Thehistoryofthespecialendeavourhehadnowcommenceddoesnotbelongtomynarrative。Somenights，manynightstogether，hewouldnotmeetasinglewanderer;occasionallyhewouldmeettwoorthreeinthesamenight。Whenhefoundone，hewouldstandregardinghimuntilhespoke。Ifthemanwasdrunkhewouldleavehim：suchwerenotthoseforwhomhecouldnowdomost。Ifhewassober，hemadehimsignsofinvitation。Ifhewouldnotgowithhim，helefthim，butkepthiminview，andtriedhimagain。Ifstillhewouldnot，hegavehimapieceofbread，andlefthim。Ifhecalled，hestopped，andbycircuitouswaysbroughthimtothelittlehouseattheback。Itwaspurposelyquitedark。Ifthemanwastooapprehensivetoenter，helefthim;ifhefollowed，heledhimtoMistressCroale。Ifanythingsuggestedthepossibilityofhelpingfarther，apossibilityturningentirelyontheperson’sself，theattemptwassetonfoot;butingeneral，afteragoodbreakfast，Gibbieledhimthroughadarkpassageintothedarkenedhouse，anddismissedhimfromthedoorbywhichhehadentered。Henevergavemoney，andneversoughtsuchguestexceptinthewinter。Indeed，hewasneverinthecityinthesummer。Beforethesessionwasover，theyhadonewomanandonegirlinafairwayofhonestlivelihood，andonesmallchild，whosemotherhadaninfantbesides，andwasevidentlydying，hehadsent“inapresent“toJanet，bythehandofMistressMurkison。Altogetheritwasatolerablebeginning，andduringthetimenotawordreachedhimindicatingknowledgeofhisproceedings，althoughwithinaweekortwoarumourwasrifeinthelowerpartsofthecity，ofamysteriousbeingwhowentaboutdoingthisandthatforpoorfolk，but，notwithstandinghisgifts，wasfarfromcanny。
Mr。andMrs。SclatercouldnotfailtobemuchannoyedwhentheyfoundhewasnolongerlodgingwithMistressMurkison，butoccupyingtheAuldHoose，with“thathorriblewoman“forahousekeeper;theyknew，however，thatexpostulationwithonepossessedbysuchaheadstrongsenseofdutywasutterlyuseless，andcontentedthemselveswithpredictingtoeachothersometerriblecheck，theresultofhisridiculoustheoryconcerningwhatwasrequiredofaChristian——namely，thatthediscipleshouldbeashisMaster。AtthesametimeMrs。SclaterhadasacredsuspicionthatnorealillwouldeverbefallGod’sinnocent，GilbertGalbraith。
Fergushadnowwithhisfather’shelpestablishedhimselfinthemanseoftheNorthChurch，andthitherheinvitedMr。andMissGalbraithtodinewithhimonacertainevening。Herfather’sabsolutedesirecompelledGinevra’sassent;shecouldnot，whilewithhim，rebelabsolutely。Fergusdidhisbesttomaketheeveningapleasantone，andhadspecialsatisfactioninshowingthelairdthathecouldprovidebothagooddinnerandagoodbottleofport。
Twoofhiscongregation，ayounglawyerandhiswife，weretheonlyotherguests。Thelairdfoundthelawyeranagreeablecompanion，chieflyfromhisreadinesstolistentohisoldlawstories，andFerguslaidhimselfouttopleasethetwoladies：secureoftheadmirationofone，hehopeditmighthelptodrawthefavouroftheother。HehadconceivedthenotionthatGinevraprobablydislikedhisprofession，andtookpainsthereforetoshowhowmuchhewasamanoftheworld——talkedaboutShakspere，andflauntedragsofquotationinelocutionarystyle;gotbooksfromhisstudy，andreadpassagesfromByron，Shelley，andMoore——chieflyfrom“TheLovesoftheAngels“ofthelast，ecstasizingthelawyer’slady，andinterestingGinevra，thoughallhereadtakentogetherseemedtoherunworthyofcomparisonwithoneofpoorDonal’ssongs。
Itgrewlate。Thedinnerhadbeenatafashionablehour;theyhadstayedanunfashionabletime：itwasnearlytwelveo’clockwhenguestsandhostleftthehouseincompany。Thelawyerandhiswifewentoneway，andFerguswenttheotherwiththelairdandGinevra。
Hearingthepitifulwailingofachildandthecoughofawoman，astheywentalongastreetbridge，theypeepedovertheparapet，andsaw，uponthestairleadingtothelowerstreet，awoman，withachildasleepinherlap，tryingtoeatapieceofbread，andcoughingasifinthelaststageofconsumption。Onthenextstepbelowsatamanhushinginhisbosomthebabywhosecrytheyhadheard。Theystoodforamoment，theministerponderingwhetherhisprofessionrequiredofhimaction，andGinevra’sgazefixedontheheadandshouldersoftheforeshortenedfigureoftheman，whovainlyaspatientlysoughttosoothethechildbygentlyrockingittoandfro。Butwhenhebeganastrangehummingsongtoit，whichbroughtallGlashgarbeforehereyes，GinevraknewbeyondadoubtthatitwasGibbie。Atthesoundthechildceasedtowail，andpresentlythewomanwithdifficultyrose，layingahandforhelponGibbie’sshoulder。ThenGibbierosealso，cradlingtheinfantonhisleftarm，andmakingsignstothemothertoplacethechildonhisright。Shedidso，andturning，wentfeeblyupthestair。
Gibbiefollowedwiththetwochildren，onelyingonhisarm，theotherwithhisheadonhisshoulder，bothwretchedandpining，withgraycheeks，anddarkhollowsundertheireyes。Fromthetopofthestairtheywentslowlyupthestreet，thepoorwomancoughing，andGibbiecrooningtothebaby，whocriednomore，butnowandthenmoaned。ThenFergussaidtothelaird：
“Didyouseethatyoungman，sir？，Thatistheso-calledSirGilbertGalbraithweweretalkingoftheothernight。Theysayhehascomeintoagoodproperty，butyoumayjudgeforyourselfwhetherheseemsfittomanageit！”
Ginevrawithdrewherhandfromhisarm。
“GoodGod，Jenny！”exclaimedthelaird，“youdonotmeantotellmeyouhaveeverspokentoayoungmanlikethat？”
“Iknowhimverywell，papa，“repliedGinevra，collectedly。
“Youareincomprehensible，Jenny！，Ifyouknowhim，whydoInotknowhim？，Ifyouhadnotknowngoodreasontobeashamedofhim，youwould，onetimeorother，havementionedhisnameinmyhearing——Iaskyou，andIdemandananswer，“——herehestopped，andfrontedher——“whyhaveyouconcealedfrommeyouracquaintancewiththis——this——person？”
“BecauseIthoughtitmightbepainfultoyou，papa，“sheanswered，lookinginhisface。
“Painfultome！，Whyshoulditbepainfultome——exceptindeedthatitbreaksmyheartasoftenasIseeyoubetrayyourinvinciblefondnessforlowcompany？”
“Doyoudesiremetotellyou，papa，whyIthoughtitmightbepainfultoyoutomakethatyoungman’sacquaintance？”
“Idodistinctly。Icommandyou。”
“ThenIwill：thatyoungman，SirGilbertGalbraith，——“
“Nonsense，girl！thereisnosuchGalbraith。Itisthemerestofscoffs。”
Ginevradidnotcaretoarguewithhimthispoint。Intruthsheknewlittlemoreaboutitthanhe。
“Manyyearsago，“sherecommenced，“whenIwasachild，——Excuseme，Mr。Duff，butitisquitetimeItoldmyfatherwhathasbeenweighinguponmymindforsomanyyears。”
“SirGilbert！”mutteredherfathercontemptuously。
“Oneday，“againshebegan，“Mr。FergusDuffbroughtaraggedlittleboytoGlashruach——themostinnocentandlovingofcreatures，whohadcommittednocrimebutthatofdoinggoodinsecret。IsawMr。
Duffboxhisearsonthebridge;andyou，papa，gavehimovertothatwretch，AngusMacPholp，towhiphim——soatleastAngustoldme，afterhehadwhippedhimtillhedroppedsenseless。IcanhardlykeepfromscreamingnowwhenIthinkofit。”
“Allthis，Jenny，isnothinglessthancursedfolly。Doyoumeantotellmeyouhavealltheseyearsbeencherishingresentmentagainstyourownfather，forthesakeofalittlethievingrascal，whomitwasagooddeedtofrightfromtheerrorofhisways？，IhavenodoubtAngusgavehimmerelywhathedeserved。”
“Youmustremember，MissGalbraith，wedidnotknowhewasdumb，“
saidFergus，humbly。
“Ifyouhadhadanyheart，“saidGinevra，“youwouldhaveseeninhisfacethathewasaperfectangelicchild。Herantothemountain，withoutaragtocoverhisbleedingbody，andwouldhavediedofcoldandhunger，hadnottheGrants，theparentsofyourfather’sherd-boy，Mr。Duff，takenhimtotheirhearts，andbeenfatherandmothertohim。”——Ginevra’smouthwasopenedatlast——“Afterthat，“shewenton，“Angus，thatbadman，shothimlikeawildbeast，whenhewasquietlyherdingRobertGrant’ssheep。
InreturnSirGilbertsavedhislifeintheflood。AndjustbeforethehouseofGlashruachfell——thepartinwhichmyroomwas，hecaughtmeup，becausehecouldnotspeak，andcarriedmeoutofit;
andwhenItoldyouthathehadsavedmylife，youorderedhimoutofthehouse，andwhenhewasafraidtoleavemealonewithyou，dashedhimagainstthewall，andsentforAngustowhiphimagain。
ButIshouldhavelikedtoseeAngustryitthen！”
“Idorememberaninsolentfellowtakingadvantageoftheruinousstatethehousewasintomakehiswayintomystudy，“saidthelaird。
“Andnow，“Ginevracontinued，“Mr。Duffmakesquestionofhiswitsbecausehefindshimcarryingapoorwoman’schildren，goingtogetthemabedsomewhere！，IfMr。Duffhadrunaboutthestreetswhenhewasachild，likeSirGilbert，hemightnot，perhaps，thinkitsostrangeheshouldcareaboutahouselesswomanandherbrats！”
TherewithGinevraburstintotears。
“Abominablydisagreeable！”mutteredthelaird。“Ialwaysthoughtshewasanidiot！——Holdyourtongue，Jenny！youwillwakethestreet。
Allyousaymayormaynotbequitetrue;Idonotsayyouaretellinglies，orevenexaggerating;butIseenothinginittoprovetheladafitcompanionforayounglady。Verymuchtothecontrary。Isupposehetoldyouhewasyourinjured，neglected，ill-usedcousin？，Hemaybeyourcousin：youmayhaveanynumberofsuchcousins，ifhalfthelowtalesconcerningyourmother’sfamilybetrue。”
Ginevradidnotanswerhim——didnotspeakanotherword。WhenFergusleftthemattheirowndoor，sheneithershookhandswithhimnorbadehimgoodnight。
“Jenny，“saidherfather，themomenthewasgone，“ifIhearofyouroncespeakingagaintothatlowvagabond，——andnowIthinkofit，“
hecried，interruptinghimselfwithasuddenrecollection，“therewasacobbler-fellowinthetownheretheyusedtocallSirSomebodyGalbraith！——thatmustbehisfather！，WhethertheSirwastitleornickname，Ineitherknownorcare。Atitlewithoutmoneyisasbadasasaintshipwithoutgrace。ButthisItellyou，thatifIhearofyourspeakingoneword，goodorbad，tothefellowagain，Iwill，IsweartoAlmightyGod，Iwillturnyououtofthehouse。”
ToGinevra’saccumulatedmisery，shecarriedwithhertoherroomafeelingofcontemptforherfather，withwhichshelaystrugglinginvainhalfthenight。
CHAPTERLVIII。
THECONFESSION。
AlthoughGibbiehadtakennonoticeofthelaird’sparty，hehadrecognizedeachofthethreeashecameupthestair，andinGinevra’sfacereadanappealfordeliverance。Itseemedtosay，“Youhelpeverybodybutme！，Whydoyounotcomeandhelpmetoo？
AmItohavenopitybecauseIamneitherhungrynorcold？”Hedidnot，however，lieawakethemostofthenight，orindeedasinglehourofit，thinkingwhatheshoulddo;longbeforethepoorwomanandherchildrenwereinbed，hehadmadeuphismind。
Assoonashecamehomefromcollegethenextdayandhadhastilyeatenhisdinner，goinguponhisvagueknowledgeoflawbusinesslatelyacquired，heboughtastampedpaper，wroteuponit，andputitinhispocket;thenhetookacardandwroteonit：SirGilbertGalbraith，Baronet，ofGlashruach，andputthatinhispocketalso。
Thusprovided，andhavingsaidtoMistressCroalethatheshouldnotbehomethatnight——forheexpectedtosetoffalmostimmediatelyinsearchofDonal，andhadbespokenhorses，hewalkeddeliberatelyalongPearl-streetoutintothesuburb，andturningtotheright，rangthebellatthegardengateofthelaird’scottage。
Whenthegirlcame，hegaveherhiscard，andfollowedherintothehouse。Shecarrieditintotheroomwhere，dinnerover，thelairdandthepreacherweresitting，withabottleofthesameportwhichhadpleasedthelairdatthemansebetweenthem。Givingtime，ashejudged，andnomore，toreadthecard，Gibbieenteredtheroom：hewouldnotriskarefusaltoseehim。
Itwasasmallroomwitharoundtable。Thelairdsatsidewaystothedoor;thepreachersatbetweenthetableandthefire。
“Whatthedevildoesthismean？，Avengeancetakehim！”criedthelaird。
HisbigtumblingeyeshadrequiredmoretimethanGibbiehadallowed，sothat，whenwiththisexclamationheliftedthemfromthecard，theyfellupontheobjectofhisimprecationstandinginthemiddleoftheroombetweenhimandtheopendoor。Thepreacher，snugbehindthetable，scarcelyendeavouredtoconcealthesmilewithwhichhetooknonoticeofSirGilbert。Thelairdroseintheperturbationofmingledangerandunpreparedness。
“Ah！”hesaid，butitwasonlyasound，notaword，“towhat——mayI
ask——haveI——Ihavenotthehonourofyouracquaintance，Mr——Mr——“
Herehelookedagainatthecardheheld，fumbledforandopenedadoubleeyeglass，thenwithdeliberationexaminedthenameuponit，thusgainingtimebyrudeness，andgatheringhisforceformore，whileGibbieremainedasunembarrassedasifhehadbeenstandingtohistailorforhismeasure。“Mr——ah，Isee！，Galbraith，yousay——Towhat，Mr。Mr。”——anotherlookatthecard——“Galbraith，doI
owethehonourofthisunexpected——and——and——Imustsay——un——looked-forvisit——andatsuchanunusualhourformakingabusinesscall——forbusiness，Ipresume，itmustbethatbringsyou，seeingIhavenotthehonouroftheslightestacquaintancewithyou？”
Hedroppedhiseyeglasswithaclatteragainsthiswaistcoat，threwthecardintohisfinger-glass，raisedhispaleeyes，andstaredatSirGilbertwithallthefixednesstheywerecapableof。Hehadalreadydrunkagooddealofwine，anditwasplainhehad，althoughhewasfarfrombeingovercomebyit。Gibbieansweredbydrawingfromthebreast-pocketofhiscoatthepaperhehadwritten，andpresentingitlikeapetition。Mr。Galbraithsneered，andwouldnothavetouchedithadnothiseyecaughtthestamp，whichfromoldhabitatoncedrewhishand。Fromsimilarhabit，orperhapstogetitnearerthelight，hesatdown。Gibbiestood，andFergusstaredathimwithinsolentcomposure。Thelairdread，butnotaloud：I，GilbertGalbraith，Baronet，herebypromiseandundertaketotransfertoMissGalbraith，onlydaughterofThomasGalbraith，Esq。onthedaywhensheshallbemarriedtoDonalGrant，MasterofArts，thewholeofthetitledeedsofthehouseandlandsofGlashruach，tohaveandtoholdashers，withabsolutepowertodisposeofthesameasshemayseefit。GilbertGalbraith，OldHouseofGalbraith，Widdiehill，March，etc。etc。
Thelairdstretchedhisnecklikeaturkeycock，andgobbledinarticulately，threwthepapertoFergus，andturningonhischair，gloweredatGibbie。Thensuddenlystartingtohisfeet，hecried，“Whatdoyoumean，yourascal，bydaringtoinsultmeinmyownhouse？，Damnyourinsolentfoolery！”
“Atrick！amostpalpabletrick！andanexceedinglysillyone！”
pronouncedFergus，whohadnowreadthepaper;“quiteasfoolishasunjustifiable！，EverybodyknowsGlashruachisthepropertyofMajorCulsalmon！”——Herethelairdsoughtthereliefofanotheroathortwo——“Ientreatyoutomoderateyouranger，mydearsir，“Fergusresumed。“Thethingishardlyworthsomuchindignation。Someanimalhasbeenplayingthepoorfellowanill-naturedtrick——puttinghimuptoitforthesakeofavilepracticaljoke。
Itisexceedinglyprovoking，butyoumustforgivehim。Heishardlytoblame，scarcelyaccountable，underthenaturalcircumstances——Getawaywithyou，“headded，addressingGibbieacrossthetable。“Makehastebeforeworsecomesofit。Youhavebeenmadeafoolof。”
WhenFergusbegantospeak，thelairdturned，andwhilehespokestaredathimwithlack-lustreyetgleamingeyes，untilheaddressedGibbie，whenheturnedonhimagainasfiercelyasbefore。PoorGibbiestoodshakinghishead，smiling，andmakingeagersignswithhandsandarms;butinthelaird’sconditionofbothheartandbrainhemightwellforgetandfailtoberemindedthatGibbiewasdumb。
“Whydon’tyouspeak，youfool？”hecried。“Getoutanddon’tstandmakingfacesthere。Beoffwithyou，orIwillknockyoudownwithadecanter。”
Gibbiepointedtothepaper，whichlaybeforeFergus，andplacedahandfirstonhislips，thenonhisheart。
“Damnyourmummery！”saidthelaird，chokingwithrage。“Goaway，or，byGod！，Iwillbreakyourhead。”
Fergusatthisroseandcameroundthetabletogetbetweenthem。
Butthelairdcaughtupapairofnutcrackers，andthrewitatGibbie。Itstruckhimontheforehead，andthebloodspirtedfromthewound。Hestaggeredbackwards。Fergusseizedthelaird’sarm，andsoughttopacifyhim。
Herfather’sloudtoneshadreachedGinevrainherroom;sherandown，andthatinstantentered：Gibbieallbutfellintoherarms。
Themoment’ssupportshegavehim，andthelookoflovingterrorshecastinhisface，restoredhim;andhewasagainfirmonhisfeet，pressingherhandkerchieftohisforehead，whenFergus，leavingthelaird，advancedwiththepacificintentionofgettinghimsafefromthehouse。Ginevrasteppedbetweenthem。Herfather’sragethereuponbrokeloosequite，andwasmadness。Heseizedholdofherwithviolence，anddraggedherfromtheroom。
FerguslaidhandsuponGibbiemoregently，andhalfwouldhaveforced，halfpersuadedhimtogo。AcrycamefromGinevra：refusingtobesenttoherroombeforeGibbiewasinsafety，herfatherstruckher。Gibbiewouldhavedartedtoherhelp。Fergusheldhimfast，butknewnothingofGibbie’sstrength，andthenextmomentfoundhimselfonhisbackuponthetable，amidstthecrashofwineglassesandchina。Havinglockedthedoor，Gibbiesprungtothelaird，whowastryingtodraghisdaughter，nowhardlyresisting，upthefirststepsofthestair，tookhimroundthewaistfrombehind，swepthimtotheotherroom，andtherelockedhimupalso。HethenreturnedtoGinevrawhereshelaymotionlessonthestair，liftedherinhisarms，andcarriedheroutofthehouse，norstoppeduntil，havingreachedthefartherendofthestreet，heturnedthecornerofitintoanotherequallyquiet。
ThelairdandFergus，whentheywerereleasedbythegirlfromtheirrespectiveprisonsandfoundthattheenemywasgone，imaginedthatGinevrahadretiredagaintoherroom;andwhattheydidafterisnotinteresting。
Underadullsmokyoil-lampGibbiestopped。HeknewbythetighteningofherarmsthatGinevrawascomingtoherself。
“Letmedown，“shesaidfeebly。
Hedidso，butkepthisarmroundher。Shegaveadeepsigh，andgazedbewildered。Whenshesawhim，shesmiled。
“Withyou，Gibbie！”shemurmured。“——Buttheywillbeafterus！”
“Theyshallnottouchyou，“signifiedGibbie。
“Whatwasitallabout？”sheasked。
Gibbiespelledonhisfingers，“BecauseIofferedtogiveyouGlashruach，ifyourfatherwouldletyoumarryDonal。”
“Gibbie！howcouldyou？”shecriedalmostinascream，andpushingawayhisarm，turnedfromhimandtriedtorun，butaftertwosteps，totteredtothelamp-post，andleanedagainstit——withsuchascaredlook！
“Thencomewithmeandbemysister，Ginevra，andIwilltakecareofyou，“spelledGibbie。“IcandonothingtotakecareofyouwhileIcan’tgetnearyou。”
“Oh，Gibbie！nobodydoeslikethat，“returnedGinevra，“——elseI
shouldbesoglad！”
“ThereisnootherwaythenthatIknow。Youwon’tmarryanybody，yousee。”
“Won’tI，Gibbie？，Whatmakesyouthinkthat？”
“BecauseofcourseyouwouldneverrefuseDonalandmarryanybodyelse;thatisnotpossible。”
“Oh！don’tteaseme，Gibbie。”
“Ginevra，youdon’tmeanyouwould？”
Inthedulllight，andwiththeimperfectmeansofGibbiefortheembodimentofhisthoughts，Ginevramisunderstoodhim。
“Yea，Gibbie，“shesaid，“Iwould。Ithoughtitwasunderstoodbetweenus，eversincethatdayyoufoundmeonGlashgar。InmythoughtsIhavebeenyoursallthetime。”
Sheturnedherfacetothelamp-post。ButGibbiemadeherlook。
“Youdonotmean，“hespelledveryhurriedly，“thatyouwouldmarryme？——Me？，Ineverdreamedofsuchathing！”
“Youdidn’tmeanitthen！”saidGinevra，withacry——bitterbutfeeblewithdespairandendinginastifledshriek。“WhathaveI
beensayingthen！，IthoughtIbelongedtoyou！，Ithoughtyoumeanttotakemeallthetime！”Sheburstintoanagonyofsobbing。“Ohme！me！，Ihavebeenaloneallthetime，anddidnotknowit！”
Shesankonthepavementatthefootofthelamp-post，weepingsorely，andshakenwithhersobs。Gibbiewasinsadperplexity。
Heavenhadopenedbeforehisgaze;itscoloursfilledhiseyes;itssoundsfilledhisearsandheartandbrain;buttheportresswasbusycryingandwouldnotopenthedoor。Neithercouldhegetathertocomforther，for，hereyesbeingwantedtocrywith，hispoorsignswereofnouse。Dumbnessisadrawbacktothegiftofconsolation。
ItwasacalmnightearlyinMarch，clearoverhead，andtheheavenfullofstars。Thefirstfaintthink-odourofspringwasintheair。Acrescentmoonhunghalf-waybetweenthezenithandthehorizon，clearassilverinfirelight，andpeacefulintheconsciousnessthatnotmuchwasrequiredofheryet。Bothbareheaded，theonestoodunderthelamp，theotherhadfalleninaheapatitsfoot;theonewasintheseventhparadise，andknewit;
theotherwasweepingherheartout，yetwasinthesameparadise，ifshewouldbuthaveopenedhereyes。Gibbieheldoneofherhandsandstrokedit。Thenhepulledoffhiscoatandlaiditsoftlyuponher。Shegrewalittlequieter。
“Takemehome，Gibbie，“shesaid，inagentlevoice。Allwasover;
therewasnouseincryingoreveninthinkinganymore。
Gibbieputhisarmsroundher，andhelpedhertoherfeet。Shelookedathim，andsawafacegloriouswithbliss。Never，notevenonGlashgar，intheskin-coatofthebeast-boy，hadsheseenhimsolikeanangel。Andinhiseyeswasthatwhichtriumphed，notoverdumbness，butoverspeech。Itbroughttherose-firerushingintoherwancheeks;shehidherfaceonhisbosom;and，underthedingyredflameofthelampinthestonystreet，theyheldeachother，asblessedasiftheyhadbeenunderanorangetreehauntedwithfire-flies。Fortheykneweachtheheartoftheother，andGodisinfinite。
Howlongtheystoodthus，neitherofthemknew。Theladywouldnothavespokenifshecould，andtheyouthcouldnotifhewould。Buttheladyshivered，andbecausesheshivered，shewouldhavetheyouthtakehiscoat。Hemockedatcold;madeherputherarmsinthesleeves，andbuttoneditroundher：bothlaughedtoseehowwideitwas。Thenhetookherbythehand，andledheraway，obedientaswhenfirsthefoundherandherheartuponGlashgar。Liketwochildren，holdingeachotherfast，theyhurriedalong，indreadofpursuit。HebroughthertoDaur-street，andgaveherintoMrs。
Sclater’sarms。Ginevratoldhereverythingexceptthatherfatherhadstruckher，andGibbiebeggedhertokeephiswifeforhimtilltheycouldbemarried。Mrs。Sclaterbehavedlikeamothertothem，sentGibbieaway，andGinevratoahotbathandtobed。
CHAPTERLIX。
CATASTROPHE。
GibbiewenthomeasifPearl-streethadbeenthestairsofGlashgar，andtheAuldHooseamansionintheheavens。Heseemedtofloatalongthewayasonefloatsinahappydream，wheremotionisbornatonceofthewill，withouttheintermediatingmechanicsofnerve，muscle，andfulcrum。Lovehadbeengatheringandeverstoringitselfinhisheartsomanyyearsforthisbrowndove！nowatlasttherockwassmitten，anditstreasurerushedforthtoherservice。
Innothingwasitchangedasitissued，saveasthedark，silent，motionlesswaterofthecavernchangesintothesparkling，singing，dancingrivulet。Gibbie’swaslovesimple，unselfish，undemanding——notmerelyaskingfornoreturn，butaskingfornorecognition，requiringnoteventhatitsexistenceshouldbeknown。
Hewasarareone，whodidnotmakethecommonmiserableblunderoftakingtheshadowcastbylove——thedesire，namely，tobeloved——forloveitself;hislovewasaverticalsun，andhisownshadowwasunderhisfeet。Sillyyouthsandmaidenscountthemselvesmartyrsoflove，whentheyarebutthepiningwitnessestoadeliciousandentrancingselfishness。Butdonotmistakemethroughconfounding，ontheotherhand，thedesiretobeloved——whichisneitherwrongnornoble，anymorethanhungeriseitherwrongornoble——andthedelightinbeingloved，tobedevoidofwhichamanmustbelostinanimmeasurablydeeper，inanevil，ruinous，yea，afiendishselfishness。Nottocareforloveisthestillworsereactionfromtheself-foiledandoutworngreedoflove。Gibbie’slovewasadiamondamonggem-loves。Therearemenwhoselovetoafriendislessselfishthantheirlovetothedearestwoman;butGibbie’swasnotalovetobelessdivinetowardsawomanthantowardsaman。
Oneman’sloveisasdifferentfromanother’sastheoneishimselfdifferentfromtheother。Thelovethatdwellsinonemanisanangel，theloveinanotherisabird，thatinanotherahog。Somewouldcountworthlesstheloveofamanwholovedeverybody。Therewouldbenodistinctioninbeinglovedbysuchaman！——anddistinction，asaguaranteeoftheirowngreatworth，iswhatsuchseek。Therearewomenwhodesiretobethesoleobjectofaman’saffection，andarealltheirlivesdevouredbyunlawfuljealousies。
Alovethathadnevergoneforthuponhumanbeingbutthemselves，wouldbetothemthetreasuretosellallthattheymightbuy。Andthemanwhobroughtsuchalovemightintruthbeall-absorbedthereinhimself：thepoorestofcreaturesmaywellbeabsorbedinthepoorestofloves。Ahearthastobetaughttolove，anditsfirstlesson，howeverwelllearnt，nomoremakesitperfectinlove，thantheABCmakesasavant。Themanwholovesmostwilllovebest。ThemanwhothroughlylovesGodandhisneighbouristheonlymanwhowillloveawomanideally——whocanloveherwiththeloveGodthoughtofbetweenthemwhenhemademanmaleandfemale。Theman，Irepeat，wholovesGodwithhisverylife，andhisneighbourasChristloveshim，isthemanwhoaloneiscapableofgrand，perfect，gloriouslovetoanywoman。BecauseGibbie’slovewastowardseverythinghuman，hewasabletoloveGinevraasDonal，poetandprophet，wasnotyetgrownabletoloveher。Tothatofthemostpassionateofunbelievinglovers，Gibbie’slovewasasthefireofasuntothatofaforest。Thefulnessofaworldoflove-waysandlove-thoughtswasGibbie’s。Insweetaffairsofloving-kindness，hewasinhisownkingdom，andsatuponitsthrone。
Anditwasthisessentiallove，acknowledgingandembracing，asanecessityofitsbeing，everythingthatcouldbeloved，whichnowconcentrateditsraysontheindividual’sindividual。HislovetoGinevrastoodlikeagrowingthicketofaromaticshrubs，untilherconfessionsetthefireofheaventoit，andtheflamethatconsumesnot，butgiveslife，aroseandshothomeward。Hehadneverimagined，neverhoped，neverdesiredsheshouldlovehimlikethat。
Shehadrefusedhisfriend，thestrong，thenoble，thebeautiful，Donalthepoet，anditnevercouldbutfromherownlipshavefoundwaytohisbeliefthatshehadturnedherregarduponweeSirGibbie，anobody，whotohimselfwasamereburningheartrunningaboutintatteredgarments。Hisdevotiontoherhadforestalledeverypainwithitsantidoteofperfectlove，hadnegativedeverylack，hadprecludedeverydesire，hadshutallavenuesofentranceagainstself。Evenif“alittlethoughtunsound“shouldhavechanceduponanentrance，itwouldhavefoundnosoiltorootandgrowin：thesoilfortheharvestofpainisthatbroughtdownfromthepeaksofpridebythetorrentsofdesire。Immeasurablythegreaterthereforewashisdelight，whenthewarmthandodourofthelovethathadbeenfromtimetohimimmemorialpassingoutfromhiminvirtueofconsolationandhealing，camebackuponhiminthesoftestandsweetestofflower-wakingspring-winds。ThenindeedwashisheartablissworthGod’smaking。Thesumofhappinessinthecity，ifgatheredthatnightintoonewave，couldnothavereachedhalf-waytothecrestofthemightybillowtossingitselfheavenwardasitrushedalongtheoceanofGibbie’sspirit。
HeenteredthecloseoftheAuldHoose。Buttheexcessofhisjoyhadnotyetturnedtolight，wasnotyetpassingfromhiminphysicalflame：whencethentheglowthatilluminedthecourt？，Helookedup。ThewindowsofMistressCroale’sbedroomwereglaringwithlight！，Heopenedthedoorhurriedlyanddartedup。Onthestairhewasmetbythesmellofburning，whichgrewstrongerasheascended。HeopenedMistressCroale’sdoor。Thechintzcurtainsofherbedwereflamingtotheceiling。Hedartedtoit。MistressCroalewasnotinit。Hejumpeduponit，andtoredownthecurtainsandtester，tramplingthemunderhisfeetupontheblankets。Hehadalmostfinished，and，atthebottomofthebed，wasreachingupandpullingatthelastoftheflamingrags，whenagroancametohisears。Helookeddown：there，atthefootofthebed，onherbackuponthefloor，layMistressCroaleinhersatingown，withredswollenface，wide-openmouth，andhalf-openeyes，deaddrunk，aheapofruin。Abitofglowingtinderfellonherforehead。Sheopenedhereyes，lookedup，utteredaterrifiedcry，closedthem，andwasagainmotionless，exceptforherbreathing。Ononesideofherlayabottle，ontheotherachamber-candlestickupset，withthecandlegutteredintoamass。
Withthehelpofthewater-jugs，andthebathwhichstoodreadyinhisroom，hesucceededatlastinputtingoutthefire，andthenturnedhisattentiontoMistressCroale。Herbreathinghadgrownsostertorousthathewasalarmed，andgettingmorewater，bathedherhead，andlaidawethandkerchiefonit，afterwhichhesatdownandwatchedher。Itwouldhavemadeastrangepicture：themiddleofthenight，thefire-blastedbed，thepainful，uglycarcaseonthefloor，andthesadyet——Ihadalmostsaidradiantyouth，watchingnear。Theslownightpassed。
Thegrayofthemorningcame，chillandcheerless。MistressCroalestirred，moved，creptupratherthanrosetoasittingposition，andstretchedherselfyawning。Gibbiehadrisenandstoodoverher。
Shecaughtsightofhim;absoluteterrordistortedhersoddenface;
shestaredathim，thenstaredabouther，likeonewhohadsuddenlywakedinhell。Hetookherbythearm。Sheobeyed，rose，andstood，fearconqueringtheremnantsofdrunkenness，withherwhisky-scorchedeyesfollowinghiseverymovement，ashegothercloakandbonnet。Heputthemonher。Shesubmittedlikeachildcaughtinwickedness，andcowedbythecapture。Heledherfromthehouse，outintothedarkmorning，madehertakehisarm，andawaytheywalkedtogether，downtotheriverside。Shegaveareelnowandthen，andsometimesherkneeswoulddoubleunderher;butGibbiewasnonoviceatthetask，andbroughthersafetothedoorofherlodging——ofwhich，inviewofsuchapossibility，hehadbeenpayingtherentallthetime。Heopenedthedoorwithherpass-key，ledherupthestair，unlockedthedoorofhergarret，placedherinachair，andlefther，closingthedoorsgentlybehindhim。
Instinctivelyshesoughtherbed，felluponit，andsleptagain。
Whenshewoke，herdimmindwashauntedbyaterriblevisionofresurrectionanddamnation，ofwhichtheonlypointshecouldplainlyrecall，wasanangel，aslikeSirGibbieashecouldlook，hangingintheairaboveher，andsendingoutflamesonallsidesofhim，whichburnedherup，insideandout，shrivellingsoulandbodytogether。Asshelaythinkingoverit，withhereyesclosed，suddenlysheremembered，withapangofdismay，thatshehadgotdrunkandbrokenhervow——thatwastheoriginofthebaddream，andthedreadfulheadache，andtheburningatherheart！，Shemusthavewater！，Painfullyliftingherselfupononeelbow，sheopenedhereyes。Thenwhatabewilderment，andwhatadiscovery，slowunfoldingitself，werehers！，Likeherfirstparentsshehadfallen;
herparadisewasgone;shelayoutsideamongthethornsandthistlesbeforethegate。Frombeingthevirtualmistressofagreathouse，shewasbackinherdrearylonelygarret！，Re-exiledinshamefromherbrieflyregainedrespectability，fromfriendshipandhonourablelifeandtheholdingforthofhelptotheworld，shelaythereasowthathadbeenwashed，andwashedinvain！，Whatasightofdisgracewashergrandsatingown——wet，andscorched，andsmearedwithcandle！andugh！howitsmeltofsmokeandburningandthedregsofwhisky！，Andherlace！——Shegazedatherfineryasanangelmightonhisfeatherswhichtheenemyhadburnedwhilehesleptonhiswatch。
Shemusthavewater！，Shegotoutofbedwithdifficulty，thenforawholehoursatontheedgeofitmotionless，unsurethatshewasnotinhell。Atlastshewept——acridtears，forverymisery。Sherose，tookoffhersatinandlace，putonacottongown，andwasoncemoreadecent-lookingpoorbody——exceptastoherglowingfaceandburningeyes，whichtobatheshehadnothingbuttears。Againshesatdown，andforaspacedidnothing，onlysufferedinignominy。
Atlastlifebegantorevivealittle。Sheroseandmovedabouttheroom，staringatthethingsinitasaghostmightstareatthegrave-clothesonitsabandonedbody。Thereonthetablelayherkeys;andwhatwasthatunderthem？——Aletteraddressedtoher。Sheopenedit，andfoundfivepound-notes，withthesewords：“IpromisetopaytoMrs。Croalefivepoundsmonthly，forninemonthstocome。
GilbertGalbraith。”，Sheweptagain。Hewouldneverspeaktohermore！，Shehadlosthimatlast——heronlyfriend！——hersolelinktoGodandgoodnessandthekingdomofheaven！——losthimforever！
Thedaywenton，coldandfoggywithout，colderanddrearierwithin。
Sickandfaintanddisgusted，thepoorhearthadnoatmospheretobeatinsaveaninfinitesenseoffailureandlostopportunity。Shehadfuelenoughintheroomtomakealittlefire，andatlengthhadsummonedresolvesufficientforthefetchingofwaterfromthestreet-pump。Shewenttothecupboardtogetajug：shecouldnotcarryapailful。Thereinthecornerstoodherdemon-friend！herownoldfamiliar，theblackbottle！asifhehadbeenpatientlywaitingforherallthelongdrearytimeshehadbeenaway！，Withaflashoffiercejoysherememberedshehadleftithalf-full。Shecaughtitup，andhelditbetweenherandthefadinglightofthemistywindow：itwashalf-fullstill！——Oneglass——ahairofthedog——wouldsetherfreefromfaintnessandsickness，disgustandmisery！，Therewasnoonetofindfaultwithhernow！，Shecoulddoassheliked——therewasnoonetocare！——nothingtotakefire！——Shesetthebottleonthetable，becauseherhandshook，andwentagaintothecupboardtogetaglass。Ontheway——borneupwardonsomeheavenlycurrentfromthedeepsofhersoul，thefaceofGibbie，sorrowfulbecauseloving，likethefaceoftheSonofMan，mether。
Sheturned，seizedthebottle，andwouldhavedasheditonthehearthstone，butthatasuddenresolvearrestedherliftedarm：
Gibbieshouldsee！，Shewouldbestrong！，Thatbottleshouldstandonthatshelfuntilthehourwhenshecouldshowithimandsay，“Seetheproofofmyvictory！”Shedrovethecorkfiercelyin。
Whenitstopwaslevelwiththeneck，shesetthebottlebackinitsplace，andfromthathouritstoodthere，atemptation，aceaselesswarning，themonumentofabrokenbutreparablevow，apledgeofhope。Itmaynothavebeenaprudentmeasure。Toaweaknatureitwouldhaveinvolvedcertainruin。Buttherearenaturesthatdobetterunderdifficulty;therearemanysuch。Andwiththatfiend-likeshapeinhercupboardtheoneambitionofMistressCroale’slifewashenceforthinextricablyboundup：shewouldturnthatbottleintoawitnessforheragainstthejudgmentshehaddeserved。Closebythecupboarddoor，likeakiteoranowlnailedupagainstabarn，shehunghersoiledanddishonouredsatingown;
andtheduskhavingnowgathered，tookthejug，andfetchedherselfwater。Then，havingsetherkettleonthefire，shewentoutwithherbasket，andboughtbread，andbutter。Afteragoodcupofteaandsomenicetoast，shewenttobedagain，mucheasierbothinmindandbody，andslept。
Inthemorningshewenttothemarket，openedhershop，andwaitedforcustomers。Pleasureandsurpriseatherreappearancebroughttheoldonesquicklyback。Shewasfriendlyandhelpfultothemasbefore;buttheslightestapproachtoinquiryastowhereshehadbeenorwhatshehadbeendoing，shemetwithsimpleobstinatesilence。Gibbie’sbountyandherfaithfulabstinenceenabledhertoaddtoherstockandextendhertrade。Byandbyshehadthecommandofalittlemoney;andwheninthelateautumntherecameatimeofscarcityanddisease，shewentaboutamongthepoorlikeadiscipleofSirGibbie。Somesaidthat，fromherknowledgeoftheirways，fromherjudgment，andbyherpersonalministrationofwhat，forhermeans，shegavemorebountifullythanany，shedidmoretoheartentheirendurance，thanalltheladiestogetherwhoadministeredmoneysubscribed。ItcametoSirGibbie’sears，andrejoicedhisheart：hisoldfriendwasontheKing’shighwaystill！
Inthemeantimeshesawnothingofhim。Notoncedidhepasshershop，whereoftenhermental，andnotunfrequentlyherbodily，attitudewasthatofawatchinglover。Thesecondday，indeed，shesawhimatalittledistance，andsorelyherheartsmoteher，foroneofhishandswasinasling;buthecrossedtotheotherside，plainlytoavoidher。Shewasnonethelesssure，however，thatwhensheaskedhimhewouldforgiveher;andaskhimshewould，assoonasshehadsatisfactoryproofofrepentancetoshowhim。
CHAPTERLX。
ARRANGEMENTANDPREPARATION。
Thenextmorning，thefirstthingafterbreakfast，Mr。Sclater，havingreflectedthatGinevrawasunderageandtheymustbecareful，resumedforthenonce，withconsiderablesatisfaction，hisofficeofguardian，andholdingnopreviousconsultationwithGibbie，walkedtothecottage，andsoughtaninterviewwithMr。
Galbraith，whichthelatteraccordedwithaformalitysuitabletohisideaofhisowninborngrandeur。Buthisassumptionhadnoeffectonnut-headedMr。Sclater，who，inthismatteratallevents，wasatpeacewithhisconscience。
“Ihavetoinformyou，Mr。Galbraith，“hebegan，“thatMissGalbraith——“
“Oh！”saidthelaird，“Ibegyourpardon;Iwasnotawareitwasmydaughteryouwishedtosee。”
Heroseandrangthebell。Mr。Sclater，annoyedathismanner，heldhispeace。
“Tellyourmistress，“saidthelaird，“thattheRev。Mr。Sclaterwishestoseeher。”
Thegirlreturnedwithascaredface，andthenewsthathermistresswasnotinherroom。Thelaird’sloosemouthdroppedlooser。
“MissGalbraithdidusthehonourtosleepatourhouselastnight，“
saidMr。Sclaterdeliberately。
“Thedevil！”criedthelaird，relieved。“Why！——What！——Areyouawareofwhatyouaresaying，sir？”
“Perfectly;andofwhatIsawtoo。Ablowlooksbadonalady’sface。”
“Goodheavens！thelittlehusseydaredtosayIstruckher？”
“Shedidnotsayso;butnoonecouldfailtoseesomeonehad。Ifyoudonotknowwhodidit，Ido。”
“Sendherhomeinstantly，orIwillcomeandfetchher，“criedthelaird。
“Comeanddinewithusifyouwanttoseeher。Forthepresentsheremainswheresheis。YouwanthertomarryFergusDuff;sheprefersmyward，GilbertGalbraith，andIshalldomybestforthem。”
“Sheisunderage，“saidthelaird。
“Thatfaultwillrectifyitselfasfastinmyhouseasinyours，“
returnedtheminister。“Ifyouinvitethepublicityofalegalaction，Iwillemploycounsel，andwaittheresult。”
Mr。Sclaterwasnotatallanxioustohastenthemarriage;hewouldmuchrather，infact，haveitputoff，atleastuntilGibbieshouldhavetakenhisdegree。Thelairdstartedupinarage，buttheroomwassosmallthathesatdownagain。Theministerleanedbackinhischair。Hewastoomuchdispleasedwiththelaird’sbehaviourtolightenthematterforhimbysettingforththeadvantagesofhavingSirGibbieforason-in-law。
“Mr。Sclater，“saidthelairdatlength，“Iamshocked，unspeakablyshocked，atmydaughter’sconduct。Toleavetheshelterofherfather’sroof，inthemiddleofthenight，and——“
“Aboutseveno’clockintheevening，“interjectedMr。Sclater。
“——andtakerefugewithstrangers！”continuedthelaird。
“Bynomeansstrangers，Mr。Galbraith！”saidtheminister。“Youdriveyourdaughterfromyourhouse，andarethenshockedtofindshehastakenrefugewithfriends！”
“Sheisanunnaturalchild。SheknowswellenoughwhatIthinkofher，andwhatreasonshehasgivenmesotothink。”
“Whenamanhappenstobealoneinanyopinion，“remarkedtheminister，“eveniftheopinionshouldbeofhisowndaughter，theprobabilitiesareheiswrong。EveryonebutyourselfhasthedeepestregardforMissGalbraith。”
“Shehasalwayscultivatedstrangelyobjectionablefriendships，“
saidthelaird。
“Formyownpart，“saidtheminister，asifheedlessofthelaird’slastremark，“althoughIbelieveshehasnodowry，andtherearereasonsbesideswhytheconnectionshouldnotbedesirable，IdonotknowaladyIshouldpreferforawifetomyward。”
Theminister’splainspeakingwasnotwithouteffectuponthelaird。
Itmadehimuncomfortable。Itisonlywhentheconscienceiswideawakeandregnantthatitcanbeappealedtowithoutgivingacryforresponse。Againhesatsilentawhile。Thengatheringallthepompandstiffnessathiscommand，“Obligemebyinformingmydaughter，“hesaid，“thatIrequesther，forthesakeofavoidingscandal，toreturntoherfather’shouseuntilsheisofage。”
“Andinthemeantimeyouundertake——“
“Iundertakenothing，“shoutedthelaird，inhisfeeble，woolly，yetharshvoice。
“ThenIrefusetocarryyourmessage。Iwillbenobearerofthatfromwhich，assoonasdelivered，Ishoulddissuade。”
“Allowmetoask，areyouaministerofthegospel，andstirupachildagainstherownfather？”
“Iamnotheretobandywordswithyou，Mr。Galbraith。Itisnothingtomewhatyouthinkofme。IfyouwillengagenottourgeyourchoiceuponMissGalbraith，Ithinkitprobableshewillatoncereturntoyou。Ifnot——“
“Iwillnotforceherinclinations，“saidthelaird。“Sheknowsmywish，andsheoughttoknowthedutyofadaughter。”
“Iwilltellherwhatyousay，“answeredtheminister，andtookhisdeparture。
WhenGibbieheard，hewasnotatallsatisfiedwithMr。Sclater’sinterferencetosuchresult。HewishedtomarryGinevraatonce，inordertotakeherfromunderthetyrannyofherfather。Buthewasreadilyconvinceditwouldbebetter，nowthingswereunderstood，thatsheshouldgobacktohim，andtryoncemoretogainhim。Thesamedayshedidgoback，andGibbietookuphisquartersattheminister’s。
Ginevrasoonfoundthatherfatherhadnotyieldedtheideaofhavinghisownwaywithher，butherspiritsandcouragewerenowsogood，thatshewasablenotonlytoendurewithlesssuffering，buttocarryherselfquitedifferently。Muchlessafraidofhim，shewasthemorewatchfultoministertohiswants，daredalovinglibertynowandtheninspiteofhiscoldness，tookhisobjurgationswithsomethingofthegaietyofonewhodidnotorwouldnotbelievehemeantthem，andwhenheabusedGibbie，didnotansweraword，knowingeventsalonecouldsethimrightinhisideaofhim。
RejoicedthathehadnotlaidholdofthefactthatGlashruachwasGibbie’s，shenevermentionedtheplacetohim;forsheshrunkwithsharpestrecoilfromthehumiliationofseeinghim，uponconviction，turnfromFergustoGibbie：thekindestthingtheycoulddoforhimwouldbetomarryagainsthiswill，andsavehimfromopentergiversation;fornoonecouldthenblamehim，hewouldbethoroughlypleased，andnothavingtheopportunityofself-degradation，wouldbesavedthecauseforself-contempt。
ForsometimeFerguskeptonhoping。Thelaird，blindedbyhisownwishes，andexpectingGibbiewouldsoondosomethingtobringpublicdisgraceuponhimself，didnottellhimofhisdaughter’sdeterminationandself-engagement，while，forherpart，Ginevrabelievedshefulfilledherdutytowardshimintheendeavourtoconvincehimbyherconductthatnothingcouldeverinducehertomarryhim。Sotheremainderofthesessionpassed——thelairdurginghisobjectionsagainstGibbie，andgrowingextravagantinhispraisesofFergus，whileGinevrakepttakingfreshcourage，andbeingofgoodcheer。Gibbiewenttothecottageonceortwice，butthelairdmadeitsouncomfortableforthem，andFerguswassorude，thattheyagreeditwouldbebettertocontentthemselveswithmeetingwhentheyhadthechance。
AttheendofthemonthGibbiewenthomeasusual，tellingGinevrahemustbepresenttosuperintendwhatwasgoingonatGlashruachtogetthehousereadyforher，butsayingnothingofwhathewasbuildingthere。Bythebeginningofthewinter，theyhadgotthebuttress-wallfinishedandthecopingonit，alsotheshellofthenewhouseroofedin，sothatthecarpentershadbeenatworkallthroughthefrostandsnow，andthingshadmadegreatprogresswithoutanyhurry;andnow，sincethefirstdaytheweatherhadpermitted，themasonswereatworkagain。Thebridgewasbuilt，thewalloftheoldhousebrokenthrough，theturretcarriedaloft。Thechannelofthelittleburntheyhadfoundcompletelyblockedbyagreatstoneatthefartheredgeofthelandslip;uptothisstonetheyopenedthechannel，protectingitbymasonryagainstfurtherslip，andbyGibbie’sdirectionsleftitso——afterboringthestone，whichstillturnedeverydropofthewaterasideintotheGlashburn，foragoodchargeofgunpowder。Allthehollowwherethelatterburnhadcarriedawaypine-woodandshrubbery，graveldriveandlawn，hadbeenplanted，mostlywithfirtrees;andaweirofstrongmasonry，alittlewaybelowthehouse，keptthewaterback，sothatitroseandspread，andformedastillpooljustunderthehouse，reflectingitfarbeneath。IfGinevrapleased，Gibbiemeanttoraisetheweir，andhavequitealittlelakeinthehollow。Anewapproachhadbeencontrived，andwasnearlyfinishedbeforeGibbiereturnedtocollege。
CHAPTERLXI。
THEWEDDING。
InthemeantimeFergus，dullashewastodoubthisownimportanceandsuccess——fordidnotthepublicacknowledgeboth？——yetbydegreeslostheartandhopesofarasconcernedGinevra，andatlengthtoldthelairdthat，muchashevaluedhissociety，andwasindebtedforhiskindness，hemustdenyhimselfthepleasureofvisitinganymoreatthecottage——soplainlywashispresenceunacceptabletoMissGalbraith。Thelairdblusteredagainsthisdaughter，andexpostulatedwiththepreacher，notforgettingtohintattheingratitudeofforsakinghim，afterallhehaddoneandborneinthefurtheringofhisinterests：Jennymustatlengthcometoseewhatreasonandgoodsenserequiredofher！，ButFergushadatlastlearnedhislesson，andwasnolongertobeblinded。Besides，therehadlatelycometohischurchacertainshopkeeper，retiredrich，withonedaughter;andashishopeofthedignityofbeingmarriedtoGinevrafaded，hehadcometofeeltheenticementofMissLapraik’smoneyandgoodlooks——whichgainedinforceconsiderablywhenhebegantounderstandtheseriousoff-setsthereweretothehonourofbeingson-in-lawtoMr。Galbraith：anobodyaswasoldLapraikinhimselfandhisposition，hewasatleastlookeduponwithrespect，arguedFergus;andindeedthemanwasashonestasitispossibleforanyworshipperofMammontobe。Fergusthereforereceivedthelaird’sexpostulationsandencouragementswithcomposure，butwhenatlength，inhisgrowingacidity，Mr。Galbraithreflectedonhisbirth，andhisowncondescensioninshowinghimfriendship，Fergusleftthehouse，nevertogonearitagain。
Withinthreemonths，forasecondprotractedcourtshipwasnottobethoughtof，hemarriedMissLapraik，andlivedrespectableeverafter——tooktowritinghymns，becamepopularafreshthroughhispoetry，andexercisedadoubleinfluenceforthehumiliationofChristianity。Butwhatmatter，whilehecountedhimselffortunate，andthoughthimselfhappy！hisfamespread;hehadgoodhealth;hiswifeworshippedhim;andifhehadhadavalet，Ihavenodoubthewouldhavebeenaherotohim，thusclimbingthetopmostuntroddenpeakoftheworld’sgreatness。
Whenthenexteveningcame，andFergusdidnotappear，thelairdfidgeted，thenstormed，thensankintoamoodysilence。Whenthesecondnightcame，andFergusdidnotcome，thesequencewasthesame，withexasperatedsymptoms。Nightafternightpassedthus，andGinevrabegantofearforherfather’sreason。Shechallengedhimtoplaybackgammonwithher，buthescornedtheproposal。Shebeggedhimtoteachherchess，buthescoutedthenotionofherhavingwitenoughtolearn。Sheofferedtoreadtohim，entreatedhimtoletherdosomethingwithhim，butherepelledhereveryadvancewithcontemptandsurliness，whichnowandthenbrokeintorageandvituperation。
AssoonasGibbiereturned，Ginevralethimknowhowbadlythingsweregoingwithherfather。Theymet，consulted，agreedthatthebestthingwastobemarriedatonce，madetheirpreparations，andconfidentthat，ifasked，hewouldrefusehispermission，proceeded，forhissake，asiftheyhadhadit。
Onemorning，ashesatatbreakfast，Mr。GalbraithreceivedfromMr。
Torrie，whomheknewastheagentinthepurchaseofGlashruach，andwhomhesupposedtohaveboughtitforMajorCulsalmon，aletter，morethanrespectful，statingthatmattershadcometolightregardingthepropertywhichrenderedhispresenceonthespotindispensablefortheirsolution，especiallyastheremightbepapersofconsequenceinviewofthepointsinquestion，insomedrawerorcabinetofthosehehadleftlockedbehindhim。Thepresentowner，therefore，throughMr。Torrie，beggedmostrespectfullythatMr。Galbraithwouldsacrificetwodaysofhisvaluabletime，andvisitGlashruach。Theresult，hedidnotdoubt，wouldbetotheadvantageofbothparties。IfMr。GalbraithwouldkindlysignifytoMr。Torriehisassent，acarriageandfour，withpostilions，thathemightmakethejourneyinallpossiblecomfort，shouldbeathishousethenextmorning，atteno’clock，ifthathourwouldbeconvenient。
Forweeksthelairdhadbeenanunmitigatedboretohimself，andtheinvitationlaidholduponhimbythemostprojectinghandleofhisbeing，namely，hisself-importance。Hewroteatoncetosignifyhisgraciousassent;andintheeveningtoldhisdaughterhewasgoingtoGlashruachonbusiness，andhadarrangedforMissKimbletocomeandstaywithhertillhisreturn。
Atnineo’clocktheschoolmistresscametobreakfast，andattenatravelling-carriagewithfourhorsesdrewupatthedoor，lookingnearlyasbigasthecottage。Withmonstrousstateliness，andafur-coatonhisarm，thelairddescendedtohisgardengate，andgotintothecarriage，whichinstantlydashedawayforthewesternroad，restoringMr。Galbraithtothefullconsciousnessofhisinherentgrandeur：ifhewasnotexactlylairdofGlashruachagain，hewassomethingquiteasimportant。Hiscarriagewasjustoutofthestreet，whenasecond，alsowithfourhorses，drewup，totheastonishmentofMissKimble，atthegardengate。OutofitsteppedMr。andMrs。Sclater！thenayounggentleman，whomshethoughtverygracefuluntilshediscovereditwasthatlow-livedSirGilbert！andMr。Torrie，thelawyer！，Theycametroopingintothelittledrawing-room，shookhandswiththemboth，andsatdown，SirGilbertbesideGinevra——butnobodyspoke。Whatcoulditmean！，Amorningcall？，Itwastooearly。Andfourhorsestoamorningcall！，A
pastoralvisitation？，Fourhorsesandalawyertoapastoralvisitation！，Abusinesscall？，TherewasMrs。Sclater！andthatSirGilbert！——Itmustafterallbeapastoralvisitation，fortherewastheministercommencingareligiousservice！——duringwhichhoweveritsuddenlyrevealeditselftothehorrifiedspinsterthatshewaspartandparcelofaclandestinewedding！，Ananxiousfatherhadplacedherinchargeofhisdaughter，andthiswashowshewasfulfillinghertrust！，TherewasGinevrabeingmarriedinabrowndress！andtothathorridlad，whocalledhimselfabaronet，andhobnobbedwithalowmarket-woman！，But，alas！justasshewasrecoveringherpresenceofmind，Mr。Sclaterpronouncedthemhusbandandwife！，Shegaveashriek，andcriedout，“Iforbidthebanns，“
atwhichthecompany，brideandbridegroomincluded，brokeinto“aloudsmile。”，Theceremonyover，Ginevraglidedfromtheroom，andreturnedalmostimmediatelyinherlittlebrownbonnet。SirGilbertcaughtuphishat，andGinevraheldoutherhandtoMissKimble。
Thenatlengththeabashedandaggrievedladyfoundwordsofherown。
“Ginevra！”shecried，“youarenevergoingtoleavemealoneinthehouse！——afterinvitingmetostaywithyoutillyourfatherreturned！”
Buttheministeransweredher。
“Itwasherfatherwhoinvitedyou，Ibelieve，notLadyGalbraith，“
hesaid;“andyouunderstoodperfectlythattheinvitationwasnotmeanttogiveherpleasure。Youwoulddoubtlesshaveherpostponeherwedding-journeyonyouraccount，butmyladyisundernoobligationtothinkofyou。”——HehadheardofhertattleagainstSirGilbert，andthusrudelyshowedhisresentment。
MissKimbleburstintotears。Ginevrakissedher，andsaid，“Nevermind，dearMissKimble。Youcouldnothelpit。Thewholethingwasarranged。Wearegoingaftermyfather，andwehavethebesthorses。”
Mr。Torrielaughedoutright。
“Anewkindofrunawaymarriage！”hecried。“Thehappycouplepursuingtheobstinateparentwithfourhorses！，Ha！ha！ha！”
“Butaftertheceremony！”saidMr。Sclater。
Heretheservantrandownthestepswithacarpet-bag，andopenedthegateforhermistress。LadyGalbraithgotintothecarriage;
SirGilbertfollowed;therewaskissingandtearsatthedoorofit;
Mrs。Sclaterdrewback;thepostilionsspurredtheirhorses;offwentthesecondcarriagefasterthanthefirst;andtheminister’spartywalkedquietlyaway，leavingMissKimbletodeclaimtothemaidofallwork，whocriedsothatshedidnothearawordshesaid。Theschoolmistressputonherbonnet，andfullofindignationcarriedhernewsofthetreatmenttowhichshehadbeensubjectedtotheRev。FergusDuff，whoremarkedtohimselfthatitwassadtoseeyouthandbeautyturnawayfromgeniusandinfluencetowedmoneyandidiocy，gaveasigh，andwenttoseeMissLapraik。
Betweenthesecondstageandthethird，GibbieandGinevracameinsightoftheirfather’scarriage。Havingarrangedwiththepostilionsthatthetwocarriagesshouldnotchangehorsesatthesameplaces，theyeasilypassedunseenbyhim，while，thinkingofnothingsolittleastheirproximity，hesatinstatebeforethedoorofavillageinn。
JustasMr。Galbraithwasbeginningtohopethemajorhadcontrivedanewapproachtotheplace，thecarriagetookanunexpectedturn，andhefoundpresentlytheywereclimbing，byazig-zagroad，theheightovertheLorrieburn;buttheplacewasnolongerhis，andtoavoidasenseofhumiliation，heavoidedtakinganyinterestinthechange。
Ayoungwoman——itwasDonal’seldestsister，butheknewnothingofher——openedthedoortohim，andshowedhimupthestairtohisoldstudy。Thereagreatfirewasburning;but，beyondthat，everything，eventothetriflesonhiswritingtable，wasjustaswhenlastheleftthehouse。Hischairstoodinitsusualpositionbythefire，andwineandbiscuitswereonalittletablenear。
“Veryconsiderate！”hesaidtohimself。“Itrustthemajordoesnotmeantokeepmewaiting，though。Deucedhardtohavetoleaveaplacelikethis！”
Wearywithhisjourneyhefellintoadoze，dreamedofhisdeadwife，wokesuddenly，andheardthedooroftheroomopen。TherewasMajorCulsalmonenteringwithoutstretchedhand！andtherewasalady——hiswifedoubtless！，Buthowyoungthemajorwas！hehadimaginedhimamaninmiddleageatleast！——Blesshissoul！washenevertogetridofthisimpostorfellow！itwasnotthemajor！itwastherascalcallinghimselfSirGilbertGalbraith！——thehalf-wittedwretchhisfoolofadaughterinsistedonmarrying！
Herehewas，ubiquitousasSatan！，And——blesshissoulagain！therewastheminx，Jenny！lookingasiftheplacewasherown！，Thesillytearsinhereyestoo！——Itwasalltooabsurd！，Hehadjustbeendreamingofhisdeadwife，andclearlythatwasit！hewasnotawakeyet！
Hetriedhardtowake，butthedreammasteredhim。
“Jenny！”hesaid，asthetwostoodforamomentregardinghim，alittledoubtfully，butwithsmilesofwelcome，“whatisthemeaningofthis？，IdidnotknowMajorCulsalmonhadinvitedyou！，Andwhatisthispersondoinghere？”
“Papa，“repliedGinevra，withacurioussmile，halfmerry，halftearful，“thispersonismyhusband，SirGilbertGalbraithofGlashruach;andyouareathomeinyourownstudyagain。”
“Willyouneverhavedonemasquerading，Jenny？”hereturned。“InformMajorCulsalmonthatIrequesttoseehimimmediately。”
Heturnedtowardsthefire，andtookupanewspaper。Theythoughtitbettertoleavehim。Ashesat，bydegreesthetruthgrewplaintohim。Butnotoneotherwordonthematterdidthemanuttertothedayofhisdeath。Whendinnerwasannounced，hewalkedstraightfromthedining-roomdoortohisformerplaceatthefootofthetable。ButRobinaGrantwasequaltotheoccasion。Shecaughtupthedishbeforehim，andsetitattheside。ThereGibbieseatedhimself;and，afteramoment’shesitation，Ginevraplacedherselfoppositeherhusband。
ThenextdayGibbieprovidedhimwithsomethingtodo。HehadthechestofpapersfoundintheAuldHooseo’Galbraithcarriedintohisstudy，andthelawyerfoundbothemploymentandinterestforweeksindecipheringandarrangingthem。Amongstmanyothersconcerningtheproperty，itstenures，andboundaries，appearedsomepaperswhich，associatedandcompared，threwconsiderabledoubtonthewayinwhichportionsofithadchangedhands，andpassedfromthoseofGibbie’sancestorsintothoseofGinevra’s——whowerelawyersaswellasGalbraiths;andthelairdwaskeenofscentasanynose-houndafterdishonestyinotherpeople。Inthecourseofafortnighthefoundhimselfsomuchathomeinhisoldquarters，andsomuchinterestedinthosepapersandhisbooks，thatwhenSirGilbertinformedhimGinevraandheweregoingbacktothecity，hepronounceditdecidedlythebetterplan，seeinghewastherehimselftolookafteraffairs。
Fortherestofthewinter，therefore，Mr。GalbraithplayedthegrandseigneurasbeforeamongthetenantsofGlashruach。
CHAPTERLXII。
THEBURN。
ThemomenttheyweresettledintheAuldHoose，Gibbieresumedthehabitsoftheformerwinter，whichMistressCroale’sfailurehadinterrupted。AndwhatachangeitwastoGinevra——fromimprisonmenttoministration！，Shefounddifficultiesatfirst，asmayreadilybebelieved。Butpresentlycamehelp。AssoonasMistressCroaleheardoftheirreturn，shewentimmediatelytoLadyGalbraith，onemorningwhileSirGibbiewasatcollege，literallykneltatherfeet，andwithtearstoldherthewholetale，beseechingherintercessionwithSirGibbie。
“Iwantnaething，“sheinsisted，“buthisfawvour，an’thelichto’
hisbonniecoontenance。”
Theendofcoursewasthatshewasgladlyreceivedagainintothehouse，whereoncemoresheattendedtoalltheprincipalatleastofherformerduties。Beforeshedied，therewasagreatchangeandgrowthinher：shewasnoneofthosebeforewhompearlsmustnotbecast。
Everywinter，formanyyears，SirGilbertandLadyGalbraithoccupiedtheAuldHoose;whichbydegreescameatlengthtobeknownastherefugeofallthatwereinhonestdistress，thesalvationofallinthemselvessuchascouldbehelped，andacovertforthenighttoallthehouseless，ofwhateversort，exceptthosedrunkatthetime。Cautionhadtobeexercised，andjudgmentused;thecautionwastenderandthejudgmentstern。ThenextyeartheybuiltahouseinashelteredspotonGlashgar，andthitherfromthecitytheybroughtmanyinvalids，tospendthesummermonthsunderthecareofJanetandherdaughterRobina，wherebynotafewwererestoredsufficientlytoearntheirbreadforatimethereafter。
Theverydaythesessionwasover，theyreturnedtoGlashruach，wheretheywerereceivedbythelaird，ashewasstillcalled，asiftheyhadbeenguests。TheyfoundJoseph，theoldbutler，reinstated，andAngusagainactingasgamekeeper。GinevrawelcomedJoseph，buttookthefirstopportunityoftellingAngusthatforherfather’ssakeSirGilbertallowedhimtoremain，butonthefirstactofviolenceheshouldatoncebedismissed，andprobablyprosecutedaswell。Donal’seldestbrotherwasmadebailiff。
BeforelongGibbiegottheothertwoalsoabouthim，andassoonas，withjustice，hewasable，settledthemtogetherupononeofhisfarms。EverySaturday，solongasJanetlived，theymet，asintheoldtimes，atthecottage——onlywithGinevraintheplaceoftheabsentDonal。Moretoherownsatisfaction，afterall，thanRobert’s，Janetwenthomefirst，——“tobeathan’，“shesaid，“toopenthedoortillhimwhanhechaps。”，ThenRobertwenttohissonsbelowontheirfarm，wherehewaswelltakencareof;buthappilyhedidnotremainlongbehindhiswife。Thatfirstsummer，NiciereturnedtoGlashruachtowaitonLadyGalbraith，wasmoreherfriendthanherservant，andwhenshemarried，wassettledontheestate。
ForsomelittletimeGinevrawasfullyoccupiedingettingherhouseinorder，andfurnishingthenewpartofit。Whenthatwasdone，SirGilbertgaveanentertainmenttohistenants。Thelairdpreferredatriptothecity，“onbusiness，“tothehumiliationofbeingpresentasotherthanthegreatest;thoughperhapshewouldhavemindeditlesshadheeverhimselfgivenadinnertohistenants。
RobertandJanetdeclinedtheinvitation。
“We’reowerauldformakin’merry’cep’inoorainherts，“saidJanet。“Butbideye，mybonnySirGibbie，tillwe’rea’upyon’er，an’synewe’llsee。”
TheplaceofhonourwasthereforegiventoJeanMavor，whowasbesideherselfwithjoytoseeherbroonielordoftheland，andbeseatedbesidehiminrespectandfriendship。Butherbrothersaiditwas“cleanridic’lous;“andnottothelastwouldconsenttoregardthenewlairdasotherthanhalf-witted，insistingthateverythingwasdonebyhiswife，andthatthetalkonhisfingerswasamerepretence。
Whenthemainpartofthedinnerwasover，SirGilbertandhisladystoodattheheadofthetable，and，hespeakingbysignsandsheinterpreting，madealittlespeechtogether。InthecourseofitSirGibbietookoccasiontoapologizeforhavingoncedisturbedthepeaceofthecountry-sidebyactingthesupposedpartofabroonie，andinrelatinghisadventuresofthetime，accompaniedhiswife’stextwithsuchgraphicillustrationofgesture，thathisaudiencelaughedatthemerrytaletillthetearsrandowntheircheeks。
Thenwithafewallusionstohisstrangechildhood，hethankedtheGodwholedhimthroughthornywaysintotheveryarmsofloveandpeaceinthecottageofRobertandJanetGrant，whence，andnotfromthefortunehehadsinceinherited，cameallhispeace。
“Hedesiresmetotellyou，“saidLadyGalbraith，“thathewasastranger，andyoufolkofDaursidetookhimin，andifeverhecandoakindnesstoyouoryours，hewill——Hedesiresmealsotosay，thatyououghtnottobeleftignorantthatyouhaveapoetofyourown，bornandbredamongyou——DonalGrant，thesonofRobertandJanet，thefriendofSirGilbert’sheart，andoneofthenoblestofmen。Andhebegsyoutoallowmetoreadyouapoemhehadfromhimthisverymorning——probablyjustwritten。ItiscalledTheLaverock。IwillreaditaswellasIcan。Ifanyofyoudonotlikepoetry，hesays——ImeanSirGilbertsays——youcangotothekitchenandlightyourpipes，andhewillsendyourwinetheretoyou。”
Sheceased。Notonestirred，andshereadtheverses——which，forthesakeofhavingDonalinatthelastofmybook，Iwillprint。
Thosewhodonotcareforverse，may——metaphorically，Iwouldnotberude——goandsmoketheirpipesinthekitchen。
THELAVEROCK。(lark)
THEMANSAYS：
Laverocki’thelift，(sky)
Haeyenaesang-thrift，’Atyescatter’tsaeheigh，an’latita’drift？
Wasterfu’laverock！
Dinnayeken’AtyehingowermenWhahaenaasangorapennytospen’？
Hertlesslaverock！
Butupthere，you，I’thebowo’theblue，Haudskirlin’onasgiena’warnew！(keepshrilling)
Toom-heiditlaverock！(empty-headed)
Haith！ye’reowerblythe：
IseeagreatscytheSwingwhauryernestielies，dooni’thelythe，(shelter)
Liltin’laverock！
Eh，sicasoon’！
Birdie，comedoon——
Ye’refeytosingsicamerrytune，(death-doomed)
Gowkitlaverock！(silly)
Cometoyernest;
Yerwife’ssairprest;
She’scleanwornootwi’duin’herbest，Rovin’laverock！
Winnayehaud？
Ye’resurelymad！
Istherenaebodytheretogieyeadaud？(blow)
Menselesslaverock！
Comedoonan’conform;
Pykeanhonestworm，An’hapyerbairnsfraethemucklestorm，Spendrifelaverock！
THEBIRDSINGS：
MynestieitliethI’thehowo’ahan’;(hollow)
Theswingo’thescythe’Illmiss’tbyaspan。
Theliftit’ssaecheerie！
Thewin’it’ssaefree！
Ihingowermydearie，An’sing’causeIsee。
Mywifie’sweebreistieGrowswarmwi’mysang，An’ilkcrumpled-upbeastieKensnotothinklang。
Upherethesunsings，butHeonlyshinesthere！
Yehaenanaewings，butComeuponaprayer。
THEMANSINGS：
Yeweedaurin’cratur，Yerantan’yesingLikeanoyeo’auldNatur’(grandchild)
Ta’enhamebytheKing！
Yeweefeathertpriestie，Yerbellsi’yerthro’t。
YeraltaryerbreistieYermitreforgot——
Offerin’an’Aaron，Yeburnhertan’brainAn’dertin’an’daurinFleebacktoyerain，Yeweeminorprophet，It’s’maistmybelief’AtI’mdooni’Tophet，An’youabunegrief！
Ye’vedeavtmean’daudit，(deafened)(buffeted)
An’ca’dmeafule：
I’mnearhan’persuauditTogangtoyourschule！
For，birdie，I’mthinkin’
Yekenmairnorme——
Gienyehaenabeendrinkin’，An’singasyesee。
Yemaunhaeasicht’atSeesgeyanfarben;(considerably)(inwards)
An’ahertforthemichto’’tWadsairforninemen！(serve)
Somebody’sbeentillRountoyewha(whisper)
SaidbirdieswarseentillE’enwhantheyfa’！
Afterthereadingofthepoem，SirGilbertandLadyGalbraithwithdrew，andwenttowardsthenewpartofthehouse，wheretheyhadtheirrooms。Onthebridge，overwhichGinevrascarcelyeverpassedwithoutstoppingtolookbothupanddownthedrychannelintherock，shelingeredasusual，andgazedfromitswindows。Below，thewaterlessbedoftheburnopenedoutonthegreatvalleyoftheDaur;abovewasthelandslip，andbeyonditthestreamrushingdownthemountain。Gibbiepointeduptoit。Shegazedawhile，andgaveagreatsigh。Heaskedher——theircommunicationwasnowmorelikethatbetweentwospirits：evensignshadbecomealmostunnecessary——whatshewantedormissed。Shelookedinhisfaceandsaid，“Naethingbutthesango’myburnie，Gibbie。”，Hetookasmallpistolfromhispocket，andputitinherhand;then，openingthewindow，signedtohertofireit。Shehadneverfiredapistol，andwasalittlefrightened，butwouldhavebeenutterlyashamedtoshrinkfromanythingGibbiewouldhaveherdo。Shehelditout，Herhandtrembled。Helaidhisuponit，anditgrewsteady。Shepulledthetrigger，anddroppedthepistolwithalittlecry。Hesignedtohertolisten。Amomentpassed，andthen，likeahugelymagnifiedecho，camearoarthatrolledfrommountaintomountain，likeathunderdrum。Thenextinstant，thelandslipseemedtocomehurryingdownthechannel，roaringandleaping：itwasthemud-brownwatersoftheburn，careeringalongasifmadwithjoyathavingregainedtheirancientcourse。Ginevrastaredwithpartedlips，delightgrowingtoapprehensionasthelivethingmomentlynearedthebridge。Withtossingmaneoffoam，thebrowncoursercamerushingon，andshotthunderingunder。Theyturned，andfromtheotherwindowsawittumblingheadlongdownthesteepdescenttotheLorrie。Byquickgradations，evenastheygazed，themudmeltedaway;thewatergrewclearerandclearer，andinafewminutesasmallmountain-river，ofalovelylucidbrown，transparentasasmoke-crystal，wasdancingalongunderthebridge。Ithadceaseditsroarandwassweetlysinging。
“Letusseeitfrommyroom，Gibbie，“saidGinevra。
Theywentup，andfromtheturretwindowlookeddownuponthewater。
Theygazeduntil，likethelivegermofthegatheredtwilight，itwasscarcetobedistinguishedbutbyabstractmotion。
“It’smyainburnie，“saidGinevra，“an’it’sainauldsang！，I’llwarran’ithasnaforgottenanoteo’’t！，Eh，Gibbie，yegiemea’
thing！”
“GienIwasaburnie，wadnaIrin！”sangGibbie，andGinevraheardthewords，thoughGibbiecouldutteronlytheairhehadfoundforthemsolongago。Shethrewherselfintohisarms，andhidingherfaceonhisshoulder，clungsilenttohersilenthusband。Overherlovelybowedhead，hegazedintothecoolspringnight，sparklingwithstars，andshadowywithmountains。HiseyesclimbedthestairsofGlashgartothelonelypeakdwellingamongthelightsofGod;andifupontheirwayuptherockstheymetnovisiblesentinelsofheaven，heneededneitherascendingstairsnordescendingangels，forabetterthantheangelswaswiththem。
FOOTNOTES：
1ItamusesaScotchmantofindthatthewordcakes，asin“TheLandofCakes，“istaken，notonlybyforeigners，butbysomeEnglishpeople——ashow，indeed，shoulditbeotherwise？——tomeancompositionsofflour，moreorlessenriched，andgenerallyappreciable;whereas，infact，itstandsforthedryest，simplestpreparationintheworld。Thegenuinecakesis——(Mygrammarfollowsusage：cakesis;brothare。)——literallynothingbutoatmealmadeintoadoughwithcoldwateranddriedoverthefire——sometimestheninfrontofitaswell。
2MetricalparaphrasesofpassagesofScripture，alwaystobefoundattheendoftheBiblesprintedforScotland。
3SeeSirThomasDickLauder’saccountoftheMorayshireFloodsin1829(1stEd。p。181)——anenchantingbook，especiallytoonewhoseearliestmemoriesareinterwovenwithwater-floods。Fordetailsinsuchkindheregiven，Iammuchindebtedtoit。Againandagain，asIhavebeenwriting，hasitrenderedmemiserable——mytaleshowingsoflatandpoorbesideSirThomas’snarrative。Knowntomefromchildhood，itwakesinmefarmorewonderandpleasurenow，thanitdideveninthedayswhenthemarvelofthingscamemoretothesurface。
TheEnd
