Allwasrunningwater。Notahumanbeingwasvisible，andbutafewhouse-roofs，ofwhichforamomentitwashardtosaywhetherornottheywereofthosethatwereafloat。Hereandtherewerethetopsoftrees，showinglikelowbushes。Nothingwasupliftedexceptthemountains。HedrewneartheMains。Allthericksintheyardwerebobbingabout，asifamusingthemselveswithaslowcontradance;buttheywereasyetkeptinbythebarn，andahugeoldhedgeofhawthorn。Whatwasthatcryfromfaraway？，Surelyitwasthatofahorseindanger！，Itbroughtalustyequineresponsefromthefarm。Wherecouldhorsesbewithsuchadepthofwaterabouttheplace？，Thenbeganagreatlowingofcattle。Butagaincamethecryofthehorsefromafar，andGibbie，thistimerecognizingthevoiceasSnowball’s，forgottherest。Hestoodupontheverytopoftherickandsenthiskeenglanceroundonallsides。Thecrycameagainandagain，sothathewassatisfiedinwhatdirectionhemustlook。Therainhadabatedalittle，buttheairwassothickwithvapourthathecouldnottellwhetheritwasreallyanobjectheseemedtoseewhiteagainstthebrownwater，farawaytotheleft，orafancyofhisexcitedhope：itmightbeSnowballontheturn-pikeroad，whichthereaboutranalongthetopofahighembankment。Hetumbledfromtherick，rolledthelineaboutthebarrel，andpushedvigorouslyforwhatmightbethehorse。
Ittookhimawearyhour——insomanycurrentswashecaught，oneaftertheother，allstrainingtocarryhimfarbelowtheobjecthewantedtoreach：anobjectitplainlywasbeforehehadgothalf-wayacross，andbyandbyasplainlyitwasSnowball——testifiedtoearsandeyestogether。Whenatlengthhescrambledontheembankmentbesidehim，thepoor，shivering，perishingcreaturegavealowneighofdelight：hedidnotknowGibbie，buthewasahumanbeing。Hewasquitecowedandsubmissive，andGibbieatoncesetabouthisrescue。Hehadreasonedashecamealongthat，iftherewerebeastsattheMains，theremustberoomforSnowball，andthitherhewouldendeavourtotakehim。Hetiedtheendofthelinetotheremnantofthehalteronhishead，theotherendbeingstillfasttothebarrel，andtooktothewateragain。Encouragedbythepoweruponhishead，thepressure，namely，ofthehalter，thehorsefollowed，andtheymadefortheMains。Itwasalongjourney，andGibbiehadnotbreathenoughtosingtoSnowball，buthemadewhatnoisehecould，andtheygotslowlyalong。Hefoundthedifficultiesfargreaternowthathehadtolookoutforthehorseaswellasforhimself。Nonebutonemuchusedtothewatercouldhavesucceededintheattempt，orcouldindeedhavestoodoutagainstitsweakeninginfluenceandthestrainofthecontinuedexertiontogethersolong。
Atlengthhisbarrelgotwater-logged，andhesentitadrift。
CHAPTERXXXVI。
THEBRANDER。
MistressCroalewasnot，afterall，thelastwhoarrivedattheMains。Butthatthenextarrivalwasaccountedfor，scarcelyrendereditlessmarvellousthanhers——JustafterthelossofSnowball，camefloatingintothefarmyard，overthetopofthegate，withsuchastonishmentofallwhobeheldthateachseemedtoplacemoreconfidenceinhisneighbour’seyesthaninhisown，awomanonaraft，withherfourlittlechildrenseatedaroundher，holdingtheskirtofhergownaboveherheadandoutbetweenherhandsforasail。Shehadmadetheraftherself，bytyingsomebarsofapalingtogether，andcrossingthemwithwhatotherbitsofwoodshecouldfind——abrandershecalledit，whichisScotchforagridiron，andthenceforagrating。Nobodyknewher。ShehadcomedowntheLorrie。Thefarmerwassostruckwithadmirationofherinvention，daring，andsuccess，thathevowedhewouldkeepthebranderaslongasitwouldsticktogether;andasitcouldnotbetakenintothehouse，hesecureditwitharopetooneofthewindows。
Whentheyhadthehorsessafeonthefirstfloor，theybroughtthecattleintothelowerrooms;butitbecameevidentthatiftheyweretohaveachance，theyalsomustbegotuptothesamelevel。
Thereuponfollowedagreatertumultthanbefore——suchabangingofheadsandhindquarters，ofhornsandshoulders，againstwallsandpartitions，sucharushingandthundering，thatthehouseseemedinmoredangerfromwithinthanfromwithout;forthecattlewereworsetomanagethanthehorses，andonemomentstubbornasamilestone，wouldthenextmomentstartintoafranticrush。Onepoorwretchbrokebothherhornscleanoffagainstthewall，atasharpturnofthepassage;andaftertwoorthreemoreaccidents，partlycausedbyover-hasteinthehumanmortals，Donalbeggedthatthebusinessshouldbelefttohimandhismother。Hismasterconsented，anditwaswonderfulwhatJanetcontrivedtoeffectbygentleness，coaxing，andsuggestion。WhenHornie’sturncame，Donalbegantotieropestoherhindhoofs。Mr。Duffobjected。
“YedinnakenhersaeweelasIdee，sir，“answeredDonal。“Shewadcawherhornsintilaman-o-war’atangerther。An’upyon’eryecudnagetawhackather，forhurtin’ane’atdidnadeserve’t。I
s’deehernomischeef，Is’warran’。Yejistlea’hertome，sir。”
Hismasteryielded。Donaltiedapieceofroperoundeachhindpastern——ifcowshavepasterns——andmadealoopattheend。Themomentshewasatthetopofthestair，heandhismotherdroppedeachaloopoverahorn。
“Noo，she’llnaithersticknorfling(gorenorkick)，“saidDonal：
shecouldbutbellow，andpawwithherfore-feet。
ThestrangersweremostlyinFergus’sbedroom;thehorseswereallintheirowner’s;andthecattlewereintheremainingrooms。
Burstsoftalkamongstthewomenwerefollowedbyfitsofsilence：
whocouldtellhowlongthefloodmightlast！——orindeedwhetherthehousemightnotbeunderminedbeforemorning，orbestruckbyoneofthosebigthingofwhichsomanyfloatedby，andgivewaywithoneterriblecrash！，Mr。Duff，whilepreservingatolerablycalmexterior，wasnearlyathiswits’end。Hewouldstandforhalfanhourtogether，withhishandsinhispockets，lookingmotionlessoutofawindow，murmuringnowandthentohimself，“Thisiscleanridic’lous！”Butwhenanythinghadtobedonehewasactiveenough。
MistressCroalesatinacorner，veryquiet，andlookingnotalittlecowed。Therewasaltogethermorewaterthansheliked。NowandthensheliftedherluridblackeyestoJanet，whostoodatoneofthewindows，knittingawayathermaster’sstocking，andcastingmanyacalmglanceatthebrownwatersandthestrangedriftthatcoveredthem;butifJanetturnedherheadandmadearemarktoher，shenevergavebackotherthancurtifnotrudereply。IntheafternoonJeanbroughtthewhiskybottle。Atsightofit，MistressCroale’seyesshotflame。Jeanpouredoutaglassful，tookasip，andofferedittoJanet。Janetdecliningit，Jean，invadedpossiblybysomepityofhermiserableaspect，offeredittoMistressCroale。
Shetookitwithaffectedcoolness，tosseditoffatagulp，andpresentedtheglass——nottothehandfromwhichshehadtakenit，buttoJean’sotherhand，inwhichwasthebottle。Jeancastapiercinglookintohergreedyeyes，andtakingtheglassfromher，filledit，andpresentedittothewomanwhohadbuiltandnavigatedthebrander。MistressCroalemutteredsomethingthatsoundedlikeacurseuponscrimpmeasure，anddrewherselffartherbackintothecorner，whereshehadseatedherselfonFergus’sportmanteau。
“IdoobtwehaeanAhchani’thecamp——aJonahintiltheship！”saidJeantoJanet，assheturned，bottleandglassinherhands，tocarrythemfromtheroom。
“Na，na;naithersaeguidnorsaeill，“repliedJanet。“Fowk’at’sbeenill-guidit，nokennin’whaurtheirhelplies，whilestakstotheboatle。Butthisisbutadayo’punishment，noadayo’
judgmentyet，an’I’mthinkin’thewarst’snearhan’ower——GienonlyGibbiewarhere！”
Jeanlefttheroom，shakingherhead，andJanetstoodaloneatthewindowasbefore。Ahandwaslaidonherarm。Shelookedup。Theblackeyeswereclosetohers，andtheglowthatwasinthemgavethelietothetoneofindifferencewithwhichMistressCroalespoke。
“Yehaemairnorancemadementiono’aneconneckitwi’ye，bythenameo’Gibbie，“shesaid。
“Ay，“answeredJanet，sendingfortheserpenttoaidthedove;“an’
whatmaybeyerwullwi’him？”
“Ow，naething，“returnedMistressCroale。“Ikennedaneo’thenamelangsyne’atwaslostsichto’。”
“There’sGibbiesherean’Gibbiesthere，“remarkedJanet，probingher。
“WeelIwat！”sheansweredpeevishly，forshehadhadwhiskyenoughonlytomakehercross，andturnedaway，mutteringhoweverinanundertone，butnottoolowforJanettohear，“butthere’snaemonyweeSirGibbies，orthewarl’wadnabesaedoomslikehell。”
Janetwasarrestedinherturn：couldthefierce，repellent，whisky-cravingwomanbethemotherofhergraciousGibbie？，Couldshebe，andlooksolost？，Butthelossofhimhadlostherperhaps。
AnyhowGodwashisFather，whoeverwasthemotherofhim。
“Hoocamyetotyneyerbairn，wuman？”sheasked。
ButMistressCroalewascarefulalso，andhadherreasons。
“Heranfraethebluidyhan’，“shesaidenigmatically。
JanetrecalledhowGibbiecametoher，scoredbythehandofcruelty。Weretherealwaysinnocentsintheworld，whointheirownpersons，bythewillofGod，unknowntothemselves，carriedontheworkofChrist，fillingupthatwhichwasleftbehindofthesufferingsoftheirMaster——women，children，infants，idiots——creaturesofsufferance，withsoulsopentotheworldtoreceivewrong，thatitmightpassandcease？littlefurnacesthey，oftheconsumingfire，toswallowupanddestroybyuncomplainingendurance——thedivinedestruction！
“Hoocamhebythebonnienickname？”sheaskedatlength。
“Nickname！”retortedMistressCroalefiercely;“IthinkIhearye！
Hisainnamean’teetlebylawan’richt，assure’severtherewasaKingJeames’atfirstpathishan’tothemakin’o’baronets！——asit’saftenIhaeh’ardSirGeorge，thefathero’’im，tellthesame。”
Sheceasedabruptly，annoyedwithherself，asitseemed，forhavingsaidsomuch。
“Yewadnabemyladyyersel’，wadye，mem？”suggestedJanetinhergentlestvoice。
MistressCroalemadehernoanswer。Perhapsshethoughtofthedayswhenshealoneofwomendidthesimplestofwoman’sofficesforSirGeorge。Anyhow，itwasonethingtorushofherselftothevergeofhersecret，andquiteanothertobefooledoverit。
“Is’tlangsin’yelosthim？”askedJanet，afterabootlesspause。
“Ay，“sheanswered，grufflyanddiscourteously，inatoneintendedtoquenchinterrogation。
ButJanetpersisted。
“Wadyeken’imagaingienyesaw’im？”
“Ken’im？，Iwadken’imgienhehadgrownagran’father。Ken’im，quo’she！，Whaeverkenned’imasIdid，bairn’athewas，an’wadnaken’imgienhewardeidan’anangelmadeo’’im！——ButweelIwat，it’slittledifferthatwadmak！”
Sheroseinherexcitement，andgoingtotheotherwindow，stoodgazingvacantlyoutupontherushingsea。ToJanetitwasplainsheknewmoreaboutGibbiethanshewasinclinedtotell，anditgaveheramomentarystingofapprehension。
“Whatwasaboothimyewadkensaeweel？”sheaskedinatoneofindifference，asifspeakingonlythroughthemeshesofherwork。
“I’llkenthem’atspeirsaforeItell，“sherepliedsullenly——Butthenextinstantshescreamedaloud，“LordGodAlmichty！yon’shim！
yon’shimsel’！”and，stretchingoutherarms，dashedahandthroughapane，lettinginaneddyingswirlofwindandwater，whilethebloodstreamedunheededfromherwrist。
ThesamemomentJeanenteredtheroom。Sheheardboththecryandthesoundofthebreakingglass。
“Carewhatsetthebeggar-wife！”sheexclaimed。“Gangfraethewindow，yerandy。”
MistressCroaletooknoheed。Shestoodnowstaringfromthewindowstillasastatueexceptforthepantingmotionofhersides。AttheotherwindowstoodJanet，gazingalso，withblessedface。Forthere，likeatritononasea-horse，cameGibbiethroughthewateronSnowball，swimmingwearily。
HecaughtsightofJanetatthewindow，andstraightwayhiscountenancewasradiantwithsmiles。MistressCroalegaveashudderingsigh，drewbackfromherwindow，andbetookherselfagaintoherdarkcorner。JeanwenttoJanet’swindow，andtherebeheldthetriumphalapproachofherbrownie，savingfromthewatersthelostandlamentedSnowball。Sheshoutedtoherbrother。
“John！，John！here’syerSnawba’;here’syerSnawba’。”
Johnrantohercall，and，besidehimselfwithjoywhenhesawhisfavouritecomeswimmingalong，threwthewindowwide，andbegantobawlthemostunnecessarydirectionsandencouragements，asiftheexploithadbeenbroughtthusfartowardsahappyissuesolelythroughhim，whilefromallthewindowsGibbiewaswelcomedwithshoutsandcheersandcongratulations。
“Lordpreserve’s！”criedMr。Duff，recognizingtherideratlast，“it’sRobGrant’sinnocent！，Whawadhaethouchtit？”
“TheLord’sbabesan’sucklin’saregeycawpablewhiles，“remarkedJanettoherself——ShebelievedGibbiehadmorefacultythananyofherown，Donalincluded，nordidshesharetheprevalentprejudiceofthecitythatheartandbrainsaremutuallyantagonistic;forinherowncaseshehadfoundthatherbrainswereneverworthmuchtoheruntilherhearttookuptheeducationofthem。Buttheintellectis，somuchoftenerthanbylove，seenandfelttobesharpenedbynecessityandgreed，thatitisnotsurprisingsuchaprejudiceshouldexist。
“Tak’imroon’tothedoor。”——“Whaurgotye’im？”——“Yewadbestget’iminatthewindowupo’thestair。”——“He’llbemaisthungert。”——“Ye’llbesomeweet，I’mthinkin’！”——“Comeawa’upthestair，an’tell’sa’abootit。”——AscoreofsuchconflictingshoutsassailedGibbieasheapproached，andherepliedtothemallwiththelightofhiscountenance。
Whentheyarrivedatthedoor，theyfoundadifficultywaitingthem：
thewaterwasnowsohighthatSnowball’sheadroseabovethelintel;and，thoughallanimalscanswim，theydonotallknowhowtodive。Atumultofsuggestionsimmediatelybrokeout。ButDonalhadalreadythrownhimselffromawindowwitharope，andswumtoGibbie’sassistance;thetwounderstoodeachother，andheedingnothingtherestweresaying，heldtheirowncommunications。InaminutetheropewasfastenedroundSnow-ball’sbody，andtheendofitdrawnbetweenhisfore-legsandthroughtheringofhishead-stall，whenDonalswamwithittohismotherwhostoodonthestair，withtherequestthat，assoonasshesawSnowball’sheadunderthewater，shewouldpullwithallhermight，anddrawhiminatthedoor。Donalthenswamback，andthrewhisarmsroundSnowball’sneckfrombelow，whilethesamemomentGibbiecasthiswholeweightofitfromabove：thehorsewasoverheadandearsinaninstant，andthroughthedoorinanother。Withsnortingnostrilsandblazingeyeshisheadroseinthepassage，andinterrorhestruckoutforthestair。Ashescrambledheavilyupfromthewater，hismasterandRobertseizedhim，andwithmuchpettingandpattingandgentling，thoughtherewaslittleenoughdifficultyinmanaginghimnow，conductedhimintothebedroomtotherestofthehorses。Therehewaswelcomedbyhiscompanions，andimmediatelybegandevouringthehayuponhismaster’sbedstead。Gibbiecameclosebehindhim，wasseizedbyJanetatthetopofthestair，embracedlikeonecomealivefromthegrave，andled，alldrippingashewas，intotheroomwerethewomenwere。Thefarmerfollowedsoonafterwiththewhisky，theuniversalmedicineinthoseparts，ofwhichheofferedaglasstoGibbie，buttheinnocentturnedfromitwithacuriouslookofmingleddisgustandgratefulness：hisfather’slifehadnotbeenallafailure;hehaddonewhatparentssorarelyeffect——handedthegeneralresultsofhisexperiencetohisson。ThesightandsmellofwhiskyweretoGibbiealoathingflavouredwithhorror。
Thefarmerlookedbackfromthedoorashewasleavingtheroom：
GibbiewasperformingawildcirculardanceofwhichJanetwasthecentre，throwinghislimbsaboutlikethetoythechildrencallajumpingJack，whichendedsuddenlyinamotionlessecstasyupononeleg。HavingregardedforamomenttherescuerofSnowballwithastonishment，JohnDuffturnedawaywiththereflection，howeasyitwasandnaturalforthosewhohadnothing，andthereforecouldlosenothing，tomakemerryinothers’adversity。ItdidnotonceoccurtohimthatitwasthejoyofhavingsavedthatcausedGibbie’smerrimentthustooverflow。
“Thecratur’sabornidiot！”hesaidafterwardstoJean;“an’it’sjistamervelwhathe’scawpableo’！——But，’deed，there’slittletocheeseatweenJanetan’him！，They’rebaithtarredwi’thesamestick。”，Hepausedamoment，thenadded，“They’lldeeweeleneuchi’
theitherwarl’，Idoobtna，whaurnaebodyhastohaudaffo’
themsel’s。”
Thatday，however，Gibbiehadprovedthatamanmaywellaffordbothtohavenothing，andtotakenocareofhimself，seeinghehad，sinceheroseinthemorning，rescuedafriend，afoe，andabeastoftheearth。Verily，hemightstandononeleg！
ButwhenhetoldJanetthathehadbeenhome，andhadfoundthecottageuninjuredandoutofdanger，shegrewverysoberinthemidstofhergladness。Shecouldsaynothingthereamongststrangers，butthedreadaroseinherbosomthat，ifindeedshehadnotlikePeterdeniedherMasterbeforemen，shehadlikePeteryieldedhomagetothemightoftheelementsinhisrulingpresence;
andshejustlysawthesamefaithlessnessinthetwofailures。
“Eh！”shesaidtoherself，“gienonlyIhadbeenprayin’i’steado’
rinnin’awa’，Iwadhaebeentherewhanheturntthewatteraside！
Iwadhaeseenthemirricle！，OmyMaister！whatthinkyeo’menoo？”
ForalltheexcitementMistressCroalehadshownatfirstviewofGibbie，shesatstillinherduskycorner，madenomovementtowardshim，nordidanythingtoattracthisattention，onlykepthereyesfixeduponhim;andJanetinhermingledjoyandpainforgotheraltogether。Whenatlengthitrecurredtoherthatshewasintheroom，shecastasomewhatanxiousglancetowardstheplaceshehadoccupiedallday。Itwasempty;andJanetwasperplexedtothinkhowshehadgoneunseen。ShehadcreptoutafterMr。Duff，andprobablyJanetsawher，butasoneofthosewhoseeingseenot，andimmediatelyforget。
Justasthefarmerlefttheroom，agreatnoisearoseamongthecattleinthatadjoining;hesetdownthebottleonachairthathappenedtobeinthepassage，andrantoprotectthepartitions。
ExultationwouldbeapoorwordwherewithtorepresentthemadnessofthedelightthatshotitsfiresintoMistressCroale’seyeswhenshesawthebottleactuallyabandonedwithinherreach。Itwastoherastheverykeyoftheuniverse。Shedarteduponit，putittoherlips，anddrank。Yetshetookheed，thoughtwhileshedrank，anddidnotgobeyondwhatshecouldcarry。Littletimesuchanappropriationrequired。Noiselesslyshesetthebottledown，dartedintoaclosetcontainingasolitarycalf，andtherestoodlookingfromtheopenwindowinrightinnocentfashion，curiouslycontemplatingtheraftattachedtoit，uponwhichshehadseenthehighlandwomanarrivewithherchildren。
Atsupper-timeshewasmissingaltogether。Nobodycouldwithcertaintysaywhenhehadlastseenher。Thehousewassearchedfromtoptobottom，andtheconclusionarrivedatwas，thatshemusthavefallenfromsomewindowandbeendrowned——only，surelyshewouldatleasthaveutteredonecry！，Examiningcertainofthewindowstoknowwhethershemightnothaveleftsomesignofsuchanexit，thefarmerdiscoveredthatthebranderwasgone。
“Losh！”criedtheorraman，withafacebewilderedtoshapelessness，likethatofanoldmoonrisinginafog，“yon’llbeherIsawanhoorago，hynedoonthewater！”
“Yemucklegowk！”saidhismaster，“hoocudshewinsaefarohnganetotheboddom？”
“Upo’thebran’er，sir，“answeredtheorraman。“Ituikherforamuckledoguponadoor。Thewifemaunbeawitch！”
JohnDuffstaredatthemanwithhismouthopen，andforhalfaminuteallweredumb。Thethingwasincredible，yethardlytobecontroverted。Thewomanwasgone，theraftwasgone，andsomethingstrangethatmightbethetwotogetherhadbeenobservedaboutthetime，asnearastheycouldjudge，whensheceasedtobeobservedinthehouse。Hadthefarmernotedthechangeinthelevelofthewhiskyinhisbottle，hemighthavebeensurerofit——exceptindeedthedoubthadthenarisenwhethertheymightnotratherfindheratthefootofthestairwhenthewatersubsided。
Mr。DuffsaidtheluckchangedwiththereturnofSnowball;hissistersaid，withthedepartureofthebeggar-wife。Beforedarktherainhadceased，anditbecameevidentthatthewaterhadnotrisenforthelasthalf-hour。Intwohoursmoreithadsunkaquarterofaninch。
Gibbiethrewhimselfonthefloorbesidehismother’schair，shecoveredhimwithhergreycloak，andhefellfastasleep。Atdawn，hewokewithastart。HehaddreamedthatGinevrawasintrouble。
HemadeJanetunderstandthathewouldreturntoguidethemhomeassoonasthewaywaspracticable，andsetoutatonce。
Thewaterfellrapidly。Almostassoonasitwasmorning，thepeopleattheMainscouldbegindoingalittletowardsrestoration。
Butfromthatdayforth，foraboutayear，insteadofthewatersoftheDaurandtheLorrie，thehousewasfilledwiththegraduallysubsidingfloodofJean’slamentationsoverherhouse-gear——onethingafteranother，andtwentythingstogether。Therewasscarcelyanarticleshedidnot，overandover，proclaimutterlyruined，inatoneapparentlyindicatinggroundofseriouscomplaintagainstsomeonewhodidnotappear，thoughmostofthethings，toothereyesthanhers，remainedseeminglyaboutasusefulasbefore。InvainherbrothersoughttocomfortherwiththeassurancethattherewereworselossesatCulloden;sheanswered，thatifhehadnothimselfbeenspeciallyfavouredintherecoveryofSnowball，hewouldhavemadeamuchworsecomplaintabouthimalonethanshedidaboutallherlosses;whereupon，beinganhonestman，andnotcertainthatshespokeotherthanthetruth，heheldhispeace。ButhenevermadethesmallestacknowledgmenttoGibbieforthesavingofthesaidSnowball：whatcouldanidiotunderstandaboutgratitude？andwhatusewasmoneytoaboywhodidnotsethislifeatapin’sfee？，Buthealwaysspokekindlytohimthereafter，whichwasmoretoGibbiethananythinghecouldhavegivenhim;andwhenamaniscontent，hisfriendsmayholdtheirpeace。
ThenextdayJeanhadherdinnerstrangelyprovided。AsherbrotherwrotetoafriendinGlasgow，she“foundatthebackofthehouse，andalllyinginaheap，ahandsomedishoftrout，apike，ahare，apartridge，andaturkey，withadishofpotatoes，andadishofturnips，allbroughtdownbytheburn，anddepositedthereforthegoodofthehouse，excepttheturkey，which，alas！wasoneofherownfavouriteflock。”3
Intheafternoon，Gibbiere-appearedattheMains，andRobertandJanetsetoutatoncetogohomewithhim。Itwasalongjourneyforthem——hehadtotakethemsomanyrounds。Theyrestedatseveralhouses，andsawmuchmiseryontheirway。Itwasnightbeforetheyarrivedatthecottage。Theyfounditwarmandcleanandtidy：Ginevrahad，likeatruelady，sweptthehousethatgavehershelter：thatladiesoftendo;andperhapsitisyetmoretheirworkintheworldthantheyfullyunderstand。ForGinevra，itwasheavenlyblisstohertoheartheirapproachingfootsteps;andbeforesheleftthemshehadthoroughlylearnedthatthepoorestplacewheretheatmosphereislove，ismorehomely，andbyconsequencemoreheavenly，thanthemostbeautifuleven，wherelawandorderareelementssupreme。
“Eh，gienIhadonlyhadfaithan’bidden！”saidJanettoherselfassheentered;andtothedayofherdeathsheneverceasedtobemoanhertoohastydesertionof“theweehoosieupo’themucklerock。”
Astothestrangewoman’sevidentknowledgeconcerningGibbie，shecoulddonothingbutwait——fearingratherthanhoping;butshehadgotsofarabovetimeandchance，thatnothingreallytroubledher，andshecouldwaitquietly。Atthesametimeitdidnotseemlikelytheywouldhearanythingmoreofthewomanherself：noonebelievedshecouldhavegoneveryfarwithoutbeingwhelmed，orwhumledastheysaid，inthefiercewaters。
CHAPTERXXXVII。
MR。SCLATER。
Itmayberememberedthat，uponGibbie’sdisappearancefromthecity，greatinterestwasfeltinhisfate，andsuchquestionsstartedabouttheboyhimselfasmovedtheRev。ClementSclatertogatheralltheinformationatwhichhecouldarriveconcerninghisfamilyandhistory。Thatdone，heproceededtoattemptinterestinginhisunknownfortunesthoserelativesofhismotherwhoseexistenceandresidenceshehaddiscovered。Inthis，however，hehadmetwithnosuccess。Atthehousewhereshewasborn，therewasnownoonebutasecondcousin，towhomherbrother，dyingunmarried，hadleftthesmallestateoftheWithrops，alongwiththefamilycontemptforherhusband，andforherbecauseofhim，inasmuchas，bymarryinghim，shehadbroughtdisgraceuponherself，anduponallherpeople。SosaidthecousintoMr。Sclater，butseemedhimselfnowisehumbledbythedisgraceherecognized，indeedalmostclaimed。Astotheorphan，hesaid，tospeakhonestly(ashedidatleastthatonce)，themoreentirelyhedisappeared，thebetterhewouldconsiderit——notthatpersonallyhewastheleastconcernedinthematter;onlyif，accordingtotheScripture，thereweretwomoregenerationsyetuponwhichhadtobevisitedthesinsofSirGeorgeandLadyGalbraith，thegreatertheobscurityinwhichtheyremained，thelesswouldbethescandal。Thebrotherwhohadtakentobusiness，wastheseniorpartnerinalargeship-buildingfirmatGreenock。Thisman，WilliamFullerWithropbyname——WilfulWithroptheneighbourshadnicknamedhim——wasabachelor，andreputedrich。Mr。Sclaterdidnothearofhimwhatrousedverybrillianthopes。Hewasonewhowoulddemandmorereasonthanreasonableforthemostreasonableofactionsthatinvolvedpartingwithmoney;yethehadbeenknowntodoaliberalthingforapublicobject。Wastewassowickedthatanyothermoralriskwaspreferable。Ofthethree，hewouldwastemindandbodyratherthanestate。Manwasmadeneithertorejoicenortomourn，buttopossess。Toleavenostoneunturned，however，Mr。SclaterwrotetoMr。Withrop。Theanswerhereceivedwas，that，asthesister，concerningwhosechildhehadappliedtohim，hadneverbeenanythingbutatroubletothefamily;ashehadnoassociationswithhermemorysavethoseofmiseryanddisgrace;as，beforehelefthome，hernamehadlongceasedtobementionedamongthem;andasherownfatherhaddeliberatelyandabsolutelydisownedherbecauseofherobstinatedisobedienceandwilfulness，itcouldhardlybeexpectedofhim，andindeedwouldillbecomehim，toshowanylivelyinterestinheroffspring。Still，althoughhecouldnothonestlypretendtothesmallestconcernabouthim，hehad，frompurecuriosity，madeinquiryofcorrespondentswithregardtotheboy;
fromwhichtheresulting，knowledgewas，thathewaslittlebetterthananidiot，whosecharacter，education，andmanners，hadbeenpickedupinthestreets。Nothing，hewassatisfied，couldbedoneforsuchachild，whichwouldnotmakehimmoremiserable，aswellasmorewicked，thanhewasalready。Therefore，&c。&c。&c。
Thusfailing，Mr。Sclatersaidtohimselfhehaddoneallthatcouldberequiredofhim——andhehadindeedtakentrouble。Norcouldanythingbeasserted，hesaidfurthertohimself，ashisdutyinrespectofthischild，thatwasnotequallyhisdutyinrespectofeverylittlewandererinthestreetsofhisparish。Thatachild’sancestorshadbeenfavouredaboveothers，andhadsomisusedtheiradvantagesthattheirlastrepresentativewasleftinabjectpoverty，couldhardlybeareasonwhythatchild，born，inmorethanprobability，withthesameevilpropensitieswhichhadruinedthem，shouldbemadeanelectobjectoffavour。Whowashe，ClementSclater，tointrudeuponthedivineprerogative，andpresumetoactonthedoctrineofelection！，WasachildwithaSirtohisname，anythingmoreintheeyesofGodthanachildwithoutanameatall？
Wouldanytitle——eventhatofEarlorDuke，berecognizedinthekingdomofheaven？，Hisrelativesoughttodosomething：theyfailing，ofwhomcouldfurtherrequisitionbemade？，Therewerevesselstohonourandvesselstodishonour：towhichclassthisonebelonged，letGodinhistimereveal。Adutycouldnotbepassedon。Itcouldnotbecomethedutyoftheministerofaparish，justbecausethosewhooughtandcould，wouldnot，tospendtimeandmoney，totheneglectofhiscalling，inhunting，upaboywhomhewouldnotknowwhattodowithifhehadhim，aboywhosehomehadbeenwiththedregsofsociety。
InjusticetoMr。Sclater，itmustbementionedthathedidnotknowGibbie，evenbysight。Thereremainsroom，however，forthequestion，whether，ifMr。Sclaterhadnotbeenthemantochangehiscourseashedidafterwards，hewouldnothaveacteddifferentlyfromthefirst。
Onemorning，ashesatatbreakfastwithhiswife，lateMrs。
Bonniman，andcast，asis，Ifear，therudehabitofnotafewhusbands，notafewstolenglances，asheate，overthemorningpaper，hiseyefelluponaparagraphannouncingthesuddendeathofthewell-knownWilliamFullerWithrop，oftheeminentship-buildingfirmofWithropandPlaytell，ofGreenock。Untilhecametotheendoftheparagraph，hiscupofcoffeehungsuspendedinmidair。Thendownitwentuntasted，hejumpedfromhisseat，andhurriedfromtheroom。Forthesaidparagraphendedwiththeremark，thatthenotunfrequentincapacityoftheablestofbusinessmenforlookingtheinevitableinthefacewithcoolnesssufficienttothemakingofawill，wasnotonlyacuriousfact，butintheindividualcaseapity，wheretwohundredthousandpoundswasconcerned。Hadthewriterbeenalittlemorephilosophicalstill，hemighthaveseenthatthefacultyformakingmoneybynomeansinvolvesjudgmentinthedestinationofit，andthatthemoneymaydoitspartforgoodandevilwithout，justaswellaswith，awillatthebackofit。
Butthoughthiswastheoccasion，itremainstoaskwhatwasthecauseoftheminister’sprecipitancy。WhyshouldClementSclaterthereuponspringfromhischairinsuchastateofexcitementthathesethiscupofcoffeedownuponitssideinsteadofitsbottom，tothedetrimentofthetablecloth，andofsomethingbesides，moreunquestionablythepersonalpropertyofhiswife？，Whywasitthat，heedlessofherquestions，backedalthoughtheywerebothbyjustangerandlawfulcuriosity，heranstraightfromtheroomandthehouse，norstayeduntil，atoneandthesamemoment，hisfootwasonthetopstepofhislawyer’sdoor，andhishanduponitsbell？，Nodoubtitwassomebody’sbusiness，andperhapsitmightbeMr。
Sclater’s，tofindtheheirsofmenwhodiedintestate;butwhatmadeitsoindubitably，soemphatically，soindividually，sopressinglyMr。Sclater’s，thatheforgotbreakfast，tablecloth，wife，andsermon，alltogether，thathemightseetothisboy’srights？，Surelyiftheywererights，theycouldbeinnosuchimminentdangerasthishasteseemedtosignify。Wasitonlythathemightbethefirstintheracetorighthim？——andifso，thenagain，why？，Wasitacertaintyindisputable，thatanyboy，whethersuchanidletrampastheministersupposedthisonetobeornot，wouldberedeemedbytheheirshiptothehugestoffortunes？，Hadit，sometimebeforethis，becomeatlengtheasierforarichboytoenterintothekingdomofheaven？，Orwasitthat，withallhishonesty，allhisreligion，allhischurchism，allhisprotestantism，andhishabitualappealtothewordofGod，theministerwasyetamostreverentialworshipperofMammon，——nottheoldgodmentionedintheNewTestament，ofcourse，butathoroughlyrespectablemodernMammon，decentlydressed，perusingasubscriptionlist！，Nodoubtjusticeoughttobedone，andtheyoungmanoveratRoughrigswassuretobeputtinginafalseclaim，butwherewerethelawyers，whosebusinessitwas？，Therewasnoneedofaclergymantoremindthemoftheirdutywherethepickingofsuchacarcasewasconcerned。HadMr。Sclatereverconceivedthesmallestadmirationorlovefortheboy，Iwouldnothavemadethesereflections;but，inhisignoranceofhimandindifferenceconcerninghim，hebelievedtherewouldatleastbetroubleinprovinghimofapproximatelysoundmindanddecentintellect。What，then，Irepeatandleaveit，didallthisexcitementonthepartofoneoftheironpillarsofthechurchindicate？
>FromhislawyerhewouldhavegoneatoncetoMistressCroale——indeedIthinkhewouldhavegonetoherfirst，towarnheragainstimpartingwhatinformationconcerningGibbieshemightpossesstoanyotherthanhimself，buthehadnotanideawhereshemightevenbeheardof。Hehadcleansedhisownparish，ashethought，bypullingupthetare，contrarytocommandment，andthrowingitintohisneighbours，whereithadtakenroot，andgrownaworsetarethanbefore;untilatlength，shewhohadbeensocarefuloverthemannersandmoralsofherdrunkards，wasadrunkardherselfandawanderer，withthereputationofbeingafarworsewomanthanshereallywas。Forsomeyearsnowshehadmadeherliving，onepoorenough，byhawkingsmallhouseholdnecessities;andnotunfrequentlywheresheappeared，thehousewivesboughtofherbecausehereyes，andhernose，andanundefinedsenseofevilinherpresence，madethemshrinkfromthedangerofoffendingher。
Buttherealcauseofthebadimpressionshemadewas，thatshewassorelytroubledwithwhatis，byhugediscourtesy，calledabadconscience——beinginrealityaconsciencedoingitsdutysowellthatitmakesthewholehouseuncomfortable。
OnhernextreturntotheDaurfoot，asthepartofthecitywascalledwherenowshewasmostathome，sheheardtheastoundingandwelcomenewsthatGibbiehadfallenheirtoalargeproperty，andthattherewardofonehundredpounds——amodestsumindeed，butwherewasthegoodofwastingmoney，thoughtMr。Sclater——hadbeenproclaimedbytuckofdrum，toanyonegivingsuchinformationasshouldleadtothediscoveryofSirGilbertGalbraith，commonlyknownasweeSirGibbie。Adescriptionofhimwasadded，andthestraywassokenspeckle，thatMistressCroalesawthenecessityofhastetoanyhopeofadvantage。ShehadnothingtoguideherbeyondthefactofSirGeorge’shabit，inhiscups，ofreferringtothepropertyonDaurside，andtheassurancethatwiththesaidhabitGibbiemusthavebeenasfamiliarasherself。Withthisinitiative，asshemustbeginsomewhere，andcouldprosecuteherbusinessanywhere，shefilledherbasketandsetoutatonceforDaurside。
There，afteragooddealofwanderinghitherandthither，andasearchwhosefruitlessnesssheprobablyowedtotoogreatcaution，shemadethedesireddiscoveryunexpectedlyandmarvellously，andleftbehindherinthevalleythereputationofhavingbeenonmorefamiliartermswiththefloodandthecausesofit，thanwaspossibletoanybutonewhokeptcompanyworsethanhuman。
CHAPTERXXXVIII。
THEMUCKLEHOOSE。
Thenextmorning，JanetfeltherselfindutyboundtomakeinquiryconcerningthoseinterestedinMissGalbraith。Shemade，therefore，thebestofherwaywithGibbietotheMuckleHoose，but，asthelatterexpected，founditaruininawilderness。Acresoftreesandshrubberyhaddisappeared，andahollowwasteofsandandgravelwasintheirplace。Whatwasleftofthehousestoodontheedgeofaredgravellyprecipiceoffiftyfeetinheight，atwhosefootlaythestonesofthekitchen-wing，inwhichhadbeentheroomwhenceGibbiecarriedGinevra。Thenewerpartofthehousewasgonefromitsveryroots;theancientportion，allinnovationwipedfromit，stoodgrim，desolated，marred，anddefiantasofold。Notasignoflifewasabouttheplace;theverybirdshadfled。Angushadbeentherethatsamemorning，andhadlockedornailedupeverypossibleentrance：theplacelookedlikearuinofcenturies。Withdifficultytheygotdownintothegulf，withmoredifficultycrossedtheburn，clambereduptherockybankontheoppositeside，andknockedatthedoorofthegamekeeper’scottage。Buttheysawonlyalittlegirl，whotoldthemherfatherhadgonetofindthelaird，thathermotherwasillinbed，andMistressMacFarlaneonherwaytoherownpeople。
ItcameoutafterwardsthatwhenAngusandthehousekeeperheardGibbie’stapsatthewindow，and，lookingout，sawnobodythere，buttheburnwithinafewyardsofthehouse，theytookthewarningforasupernaturalinterferencetothepreservationoftheirlives，andfledatonce。Passingthefootofthestair，MistressMacFarlaneshriekedtoGinevratocome，butranonwithoutwaitingareply。
Theytoldafterwardsthatsheleftthehousewiththem，andthat，suddenlymissingher，theywentbacktolookforher，butcouldfindhernowhere，andwerejustabletomaketheirsecondescapewiththeirlives，hearingthehousefallintotheburnbehindthem。
MistressMacFarlanehadbeensevereasthelawitselfagainstlyingamongthemaids，butnow，whenitcametoherowndefencewheresheknewherselfwrong，sheliedjustlikeoneofthewicked。
“Mydearmissie，“saidJanet，whentheygothome，“yemaunwritetoyerfather，orhe’llbeooto’’swutsabootye。”
Ginevrawrotethereforetotheduke’s，andtothelaird’susualaddressinLondonaswell;buthewasonhiswayfromtheoneplacetotheotherwhenAngusovertookhim，andreceivedneitherletter。
Nowcametothegirlafewsuchdaysofdelight，offreedom，oflife，asshehadneverevendreamedof。SheroamedGlashgarwithGibbie，thegentlest，kindest，mostinterestingofcompanions。
Whereverhissheepwent，shewenttoo，andtomanyplacesbesides——someofthemsuchstrange，wild，terribleplaces，aswouldhaveterrifiedherwithouthim。Howhestartledheroncebydartingoffarocklikeaseagull，straight，head-foremost，intotheDeath-pot！，Shescreamedwithhorror，buthehaddoneitonlytoamuseher;for，afterwhatseemedtoherafearfultime，hecamesmilingupoutoftheterribledarkness。Whatabrave，beautifulboyhewas！，Heneverhurtanything，andnothingeverseemedtohurthim。Andwhatanumberofthingsheknew！，Heshowedherthingsonthemountain，thingsinthesky，thingsinthepoolsandstreamswherevertheywent。Hedidbetterthantellheraboutthem;hemadeherseethem，andthenthethingsthemselvestoldher。Shewasnotalwayscertainshesawjustwhathewantedhertosee，butshealwayssawsomethingthatmadehergladwithknowledge。HehadaNewTestamentJanethadgivenhim，whichhecarriedinhispocket，andwhenshejoinedhim，forhewasalwaysoutwithhissheephoursbeforeshewasup，shewouldgenerallyfindhimseatedonastone，orlyingintheheather，withthelittlebookinhishand，lookingsolemnandsweet。Butthemomenthesawher，hewouldspringmerrilyuptowelcomeher。Itwereindeedanargumentagainstreligionasstrongassad，ifoneofthechildrenthekingdomspeciallyclaims，couldnotbepossessedbythelifeoftheSonofGodwithoutlosinghissimplicityandjoyousness。Thoseofmyreaderswillbetheleastinclinedtodoubttheboy，who，byobedience，havecometoknowitsreward。Forobediencealoneholdswidethedoorfortheentranceofthespiritofwisdom。TherewasaslittletowonderatinGibbieastherewasmuchtoloveandadmire，forfromthemomentwhen，yetamerechild，heheardtherewassuchaoneclaiminghisobedience，hebegantoturntohimthehearingear，thewillingheart，thereadyhand。Themainthingwhichrenderedthisdevotionmoreeasyandnaturaltohimthantootherswas，that，morethaninmost，theloveofmanhadinhimpreparedthewayoftheLord。HewhosolovedthesonsofmenwasreadytolovetheSonofManthemomentheheardofhim;lovemakesobedienceajoy;andofhimwhoobeysallheavenisthepatrimony——heisfellow-heirwithChrist。
Onthefourthday，therain，whichhadbeencomingandgoing，finallyclearedoff，thesunwasagainglorious，andthefarmersbegantohopealittleforthedryingandripeningofsomeportionoftheircrops。ThenfirstGinevraaskedGibbietotakeherdowntoGlashruach;shewantedtoseetheruintheyhaddescribedtoher。
Whenshecamenear，andnotionschangedintovisiblefacts，sheneitherweptnorwailed。Shefeltverymiserable，itistrue，butitwasatfindingthattheevidentimpossibilityofreturningthitherforalongtime，wokeinherpleasureandnotpain。Soutterlyalteredwasthelookofeverything，thathadshecomeuponitunexpectedly，shewouldnothaverecognizedeitherplaceorhouse。Theywentuptoadoor。Sheseemednevertohaveseenit;
butwhentheyentered，sheknewitasonefromthehallintoapassage，which，withwhatitledto，beinggone，theinnerhadbecomeanouterdoor。Aquantityofsandwasheapedupinthehall，andthewainscotwaswetandswelledandbulging。Theywentintothedining-room。Itwasamiserablesight——theverypictureofthesoulofadrunkard。Thethickcarpetwassodden——spongylikeabedofmossafterheavyrains;theleatherchairslookeddiseased;thecolourwasallgonefromthetable;thepaperhungloosefromthewalls;andeverythinglaywherethewater，afterfloatingitabout，hadletitdropasitebbed。
Sheascendedtheoldstonestairwhichledtoherfather’sroomsabove，wentintohisstudy，inwhichnotahairwasoutofitsplace，andwalkedtowardsthewindowtolookacrosstowhereoncehadbeenherownchamber。Butassheapproachedit，there，behindthecurtain，shesawherfather，motionless，lookingout。Sheturnedpale，andstood。Evenatsuchatime，hadsheknownhewasinthehouse，shewouldnothavedaredsetherfootinthatroom。
Gibbie，whohadfollowedandenteredbehindher，preceivedherhesitation，sawandrecognizedthebackofthelaird，knewthatshewasafraidofherfather，andstoodalsowaitingheknownotwhat。
“Eh！”hesaidtohimself，“hersisnolikemine！，Naemonyhashadfatherssaeguid’smine。”
Becomingawareofapresence，thelairdhalfturned，andseeingGibbie，imaginedhehadenteredinaprowlingway，supposingtheplacedeserted。Withstatelyoffenceheaskedhimwhathewantedthere，andwavedhisdismissal。Thenfirsthesawanother，standingwhite-faced，witheyesfixeduponhim。Heturnedpalealso，andstoodstaringather。Thememoryofthatmomenteverafterdisgracedhiminhisowneyes：foroneinstantofunreasoningweakness，heimaginedhesawaghost——believedwhathesaidheknewtobeimpossible。Itwasbutonemomentbutitmighthavebeenmore，hadnotGinevrawalkedslowlyuptohim，sayinginatremblingvoice，asifsheexpectedtheblameofallthathadhappened，“I
couldn’thelpit，papa。”，Hetookherinhisarms，and，forthefirsttimesincethediscoveryofheratrociousfamiliaritywithDonal，kissedher。Sheclungtohim，tremblingnowwithpleasureaswellasapprehension。But，alas！therewasnoimpietyinthefaithlessnessthatpronouncedsuchajoytoogoodtoendure，andtheendcameyetsoonerthanshefeared。For，whenthefatherroseerectfromherembrace，andwasagainthelaird，there，tohisamazement，stillstoodtheodd-looking，outlandishintruder，smilingwiththemostimpertinentinterest！，Gibbiehadforgottenhimselfaltogether，beholdingwhathetookforathoroughreconciliation。
“Goaway，boy。Youhavenothingtodohere，“saidthelaird，angeralmostoverwhelminghispreciousdignity。
“Oh，papa！”criedGinevra，claspingherhands，“that’sGibbie！，Hesavedmylife。Ishouldhavebeendrownedbutforhim。”
Thelairdwasbothproudandstupid，thereforemorethanordinarilyslowtounderstandwhathewasunpreparedtohear。
“Iammuchobligedtohim，“hesaidhaughtily;“butthereisnooccasionforhimtowait。”
Atthispointhissluggishmindbegantorecallsomething：——why，thiswastheveryboyhesawinthemeadowwithherthatmorning！——Heturnedfiercelyuponhimwherehelingered，eitherhopingforawordofadieufromGinevra，orunwillingtogowhileshewasuncomfortable。
“Leavethehouseinstantly，“hesaid，“orIwillknockyoudown。”
“Opapa！”moanedGinevrawildly——itwasthebraverofherthatshewastremblingfromheadtofoot——“don’tspeaksotoGibbie。Heisagoodboy。ItwashethatAnguswhippedsocruelly——longago：Ihaveneverbeenabletoforgetit。”
Herfatherwasconfoundedatherpresumption：howdaredsheexpostulatewithhim！，Shehadgrownabold，badgirl！，Goodheavens！，Evilcommunications！
“Ifhedoesnotgetoutofthisdirectly，“hecried，“Iwillhavehimwhippedagain。Angus。”
Heshoutedthename，anditsechocamebackinawildtone，altogetherstrangetoGinevra。Sheseemedstrugglinginthemeshesofanevildream。Involuntarilysheutteredacryofterroranddistress。Gibbiewasathersideinstantly，puttingouthishandtocomforther。Shewasjustlayinghersonhisarm，scarcelyknowingwhatshedid，whenherfatherseizedhim，anddashedhimtotheothersideoftheroom。Hewentstaggeringbackwards，vainlytryingtorecoverhimself，andfell，hisheadstrikingagainstthewall。
ThesameinstantAngusentered，sawnothingofGibbiewherehelay，andapproachedhismaster。ButwhenhecaughtsightofGinevra，hegaveagaspofterrorthatendedinabrokenyell，andstaredasifhehadcomesuddenlyonthevergeofthebottomlesspit，whileallroundhisheadhishairstoodoutasifhehadbeenelectrified。
Beforehecametohimself，Gibbiehadrecoveredandrisen。HesawnowthathecouldbeofnoservicetoGinevra，andthathispresenceonlymadethingsworseforher。Buthesawalsothatshewasunhappyabouthim，andthatmustnotbe。Hebrokeintosuchamerrylaugh——andithadneedtobemerry，forithadtodotheworkofmanywordsofreassurance——thatshecouldscarcelyrefrainfromahalf-hystericalresponseashewalkedfromtheroom。Themomenthewasoutofthehouse，hebegantosing;andformanyminutes，ashewalkedupthegulfhollowedbytheGlashburn，Ginevracouldhearthestrange，other-worldvoice，andknewitwasmeanttoholdcommunionwithherandcomforther。
“Whatdoyouknowofthatfellow，Angus！”askedhismaster。
“He’stheverradeevilhimsel’，sir，“mutteredAngus，whomGibbie’slaughterhadinameasurebroughttohissenses。
“Youwillseethatheissentoffthepropertyatonce——andforgood，Angus，“saidthelaird。“Hisinsolenceisinsufferable。Thescoundrel！”
OnthepretextoffollowingGibbie，Anguswasonlytoogladtoleavetheroom。ThenMr。Galbraithuponhisdaughter。
“So，Jenny！”hesaid，with，hislooselipspulledoutstraight，“thatisthesortofcompanionyouchoosewhenlefttoyourself！——alow，beggarly，insolentscamp！——scarcelytheequalofthebruteshehasthechargeof！”
“They’resheep，papa！”pleadedGinevra，inawailthatrosealmosttoascream。
“Idobelievethegirlisanidiot！”saidherfather，andturnedfromhercontemptuously。
“IthinkIam，papa，“shesobbed。“Don’tmindme。Letmegoaway，andIwillnevertroubleyouanymore。”，Shewouldgotothemountain，shethought，andbeashepherdesswithGibbie。
Herfathertookherroughlybythearm，pushedherintoacloset，lockedthedoor，wentandhadhisluncheon，andintheafternoon，havingborrowedSnowball，tookherjustasshewas，drovetomeetthemailcoach，andinthemiddleofthenightwassetdownwithherattheprincipalhotelinthecity，whencethenextmorninghesetoutearlytofindaschoolwherehemightleaveherandhisresponsibilitywithher。
WhenGibbieknewhimselfbeyondthehearingofGinevra，hissongdiedaway，andhewenthomesad。Thegentlegirlhadsteppedatoncefromthedayintothedark，andhewastroubledforher。Butherememberedthatshehadanotherfatherbesidesthelaird，andcomfortedhimself。
Whenhereachedhome，hefoundhismotherinserioustalkwithastranger。Thetearswereinhereyes，andhadbeenrunningdownhercheeks，butshewascalmanddignifiedasusual。
“Herehecomes！”shesaidasheentered。“Thewillo’theLordbedene——nooan’forever-mair！，I’mathisbiddin’——An’sae’sGibbie。”
ItwasMr。Sclater。Thewitchhadsailedherbranderwell。
CHAPTERXXXIX。
DAURSTREET。
Onebrightafternoon，towardsthecloseoftheautumn，thesunshiningstraightdownoneofthewidecleanstonystreetsofthecity，withawarmthwhichhehadnotbeenabletoimparttotheair，acompanyofschool-girls，twoandtwoinlongfile，mostlywithinnocent，and，forhumanbeings，ratheruninterestingfaces，waswalkinginorderlymanner，afemalegrenadieratitshead，alongthepavement，morethanusuallycomposed，fromhavingthesunintheireyes。Amongstthefaceswasoneverydifferentfromtherest，acountenancealmostsolemnandalittlesad，ofstill，regularfeatures，intheeyesofwhichbylovingeyesmighthavebeenreaduneasythoughtpatientlycarried，andthelackofsomeessentialtoconsciouswell-being。Theothergirlswerelookingonthissideandthat，eagertocatchsightofanythingtotroublethemonotonyofthedailywalk;buttheeyesofthisonewerecastdown，exceptwhenoccasionallyliftedinanswertowordsoftheschoolmistress，thegrenadier，bywhosesideshewaswalking。Theywerelovelybrowneyes，trustfulandsweet，andalthough，asIhavesaid，alittlesad，theyneverrose，eveninreplytothecommonestremark，withoutshiningalittle。Thoughyoungerthannotafewofthem，andveryplainlydressed，likealltheothers——IhaveasuspicionthatScotchmothersdresstheirgirlsrathertooplainly，whichtendstothegrowthofanundueanddegradingloveofdress——shewasnotsogirlish，wasindeed，insomerespects，moreofayoungwomanthaneventhegovernesswhowalkedbythesideofthem。
Suddenlycamearush，aconfusion，aflutteringofthedoves，whenceorhownoneseemedtoknow，agentleshriekfromseveralofthegirls，ageneralsenseofquestionandnoanswer;but，astheirrufflednervescomposedthemselvesalittle，therewasthevisionoftheschoolmistresspokingthepointofherparasolataheedlessface，radiantwithsmiles，thatofanodd-lookinglad，astheythought，whohadgotholdofoneofthedaintilyglovedhandsofhercompanion，laidahandwhich，consideredconventionally，wasnotthatofagentleman，uponhershoulder，andstood，withoutaword，gazinginrapturousdelight。
“Goaway，boy！，Whatdoyoumeanbysuchimpertinence？”criedtheoutragedMissKimble，changingherthrust，andpokinginhischesttheparasolwithwhichshehadfounditimpossibleactuallytoassailhissmilingcountenance——Suchastrangelookingcreature！
Hecouldnotbeinhissoundsenses，shethought。Inthemomentarymeantime，however，shehadfailedtoobservethat，afterthefirststartandfollowingtremor，hercompanionstoodquitestill，andwasnowlookinginthelad’sfacewithroseatecheeksandtear-filledeyes，apparentlyforgettingtodrawherhandfromhis，ortomovehershoulderfromunderhiscaress。Thenextmoment，up，withhastyyetdignifiedstep，camethefamiliarformoftheirownminister，theRev。ClementSclater，who，withreproofinhiscountenance，whichwasredwithannoyanceandhaste，laidhishandsonthelad’sshoulderstodrawhimfromthepreyonwhichhehadpounced。
“Remember，youarenotonahill-side，butinarespectablestreet，“
saidthereverendgentleman，alittlefoolishly。
Theyouthturnedhisheadoverhisshoulder，nototherwisechanginghisattitude，andlookedathimwithsomebewilderment。Then，nothe，buttheyoungladyspoke。
“GibbieandIareoldfriends，“shesaid，andreachinguplaidherfreehandinturnonhisshoulder，asiftoprotecthim——for，needlessly，withsuchgraceandstrengthbeforeher，thevisionofanoldhorrorcamerushingbackonthemindofGinevra。
Gibbiehaddartedfromhiscompanion’ssidesomehundredyardsoff。
ThecapwhichMr。Sclaterhadinsistedonhiswearinghadfallenasheran，andhehadnevermissedit;hishairstoodoutonallsidesofhishead，andthesunbehindhimshoneinitlikeaglory，justaswhenfirstheappearedtoGinevrainthepeat-moss，likeanangelstandingoverher。Indeed，whiletoMissKimbleandthegirlshewas“amad-likeobject“inhisawkwardill-fittingclothes，madebyavillagetailorintheheightofthevillagefashion，toGinevrahelookedhardlylessangelicnowthanhedidthen。Hisappearance，judgedwithoutprejudice，wasratherthatofasailorboyonshorethanashepherdboyfromthehills。
“MissGalbraith！”saidMissKimble，inthetonethatindicatesnostrilsdistended，“Iamastonishedatyou！，Whatanexampletotheschool！，Ineverknewyoumisbehaveyourselfbefore！，Takeyourhandfromthis——this——verystrangelookingperson’sshoulderdirectly。”
Ginevraobeyed，butGibbiestoodasbefore。
“Removeyourhand，boy，instantly，“criedMissKimble，growingmoreandmoreangry，andbeganknockingthehandonthegirl’sshoulderwithherparasol，whichapparentlyGibbietookforajoke，forhelaughedaloud。
“Praydonotalarmyourself，ma’am，“saidMr。Sclater，slowlyrecoveringhisbreath：hewasnotyetquitesureofGibbie，orconfidenthowbesthewastobemanaged;“thisyoung——gentlemanisSirGilbertGalbraith，myward——SirGilbert，thisladyisMissKimble。Youmusthaveknownherfatherwell——theRev。MatthewKimbleofthenextparishtoyourown？”
Gibbiesmiled。Hedidnotnod，forthatwouldhavemeantthathedidknowhim，andhedidnotrememberhavingeverevenheardthenameoftheRev。MatthewKimble。
“Oh！”saidthelady，whohadceasedherbattery，andstoodbewilderedandembarrassed——themorethatbythistimethegirlshadallgatheredround，staringandwondering。
Ginevra’seyestoohadfilledwithwonder;shecastthemdown，andastrangesmilebegantoplayabouthersweetstrongmouth。Allatonceshewasinthemiddleofafairytale，andhadnotanotionwhatwascomingnext。Herdumbshepherdboyabaronet！——and，morewonderfulstill，aGalbraith！，Shemustbedreaminginthewidestreet！，Thelastshehadseenofhimwasashewasdrivenfromthehousebyherfather，whenhehadjustsavedherlife。Thatwasbutafewweeksago，andherehewas，calledSirGilbertGalbraith！，Itwasadeliciousbitofwonderment。
“Oh！”saidMissKimbleasecondtime，recoveringherselfalittle，“Isee！，Arelative，MissGalbraith！，Ididnotunderstand。Thatofcoursesetseverythingright——atleast——eventhen——theopenstreet，youknow！——Youwillunderstand，Mr。Sclater——Ibegyourpardon，SirGilbert。IhopeIdidnothurtyouwithmyparasol！”
Gibbieagainlaughedaloud。
“Thankyou，“saidMissKimbleconfused，andannoyedwithherselfforbeingso，especiallybeforehergirls。“Ishouldbesorrytohavehurtyou——Goingtocollege，Ipresume，SirGilbert？”
GibbielookedatMr。Sclater。
“Heisgoingtostudywithmeforawhilefirst，“answeredtheminister。
“Iamgladtohearit，Hecouldnotdobetter，“saidMissKimble。
“Come，girls。”
Andwithfriendlyfarewells，shemovedon，hertrainafterher，thinkingwithherselfwhataboortheyoungfellowwas——theyoung——baronet？——Yes，hemustbeabaronet;hewastooyoungtohavebeenknightedalready。Butwhereevercouldhehavebeenbroughtup？
Mr。Sclaterhadbehavedjudiciously，andtakengentlepainstosatisfytheoldcouplethattheymustpartwithGibbie。OneoftheneighbouringclergyknewMr。Sclaterwell，andwithhimpaidtheoldpeopleavisit，tohelpthemtodismissanylingeringdoubtthathewastheboy’sguardianlegallyappointed。Totheirowncommonsenseindeeditbecameplainthat，exceptsomesuchstorywastrue，therecouldbenothingtoinducehimtocomeafterGibbie，ordesiretotakechargeoftheoutcast;buttheydidnotfeelthoroughlysatisfieduntilMr。SclaterbroughtFergusDufftothecottage，totestifytohimasbeingwhathepretended。Itwasasoretrial，butamongstthegriefsoflosinghim，nofearofhisforgettingthemwasincluded。Mr。Sclater’smaindifficultywaswithGibbiehimself。
Atfirsthelaughedattheabsurdityofhisgoingawayfromhisfatherandmotherandthesheep。TheytoldhimhewasSirGilbertGalbraith。Heansweredonhisslate，aswellasbysignswhichJanetatleastunderstoodperfectly，thathehadtoldthemso，andhadbeensoallthetime，“andwhatdifferdosthatmak？”headded。
Mr。Sclatertoldhimhewas——orwouldbe，atleast，hetookcaretoadd，whenhecameofage——arichmanaswellasabaronet。
“Writchmen，“wroteGibbie，“deeastheylike，andIsebide。”
Mr。Sclatertoldhimitwasonlypoorboyswhocoulddoastheypleased，forthelawlookedafterboyslikehim，sothat，whenitcameintotheirhands，theymightbecapableofusingtheirmoneyproperly。Almostpersuadedatlengththathehadnochoice，thathecouldnolongerbehisownmaster，untilhewasoneandtwenty，heturnedandlookedatJanet，hiseyesbrimfuloftears。Shegavehimalittlenod。Heroseandwentout，climbedthecrestofGlashgar，anddidnotreturntothecottagetillmidnight。
Inthemorningappearedonhiscountenancesignsofunusualresolve。
Amidthemanythoughtshehadhadthenightbefore，hadcomethequestion——whathewoulddowiththemoneywhenhehadit——firstofallwhathecoulddoforJanetandRobertandeveryoneoftheirfamily;andnaturallyenoughtoaScotchboy，thefirstthingthatoccurredtohimwas，togiveDonalmoneytogotocollegelikeFergusDuff。Inthatheknowhemadenomistake。Itwasnotsoeasytothinkofthingsfortherest，butthatwassafe。HadnotDonalsaidtwentytimeshewouldnotmindbeingaherdallhislife，ifonlyhecouldgotocollegefirst？，Butthenhebegantothinkwhatalongtimeitwasbeforehewouldbeoneandtwenty，andwhatanumberofthingsmightcomeandgobeforethen：Donalmightbythattimehaveawifeandchildren，andhecouldnotleavethemtogotocollege！，WhyshouldnotMr。SclatermanagesomehowthatDonalshouldgoatonce？，ItwasnowtheendalmostofOctober，andthecollegeopenedinNovember。Someotherrichpersonwouldlendthemthemoney，andhewouldpayit，withcompoundinterest，whenhegothis。Beforehewenttobed，hegothisslate，andwroteasfollows：
“mydearminister，IfyouwillteakDonaltoo，andletthimgotothekolledg，Iwillgowithyouasseensyelike;buttifyewillnot，Iwillrunnaway。”
WhenMr。Sclater，whohadabedatthegamekeeper’s，appearedthenextmorning，anxioustoconcludethebusiness，andgetthingsinmotionfortheirdeparture，Gibbiehandedhimtheslatethemomentheenteredthecottage，andwhileheread，stoodwatchinghim。
NowMr。Sclaterwasaprudentman，andalwayslookedahead，thereforeapparentlytookalongtimetoreadGibbie’sveryclear，althoughunscholarlycommunication;beforeansweringit，hemustsettletheprobabilityofwhatMrs。Sclaterwouldthinkoftheproposaltotaketwosavagesintoherhousetogether，wherealsodoubtlessthepresenceofthisDonalwouldgreatlyinterferewiththeprocessofmakingagentlemanofGibbie。Unabletosatisfyhimself，heraisedhisheadatlength，unconsciouslyshakingitashedidso。ThatinstantGibbiewasoutofthehouse。Mr。Sclater，perceivingtheblunderhehadmade，hurriedafterhim，buthewasalreadyoutofsight。Returninginsomedismay，hehandedtheslatetoJanet，who，withsad，resignedcountenance，wasbaking。Sherubbedtheoatmealdoughfromherhands，tooktheslate，andreadwithasmile。
“YemaunnatakGibbieforayoungcowt，MaisterSclater，an’thinktobrakhimin，“shesaid，afterathoughtfulpause，“orye’llhaetolearnyermistak。There’snoeneucho’himsel’inhimforyetogetagripo’’mbythathan’le。Heayekenswhathewadhae，an’
he’llayegetit，assure’sit’llayebericht。AsanentDonal，Donal’smyain，an’Is’saynaething。Sityedoon，sir;ye’llnoseeGibbiethedayagain。”
“Istherenomeansofgettingathim，mygoodwoman？”saidMr。
Sclater，miserableattheprospectofadayutterlywasted。
“Icudgieyesichto’’im，Idaursay，butwhatbetterwadyebeforthat？，Gienyeheda’thelawyerso’Embroughatyerback，yewadnatouchGibbieupo’Glashgar。”
“Butyoucouldpersuadehim，Iamsure，MistressGrant。Youhaveonlytocallhiminyourownway，andhewillcomeatonce。”
“Whatwadyehaemeperswaudhimtill，sir？，Toonything’at’sricht，Gibbiewantsnaeperswaudin’;an’forthis’at’satweenye，theladdiesarejistverrabrithers，an’Ihaenorichttointerferewi’whatthetanewadforthetither，thethingseemin’tomerizoneneuch。”
“Whatsortofladisthissonofyours？，Theboyseemsmuchattachedtohim！”
“He’saladdie’at’sbeengienowertill’sbuiksin’everIlearnthimtoreadmysel’，“Janetanswered。“Buthe’llbeherethenicht，I’mthinkin’，toseethelasto’puirGibbie，an’yecanjeedgeforyersel’。”
ItrequiredbutabriefexaminationofDonaltosatisfyMr。Sclaterthathewasmorethanpreparedfortheuniversity。ButIfearmegreatlythetimeisathandwhensuchasDonalwillnomorebeabletoenterhercourts。Unwiseandunpatrioticareanywhowouldratherhaveafewprimescholarssittingaboutthewellsoflearning，thanseethosefountainsflowfreelyforthepoor，whoareyetthestrengthofacountry。Itisbettertohavemanyuponthehighroadoflearning，thanafewevenatitsgoal，ifthatwerepossible。
AstoDonal’sgoingtoMr。Sclater’shouse，Janetsoonrelievedhim。
“Na，na，sir，“shesaid;“itwadbetolearnw’ys’atwadnabefittin’apuirladlikehim。”
“Itwouldbemuchsaferforhim。”saidMr。Sclater，butincidentally。
“GienIcudnalippenmyDonaltill’saincompanyan’thehungerforbetter，Iwadbegintodoobtwhamadethewarl’，“saidhismother;
andDonal’sfaceflushedwithpleasureatherconfidence。“Na，hemaungetagarretroomiesomegaiti’thetoon，an’therehaudtill’sbuik;anye’lllatGibbiegangan’seehimwhileswhanhecanbespared。Theremaunbemanyadacentwuman’atwadbepleasedtotakhimin。”
Mr。Sclaterseemedtohimselftoforeseenolittletroubleinhisnewresponsibility，butconsoledhimselfthathewouldhavemoremoneyathiscommand，andintheendwouldsit，asitwere，atthefountain-headoflargewealth。Already，withhiswife’sproperty，hewasamanofconsideration;buthehadagreatrespectformoney，andmuchoverrateditsvalueasameansofdoingevenwhathecalledgood：religiouspeoplegenerallydo——withamostunchristiandulness。WearenottoldthattheMastermadethesmallestuseofmoneyforhisend。Whenhepaidthetemple-rate，hedidittoavoidgivingoffence;andhedefendedthewomanwhodivinelywastedit。
Tentimesmoregraceandmagnanimitywouldbeneeded，wiselyandlovinglytoavoidmakingafortune，thanittakestospendoneforwhatarecalledgoodobjectswhenitismade。
WhentheymetMissKimbleandher“youngladies，“theywereontheirwayfromthecoach-officetotheminister’shouseinDaurStreet。
Gibbiekneweverycorner，andstrangewastheswiftvarietyofthoughtsandsensationsthatwentfilingthroughhismind。Upthissamestreethehadtendedthewaveringstepsofawell-knownifnothighlyrespectedtown-councillor！thatwasthedoor，where，onecoldmorningofwinter，thecookgavehimacupofhotcoffeeandaroll！
Whathappydaystheywere，withtheirhungerandadventure！，Therehadalwaysbeenfoodandwarmthaboutthecity，andhehadcomeinforhisshare！，TheMasterwasinitsstreetsascertainlyasontherocksofGlashgar。Notonesheepdidhelosesightof，thoughhecouldnotdosomuchforthosethatwouldnotfollow，andhadtohavethedogsentafterthem！
CHAPTERXL
MRS。SCLATER。
Gibbiewasinadreamofmingledpastandfuturedelights，whenhisconductorstoppedatalargeandimportant-lookinghouse，withaflightofgranitestepsuptothedoor。Gibbiehadneverbeeninsidesuchahouseinhislife，butwhentheyentered，hewasnotmuchimpressed。Hedidlookwithalittlesurprise，itistrue，butitwasdown，notup：hefelthisfeetwalkingsoft，andwonderedforamomentthatthereshouldbeafieldofgrassinahouse。Thenhegaveaglanceround，thoughtitwasabigplace，andfollowedMr。
SclaterupthestairwiththefreemountingstepoftheGlashgarshepherd。Forgetfulandunconscious，hewalkedintothedrawing-roomwithhisbonnetonhishead。Mrs。Sclaterrosewhentheyentered，andheapproachedherwithasmileofwelcometothehousewhichhecarried，alwaysfullofguests，inhisbosom。Heneverthoughtoflookingtohertowelcomehim。Sheshookhandswithhiminadoubtfulkindofway。
“Howdoyoudo，SirGilbert？”shesaid。“Onlyladiesareallowedtoweartheircapsinthedrawing-room，youknow，“sheadded，inatoneofcourteousandhalf-rallyingrebuke，speakingfromafloweryheightofconscioussuperiority。
Whatshemeantbythedrawing-room，Gibbiehadnotanidea。Helookedatherhead，andsawnocap;shehadnothinguponitbutaquantityofbeautifulblackhair;thensuddenlyrememberedhisbonnet;heknewwellenoughbonnetshadtobetakenoffinhouseorcottage：hehadneverdonesobecauseheneverhadwornabonnet。
Butitwaswithasmileofamusementonlythathenowtookitoff。
Hewassofreefromselfishnessthatheknewnothingofshame。
Neverashadowofblushathisbadmannerstingedhischeek。Heputthecapinhispocket，andcatchingsightofafootstoolbythecornerofthechimney-piece，wassostronglyremindedofhiscreepiebythecottage-hearth，which，bigladashenowwas，hehadstillhaunted，thathewentatonceandseatedhimselfuponit。Fromthiscoignofvantagehelookedroundtheroomwithagentlecuriosity，castingaglanceofpleasureeverynowandthenatMrs。Sclater，towhomherhusband，inamannersomewhatconstrainedbecauseofhispresence，wasrecountingsomeoftheincidentsofhisjourney，makingchoice，afterthemannerofmany，ofthemostcommonplaceanduninteresting。
Gibbiehadnotbeeneducatedintherelativegrandeurofthingsofthisworld，andheregardedthethingshenowsawjustasthings，withoutthesmallestnotionofanypowerinthemtoconfersuperioritybybeingpossessed：canaslaveknighthismaster？，ThereverendbutpoorMr。Sclaterwasnotabovethefoolishconsciousnessofimportanceaccruingfromtherefinedadjunctsofamoreneedycorporealexistence;hiswifewouldhavefeltoutofherproperspherehadsheceasedtoseethemaroundher，andwouldhavelostsomeofheraplomb;butthedivineidiotGibbiewasincapableevenofthenotionthattheymatteredastrawtothelifeofanyman。Indeed，tocomparemanwithmanwasnohabitofhis;henceitcannotbewonderfulthatstonehearthandsteelgrate，clayfloorandBrusselscarpetweremuchthesametohim。Manwastheonesacredthing。Gibbie’sunconsciouscreedwasapowerfulleveller，butitwasalevellerup，notdown。Theheartthatreveredthebeggarcouldaffordtobeincapableofhomagetoposition。Hiswasnotoneofthosecontemptiblenatureswhichhavenoreverencebecausetheyhavenoaspiration，whichthinkthemselvesfinebecausetheyacknowledgenothingsuperiortotheirownessentialbaseness。
ToGibbieeverymanwasbetterthanhimself。Itwasforhimasuddenandstrangedescent——fromtheregionofpoetryandclosestintercoursewiththestrongandgraciousandvitalsimplicitiesofNature，humanandother，totherichcommonplaces，amongstthemnotafewfashionablevulgarities，ofanordinarywell-appointedhouse，andordinarywell-appointedpeople;but，howeverbedizened，humanitywasthere;andhewhodoesnotlovehumanmorethananyothernaturehasnotlifeinhimself，doesnotcarryhispoetryinhim，asGibbiedid，thereforecannotfinditexceptwhereithasbeenshowntohim。
Neitherwasacommonhouselikethisbyanymeansdevoidofanythingstopleasehim。Iftherewasnotthelovelyhomelinessofthecottagewhichatoncegaveallithad，therewasacertainstatelinesswhichaffordeditsownreception;iftherewaslittleharmony，therewereindividualcoloursthataffordedhimdelight——asforinstance，afterwards，thecrimsoncoveringthewallsofthedining-room，whosecolourwasofthatsoftdeep-penetrablecharacterwhichaflockpaperalonecancarry。Thentherewerepictures，badenoughmostofthem，nodoubt，intheeyesofthecritic，butendlesslysuggestive，thereforeendlesslydelightfultoGibbie。ItisnotthemanwhoknowsmostaboutNaturethatishardesttoplease，howeverhemaybehardesttosatisfy，withtheattempttofollowher。Theaccomplishedpoetwillderivepleasurefromverseswhichareamockerytothesouloftheunhappymortalwhosebusinessisjudgment——themostthanklessofalllabours，andjustlyso。
Certainfruitsoneisunabletolikeuntilhehaseatenthemintheirperfection;afterthat，thereminderinthemoftheperfectwillenablehimtoenjoyeventheinferioralittle，recognizingtheirkind——alwaysprovidedhebenotonegiventojudgment——aconnoisseur，thatis，onewhocareslessforthetruththanfortheknowingcomparisonofoneembodimentofitwithanother。Gibbie’sregardthen，asitwanderedroundtheroom，lightingonthiscolour，andthattexture，incurtain，orcarpet，orworkedscreen，foundinterestandpleasure。Amidstthemereupholsteryofhousesandhearts，amidstthecommonlifeofthecommoncrowd，hewas，andhadtobe，whathehadlearnedtobeamongstthenobilityandinthepalaceofGlashgar。
