummernight。“
　　“Doyouthinkitcomesinallstorms？”
　　“Ithinknot。“
　　“Thenperhapsithassomethingtodonotmerelywiththewind，butwiththedirectionofthewind！”
　　“Perhaps。Icannotsay。“
　　“Thatmightaccountfortheuncertaintyofitsvisits！Theinstrumentmaybeaccessible，yetitsconversewiththeoperatingpowersorarethatithasnotyetbeendiscovered。Itisacaseinwhichexperimentisnotpermittedus：wecannotmakeawindblow，neithercanwevarythedirectionofthewindblowing；observationaloneisleftus，andthatcanbeonlyatsuchtimeswhenthesoundisheard。“
　　“Thenyoucandonothingtillthemusiccomesagain？”
　　“IthinkIcandosomethingnow；for，lastnightIseemedsoneartheplacewhencethesoundswerecoming，thattheeyemaynowbeabletosupplementtheear，andfindthemusic-birdsilentonhernest。Ifthewindfall，asIthinkitwillintheafternoon，IshallgoagainandseewhetherIcanfindanything。Inoticedlastnightthatsimultaneouslywiththesoundcameachangeinthewind——towardsthesouth，Ithink——WhatanightitwasafterIleftyou！”
　　“Ithink，“saidArctura，“thewindhassomethingtodowithmyuncle'sfits。Wasthereanythingverystrangeaboutitlastnight？
　　Whenthewindblowssoangrily，Ialwaysthinkofthatpassageabouttheprinceofthepoweroftheairbeingthespiritthatworksinthechildrenofdisobedience。Tellmewhatitmeans。“
　　“Idonotknowwhatitmeans，“answeredDonal；“butIsupposetheepithetinvolvesasymbolofthedifferencebetweenthewindofGodthatinspiresthespiritualtrueselfofman，andthewindoftheworldthatworksbythousandsofimpulsesandinfluencesinthelower，theselfishselfofchildrenthatwillnotobey。IwilllookatthepassageandseewhatIcanmakeoutofit。Onlythespiritualandthenaturalblendsothatwemayonedaybeastonished！——Wouldyouliketojointhemusic-hunt，mylady？”
　　“Doyoumean，goontheroof？ShouldIbeable？”
　　“Iwouldnothaveyougointhenight，andthewindblowing，“saidDonalwithalaugh；“butyoucancomeandsee，andjudgeforyourself。Thebartizanistheonlyanxiousplace，butasImeantotakeDaviewithme，youmaythinkIdonotcountitverydangerous！”
　　“WillitbesafeforDavie？”
　　“IcanventuremorewithDaviethanwithanother：heobeysinamoment。“
　　“Iwillobeytooifyouwilltakeme，“saidArctura。
　　“Then，please，cometotheschoolroomatfouro'clock。Butweshallnotgoexceptthewindbefallen。“
　　WhenDavieheardwhathistutorproposed，hewasfilledwiththerestlessnessofanticipation。OftenwhilehelpingDonalwithhisfuel，hehadgazedupathimontheroofwithlongingeyes，butDonalhadneverlethimgouponit。
　　CHAPTERXLI。
　　THEMUSIC-NEST。
　　Thehourcame，andwiththeverystrokeoftheclock，ladyArcturaandDaviewereintheschoolroom。Amomentmore，andtheysetouttoclimbthespiralofBaliol'stower。
　　ButwhatadifferentladywasArcturathisafternoon！Shewascheerful，evenmerry——withDavie，almostjolly。Hersoulhadmanyalternatinglightsandglooms，butitwasseldomornevernowsocloudedaswhenfirstDonalsawher。Inthesolitudeofherchamber，wheremostthesimplesoulshouldbeconsciousoflifeasablessedness，shewasyetoftenhauntedbyghastlyshapesoffear；
　　buttherealsootherformshadbeguntodrawnightoher；sweetestraysofhopewouldeverandanonbreakthroughtheclouds，andmockthedarknessfromherpresence。PerhapsGodmightmeanasthoroughlywellbyherasevenherimaginationcouldwish！
　　Doesadullreaderremarkthatherswasadiseasedstateofmind？——I
　　answer，Themoresheneededtobesavedfromitwiththeonlyrealdeliverancefromanyill！Buthermisery，howeverdiseased，wasinfinitelymorereasonablethanthehealthyjoyofsuchastroublethemselvesaboutnothing。Somesicknessesarebetterthananybutthetruehealth。
　　“Ineverthoughtyouwerelikethis，Arkie！”saidDavie。“YouarejustasifyouhadcometoschooltoMr。Grant！Youwouldsoonknowhowmuchhappieritistohavesomebodyyoumustmind！”
　　“Ifhavingme，Davie，“saidDonal，“doesn'thelpyoutobehappywithoutme，therewillnothavebeenmuchgooddone。WhatIwantmosttoteachyouis，toleavethedooralwaysonthelatch，forsomeone——youknowwhomImean——tocomein。“
　　“Racemeupthestair，Arkie，“saidDavie，whentheycametothefootofthespiral。
　　“Verywell，“assentedhiscousin。
　　“Whichsidewillyouhave——thebroadorthenarrow？”
　　“Thebroad。“
　　“Wellthen——one，two，three，andawaywego！”
　　Daviemountedlikeaclevergoat，hishandandarmonthenewel，andslippinglightlyroundit。Arctura'sascentwaseasierbutslower：
　　shefoundhergarmentsinherway，thereforeyieldedtherace，andwaitedforDonal。Davie，thinkingheheardherfootstepsbehindhimallthetime，flewupshriekingwiththesweetterroroflove'spursuit。
　　“Whatadarlingtheboyhasgrown！”saidArcturawhenDonalovertookher。
　　“Yes，“answeredDonal；“onewouldthinksuchachildmightrunstraightintothekingdomofheaven；butIsupposehemusthavehistemptationsandtrialsfirst：outofthestormalonecomesthetruepeace。“
　　“Willpeacecomeoutofallstorms？”
　　“Itrustso。Everypainandeveryfear，everydoubtisacryafterGod。Whatmotherrefusestogotoherchildbecauseheisonlycrying——notcallingherbyname！”
　　“Oh，ifIcouldbutbelievesoaboutGod！ForifitbeallrightwithGod——ImeanifGodbesuchaGodastobelovedwiththeheartandsoulofloving，thenalliswell。Isitnot，Mr。Grant？”
　　“Indeeditis！——Andyouarenotfarfromthekingdomofheaven，“hewasonthepointofsaying，butdidnot——becauseshewasinitalready，onlyunableyettoverifythethingsaroundher，likethemanwhohadbuthalf-wayreceivedhissight。
　　Whentheyreachedthetop，hetookthempasthisdoor，andhigherupthestairtothenext，openingonthebartizan。HerehesaidladyArcturamustcomewithhimfirst，andDaviemustwaittillhecamebackforhim。Whenhehadthembothsafeontheroof，hetoldDavietokeepclosetohiscousinorhimselfallthetime。Heshowedthemfirsthisstoresoffuel——hisammunition，hesaid，forfightingthewinter。Nexthepointedoutwherehestoodwhenfirstheheardthemusicthenightbefore，andsetdownhisbuckettofollowit；andwherehefoundthebucket，blownthitherbythewind，whenhecamebacktofeelforitinthedark。Thenhebegantoleadthem，asnearlyashecould，thewayhehadthengone，butwithsome，forArctura'ssake，desirabledetours：overonesteep-slopingrooftheyhadtocross，hefoundalittlestairupthemiddle，anddowntheotherside。
　　Theycametoapartwherehewasnotquitesureabouttheway。Ashestoppedtobethinkhimself，theyturnedandlookedeastward。Theseawasshininginthesun，andtheflatwetcountrybetweenwassobrightthattheycouldnottellwherethelandendedandtheseabegan。Butastheygazedagreatcloudcameoverthesun，theseaturnedcoldandgrayasdeath——atrueMarchsea，andthelandlaylowanddesolatebetween。Thespringwasgoneandthewinterwasthere。Agustofwind，fullofkeenhail，drovesharpintheirfaces。
　　“Ah，thatsettlesthequestion！”saidDonal。“Themusic-birdmustwait。Wewillcalluponheranotherday——Itisfunny，isn'tit，Davie，togoabird's-nestingaftermusicontheroofofahouse？”
　　“Hark！”saidArctura；“IthinkIheardthemusic-bird！——Shewantsustofindhernest！Ireallydon'tthinkweoughttogobackforalittleblastofwind，andafewpelletsofhail！Whatdoyouthink，Davie？”
　　“Oh，forme，Iwouldn'tturnforeversobigastorm！”saidDavie；
　　“butyouknow，Arkie，it'snotyouorme，Arkie！Mr。Grantisthecaptainofthisexpedition，andwemustdoashebidsus。“
　　“Oh，surely，Davie！Inevermeanttodisputethat。OnlyMr。Grantisnotatyrant；hewillletaladysaywhatshethinks！”
　　“Oh，yes，oraboyeither！HelikesmetosaywhatIthink！Hesayswecan'tgetateachotherwithout。Anddoyouknow——heobeysmesometimes！”
　　Arcturaglancedakeenquestionattheboy。
　　“Itisquitetrue！”saidDavie，whileDonallistenedsmiling。“Lastwinter，fordaystogether——notallday，youknow：Ihadtoobeyhimmostofthetime！butatcertaintimes，IwasassureofMr。GrantdoingasItoldhim，asheisnowofmedoingashetellsme。“
　　“Whattimeswerethose？”askedArctura，thinkingtohearofsomeoddpedagogicdevice。
　　“WhenIwasteachinghimtoskate！”answeredDavie，inatriumphofremembrance。“HesaidIknewbetterthanhethere，andsohewouldobeyme。Youwouldn'tbelievehowsplendidlyhedidit，Arkie——outandout！”concludedDavie，inatonealmostofawe。
　　“Oh，yes，Iwouldbelieveit——perfectly！”saidArctura。
　　Donalsuddenlythrewanarmroundeachofthem，andpulledthemdownsitting。Thesameinstantafierceblastburstupontheroof。Hehadseenthesquallwhiteningthesea，andlookingnearerhomesawthetopsofthetreesbetweenstreamingleveltowardsthecastle。Butseatedtheywereinnodanger。
　　“Hark！”saidArcturaagain；“thereitis！”