下载辰思小说免费APP
Theponyregardedthemwithindifference，butthecoltshiedandplunged。
"Whoa，Liz！"LizwasRanald\'scontractionforLizette，thenameoftheFrenchhorse-trainerandbreeder，JulesLaRocque，gavetohermother，whoinherdaywasqueenoftheiceatL\'OriginalChristmasraces。
"Bequate，Nigger，willyou！"Thedogs，whoknewRanaldwell，ceasedtheirclamor，butnotbeforethekitchendooropenedandDonCameroncameout。
DonwasaboutayearolderthanRanaldandwashisfriendandcomrade。
"It\'sme，Don——andMrs。Murraythere。"
Dongazedspeechless。
"Andwhat——"hebegan。
"Fatherisnotwell。Heishurted，andMrs。Murrayisgoingtoseehim，andwemustgo。"
Ranaldhurriedthroughhisstory，impatienttogeton。
"Butareyougoingupthroughthebush？"askedDon。
"Yes，whatelse，Don？"askedMrs。Murray。"Itisagoodroad，isn\'tit？"
"Oh，yes，Isupposeitisgoodenough，"saidDon，doubtfully，"butIheard——"
"Wewillcomeoutatourownclearingattheback，youknow，"
Ranaldhurriedtosay，givingDonakick。"Whist，man！Sheissetupongoing。"Atthatmomentawayofftowardtheswamp，whichtheywereavoiding，thelong，heart-chillingcryofamotherwolfquaveredonthestillnightair。Inspiteofherself，Mrs。Murrayshivered，andtheboyslookedateachother。
"Thereisonlyone，"saidRanaldinalowvoicetoDon，buttheybothknewthatwheretheshewolfisthereisapacknotfaroff。
"Andwewillbethroughthebushinfiveminutes。"
"Come，Ranald！Comeaway，youcantalktoDonanytime。Goodnight，Don。"Andsosayingsheheadedherponytowardtheclearingandwasoffatagallop，andRanald，shakinghisheadathisfriend，ejaculated：
"Manalive！whatdoyouthinkofthat？"andwasoffafterthepony。
Togethertheyenteredthebush。Theroadwaswellbeatenandthehorseswerekeentogo，sothatbeforemanyminuteswereovertheywerehalfthroughthebush。Ranald\'sspiritsroseandhebegantotakesomeinterestinhiscompanion\'sobservationsuponthebeautyofthelightsandshadowsfallingacrosstheirpath。
"Lookatthatverydarkshadowfromthesprucethere，Ranald，"shecried，pointingtoadeep，blackturnintheroad。Foranswertherecamefrombehindthemthelong，mournfulhunting-cryofthewolf。Hewasontheirtrack。Immediatelyitwasansweredbyachorusofhowlsfromthebushontheswampside，butstillfaraway。Therewasnoneedofcommand；theponysprangforwardwithasnortandthecoltfollowed，andafterafewminutes\'running，passedher。
"Whow-oo-oo-oo-ow"rosethelongcryofthepursuer，summoninghelp，anddrawingnearer。
"Wow-ee-wow，"cametheshorter，sharperanswerfromtheswamp，butmuchnearerthanbeforeandmoreinfront。Theyweretryingtoheadofftheirprey。
Ranaldtuggedathiscolttillhegothimbackwiththepony。
"Itisagoodroad，"hesaid，quietly；"youcanlettheponygo。I
willfollowyou。"Heswunginbehindthepony，whowasnowrunningfordearlifeandsnortingwithterrorateveryjump。
"Godpreserveus！"saidRanaldtohimself。Hehadcaughtsightofadarkformasitdartedthroughthegleamoflightinfront。
"Whatdidyousay，Ranald？"Thevoicewasquietandclear。
"Itisagreatponytorunwhatever，"saidRanald，ashamedofhimself。
"Isshenot？"
Ranaldglancedoverhisshoulder。Downtheroad，runningwithsilent，awfulswiftness，hesawthelong，lowbodyoftheleadingwolfflashingthroughthebarsofmoonlightacrosstheroad，andthepackfollowinghard。
"Lethergo，Mrs。Murray，"criedRanald。"Whipherandneverstop。"Buttherewasnoneed；theponywaswildwithfear，andwasdoingherbestrunning。
Ranaldmeantimewasgraduallyholdinginthecolt，andtheponydrewawayrapidly。Butasrapidlythewolveswereclosinginbehindhim。Theywerenotmorethanahundredyardsaway，andgainingeverysecond。Ranald，rememberingthesuspiciousnatureofthebrutes，loosenedhiscoatanddroppeditontheroad；withachorusofyelpstheypaused，thenthrewthemselvesuponit，andinanotherminutetookupthechase。
Butnowtheclearingwasinsight。Theponywasfarahead，andRanaldshookouthiscoltwithayell。Hewasnonetoosoon，forthepursuingpack，nowutteringshort，shrillyelps，werecloseatthecolt\'sheels。Lizette，fleetasthewind，couldnotshakethemoff。Closerandeverclosertheycame，snappingandsnarling。
Ranaldcouldseethemoverhisshoulder。Ahundredyardsmoreandhewouldreachhisownbacklane。Theleaderofthepackseemedtofeelthathischanceswereslippingswiftlyaway。WithaspurthegaineduponLizette，reachedthesaddle-girths，gatheredhimselfintwoshortjumps，andsprangforthecolt\'sthroat。InstinctivelyRanaldstoodupinhisstirrups，andkickinghisfootfree，caughtthewolfunderthejaw。Thebrutefellwithahowlunderthecolt\'sfeet，andnextmomenttheywereinthelaneandsafe。
Thesavagebrutes，discouragedbytheirleader\'sfall，sloweddowntheirfiercepursuit，andhearingthedeepbayoftheMacdonalds\'
greatdeerhound，Bugle，upatthehouse，theypaused，sniffedtheairafewminutes，thenturnedandswiftlyandsilentlyslidintothedarkshadows。Ranald，knowingthattheywouldhardlydareenterthelane，checkedthecolt，andwheeling，watchedthemdisappear。
"I\'llhavesomeofyourhidessomeday，"hecried，shakinghisfistafterthem。Hehatedtobemadetorun。
Hehadhardlysetthecolt\'sfacehomewardwhenheheardsomethingtearingdownthelanetomeethim。Thecoltsnorted，swerved，andthendroppinghisears，stoodstill。ItwasBugle，andafterhimcameMrs。Murrayonthepony。
"Oh，Ranald！"shepanted，"thankGodyouaresafe。Iwasafraidyou——you——"Hervoicebrokeinsobs。Herhoodhadfallenbackfromherwhiteface，andhereyeswereshiningliketwostars。ShelaidherhandonRanald\'sarm，andhervoicegrewsteadyasshesaid："ThankGod，myboy，andthankyouwithallmyheart。Youriskedyourlifeformine。Youareabravefellow！Icanneverforgetthis！"
"Oh，pshaw！"saidRanald，awkwardly。"YouarebetterstuffthanI
am。YoucamebackwithBugle。AndIknewLizcouldbeattheponywhatever。Thentheywalkedtheirhorsesquietlytothestable，andnothingmorewassaidbyeitherofthem；butfromthathourRanaldhadafriendreadytoofferlifeforhim，thoughhedidnotknowitthennortillyearsafterward。
CHAPTERV
FORGIVEUSOURDEBTS
MacdonaldDubh\'sfarmlayaboutthreemilesnorthandwestfromthemanse，andthehousestoodfarbackfromthecross-roadinasmallclearingencircledbythickbush。Itwasahardfarmtoclear，thetimberwasheavy，thelandlaylow，andMacdonaldDubhdidnotmakeasmuchprogressashisneighborsinhisconflictwiththeforest。
Notbutthathewasahardworkerandagoodmanwiththeax，butsomehowhedidnotsucceedasafarmer。Itmayhavebeenthathisheartwasmoreintheforestthaninthefarm。Hewasafamoushunter，andinthedeerseasonwasnevertobefoundathome，butwaseverrangingthewoodswithhisrifleandhisgreatdeerhound，Bugle。
Hemademoneyattheshanties，butmoneywouldnotsticktohisfingers，andbythetimethesummerwasovermostofhismoneywouldbegone，withthegovernmentmortgageonhisfarmstillunlifted。Hishabitsoflifewroughtakindofwildnessinhimwhichsethimapartfromthethrifty，steady-goingpeopleamongwhomhelived。True，theshanty-menwerehisstanchfriendsandadmirers，butthentheshanty-men，thoughwell-doing，couldhardlybecalledsteady，exceptthebossoftheMacdonaldgang，MacdonaldBhain，whowasaregularattendantandstanchsupporterofthechurch，andindeedhadbeenspokenofforanelder。ButfromthechurchMacdonaldDubhheldaloof。Hebelongeddistinctlytothe"careless，"thoughhecouldnotbecalledirreligious。Hehadallthereverencefor"theWordofGod，andtheSabbathday，andthechurch"thatcharacterizedhispeople。Alltheseheldahighplaceinhisesteem；andthoughhewouldnotpresumeto"takethebooks，"
notbeingamemberofthechurch，yetontheSabbathdaywhenhewasathomeitwasthecustomofthehouseholdtogatherforthereadingoftheWordbeforebreakfast。HewouldnevertakehisriflewithhimthroughthewoodsontheSabbath，andevenwhenabsentfromhomeonahuntingexpedition，whentheSabbathdaycameround，hereligiouslykeptcamp。Itistrue，hedidnotoftengotochurch，andwhentheministerspoketohimaboutthis，healwaysagreedthatitwasagoodthingtogotochurch。Whenhehadnobetterexcuse，hewouldapologizeforhisabsenceupontheground"thathehadnottheclothes。"Thegreaterpartofthetroublewasthathewasshyandproud，andfelthimselftobedifferentfromthechurch-goingpeopleofthecommunity，andshrankfromthesurprisedlooksofmembers，andevenfromthewordsofapprovingwelcomethatoftengreetedhispresenceinchurch。
ItwasnotaccordingtohisdesirethatRanaldwassenttothemanse。Thatwasthedoingofhissister，Kirsty，whoforthelasttenyearshadkepthouseforhim。NotthattherewasmuchhousekeepingskillaboutKirsty，asindeedanyonemightseeevenwithoutenteringMacdonaldDubh\'shouse。Kirstywasbigandstrongandwilling，butshehadnotthemostelementalideasoftidiness。
Herred，bushyhairhunginwispsaboutherface，afterthegreaterpartofithadbeengatheredintoatightknobatthebackofherhead。Shewasamartyrtothe"neuralagy，"andsufferedfromaperennialcoldinthehead，whichmadeitnecessaryforhertowearacloud，whichwasonlyremovedwhenitcouldbereplacedbyhernightcap。Herfacealwaysborethemarksofherlabors，andfromitonecouldgatherwhethershewasamongthepotsorbusywiththebaking。Butshewaskindhearted，and，uptoherlight，soughttofilltheplaceleftemptybythedeathofthewifeandmotherinthathome，tenyearsbefore。
Whentheminister\'swifeopenedthedoor，ahot，close，foulsmellrushedforthtomeether。Uponthekitchenstovealargepotofpig\'sfoodwasboiling，andthesteamandsmellfromthepotmadetheatmosphereoftheroomoverpoweringlyfetid。Offthekitchenorliving-roomweretwosmallbedrooms，inoneofwhichlayMacdonaldDubh。
Kirstymettheminister\'swifewithawarmwelcome。Shehelpedheroffwithherhoodandcoat，pattingherontheshoulderthewhile，andmurmuringwordsofendearment。
"Ah，M\'eudail！M\'eudailbheg！anddidyoucomethroughthenightalltheway，anditisashamedthatIamtohavesentforyou，buthewasverybadandIwasafraid。Comeaway！comeaway！Iwillmakeyouacupoftea。"Buttheminister\'swifeassuredKirstythatshewasgladtocome，anddecliningthecupoftea，wenttotheroomwhereMacdonaldDubhlaytossingandmoaningwiththedeliriumoffeveruponhim。Itwasnotlongbeforesheknewwhatwasrequired。
Withhotfomentationssheproceededtoallaythepain，andinhalfanhourMacdonaldDubhgrewquiet。Histossingsandmutteringsceasedandhefellintoasleep。
Kirstystoodbyadmiring。
"Mercyme！Lookatthatnow；anditisyourselfthatisthegreatdoctor！"
"Now，Kirsty，"saidMrs。Murray，inaverymatter-of-facttone，"wewilljustmakehimalittlemorecomfortable。"
"Yes，"saidKirsty，notquitesurehowthefeatwastobeachieved。
"Alittlehotsomethingforhisinsidewillbegood，butindeed，many\'sthedrinkIhavegivenhim，"shesuggested。
"Whathaveyoubeengivinghim，Kirsty？"
"Sennyanddandylion，andalittlewhisky。Theywillbetellingmeitisferrygoodwhateverforthestomachandbow\'ls。"
"Idon\'tthinkIwouldgivehimanymoreofthat；butwewilltryandmakehimfeelalittlemorecomfortable。"
Mrs。Murrayknewshewastreadingondelicateground。TheHighlandprideisquicktotakeoffense。
"Sickpeople，yousee，"sheproceededcarefully，"needveryfrequentchanges——sheetsandclothing，youunderstand。"
"Aye，"saidKirsty，suspiciously。
"Iamsureyouhaveplentyofbeautifulsheets，andwewillchangethesewhenhewakesfromhissleep。"
"Indeed，theyareveryclean，forthereisnoonebutmyselfhassleptinthemsincehewentawaylastfalltotheshanties。"
Mrs。Murrayfeltthedelicacyofthepositiontobesensiblyincreased。
"Indeed，thatisright，Kirsty；onecannevertelljustwhatsortofpeoplearetravelingaboutnowadays。"
"Indeed，andit\'strue，"saidKirsty，heartily，"butIneverlettheminhere。Ijustkeepthemtothebunk。"
"But，"pursuedMrs。Murray，returningtothesubjectinhand，"itisveryimportantthatforsickpeoplethesheetsshouldbethoroughlyairedandwarmed。Why，inthehospitalinMontrealtheytaketheverygreatestcaretoairandchangethesheetseveryday。
Youseesomuchpoisoncomesthroughtheporesoftheskin。"
"Doyouhearthatnow？"saidKirsty，amazed。"Indeed，IwouldbeoftenhearingthatthoseFrenchpeoplearejustfullofpoisonandsuch，andindeed，itisnowonder，forthefoodtheyputinsideofthem。"
"O，no，"saidMrs。Murray，"itisthesamewithallpeople，butespeciallysowithsickpeople。"
Kirstylookedasdoubtfulaswasconsistentwithherrespectfortheminister\'swife，andMrs。Murraywenton。
"Soyouwilljustgetthesheetsreadytochange，and，Kirsty，acleannight-shirt。"
"Night-shirt！andindeed，hehasnotsuchathingtohisname。"
Kirsty\'stonebetrayedherthankfulnessthatherbrotherwasfreefromtheeffeminacyofanight-shirt；butnotingthedismayandconfusiononMrs。Murray\'sface，shesuggested，hesitatingly，"Hemighthaveoneofmyown，butIamthinkingitwillbesmallforhimacrosstheback。"
"Iamafraidso，Kirsty，"saidtheminister\'swife，strugglinghardwithasmile。"Wewilljustuseoneofhisownwhiteshirts。"ButthisscandalizedKirstyasanunnecessaryandwastefulluxury。
"Indeed，thereisplentyoftheminthechist，buthewillbekeepingthemforthecommunionseason，andthefunerals，andsuch。
Hewillnotbewearingtheminhisbed，fornoonewillbeseeinghimthereatall。"
"Buthewillfeelsomuchbetter，"saidMrs。Murray，andhersmilewassosweetandwinningthatKirsty\'soppositioncollapsed，andwithoutmorewordsbothsheetsandshirtwereproduced。
AsKirstylaidthemoutsheobservedwithasigh："Aye，aye，shewasthecleverwoman——thewife，Imean。Shewasgoodwiththeneedle，andindeed，atanythingshetriedtodo。"
"Ididnotknowher，"saidMrs。Murray，softly，"buteveryonetellsmeshewasagoodhousekeeperandagoodwoman。"
"Shewasthat，"saidKirsty，emphatically，"andshewasthelightofhiseyes，anditwasabaddayforHughwhenshewentaway。"
"Now，Kirsty，"saidMrs。Murray，afterapause，"beforeweputonthesecleanthings，wewilljustgivehimaspongebath。"
Kirstygasped。
"Mercysakes！Hewillnotbeneedingthatinthewinter，andhewillbegettingacoldfromit。Inthesummer-timehewillbegoingtotheriverhimself。Andhowwillyoubegivinghimabathwhatever？"
Mrs。Murraycarefullyexplainedtheprocess，againfortifyingherpositionbyreferringtothepracticesoftheMontrealhospital，till，asaresultofherpersuasionsandinstructions，inanhourafterMacdonaldhadawakenedfromhissleephewaslyinginhisSabbathwhiteshirtandbetweenfreshsheets，andfeelingcleanerandmorecomfortablethanhehadformanyaday。Thefeverwasmuchreduced，andhefellagainintoadeepsleep。
Thetwowomenwatchedbesidehim，forneitherwouldleavetheothertowatchalone。AndRanald，whocouldnotbepersuadedtogouptohisloft，layonthebunkinthekitchenanddozed。Afteranhourhadpassed，Mrs。MurrayinquiredastothenourishmentKirstyhadgivenherbrother。
"Indeed，hewillnotbetakinganythingwhatever，"saidKirsty，inavexedtone。"AnditisnomatterwhatIwillbegivinghim。"
"Andwhatdoeshelike，Kirsty？"
"Indeed，hewillbetakinganythingwhenheisnotseek，andheisthatfondofbuckwheatpancakesandporkgravywithmaplesyrupoverthem，butwouldhelookatit！AndImadehimnewporridgeto-night，buthewouldnottouchthem。"
"Didyoutryhimwithgruel，Kirsty？"
"Mercyme，andisitMacdonaldDubhandgruel？Hewouldbeflingingthe\'feushionless\'stuffoutofthewindow。"
"ButIamsureitwouldbegoodforhimifhecouldbepersuadedtotryit。Ishouldliketotryhim。"
"Indeed，andyoumaytry。Itwillbeeasyenough，fortheporridgearestillinthepot。"
Kirstytookthepotfromthebench，withtheremainsoftheporridgethathadbeenmadeforsupperstillinit，setitonthefire，andpouringsomewaterinit，begantostiritvigorously。
Itwasthickandslimy，andaltogetheramostrepulsive-lookingmixture，andMrs。MurraynolongerwonderedatMacdonaldDubh\'sdistasteforgruel。
"IthinkIwillmakesomefresh，ifyouwillletme，Kirsty——inthewayImakeitfortheminister，youknow。"
Kirsty，bythistime，hadcompletelysurrenderedtoMrs。Murray\'sguidance，andproducingtheoatmeal，allowedhertohaveherway；
sothatwhenMacdonaldawokehefoundMrs。Murraystandingbesidehimwithabowlofthenicestgruelandasliceofthindrytoast。
Hegreetedtheminister\'swifewithgravecourtesy，drankthegruel，andthenlaydownagaintosleep。
"Willyoulookatthatnow？"saidKirsty，amazedatMacdonaldDubh\'sforbearance。"Hewouldnotliketobeoffendingyou。"
ThenMrs。MurraybesoughtKirstytogoandliedownforanhour，whichKirstyveryunwillinglyagreedtodo。
ItwasnotlongbeforeMacdonaldbegantotossandmutterinhissleep，breakingforthnowandthenintowildcriesandcurses。HewasfightingoncemorehisgreatfightintheGlengarryline，andbeatingbackLeNoir。
"Back，yedevil！Wouldye？Takethat，then。Comeback，Mack！"
ThenfollowedacrysowildthatRanaldawokeandcameintotheroom。
"Bringinsomesnow，Ranald，"saidtheminister\'swife；"wewilllaysomeonhishead。"
Shebathedthehotfaceandhandswithice-coldwater，andthenlaidasnowcompressonthesickman\'shead，speakingtohiminquiet，gentletones，tillhewassoothedagaintosleep。
Whenthegraylightofthemorningcameinthroughthelittlewindow，Macdonaldwokesaneandquiet。
"Youarebetter，"saidMrs。Murraytohim。
"Yes，"hesaid，"Iamverywell，thankyou，exceptforthepainhere。"Hepointedtohischest。
"Youhavebeenbadlyhurt，Ranaldtellsme。Howdidithappen？"
"Well，"saidMacdonald，slowly，"itisveryhardtosay。"
"Didthetreefallonyou？"askedMrs。Murray。
Macdonaldglancedatherquickly，andthenanswered："Itisverydangerousworkwiththetrees。Itiswonderfulhowquicktheywillfall。"
"Yourfaceandbreastseemverybadlybruisedandcut。"
"Aye，yes，"saidMacdonald。"Thebreastisbadwhatever。"
"IthinkyouhadbettersendforDoctorGrant，"Mrs。Murraysaid。
"Theremaybesomeinternalinjury。"
"No，no，"saidMacdonald，decidedly。"Iwillhavenodoctoratme，andIwillsoonberoundagain，iftheLordwill。Whenwilltheministerbehome？"
ButMrs。Murray，ignoringhisattempttoescapethesubject，wenton："Yes，but，Mr。Macdonald，IamanxioustohaveDoctorGrantseeyou，andIwishyouwouldsendforhimto-morrow。"
"Ah，well，"saidMacdonald，notcommittinghimself，"wewillbeseeingaboutthat。Butthedoctorhasnotbeeninthishouseformanyaday。"Then，afterapause，headded，inalowvoice，"Notsincethedayshewastakenfromme。"
"Wassheilllong？"
"Indeed，no。Itwasjustonenight。Therewasnodoctor，andthewomencouldnothelpher，andshewasverybad——andwhenitcameitwasagirl——anditwasdead——andthenthedoctorarrived，buthewastoolate。"MacdonaldDubhfinishedwithagreatsigh，andtheminister\'swifesaidgentlytohim：
"Thatwasaverysadday，andagreatlosstoyouandRanald。"
"Aye，youmaysayit；shewasabonniewomanwhatever，andgrandatthespinningandthebutter。And，oich-hone，itwasasaddayforus。"
Theminister\'swifesatsilent，knowingthatsuchgriefcannotbecomforted，andpityingfromherheartthelonelyman。Afteratimeshesaidgently，"Sheisbetteroff。"
AlookofdoubtandpainandfearcameintoMacdonald\'seyes。
"Shenevercameforward，"hesaid，hesitatingly。"Shewasafraidtocome。"
"Ihaveheardofheroften，Mr。Macdonald，andIhaveheardthatshewasagoodandgentlewoman。"
"Aye，shewasthat。"
"Andkindtothesick。"
"Youmaybelieveit。"
"AndshelovedthehouseofGod。"
"Aye，andneitherrainnorsnownormudwouldbekeepingherfromit，butshewouldbegoingeverySabbathday，bringingherstockingswithher。"
"Herstockings？"
"Aye，tochangeherfeetinthechurch。Whatelse？Herstockingswouldbewetwiththesnowandwater。"
Mrs。Murraynodded。"AndshelovedherSaviour，Mr。Macdonald。"
"Indeed，Ibelieveitwell，butshewasafraidshewouldnotbehaving\'themarks。\'"
"Neveryoufear，Mr。Macdonald，"saidMrs。Murray。"IfshelovedherSavioursheiswithhimnow。"
Heturnedaroundtoherandliftedhimselfeagerlyonhiselbow。
"Anddoyoureallythinkthat？"hesaid，inavoicesubduedandanxious。
"IndeedIdo，"saidMrs。Murray，inatoneofcertainconviction。
Macdonaldsankbackonhispillow，andafteramoment\'ssilence，said，inavoiceofpain："Oh，butitisapeetyshedidnotknow！
Itisapeetyshedidnotknow。Formany\'sthetimebefore——
before——herhourcameonher，shewouldbeafraid。"
"Butshewasnotafraidatthelast，Mr。Macdonald？"
"Indeed，no。Iwonderedather。Shewaslikeababeinitsmother\'sarms。Therewasalightonherface，andImindwellwhatshesaid。"Macdonaldpaused。Therewasastirinthekitchen，andMrs。Murray，glancingbehindher，sawRanaldstandingnearthedoorintentlylistening。ThenMacdonaldwenton。"Imindwellthewords，asifitwasyesterday。\'Hugh，myman，\'shesaid，\'amnofeared\'(shewasfromtheLowlands，butshewasafinewoman)；\'I
haenathemarks，but\'mnofearedbutHe\'llkenme。Ye\'lltak\'
careo\'Ranald，for，oh，Hugh！Iha\'gi\'enhimtotheLord。TheLordhelpyoutomak\'aguidmano\'him。\'"Macdonald\'svoicefalteredintosilence，then，afterafewmoments，hecried，"Andoh！MistressMurra\'，Icannottellyoutheoftenthesewordsdokeepcomingtome；anditismyselfthathasnotkeptthepromiseI
madetoher，andmaytheLordforgiveme。"
ThelookofmiseryinthedarkeyestouchedMrs。Murraytotheheart。ShelaidherhandonMacdonald\'sarm，butshecouldnotfindwordstospeak。SuddenlyMacdonaldrecalledhimself。
"Youwillforgiveme，"hesaid；"andyouwillnotbetellinganyone。"
Bythistimethetearswerestreamingdownherface，andMrs。
Murraycouldonlysay，brokenly，"YouknowIwillnot。"
"Aye，Ido，"saidMacdonald，withasighofcontent，andheturnedhisfaceawayfromhertothewall。
"Andnowyouletmereadtoyou，"shesaid，softly，andtakingfromherbagtheGaelicBible，whichwithmuchtoilshehadlearnedtoreadsincecomingtothisHighlandcongregation，shereadtohimfromtheoldPsalmthosewords，brave，tender，andbeautiful，thathavesooftencomfortedthewearyandwanderingchildrenofmen，"TheLordismyShepherd，"andsoontotheend。Thenfrompsalmtopsalmshepassed，selectingsuchpartsassuitedherpurpose，untilMacdonaldturnedtoheragainandsaid，admiringly：
"ItisyourselfthathasthebonnieGaelic。"
"Iamafraid，"shesaid，withasmile，"itisnotreallygood，butitisthebestasouthcountrywomancando。"
"Indeed，itisverypretty，"hesaid，earnestly。
Thentheminister\'swifesaid，timidly，"IcannotprayintheGaelic。"
"Oh，theEnglishwillbeverygood，"saidMacdonald，andshekneltdownandinsimplewordspouredoutherheartinprayer。BeforesherosefromherkneessheopenedtheGaelicBible，andturnedtothewordsoftheLord\'sPrayer。
"Wewillsaythisprayertogether，"shesaid，gently。
Macdonald，bowinghisheadgravely，answered："Itiswhatshewouldoftenbedoingwithme。"
Therewasstillonlyonewomantothislonelyheartedman，andwithasuddenrushofpitythatshoweditselfinherbreakingvoice，theminister\'swifebeganinGaelic，"OurFatherwhichartinheaven。"
Macdonaldfollowedherinawhisperthroughthepetitionsuntiltheycametothewords，"Andforgiveusourdebtsasweforgiveourdebtors，"whenhepausedandwouldsaynomore。Mrs。Murrayrepeatedthewordsofthepetition，butstilltherewasnoresponse。Thentheminister\'swifeknewthatshehadherfingeruponasorespot，andshefinishedtheprayeralone。
Foratimeshesatsilent，unwillingtoprobethewound，andyettoobravetoflinchfromwhatshefelttobeduty。
"Wehavemuchtobeforgiven，"shesaid，gently。"Morethanwecaneverforgive。"Stilltherewassilence。
"AndtheheartthatcannotforgiveaninjuryisclosedtotheforgivenessofGod。"
Themorningsunwasgleamingthroughthetreetops，andMrs。Murraywaswornwithhernight\'svigil，andanxioustogethome。Sherose，andofferingMacdonaldherhand，smileddownintohisface，andsaid："Goodby！Wemusttrytoforgive。"
Ashetookherhand，Macdonald\'sdarkfacebegantowork，andhebrokeforthintoabittercry。
"Hetookmeunawares！Anditwasacoward\'sblow！andIwillnotforgivehimuntilIhavegivenhimwhathedeserves，iftheLordsparesme！"Andthenhepouredforth，inhotandbitterwords，thestoryofthegreatfight。BythetimehehadfinishedhistaleRanaldhadcomeinfromthekitchen，andwasstandingwithclenchedfistsandfacepalewithpassionatthefootofthebed。
AsMrs。Murraylistenedtothisstoryhereyesbegantoburn，andwhenitwasover，sheburstforth："Oh，itwasacruelandcowardlyandbrutalthingformentodo！Anddidyoubeatthemoff？"sheasked。
"Aye，andthatwedid，"burstinRanald。AndinbreathlesshasteandwithflashingeyehetoldthemofMacdonaldBhain\'spartinthefight。
"Splendid！"criedtheminister\'swife，forgettingherselfforthemoment。
"Buthelethimgo，"saidRanald，sadly。"Hewouldnotstrikehim，butjustlethimgo。"
Thentheminister\'swifecriedagain："Ah，heisagreatman，youruncle！AndagreatChristian。GreaterthanIcouldhavebeen，forIwouldhaveslainhimthenandthere。"Hereyesflashed，andthecolorflamedinherfaceassheutteredthesewords。
"Aye，"saidMacdonaldDubh，regardingherwithdeepsatisfaction。
Histoneandlookrecalledtheminister\'swife，andturningtoRanald，sheadded，sadly：
"Butyourunclewasright，Ranald，andwemustforgiveevenashedid。"
"That，"criedRanald，withfierceemphasis，"Iwillneverdo，untilonceIwillbehavingmyhandsonhisthroat。"
"Hush，Ranald！"saidtheminister\'swife。"Iknowitishard，butwemustforgive。YouseeweMUSTforgive。AndwemustaskHimtohelpus，whohasmoretoforgivethananyother。"
ButshesaidnomoretoMacdonaldDubhonthatsubjectthatmorning。
Thefireofthebattlewasinherheart，andshefeltshecouldmoreeasilysympathizewithhisdesireforvengeancethanwiththeChristiangraceofforgiveness。Butastheyrodehometogetherthroughthebush，wheredeathhadtrailedthemsocloselythenightbefore，thesweetsunlightandthecrisp，freshair，andallthestillbeautyofthemorning，workingwiththememoryoftheirsaving，rebukedandsoothedandcomfortedher，andwhenRanaldturnedbackfromthemansedoor，shesaidsoftly："OurFatherinheavenwasverygoodtous，Ranald，andweshouldbelikehim。Heforgivesandloves，andweshould，too。"
AndRanald，lookingintothesweetface，palewiththelongnight\'strials，buttingednowwiththefaintesttouchofcolorfromthemorning，feltsomehowthatitmightbepossibletoforgive。
Butmanydayshadtocomeandgo，andmanywatersflowoverthesoulsofMacdonaldDubhandhissonRanald，beforetheywereabletosay，"Forgiveusourdebtsasweforgiveourdebtors。"
CHAPTERVI
ANEWFRIEND
ThenightracewiththewolvesbegananewphaseoflifeforRanald，forinthathourhegainedafriendsuchasitfallstofewladstohave。Mrs。Murray\'shighcourageinthebush，herskillinthesick-room，andthatfinespiritualairshecarriedwithhermadeforheraplaceinhisimaginationwheremensettheirdivinities。Theheroandthesaintinherstirredhispoeticandferventsoulandsetitaglowwithafeelingneartoadoration。ToMrs。MurrayalsotheeventsofthatnightsetforthRanaldinanewlight。Intheshy，awkward，almostsullenladtherehadsuddenlybeenrevealedinthosemomentsofperilthecool，daringman，fullofresourceandcapableofself-sacrifice。Herheartwentouttowardhim，andshesetherselftowinhisconfidenceandtoestablishafirmfriendshipwithhim；butthiswasnoeasymatter。
MacdonaldDubhandhisson，livingahalf-savagelifeintheirlonelybackclearing，wereregardedbytheirneighborswithacertaindegreeofdistrustandfear。Theywerenotlikeotherpeople。Theyseldommingledinthesocialfestivitiesofthecommunity，andconsequentlyweremoreorlessexcludedfromfriendshipandfreeintercoursewiththeirneighbors。Ranald，shy，proud，andsensitive，feltthisexclusion，andinreturnkepthimselfaloofevenfromtheboys，andespeciallyfromthegirls，ofhisownage。Hisattendanceatschoolwasofafragmentaryandspasmodicnature，andheneverreallycametobeonfriendlytermswithhisfellow-pupils。HisonefriendwasDonCameron，whomtheboyscalled"Wobbles，"fromhisgaitinrunning，whosefather\'sfarmbackedthatofMacdonaldDubh。AndthoughDonwasayearolder，hegavetoRanaldahomagealmostamountingtoworship，forinallthosequalitiesthatgotoestablishleadershipamongboys，Ranaldwaseasilyfirst。Inthesportthatcalledforspeed，courage，andenduranceRanaldwaschiefofall。Fleetoffoot，therewasnorunnerfromtheTwelfthtotheTwentieththatcouldkeephiminsight，andwhenhestooduptofight，themereblazeofhiseyesoftenwonhimvictorybeforeablowwasstruck。ToDon，Ranaldopenedhisheartmorethantoanyoneelse；allothershekeptatadistance。
ItwasinvainthatMrs。Murray，inherdailyvisitstoMacdonaldDubh，soughttofindoutRanaldandtocometospeechwithhim。
AuntKirstyneverknewwherehewas，andtohercalls，longandloud，fromthebackdoorandfromthefront，noresponseevercame。
ItwasHughieMurraywhofinallybroughtRanaldoncemoreintotouchwiththeminister\'swife。
Theyhadcomeoneearlymorning，HughiewithFido"hitched"inasleddrivingoverthe"crust"onthesnowbanksbytheroadside，andhismotheronthepony，tomaketheircalluponthesickman。
Astheydrewnearthehousetheyheardasoundofhammering。
"That\'sRanald，mother！"exclaimedHughie。"Letmegoandfindhim。Idon\'twanttogoin。"
"Besureyoudon\'tgofaraway，then，Hughie；youknowwemusthurryhometo-day"；andHughiefaithfullypromised。ButalasforHughie\'spromises！whenhismothercameoutofthehousewithKirsty，hewaswithinneithersightnorhearing。
"Theywilljustbeatthecamp，"saidKirsty。
"Thecamp？"
"Aye，thesugaringcampdownyonderinthesugarbush。Itisnotfarofffromthewoodroad。Iwillbegoingwithyou。"
"Notatall，Kirsty，"saidtheminister\'swife。"IthinkIknowwhereitis，andIcangohomethatwayquitewell。Besides，I
wanttoseeRanald。"Shedidnotsayshewouldratherseehimalone。
"Indeed，heisthequarelad，andheisworsesincecomingbackfromtheshanties。"KirstywasevidentlymuchworriedaboutRanald。
"Nevermind，"saidtheminister\'swife，kindly；"wemustjustbepatient。Ranaldisgoingonfasttowardmanhood，andhecanbeheldonlybytheheart。"
"Aye，"saidKirsty，withasigh，"Idoubthisfatherwillneverbeableanymoretotakeastraptohim。"
"Yes，"saidMrs。Murray，smiling，"I\'mafraidheisfarbeyondthat。"
"Beyondit！"exclaimedKirsty，astonishedatsuchadoctrine。
"Indeed，andhisfatherandhisunclewouldbegettingitthen，whentheywereasbeegastheywilleverbe，andmuchthebetterweretheyforit。"
"Idon\'tthinkitwoulddoforRanald，"saidtheminister\'swife，smilingagainasshesaidgoodbytoKirsty。Thenshetookherwaydownthewoodroadintothebush。Shefoundthecamproadeasily，andafteraquarterofanhour\'sride，sheheardthesoundofanax，andsooncameuponthesugarcamp。Ranaldwasputtingthefinishingtouchestoalittleshantyofcedarpolesandinterwovenbalsambrush，andHughiewaslookingoninadmirationandblissfuldelight。
"Why，that\'sbeautiful，"saidMrs。Murray；"Ishouldliketoliveinahouselikethatmyself。"
"Oh，mother！"shoutedHughie，"isn\'titsplendid？RanaldandDonaregoingtoliveinitallthesugaringtime，andRanaldwantsmetocome，too。Mayn\'tI，mother？Aw，doletme。"
Themotherlookeddownupontheeagerface，smiled，andshookherhead。"Whataboutthenight，Hughie？"shesaid。"Itwillbeverydarkinthewoodshere，andverycold，too。RanaldandDonarebigboysandstrong，butI\'mafraidmylittleboywouldnotbeverycomfortablesleepingoutside。"
"Oh，mother，we\'llbeinside，andit\'llbeawfulwarm——andoh，youmightletme！"Hughie\'stearswererestrainedonlybytheshameofweepingbeforehishero，Ranald。
"Well，wewillseewhatyourfathersayswhenhecomeshome。"
"Oh，mother，hewilljustsay\'no\'rightoff，and——"
Ashadowcrossedhismother\'sface，butsheonlyansweredquietly，"Nevermindjustnow，Hughie；wewillthinkofit。Besides，"sheadded，"Idon\'tknowhowmuchRanaldwantstobebotheredwithaweeboylikeyou。"
Ranaldgaveheraquick，shyglanceandanswered：
"Hewillbenotrouble，Mrs。Murray"；andthen，noticingHughie\'simploringface，heventuredtoadd，"andindeed，Ihopeyouwilllethimcome。Iwilltakegoodcareofhim。"
Mrs。Murrayhesitated。
"Oh，mother！"criedHughie，seeingherhesitation，"justonenight；
Iwon\'tbeabitafraid。"
"No，Idon\'tbelieveyouwould，"lookingdownintothebraveyoungface。"Butwhataboutyourmother，Hughie？"
"Oh，pshaw！youwouldn\'tbeafraid。"Hughie\'sconfidenceinhismother\'scouragewasunbounded。
"Idon\'tknowaboutthat，"shereplied；andthenturningtoRanald，"Howaboutourfriendsoftheothernight？"shesaid。"Willtheynotbeabout？"Hughiehadnotheardaboutthewolves。
"Oh，thereisnofearofthem。Wewillkeepabigfireallnight，andbesides，wewillhaveourgunsandthedogs。"
"Guns！"criedMrs。Murray。Thiswasanewterrorforherboy。
"I\'mafraidIcannottrustHughiewherethereareguns。Hemight——"
"Indeed，letmecatchhimtouchingagun！"saidRanald，quickly，andfromhistoneandthelookinhisface，Mrs。MurrayfeltsurethatHughiewouldbesafefromself-destructionbytheguns。
"Well，well，comeaway，Hughie，andwewillsee，"saidMrs。Murray；
butHughiehungbacksulking，unwillingtomovetillhehadgothismother\'spromise。
"Come，Hughie。GetFidoready。Wemusthurry，"saidhismotheragain。
StillHughiehesitated。ThenRanaldturnedswiftlyonhim。"Didyehearyourmother？Come，getoutofthis。"HismannerwassofiercethatHughiestartedimmediatelyforhisdog，andwithoutanotherwordofentreatymadereadytogo。Themothernotedhisquickobedience，andsmilingatRanald，said："IthinkImighttrusthimwithyouforanightortwo，Ranald。Whendoyouthinkyoucouldcomeforhim？"
"Wewillfinishthetappingto-morrow，andIcouldcomethedayafterwiththejumper，"saidRanald，pointingtothestout，home-
madesleighusedforgatheringthesapandthewoodforthefire。
"Oh，Iseeyouhavebeguntapping，"saidMrs。Murray；"anddoyoudoityourself？"
"Why，yes，mother；don\'tyouseeallthosetrees？"criedHughie，pointingtoanumberofmaplesthatstoodbehindtheshanty。
"RanaldandDondidallthose，andmadethespiles，too。See！"Hecaughtupaspilefromaheaplyingnearthedoor。"Ranaldmadeallthese。"
"Why，that\'sfine，Ranald。Howdoyoumakethem？Ihaveneverseenonemade。"
"Oh，mother！"Hughie\'svoicewasfullofpityforherignorance。
Hehadseenhisfirstthatafternoon。
"AndIhaveneverseenthetappingofatree。IbelieveIshalllearnjustnow，ifRanaldwillonlyshowme，fromtheverybeginning。"
HereagerinterestinhisworkwonRanaldfromhisreserve。"Thereisnotmuchtosee，"hesaid，apologetically。"Youjustcutanatchinthetree，anddriveinthespile，and——"
"Oh，butwait，"shecried。"That\'sjustwhatIwantedtosee。Howdoyoumakethespile？"
"Oh，thatiseasy，"saidRanald。Hetookupaslightlyconcavechiselorgouge，andslitaslimslabfromoffablockofcedaraboutafootlong。
"Thisisaspile，"heexclaimed。"Wedriveitintothetree，andthesaprunsdownintothetrough，yousee。"
"No，Idon\'tsee，"saidtheminister\'swife。Shewastoothoroughgoingtodothingsbyhalves。"Howdoyoudrivethisintothetree，andhowdoyougetthesaptorundownit？"
"Iwillshowyou，"hesaid，andtakingwithhimagougeandax，heapproachedamaplestilluntapped。"Youfirstmakeagashlikethis。"Sosaying，withtwoorthreeblowsofhisax，hemadeaslantingnotchinthetree。"Andthenyoumakeaplaceforthespilethisway。"Withthebackofhisaxhedrovehisgougeintothecornerofthenotch，andthenfittedhisspileintotheincisionsomade。
"Ah，nowIsee。Andyouputthetroughunderthedripfromthespile。Buthowdoyoumakethetroughs？"
"Ididnotmakethem，"saidRanald。"Someofthemfathermade，andsomeofthembelongtotheCamerons。Butitiseasyenough。Youjusttakeathickslabofbasswoodandhollowitoutwiththeadze。"
Mrs。Murraywasgreatlypleased。"I\'mverymuchobligedtoyou，Ranald，"shesaid，"andIamgladIcamedowntoseeyourcamp。
Now，ifyouwillaskme，Ishouldliketoseeyoumakethesugar。"
Hadherrequestbeenmadebeforethenightoftheirfamousride，Ranaldwouldhavefoundsomepolitereasonforrefusal，butnowhewasrathersurprisedtofindhimselfurginghertocometoasugaring-offatthecloseoftheseason。
"Ishallbedelightedtocome，"criedMrs。Murray，"anditisverygoodofyoutoaskme，andIshallbringmyniece，whoiscomingwithMr。Murrayfromtowntospendsomeweekswithme。"
Ranald\'sfacefell，buthisHighlandcourtesyforbaderetreat。"Ifshewouldcare，"hesaid，doubtfully。
"Oh，Iamsureshewouldbeveryglad！Shehasneverbeenoutsideofthecity，andIwanthertolearnallshecanofthecountryandthewoods。Itispositivelypainfultoseetheignoranceofthesecitychildreninregardtoalllivingthings——beastsandbirdsandplants。Why，manyofthemcouldn\'ttellabeechfromabasswood。"
"Oh，mother！"protestedHughie，aghastatsuchignorance。
"Yes，indeed，itisdreadful，Iassureyou，"saidhismother，smiling。"Why，Iknowagrown-upwomanwhodidn\'tknowtillaftershewasmarriedthedifferencebetweenaspruceandapine。"
"Butyouknowthemallnow，"saidHughie，alittleanxiousforhismother\'sreputation。
"Yes，indeed，"saidhismother，proudly；"everyone，Ithink，atleastwhentheleavesareout。SoIwantMaimietolearnallshecan。"
Ranalddidnotliketheideaanytoowell，butaftertheyhadgonehisthoughtskeptturningtotheproposedvisitofMrs。Murrayandherniece。
"Maimie，"saidRanaldtohimself。"Sothatishername。"Ithadamusicalsound，andwasdifferentfromthenamesofthegirlsheknew——BetsyandKirstyandJessieandMargetandJinny。Itwasfinersomehowthanthese，andseemedtosuitbetteracitygirl。
Hewonderedifshewouldbenice，buthedecidedthatdoubtlessshewouldbe"proud。"Tobe"proud"wastheunpardonablesinwiththeGlengarryboy。Theboyorgirlconvictedofthiscrimeearnedthecontemptofallself-respectingpeople。Onthewhole，Ranaldwassorryshewascoming。Eveninschoolhewasshywiththegirls，andkeptawayfromthem。Theywerealwaysgigglingandblushingandmakingonefeelqueer，andtheynevermeantwhattheysaid。HehadnodoubtMaimiewouldbeliketherest，andperhapsalittleworse。Ofcourse，beingMrs。Murray\'sniece，shemightbesomethinglikeher。Still，thatcouldhardlybe。Nogirlcouldeverbeliketheminister\'swife。HeresolvedhewouldturnMaimieovertoDon。Heremembered，withgreatrelief，thatDondidnotmindgirls；indeed，hesuspectedDonratherenjoyedplayingthe"forfeit"gamesatschoolwiththem，inwhichthepenaltieswerepaidinkisses。Howoftenhadheshudderedandadmiredfromadistance，whileDonandtheothersplayedthosedaringgames！Yes，DonwoulddothehonorsforMaimie。PerhapsDonwouldevenventuretoplay"forfeits"withher。Ranaldfelthisfacegrowhotatthisthought。Then，withsuddenself-detection，hecried，angrily，aloud："Idon\'tcare；lethim；hemayforallIcare。"
"Whomaywhat？"criedavoicebehindhim。ItwasDonhimself。
"Nothing，"saidRanald，blushingshamefacedly。
"Why，whatareyoumadabout？"askedDon，noticinghisflushedface。
"Whoismad？"saidRanald。"Iamnotmadwhatever。"
"Well，youlookmightylikeit，"saidDon。"Youlookmadenoughtofight。"
ButRanald，ignoringhim，simplysaid，"Wewillneedtobegatheringthesapthisevening，forthetroughswillbefull。"
"Huh-huh，"saidDon。"Iguesswecancarryallthereisto-day，butwewillhavetogetthecoltto-morrow。Gotthespilesready？"
"Enoughforto-day，"saidRanald，wonderinghowhecouldtellDonoftheproposedvisitofMrs。Murrayandherniece。Takingeachabundleofspilesandanax，theboyssetoutforthepartofthesugarbushasyetuntapped，andbegantheirwork。
"Theminister\'swifeandHughiewereherejustnow，"beganRanald。
"Huh-huh，Imetthemdowntheroad。Hughiesaidhewascomingdayafterto-morrow。"
"DidMrs。Murraytellyou——"
"Tellmewhat？"
"Didshetellyoushewouldliketoseeasugaring-off？"
"No；theydidn\'tstoplongenoughtotellmeanything。Hughieshoutedatmeastheypassed。"
"Well，"saidRanald，speakingslowlyandwithdifficulty，"shewantedbadtoseethesugar-making，andIaskedhertocome。"
"Youdid，eh？Iwonderatyou。"
"Andshewantedtobringherniece，and——and——Ilether，"saidRanald。
"Herniece！Jee-roo-sa-LEM！"criedDon。"Doyouknowwhohernieceis？"
"NotI，"saidRanald，lookingratheralarmed。
"Well，sheisthedaughterofthebiglumberman，St。Clair，andsheisagreatswell。"
Ranaldstoodspeechless。
"Thatdoesbeatall，"pursuedDon；"andyouaskedhertoourcamp？"
ThenRanaldgrewangry。"Andwhynot？"hesaid，defiantly。"Whatiswrongaboutthat？"
"O，nothingmuch，"laughedDon，"ifIhaddoneit，butforyou，Ranald！Why，whatwillyoudowiththatswellyoungladyfromthecity？"
"Iwilljustdonothing，"saidRanald。"TherewillbeyouandMrs。
Murray，and——"
"Oh，Isay，"burstinDon，"that\'sbully！Let\'sasksomeoftheboys，and——youraunt，and——mymother，and——someofthegirls。"
"Oh，shucks！"saidRanald，angrily。"YoujustwantMargetAird。"
"Yougetout！"criedDon，indignantly；"MargetAird！"Then，afterapause，headded，"Allright，Idon\'twantanybodyelse。I\'lllookafterMrs。Murray，andyouandMaimiecandowhatyoulike。"
ThiscombinationsoundedsoterribletoRanaldthathesurrenderedatonce；anditwasarrangedthatthereshouldbeagrandsugaring-
off，andthatothersbesidestheminister\'swifeandhernieceshouldbeinvited。
ButMrs。MurrayhadnoticedthefallingofRanald\'sfaceatthementionofMaimie\'svisittothecamp，andfeelingthatshehadtakenhimatadisadvantage，shedeterminedthatshewouldtheverynextdayputherselfrightwithhim。ShewaseagertofollowuptheadvantageshehadgainedthedaybeforeinestablishingtermsoffriendshipwithRanald，forherheartwentouttotheboy，inwhosedeep，passionatenatureshesawvastpossibilitiesforgoodorill。OnherreturnfromherdailyvisittoMacdonaldDubh，shetookthecamproad，andhadthegoodfortunetofindRanaldalone，"riggingup"hiskettlespreparatorytotheboiling。Butshehadnotimeforkettlesto-day，andshewentstraighttoherbusiness。
"Icametoseeyou，Ranald，"shesaid，aftershehadshakenhandswithhim，"aboutoursugaring-off。I\'vebeenthinkingthatitwouldperhapsbebettertohavenostrangers，butjustoldfriends，youandDonandHughieandme。"
Ranaldatoncecaughthermeaning，butfoundhimselfstrangelyunwillingtobeextricatedfromhispredicament。
"Imean，"saidMrs。Murray，frankly，"wemightenjoyitbetterwithoutmyniece；andso，perhaps，wecouldhavethesugaringwhenIcometobringHughiehomeonFriday。MaimiedoesnotcometillSaturday。"
HerfranknessdisarmedRanaldofhisreserve。"Iknowwellwhatyoumean，"hesaid，withouthisusualawkwardness，"butIdonotmindnowatallhavingyourniececome；andDonisgoingtohaveaparty。"Thequiet，gravetonewasthatofaman，andMrs。Murraylookedattheboywithneweyes。Shedidnotknowthatitwasherownfrankconfidencethathadwonlikeconfidencefromhim。
"Howoldareyou，Ranald？"shesaid，inherwonder。
"Iwillbegoingoneighteen。"
"Youwillsoonbeaman，Ranald。"Ranaldremainedsilent，andshewentonearnestly："Astrong，good，braveman，Ranald。"
Thebloodrushedtotheboy\'sfacewithasuddenflood，butstillhestoodsilent。
"I\'mgoingtogiveyouHughiefortwodays，"shecontinued，inthesameearnestvoice；andleaningdownoverherpony\'snecktowardhim："Iwanthimtoknowstrongandmanlyboys。Heisveryfondofyou，Ranald。Hethinksyouarebetterthananymanintheworld。"Shepaused，herlipspartinginasmilethatmadeRanald\'sheartbeatquick。Thenshewentonwithashyhesitancy："Ranald，Iknowtheboyssometimesdropwordstheyshouldnotandtellstoriesunfittohear"；thebloodwasbeginningtoshowinhercheek；"andIwouldnotlikemylittleboy——"Hervoicebrokesuddenly，butrecoveringquicklyshewentoningrave，sweettones：
"Itrusthimtoyou，Ranald，forthistimeandafterward。Helooksuptoyou。Iwanthimtobeagood，braveman，andtokeephisheartpure。"Ranaldcouldnotspeak，buthelookedsteadilyintoMrs。Murray\'seyesashetookthehandsheoffered，andsheknewhewaspledginghimselftoher。
"You\'llcomeforhimto-morrow，"shesaid，assheturnedaway。BythistimeRanaldhadfoundhisvoice。
"Yes，ma\'am，"hereplied。"AndIwilltakegoodcareofhim。"
OncemoreMrs。MurrayfoundherselflookingatRanaldasifseeinghimforthefirsttime。Hehadthesolemnvoiceandmannerofamanmakingoathofallegiance，andsherodeawaywithherheartatrestconcerningherlittleboy。WithRanald，atleast，hewouldbesafe。
*****
ThosetwodayshadbeenforHughielongandweary，butatlastthegreatdaycameforhim，asallgreatdayswillcomeforthosewhocanwait。Ranaldappearedatthemansebeforethebreakfastwaswellbegun，andHughie，withtheunconsciousegoismofchildhood，wasforrushingoffwithoutthoughtofpreparationforhimselforoffarewellforthoseleftbehind。Indeed，hewasforleavinghisporridgeuntasted，declaringhe"wasn\'tabithungry，"buthismotherbroughthimtohissenses。
"Nobreakfast，nosugarbushto-day，Hughie，"shesaid；"wecannotsendmenouttothewoodsthatcannoteatbreakfast，canwe，Ranald？"
Hughieatoncefelluponhisporridgewithvigor，whileRanald，whowasmuchtooshytoeatattheminister\'stable，satandwaited。
Afterbreakfastwasover，Jessiewascalledinforthemorningworship，withoutwhichnodaywaseverbeguninthemanse。Atworshipintheminister\'shouseeveryonepresenttookpart。ItwasHughie\'sspecialjoytoleadthesingingofthepsalm。Hisvoicerosehighandclear，evenabovehismother\'s，forhelovedtosing，andRanald\'spresenceinspiredhimtodohisbest。Ranaldhadoftenheardthepsalmsunginthechurch——
Itothehillswillliftmineeyes，Fromwhencedothcomemineaid；
andthetunewastheold，familiar"French，"butsomehowitwasallnewtohimthatday。Thefreshvoicesandthecrisp，promptmovementofthetunemadeRanaldfeelasifhehadneverheardthepsalmsungbefore。Inthereadinghetookhisversewiththeothers，stumblingalittle，notbecausethewordsweretoobigforhim，butbecausetheyseemedtorunintooneanother。ThechapterforthedaycontainedPaul\'sinjunctiontoTimothy，urginghimtofidelityandcourageasagoodsoldierofJesusChrist。
Whenthereadingwasdone，Mrs。MurraytoldthemastoryofayoungmanwhohadshedhisblooduponaScottishmoorbecausehewastoobravetobeuntruetohislord，andthen，inafewwords，madethemallseethatstillsomeconflictwasbeingwaged，andthattherewasstillopportunityforeachtodisplayloyalcourageandfidelity。
Intheprayerthatfollowed，thefirstthingthatsurprisedRanaldwastheabsenceofthesetformsandtonesofprayer，withwhichhewasfamiliar。Itwasallsosimpleandreal。ThemotherwastellingthegreatFatherinheavenhercaresandanxieties，andtheday\'sneedsforthemall，surethathewouldunderstandandanswer。
Everyonewasremembered——theabsentheadofthefamilyandthosepresent；theyoungmanworshipingwiththem，thathemightbeatruemanandagoodsoldierofJesusChrist；andattheclose，thelittleladgoingawaythismorning，thathemightbekeptfromallharmandfromallevilthoughtsanddeeds。Thesimplebeautyofthewords，themusicinthevoice，andthetender，trustfulfeelingthatbreathedthroughtheprayerawakenedinRanald\'sheartemotionsandlongingshehadneverknownbefore，andherosefromhiskneesfeelinghowwickedandhowcruelathingitwouldbetocauseoneoftheselittleonestostumble。
Aftertheworshipwasover，HughieseizedhisScotchbonnetandrushedforthejumper，andinafewminuteshismotherhadallthespacenottakenupbyhimandRanaldpackedwithblanketsandbaskets。
"Jessiethinksthatevengreatshanty-menlikeyouandDonandHughiewillnotobjecttosomethingbetterthanbreadandpork。"
"Indeed，wewillnot，"saidRanald，heartily。
ThenHughiesuddenlyrememberedthathewasactuallyleavinghome，andclimbingoutofthejumper，herushedathismother。
"Oh，mother，goodby！"hecried。
Hismotherstoopedandputherarmsabouthim。"Goodby，mydarling，"shesaid，inalowvoice；"Itrustyoutobeagoodboy，and，Hughie，don\'tforgetyourprayers。"
ThencametoHughie，forthefirsttime，thethoughtthathadbeeninthemother\'sheartallthemorning，thatwhennightcamehewouldliedowntosleep，forthefirsttimeinhislife，withoutthenightlystoryandhergood-nightkiss。
"Mother，"whisperedthelittlelad，holdinghertightabouttheneck，"won\'tyoucome，too？Idon\'tthinkIliketogoaway。"
Hecouldhavesaidnomorecomfortingword，andthemother，whosehearthadbeensoreenoughwithherfirstpartingfromherboy，wasmorethangladtofindthatthepainwasnotallonherside；soshekissedhimagain，andsaid，inacheeryvoice："Nowhaveagoodtime。Don\'ttroubleRanaldtoomuch，andbringmebacksomesugar。"Herlastwordbracedtheladasnothingelsecould。
"Oh，mother，I\'llbringyouheaps！"hecried，andwiththevisionofwhathewouldbringhomeagainshiningvividlybeforehiseyes，hegotthroughthepartingwithouttears，andwassoonspeedingdownthelanebesideRanald，inthejumper。
ThemotherstoodandwatchedthelittlefigureholdingtighttoRanaldwithonehand，andwiththeotherwavingfranticallyhisbonnetbythetails，tillatlastthebushhidhimfromhersight。
Thensheturnedbackagaintothehousethatseemedsoempty，withherhandpressedhardagainsthersideandherlipquiveringaswithsharppain。
"Howfoolish！"shesaid，impatientlytoherself；"hewillbehomeintwodays。"Butinspiteofherselfshewentagaintothedoor，andlookedlongatthespotwherethebushswalloweduptheroad。
Thenshewentupstairsandshutherdoor，andwhenshecamedownagaintherewasthatinherfacethattoldthatherhearthadhaditsfirsttouchoftheswordthat，soonerorlater，mustpierceallmothers\'hearts。
CHAPTERVII
MAIMIE
BeforeHughiecamebackfromthesugarcamp，theministerhadreturnedfromthepresbytery，bringingwithhimhiswife\'sniece，MaimieSt。Clair，whohadcomefromherhomeinaWesterncitytomeethim。Herfather，EugeneSt。Clair，waspresidentofRaymondandSt。ClairLumberCompany。NineteenyearsbeforethistimehehadmarriedMrs。Murray\'seldestsister，andestablishedhishomewitheveryprospectofaprosperousandhappylife，butafterthreeshort，brightyearsofalmostperfectjoy，hisyoungwife，hisheart\'sidol，aftertwodays\'illness，flutteredoutfromherbeautifulhome，leavingwithherbroken-heartedhusbandherlittleboyandababygirltwoweeksold。ThenEugeneSt。ClairbesoughthissistertocomeoutfromEnglandandpresideoverhishomeandcareforhischildren；andthathemightforgethisgrief，hegavehimself，heartandmind，tohisbusiness。Wealthcametohim，andunderhissister\'srulehishomebecameaplaceofculturedeleganceandacenteroffashionablepleasure。
MissFrancesSt。Clairwasawomanoftheworld，proudofherfamily-tree，whoserootdisappearedinthedepthsofpastcenturies，anddevotedtothepursuitandcultivationofthosegracesandmannersthataresupposedtodistinguishpeopleofbirthandbreedingfromthecommonsort。Indeed，fromcommonmenandthingssheshrankalmostwithhorror。Theentranceof"trade"intothesocialsphereofherlifeshewouldregardasanimpertinentintrusion。Itwasasmuchasshecouldbeartoallowtheapproachof"commerce，"whichherbrotherrepresented。Shesupposed，ofcourse，theremustbepeopletocarryonthetradesandindustriesofthecountry——veryworthypeople，too——butthesewerepeopleonecouldnotbeexpectedtoknow。MissSt。ClairthankedheaventhatshehadhadtheadvantagesofanEnglisheducationandup-bringing，andshelamentedthestubborndemocraticopinionsofherbrother，whoinsistedthatHarryshouldattendthepublicschool。Shewasnotsurprised，therefore，thoughgreatlygrieved，thatHarrychosehisfriendsinschoolwithafinedisregardof"theirpeople。"ItwaswithsurpriseamountingtopainthatshefoundherselfonedayintroducedbyhernephewtoBillieBarclay，whoturnedouttobethesonofHarry\'sfavoriteconfectioner。Tohisaunt\'sremonstranceitseemedtoHarryasufficientreplythatBillywasa"brick"andashining"quarter"ontheschoolRugbyteam。
"But，Harry，thinkofhispeople！"urgedhisaunt。
"Oh，rot！"repliedherirreverentnephew；"Idon\'tplaywithhispeople。"
"Yes，butHarry，youdon\'texpecttomakehimyourfriend？"
"Butheismyfriend，andIdon\'tcarewhathispeopleare。
Besides，Ithinkhisgovernorisafineoldboy，andIknowhegivesusjollygoodtaffy。"
"But，Harry，"answeredhisaunt，indespair，"youarepositivelydreadful。Whycan\'tyoumakefriendsinyourownset？ThereisHubertEvansandtheLangfordboys。"
"Evans！"snortedHarry，withcontempt；"beastlysnob，andtheLangfordsareregularMollies！"WhereuponMissSt。Clairgaveuphernephewasimpossible。ButBilliedidnotrepeathisvisittohisfriendHarry\'shome。MissFrancesSt。Clairhadawayoflookingthroughherpince-nezthatevenaboycouldunderstandandwouldseektoavoid。
WithMaimie，MissSt。Clairachievedbetterresults。Shewasagentlegirl，withanaffectionate，yieldingdisposition，tendingtowardsindolenceandself-indulgence。Heraunt\'schiefconcernaboutherwasthatsheshouldbefrockedandmanneredasbecameherposition。Hereducationwascommittedtoaveryselectyoungladies\'school，whereonlythedaughtersofthefirstfamilieseverentered。Whatorhowtheyweretaught，herauntneverinquired。
Shefeltquitesurethattheladyprincipalwouldresent，asindeedsheought，anysuchinquiry。HenceMaimiecametohaveasmatteringoftheEnglishpoets，couldtalkinconversation-bookFrench，andcoulddashoffmostofthenotesofafewwaltzesandmarchesfromthebestcomposers，herpiecederesistance，however，being"LaPriered\'uneVierge。"Shecarriedwithherfromschoolaportfolioofcrayonsofapparentlyveryancientandverybatteredcastles；andwater-colorsoflandscapes，wherethewaterwasquiteassolidastheland。True，shewasquiteunabletokeepherownsmallaccounts，andwhenherfatherchancedtoaskheronedaytodoforhimasimpleaddition，hewasamazedtofindthatonlyafterthethirdattemptdidshegetitright；but，intheeyesofheraunt，thesewerequiteunimportantdeficiencies，andforyoungladiesshewasnotsurebutthatthekeepingofaccountsandtheaddingoffigureswerealmostvulgaraccomplishments。Herfatherthoughtotherwise，buthewasabusyman，andbesides，heshrankfromenteringintoaregionstrangetohim，butwherehissistermovedwithassuredtread。Hecontentedhimselfwithgratifyinghisdaughter\'sfanciesandindulgingherineverywayallowedhimbyhersystemoftrainingandeducation。Themainmarvelintheresultwasthatthegirldidnotgrowmoreselfish，superficial，andignorantthanshedid。Somethinginherbloodhelpedher，butmore，itwasheraunt\'stouchuponherlife。Foreveryweekalettercamefromthecountrymanse，bringingwithitsomeofthesweetsimplicityofthecountryandsomethinglikeabreathofheaven。
