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Steuart Author of "In the Day of Battle," "Kilgroom/ " Thai luhick God writes oh thy forehead thou wilt come to." The Koran, Toronto 'HE Copp Clark Company, limited 1899 ^ Copyright, i8g8, By J. A. Steuakt IVe wrote ; and judgmi with your \ drama of i definition sei of the city , in her own t linked to hit the revolutioi my history, i forgetful of I of counsel. Tc inscribed. Redfield Bros.. New York To A. M. S. We wrote this story together; what it owes to your vigilance and judg.,ent I know best, and it gratifies me to send it forth with your initials (if these must be all) on the fly-leaf. A drama of romance in reality you have called it. Let the definition serve. The son of the heather descends into the midsi of the city and the city hastens to make him her own; and in her own way and time tests, as with fire, both him and some linked to him-in bonds not to be shaken off. Through all tl^e revolutions of fortune you watched over the personages of -y history, tenderly solicitous for their well-being, yet never forgetful of the touchstone, nor failing in the opportune word of cou^^el. To their good genius, therefore, this book is fittingly inscribed, /. A. S. BOOK I-ARCADIA For harvest-time and mowing, A sleepy world of streams." Swinburne, The Garden of Proserpine. CHAPTER I nine months. And vet Xr - ? ""'^P'"'n& labour o his brimming cup ^As oln FFT'"",^ ingredients spiced pled, without thought of exnen J "^^^ '^^" ^^ ^^' re- fusion of tea-leaves fhrice brewer '°5 I P/^" ^"^^^^le in- njcely smeared with butter A.i f ^^^^ ^ ^^^^^^ s^^ne his segment of fine bread bo^^ I ? r "'" ^ '^''^'^^' ^Iso jam, as if ethereal fingers had .?.• i''-*" suggestion of crimson dew. But in rSv thp/r^^ '^ ^'*^ ^ 1^'"^ of by the fat hand of his aunt fnd ^""l^ '°"'''^' ^^^ ^P^^^ad duce that rapture of surnr Le fhn^ ^^!'' ^f^'^^'^V to pro- which bountiful people We tn •?" '^° ?^ ^°"1 and body their aflfections ^ "^^ ^° ^'^"^^^ m the objects of be^e^TeS't^ ?e\^t^tt'tS!t^ ^"^. ^^/^^^^^ might ing, were not nature for evt . -^ u ""^/^'^S follows sow- So lively was Fvan' fecW ^,T^t f^ ^'"^^"^ ^^e natur^. made requital by. treating hp^n.fil °^^'FJ'0"' that he gaily opportune sport^or the eo^f *V^"^ benefactors alike as ' He" hair r^"^' '-^"dirtVn"'' ^'^°^'^^ - ^^^ Benevo^^etTs^tern *? S, '^j^-rry .reverences, ^a^led suddenly. No mo^ C^^o mo^^V^^S 2 The Minister of State cried the dispensing power, bristling retributively. Those who had not the grace to value good tea, and barley scone with butter and jam, could cool their blood on less dainty fare. So, in caustic recognition of his gifts, the satirist was put on porridge, potatoes, pease-bread, and broth, with a mid-day morsel of salt beef. Moreover, to digest the first fruits of his sarcasm he had sauce of the most piquant kind, that is to say, charges of flagrant neglect of duty, with threats of unmentionable vengeance if there were not prompt amendment. Candour will not deny there was cause for complaint. An exacting and irascible employer who commits to your care fifteen head of depraved cattle is entitled to be wroth over breach of trust; and Evan's defections were becom- ing intolerable. But how are you tc subdue the lion's whelp to the docility and functions of a watch dog? Neil Macgregor, on whom rested the double responsibility of master and uncle, was at his wits' end over the problem. In the heat of his musings he remembered many precepts and axioms bearing upon the correction of froward youth, Solomon's grim hint being among them; and there were chastenings betimes. But it was a case of spoiling the rod without bettering the child. The proof of improvement lies in conduct: you shall judge of Evan's. On the western side of Tullyven Burn, then a mere run- nel at which the youngest calf would not boggle, was a neighbour's field of sweet turnips; for this field the cows cherished a ravenous and ill-regulated passion, and divers matters, urgent beyond the comprehension of adults, en- gaged the boy's attention. Sometimes he had to take the brag out of a rival herd who, coming with flouts and chal- lenges, would depart with a streaming nose and a pair of black eyes; sometimes to see that Tweed got fair play in a fight; sometimes to rhaintain his supremacy in the great game of "jump the cuddy"; again to chase squirrels, gud- dle trout, or dig out rabbits. For the present, however, his chief care was to save from waste the product of a raspberry thicket which flourished secretly and luxuriantly in the depths of an oak wood hard by. When the herd found it necessary to gather fruit the cows were under a similar compulsion to adjourn to the turnip-field, where they rioted with all the transports of the illicit, until some one did a little arduous hunting. ely. Those jarley scone I less dainty the satirist and broth, T, to digest Df the most t neglect of ice if there • complaint, nits to your to be wroth /ere becom- e the lion's dog? Neil onsibility of he problem, iny precepts ward youth, there were ling the rod 3vement lies a mere run- ggle, was a Id the cows , and divers adults, en- to take the Its and chal- nd a pair of lir play in a in the great uirrels, gud- to save from h flourished < wood hard her fruit the iourn to the sports of the ing. Arcadia - A general reckoning invariably ensued. With the effect- ive assistance of Tweed, his iidus Achates, and such stimulus to bovine virtue as a thick hazel coppice furnished, Evan took It out of the cows, to the great diminution of dairy produce; and with the help of a supple switch Neil Mac- gregor in due course took it out of Evan, to the grievous disconi for of bare legs. These visitations commonlv brought the transgressor an urgent thought to mend, tb taste the tranquil joy of self-abnegation; and he was always a model of propriety until fate again led him into tempta- tion Then the natural man had once more his fling After all, time is more constant than chance. By a happy dis- pensation of Providence, one may repent in all weathers in any season, but ripe rasps are fleeting mercies that must be seized as they are presented. So Evan went his way and the cows went their way; and retribution followed delinquency as unfailingly as darkness overtakes light Suddenly there came a crisis which crystallised flitting intentions into a fixed decision. Evan felt 'that the moment lor bringing matters to a head was cruelly chosen, for the rasps were at their best; and it was with bubblings of revolt and a burning conviction that the ways of the well- doer are indeed hard that he clenched his teeth for good courses. ° As a means of overcoming the tempter he began to cut his name in big, deep, determined letters on the huge beech- tree held. Tine giant crowned ;. neight overlooking the seductive thicket, a height that was in some sort a pfsgah eminence, whence, if he cared, the martyr to duty could at He did noT^i'^'i If he durst not enter, Ihe delect'able land ver'l'red te'ln .T"^ "'^^u''^' ''''^ ^ ""''y ^'""^ knife and a calHnl Jf= n ^ T^ ^.^ ^^' ^''^^^^^ by so"ie one loudly temerftv to ^.Trl' ^"^"'."^..^"•'^kly to see who had the hv two vol nl LT ^'""t!" ^'' P"""""' be ^^' confronted Dv two young ladies, whose manner was the reverse of anZ7.y' ^P°^^g^^tic. One was Miss Florence Dudley ?egs flv^^'Cff "^, P^?"" 7'''^ bare, plump, embrowned rnrl . ^' ^^ '^"§^1^" °^ brown hair, a gauzy white frock, a gossamer pinafore, a bloomer or sun-bonnet o1 the dimensions of an ordinary umbrella, and eyes that spoke 4 The Minister of State several expressive languages; the other was Miss Dudley's maid, and Evan counted both as friends. Miss Dudley was on the verge of her fifth birthday and had the imperious yet familiar manner proper to that mature age. An unwavering belief that the universe had been created for her exclusive pleasure inclined her to cap- tivating airs of autocracy and occasional spurts of petulant impatience. Ignorant of Evan's resolution to tread the thorny paths of rectitude, she did not see why he should waste time whittling with an old knife. Accordingly the unconventional greetings were hardly over when she or- dered him to desist, put up his knife, and prove his capacity for better things by gathering her a capful of raspberries. This was assailing St. Anthony on his weakest side; yet he had no thought of crying "Avaunt"; for perhaps the most winning quality of a saint is his readiness to fall under adequate temptation. Suspending his carving operations, Evan examined the chubby face and the aggressive eyes with a look at least as dauntless as their own. A giddy sense of privileged wickedness thrilled through all his members. Had Heaven sent him a fair excuse for breaking the Coni- mandments? It was unlike the ways of Heaven, but it might be true. Tingling with the thought, he noted that Miss Dudley's golden-brown curls, which reminded hini of the sunlit ripples of a peat burn, were bewitchingly dis- ordered, and his aesthetic feeling was gratified by bits ot colour that shone in her dress— crimson ribbon deftly dis- tributed in shoulder-bows, and a curiously knotted sash that was fairlv ravishing. St. Anthony joyfully hugged the opportunity of being tempted by such a serpent. He was peremptorily called to attention by the question how long he intended to stand dallying. Again he exam- ined the questioner,, deliberately, admiringly, and a little compassionately. An odd foreboding in the legs warned him to be cautious. On the whole it might be safest for St. Anthony to cry "Avaunt": there are times when even a saint must be poUtic. "They will not let me," he answered at length. "Den I ^vill not love zoo any more," said Miss Dudley; and behind the offended gleam of the eye was just a sus- picion of moisture. The hesitating gallant flushed. What if she should cry on his hand? Then a darker thought thrilled his heart, and his face burned. What if she should iss Dudley's )irthday and Dpcr to that iniverse had I her to cap- 5 of petulant :o tread the y he should ordingly the hen she or- his capacity raspberries. ;est side; yet perhaps the to fall under r operations, jressive eyes L giddy sense lis members, ng the Com- ;aven, but it le noted that inded him of tchingly dis- ;d by bits of )n deftly dis- knotted sash y hugged the ;nt. the question ain he exam- , and a little legs warned be safest for when even a igth. Miss Dudley; as just a sus- ushed. What irker thought if she should Arcadia - think him capable of faltering in his gallantry? The ide. was enough to screw his courlge to any feat df ■rebellion ageiy tnat ne telt as if his neck were being wrung- Par^^ he venture upon forbidden things > ^ ^' ^ Ser fhfr"'' '?'""' "°P' '° *e shimmering purple of oel^H 'fntr^.f^K' r'^ '^°^^<"^ «'* hbovLT^rs who ap- brilliantly and an occasional window flashed as if^>h Bu Ev'aTreci;oTe"d'Z,''o ""■' °' '>- n%h1our's"c^tSe. CloserTLnrf f? "^^""P *^^ ^'■^o"'" ^^ chivalry. buttercups natS Pf J^^^^^^' ^nee deep in clover and Even rL; th^"' "^^^^ respectable kine should be. Kosy. the one-horned vixen fhat took the van in ( l. 6 The Minister of State thievish excursions, seemed to harbour no gluttonous de- signs upon the turnip-field, while the great bull cropped his succulent mouthfuls with an air of innocence and content, as if this were indeed Paradise. Man and beast conspired to make sinning safe. . u ^ <. i^^ Nevertheless, as no herd of experience would trust to appearances, Tweed was sent out to give the cattle a dis- ciplinary canter round the field. They returned panting, their heads and tails in the air, their "^f "^^ ^^^%^"^ JS their general mien truculent and resentful Tweed trotted back to his master's heel, happy in a sense of duty we 1 done: then telling the ladies to follow and mmd their feet in the descent, Evan dropped down a long steep bank towards the raspberry thicket. Next minute, with dripping fingers and a complete forgetfulness of the past, he was pounng the fuscious fruit into the outspread handkerchief of Florence, who rewarded him with smiles and rapturous exclamations. Time is man's most treacherous enemy. Evan could have taken his solemn oath on the big family Bible that he was not two minutes engaged in this knightly service, and that the cattle could not possibly have reached the turnip-field even if they had made for it at the gallop, when he heard an ominous barking that made him pause and hold his breathy "Gosh' I'll get my licks now," he remarked with a flash of divination and a long breath of apprehension. "Never oo mind," said his youngest companion, whose face by this time was one daub of red. "Never oo mind. I'll div zoo a tiss and love zoo." , . She was prepared to redeem her promise on the instant, but before she could so much as purse her sanguinary little mouth Evan was tearing upward through a clump of hazels calling loudly upon Tweed. Reaching the top in a state of palpitating excitement, he beheld his fifteen head of cat- tle disporting themselves riotously in the very centre o the turnip-field. Two uncommonly active dogs were on their heels the attack being directed by Red Sandy in person. Evan gazed for a moment breathless and speech ess then observed to himself very quietly that undoubtedly all the fat was in the fire this time. luttonous de- 1 cropped his and content, ast conspired ould trust to : cattle a dis- rned panting, wide and red, rweed trotted aty well done: dr feet in the k towards the [g fingers and 5 pouring the { of Florence, exclamations, an could have le that he was •vice, and that le turnip-field, ;n he heard an old his breath, sd with a flash on. panion, whose ever oo mind. on the instant, inguinary little lump of hazels, top in a state en head of cat- •y centre of the 1 were on their ndy in person, peechless, then ubtedly all the Arcadia CHAPTER II the ringleader's tail, quickly reduced h,s iJff.^v °" her iniquitous rump ^ ^ *"'" '^^^ *° ^^'^^rs on for^Red°LTdv°".nH'^'^'''°"'^ completed, he turned to look ' mUmSle and'i"'"'"''. ''«'""' °' "^ «"ath were un- and impoten frumWin^ Rfr<;"'''H"'' "'' 'Chimney-cheek, enerev as the h«t r k j '"'9^ ^"^ "" exhibition of iSanJy'"afSowled«d "h fr- ' '^'"^' °! ''"="''°" -^ich Red Utch abom his tead a'^d ?P'"^, ^' '"'^™'^ '° ''^'"^ his delinquent, as i to sat "V„" '^u' " '""^"''""y at the .es .i.eVSV^?^Vl;TosS ,t '^fl^p-it; ht 8 The Minister of State mouth full of curdling objurgations, and intimated a fixed determination to smash livan's head to atoms, Evan judi- ciously retired. Thereupon Red Sandy putting on a spurt, as if to show how easily three legs could overhaul two, overbalanced and fell with a groan of fury. Scrambling back to the perpendicular with hideous contortions of the countenance and expletives that would look ill in print, he shook his crutch fiercely, vowing to let the culprit "have it," if the hunt should continue till the sound of the last trump. Then once more plying his pins like a centipede, he advanced at the double, desiring Evan to wait and be pounded to jelly. Declining these overtures. Evan con- tinued his retreat slowly and in good order, keeping per- haps fifty yards ahead of his pursuer. This was wind and fuel to Red Sandy's fire. He paused a moment as if to consider; then quick as thought he thrust out the stump sidew; vs as a prop, reversed the crutch, and swinging it thrice round his head sent it whizzing at Evan with a pet- rifying malediction. It fell short of its mark, but Evan at least partially carried out its owner's purpose by spring- ing nimbly and capturing it. Red Sandy's breath left him as if he had been wantonly punched in the pit of the stomach, and like our great grand- parent on discovering the primary human trespass, he "amazed, astonished stood, and blank." The blankness was but for an instant. Recovering himself with wondrous celerity, he informed Evan that if the crutch were retained another moment utter and complete annihilation would be mild compared to the tragedy that should be enacted. Evan studied the fuming Sandy with a feeling almost equally compounded of fear and amusement. The situa- tion was unquestionably grave and the policy of aggrava- tion perilous; but with the enemy's chief weapon of offence in his possession he did not think of surrendering. So, like the ancient Phemius, he made bold to stand upon terms. On condition that not a word should be said to anybody about the unluckv business in hand the crutch would be restored; otherwise it would be retained. It would profit nothing to chaflfer, to make indefinite promises or sugge.st alternatives. And there was the utmost necessity for beinj,^ prompt in reply. Only a special dispensation of Providence saved bandy from a fit. Did he hear aright, or was this astounding mated a fixed ns, Evan judi- ng on a spurt, overhaul two, . Scrambling tortious of the ill in print, he culprit "have ind of the last ;e a centipede, wait and be es, Evan con- , keeping per- was wind and Dment as if to out the stump ;id swinging it ?an with a pet- k, but Evan at ose by spring- been wantonly ur great grand- n trespass, he : blankness was with wondrous 1 were retained ation would be be enacted, feeling almost nt. The situa- icy of aggrava- apon of offence iering. So, like nd upon terms, aid to anybody rutch would be It would profit lises or suggest ;essity for being ce saved Sandy this astounding Arcadia « thing a dream? The answer must have come with the swiftness of hghtnmg for plumping upon the ground he I began with desperate fingers to unbuckle his wooden lee: It was off m a tnce and singing, like a bolt from a bow m a straight course for Evan's head. After it there went a venomous hiss as of a serpent striking. Evan dodged, the projectile reached earth, was seized and held beside the t?l (■ ? T ^^'' '^'P*°'■ ^"'■"^^'^ ^° ^^"'^ »P«» the helpless Is'^ne crawfed°'' ' ""''" '"''''''' ^°^'^ ""^ ^°">' *'" ^is "Giv me pack my sticks," bellowed Sandy. "Gott tarn! •>^I will proke eflfery pone in your tirty pody too " . At close quarters Evan's courage might have failed but Ni' ol! ^J' ^ l^J^^^r^^J ^°" P-'"^- "- - Bk.?^'' ^fi"''^ ^T°""/'. '''? ^^^^'^ ^« '^ h's antagonist were ibatan! Ach! the young teflfle! * Oblivious of his condition, oblivious of everything save Jhe object of his chase, Red Sandy tried to hop on one Ng, and was rewarded by a mocking peal of laughter |ured to express his sentiments; but the thing was beyond br.t on th°e inor^'r^l'^t ^"°'"^' ^^'^ ' ''^^' '^ ^rafnThS ■ Drat on the spot Fate however, was tantalising and un- J ml In searching he had to stoop; haste and\ passion ook hTm^.'. T';-' ^' ''^"^' rashly/ the law of gravi? on took him at a disadvantage, and in short, before his hand {:^th tlfe'artf ''^ "°" ''''' ^^"'"'"^ ^^^ vioknt im'pTct iTlie shock brought sudden tears to Sandy's eyes and an fc h^m'JoTak'T"^^ ^° ^'^"^^'^ *-^"- 'it liketi^: t hTAnni *°.;^,Kh's most prominent feature feelingly ^ his hand as if trying to discover whether it were shaoe- ^ss pulp or merely hopelesslv askew. Nurs ngT u: ?c- ^ved himself by a fresh intimation of his intensions then Zk'"''*"''"^,^"'"' ^'' ''' '-^bout rising as rficieT; the nn nf^^ '" ^"'J^ ^^f "P°" '"'^- J»st as he wis bvered^wr.. of succeeding he swavcd unexpectedly, re- fvered with a jerk, tilted to the other side, swung haU m 10 The Minister of State round, and, poising for half an instant on the heel of his single foot like a too venturesome acrobat, rolled incon- tinently on his back. Under different circumstances the spectacle of a fat man floundering hke a dolphin turned upside down might have been comical, but just then its effect was to make the solitary witness shiver in the sum- "^ Sandy 'renewed his efforts to rise, and presently, after a mighty struggle that left him gasping and vermilion, he gained a sitting posture. The sweat stood in Pearls on his face, his nose-his poor, bruised carnelian "^se-sent forth rivulets of snuff, which, describing a dark circle about h^ mouth, dropped providently from his chin "Pon .his shirt front, ^nd the veins on the top of his bald head remmded ^e observant Evan of a collection of tiny black-puddings. He mopped himself with a big bandana handkerchief, smear- ing cheeks and crown in his attempts to dam the flowing nostrils and press down the swollen veins Then the two looked at each other, steadily and speechlessly, for the space of a minute. The whole creation seemed to pause tS listen and watch, so intense and electric was the silence Evan was deafened by the drumming of pulses in his ears and frightened by the quick, hard beat of his own heart All at once Red Sandy spoke, and his voice had the | startling detonation of an exploding bomb. Perdition I he , wanted back his crutch and leg. Did the young teffle hear? ; With a dry mouth and icy tremors the young teffle re- peated the terms of peace: he marvelled at his own audacity while the words were leaving his lips, yet he had no thought of surrendering the captured implements of war. It seemed as if Red Sandy were going off m spontaneou combustion. But as Evan waited, breathless, for the blu flame, there came a swift and miraculous change, ihe hurticane of malisons ceased, the dusky-red glow faded from Sandy's face, his eyes beamed; one "Jl^l^t ^ave fancied he was actually trying to smile. As a mat er of act he was making the attempt, though it was not immediately suc- "''Doyou know what I will Pe thinking, Evan?" he in- quired, bending forward in a confidential attitude; I wU pe thinking what will the neighbours say if they see this ^^ Opening his eyes, as if to intimate he was perfectly wide ■|eassy A I awal laug woul "I pe g fuich fools selve Hi "I dulce and ; Evan ness too; J •pits c ,then ; i|tle. \ ijcause ;png ai 't:eedii lier n "N. tents, Itraps iiiine.' jVain d f but t iay, a Jargai five n iote o 'If luired "Wl incin fou'rc )ws i will < twc the heel of his ;, rolled incon- cumstances the dolphin turned It just then its /er in the sum- resently, after a d vermilion, he in pearls on his lose — sent forth circle about his , upon his shirt ad reminded the :-puddings. He kerchief, smear- iam the flowing Then the two ;hlessly, for the eemed to pause was the silence, ulses in his ears f his own heart. s voice had the ^ ). Perdition I he ^ oung tefifle hear? f young tefifle re- his own audacity e had no thought f war. flf in spontaneous less, for the blue ts change. The -red glow faded ight have fancied ter of fact he was immediately suc- g, Evan?" he in- ; attitude; "I will y if they see this vas perfectly wide Arcadia j | awake, Evan answered that in all probability they would ^"^^ f 1,'""*"^^^ '" ''■'•everent remarks; that the story would be blown abroad, would travel and be magnified I will just pe thinking that," purred Sandy. "It will not , pe goot for you, and it will not pe goot for me. Fuich, uich, no! Old fools are the worst fools, except young sdves " " ^°" ""^ ^"'^ ^^ ^^^P^"^ ^^^"^' ^° °"^- His right eye closed, and he cackled knowingly ^ 1 see thae two Sassenach clypes coming," he went on in Iduket tones; "Sassenachs will have gey long tongues ay -and gey tirty ones too, whatever. But never yfu mind' iZt"; T ^t" V""' " P' u"P '° '^''^- Th^y have no p sJ^^ |ness to be keekmg to the pottom of other people's wells &oTXt.''V'''''^TT'" J"^' P^ giving me%ack my ■'^^ ?nl ^?' ?^^"' and helping me on with that leg, and fe fen.'' y°"Vu'"^' ""^ ^^i long-tongued folk whis le. When a man like me sits down it will not pe ferv assy for him to rise too." ^ ^ A backxyard glance during this speech showed Evan the ause of his own trouble and Sandy's sweetness appmach- fd?L'. P'f^ '^"' '^f'^y signified an interest in ^he pro- eeduigs. Florence, being the fleeter of foot, had outrun "M^ V !P another minute would be upon them, tent! ^'n /^"' P"^.«»ed Sandy, in his most caressing ac- itran; for '^^"v ""''^ '^^ Pi*' °^ '*'^^«' ^"^ P"^^^ the S" A,TV ''"'■ '°^P^' ^"^"'■^ ^'^ do ii Patter than mme. And Evan, gazmg in amusement, thought that in :o catch y< 3„ J T ' M. r "" * — "- j"ou wanting .„ .^ .„,^ amain . Z T;-- ^y' ^y' '"O"-^ than wass in the &r' th?"^^"' times more. Now, like a goot boy K T r^ P''.l°^ ''}'^'- J"«t '^^'" he exclaimfd, with^a ote of alarm, "how fast that little cuttie will pe now." hired FvJn T ^''''^ ^°"' 'ticks will you promise?" in- |uired Evan, whose courage grew as the other's waned ^nclil^oair'- "t"'''''''u'^'"^>^' with his eyes on" the ad- rnnvAP . "" pe shure, to pe shure. Pe fast, Evan bws into^?f P°^' ""^ ? '\'^'' P°y' ^"d ^f yo" will let the lZ\) TJ^ "^^P'' that's that? Fuich! nothing at all I wo ?J^' '^"'^ "^y'^^^' 0"^t. two hunner times-hoo?h W, two thoosant times and more." "oocn, irv 12 The Minister of State Hi I ; Relenting a little under these compliments and assur- ances, Evan advanced to within perhaps five yards of the pleading Sandy, and set down the leg and crutch. "There, now you can creep and get them," he said, step- ping back to avoid accidents, "and then you can rise easy enough." "Put them a wee pittie nearer, Evan," coaxed Sandy. "A wee, wee pittie. I will pe gey and pad at the creeping too." Evan pushed the leg and crutch a yard or two nearer their owner, with an intimation that he would put them no farther, and Sandy, convinced of the folly of pleading, meekly began to crawl towards his timbers. But before his trembling hands were upon them Florence bounded up with flushed face, flying hair and hat, and a manner full of pity and concern. "Poor old man," she cried at sight of the creeping Sandy, "is oo hurt or is oo one leg too tired to walk?" Sandy groaned instead of answering. This was more than fiesh and blood could endure; and as certainly as the just are permitted to take vengeance upon their enemies, some one should suffer. But the scowl that darkened his face was but as a fleeting shadow upon a lake. The next instant he had clapped an extinguisher upon his anger, and was laughing as boisterously with Flor- ' ence as if merriment were the sole aim of his existence. He told her what fun he had had with his goot friend Evan in consequence of the frolic of the cows among the turnips, that in sport nothing in the world served a man like a crutch, and was ready to wager his head he alone among her friends was blessed with a leg that could be put oflfor on at pleasure. But when she suggested he should give another exhibition of his skill in creeping and rising he had regretfully to tear himself away to keep an engagement else- where. Scarcely had he turned his back when Evan, in whom the devil of mimicry was strong, proceeded to rehearse the scene with the leg and crutch so vividly and ludicrously that Florence clapped her hands and shouted for glee, and the maid laughed till she cried. Hearing the peals of laughter, Red Sandy turned once as if to say to the performer, "That is exceedingly handsome of you. Well! persevere, and Heaven help you when I come to repay the kindness." Arcadia '3 But the Parthian arrow did not interrupt the progress of the farce, nor, when it was over and Florence was trS- ^'"?/!?-YTr^' ''^^*^y ^'. '^ '^'■^^^ had never entered the world, did Evan once think of blaming her for having cre- ated an equivocal situation. ^ creeping Sandy, CHAPTER III The practice of good men proves that covenants are made to be broken Having eagerly pledged his honour to keep a secret, Red Sandy straightway sought out Neil Mac- gregor to tell him all. Neil was startled by the signs of emotion in his friend's face, and suspecting strong drink (though the hour was early , was prepared to humour him, much as Tarn o' bhanter sober might have humoured Souter Johnny drunk Ihere was good reason for the tolerance. For half a ven- eration the two had been very close and very droSthy ,cron.es If they had not been "fou for weeks thegither'' .they had been times innumerable more blest than kings in ffestive acts of fellowship. On many a memorable night im!r^i,\ vu^P^I each other home from Aberfourie Fair or imarket with violent hiccoughings, embracings, and vows of eternal brotherhood. At such times they generally drove Tn ^sandy s gig, propping one another like a pair of leaning [towers, and partly from mutual good-will, partly for greater seairity. one held the reins whil? the other man^lafed the They had had accidents and adventures also to put the £tnT"-^T-^'^*P- ^"^^ ^ ^°^^" times at least thVhad ibeen capsized in a way that would have broken any Hecks i aHon'. o7?»; "f f'" ^"£ '^' ^°^^^ ""^^'- mistake^ ap! lications of the lash run off with them; and they had been "n nlov^l *\^^°"^^'0"sness that they could not be better nipioyul. It was said, moreover, that one glorious night teoS.°ll '^"'i ""T' '^T''y' ^° '^'' NeU drove h^e ftpologetically to Sandy's wife, and Sandy toddled to Neil's. n H The Minister of State Both men, it is understood, recovered their wits in a twink- Hng, and they never repeated the mistake. Tradition cher- ishes the story with nods and chuckles; but then tradition is not always to be trusted. It is certain, however, that to this day when the people of the district want an illustra- tion of perfect affection between man and man they refer, not to Jonathan and David, not to Tarn o' Shanter and Souter Johnny, but to Sandy Dearg and the Gregarach of Pitweem, , , , , Such memories set the cockles of the heart in a glow; and the fellow feeling which makes the convivial so won- drous kind stirred in Neil's bosom. The question was not why Sandy raved, but where he got the bad whisky. Had the tavern-keepers of Aberfourie lost their honesty, and taken to adulteration? Remembering that most of them were prominent kirk members Neil wondered whether the Session could not interfere. . But presently he began to catch glimmerings of sense in Sandy's eddying speech, and his eyes grew round and his brows arched in astonishment. Slowly, it may be a trifle reluctantly, he abandoned the hypothesis of drink, and ad- justed himself to the attitude of polite sympathy becoming towards one who really seemed to have a grievance. He took the tale of Sandy's afflictions calmly; for it is the benign office of philosophy to enable us to bear up under the misfortunes of others. Aflfably and sweetly concilia- tory, he was as profuse of sympathy as words could be. promised to pound the culprit within an inch of his Fife, and ended by graciously exhibiting the well-seasoned stick that should make amends. These civilities, so admirably calculated to assuage anger, only made Sandy fume the fiercer. Stamping upon the ground with his crutch to emphasise his words, he declared that he had not come for fine speeches or maudlin senti- ment, and that he did not give the crack of his thumb for promises and the exhibition of seasoned sticks. What he wanted was indemnification for damage to his turnips, and Satan take him if he did not have it, ay, though Neil should be stripped of his last halfpenny. Neil divined there was a spirit here worse than bad whisky, and his Celtic blood grew hot. The mumbled or frenzied menace of drunkenness he could thole with equan- imity, but a threat made in downright sober earnestness Arcadia 15 vits in a twink- Tradition cher- t then tradition , however, that /ant an illustra- man they refer, o' Shanter and le Gregarach of eart in a glow; nvivial so won- uestion was not i whisky. Had ir honesty, and t most of them red whether the •ings of sense in V round and his may be a trifle f drink, and ad- pathy becoming grievance, mly ; for it is the D bear up under sweetly concilia- kvords could be, :h of his fife, and isoned stick that assuage anger, mping upon the Drds, he declared ir maudlin senti- of his thumb for sticks. What he 1 his turnips, and 3Ugh Neil should worse than bad The mumbled or :hole with equan- lober earnestness was an entirely different matter. Taking a step nearer Red Sandy, he proceeded to inform that bosom companion he was nothing but a hoary-headed impostor, that he might forthwith go to Jericho, Jerusalem, or anywhere else he liked, with his claims, his crutches, and his snuffy red nose; but as for compensation, not a sixpence should he have if he were to bellow and snort till doomsday. Whereupon, beating the ground with increased ferocity, Sandy hoped he might be consigned to everlasting flames if he went to Jericho or Jerusalem either at Neil's bidding, and that, just as surely as there were lawyers and a jail in Perth, he would have justice. Neil retorted that if it were worth while justice would be dealt out on the spot, and Sandy retaliated he had seen the day when he could soon have put a stop to boast- mg: whereupon, finding himself once more lapsing help- lessly into the inarticulate, he turned and made off, prodding his sticks savagely into the earth as if under the impression it was Neil's head. Neil stood watching the retreating figure as if debating whether he ought to follow and have satisfaction. "Tam his red head and his wooden shanks," he said by way of comforting himself. "To speak that way to me! I will be sorry that one of his neeps iss left." And resolving to keep the grudge warm against the next meeting, he swung about to see if there were any one handy on whom he could vent his wrath. Meanwhile the golden afternoon wore on. The cattle, after the excitement of the raid, had lain down in serene content to chew a meditative cud; and Evan being thus temporarily free from care finished the carving of his ini- tials on the big beech-tree. Then, as a further pastime, he took to bee-hunting; and while he revelled in slaughter and honey-bags the afternoon slipped imperceptibly into even- ing. He abandoned the sport rather abruptly. Usually the sight of crimson and gold on the western hills filled him with ]oy, but now it oppressed him with a strange clinging sense of coming trouble; and from some odd cause the feef- '" T-u P'"^^*^^^"^^^ was most uncomfortable in the legs. The cattle were on their feet again, cropping with that assiduity which indicates vanishing opportunities. Nine o clock was the milking hour, and E- commonly er'-d on the side of punctuality; but this evei.aig he tarried a^ if ,r- r. 16 The Minister of State iiii ! i:. under the spell of sunset witcheries and scenic charm till one of the maids was sent to call him. In response to her frantic waving and shouting, he set his face homeward with- out alacrity or gladness, as if roseate fragrance and falling dew had for once conquered hunger. The maid waited for him, and he remarked, as he drew near, a portentous look of intelligence in her face. "You'll catch it the night, my lad," she called encourag- ingly. Evan evinced his profound indifference by whistling a bar of "Johnny Cope." "You're one of the daughters of Job's comforters, Mary," he said presently; "you're such a che^-ry body, and always trying to make folk glad. What's up now?" "Oh, nothing," responded Mary, tossing her tousled head in emulation of his own unconcern. "Only that Red Sandy was having a confab with your uncle, and a stick is taken out of pickle. Maybe you can guess what it's for." "It's beyond me," he returned, "unless it's to tickle your lazy bones, Mary." And he drove on as jauntily as if he had never fronted an inflamed face and a retributory cudgel, never been rebuked for evil behaviour. On reaching the yard, however, his demeanour underwent a swift change. The ominous quiet oppressed him; every- thing had a haunted, suspicious look, and he stepped warily, as if dreading a hundred ambushes. His glance into shadows was quick and furtive, and he went stealthily and wide-eyed round corners. Once at a rustle that other ears would scarce have heard, he wheeled with such exceeding celerity that Mary asked if he had fitted his feet with pivots and was showing off. To his surprise, he was permitted to reach the byre unmolested. One by one, with assaults, counter-assaults, snortings, thrustings and tossing of heads, the cows crushed through the door, but the bull lingered. He stood a little apart, with the lordly air of a beast fully cognisant of the great fact that the world is dominated by brute force. This con- sciousness had of late been leading him to indulge in ques- tionable familiarities, especially towards timorous stran- gers. Neil had threatened a ring in the nose, but that ex- treme measure was postponed from time to time, pend- ing a definite outrage. When he should kill or seriously maim somebody in his playfulness it would probably be adopted. enic charm till esponse to her omeward with- nce and falling ed, as he drew r face. illed encourag- ce by whistling iforters, Mary," dy, and always er tousled head :hat Red Sandy 1 stick is taken t's for." 3 to tickle your tily as if he had ibutory cudgel, lour underwent 5ed him; every- stepped warily, ce into shadows ' and wide-eyed rs would scarce ig celerity that pivots and was nitted to reach lults, snortings, rushed through 1 a little apart, nt of the great )rce. This con- ndulge in ques- :imorous stran- Dse, but that ex- to time, pend- ispended operations as Evan entered; David with the lev- lied razor high in his right hand, and Jessie with a stream- fig cloth resting on the edge of her pail ' The eyes with which they met him were full of inquiry, Dt untouched by apprehension. They had seen him at mid- by, for both worked on the farm; later they had learned, lith sickening sensations, of the raid of the cattle and led Sandy s interview with Neil, and had suffered torments f speculation in consequence. But they knew nothing of e momentous events of the evening, having left for hSme J early as half-past eight o'clock. Swift of intuition, how- ler, they guessed that something fresh was amiss, not less rom the ostentatious jauntiness of Evan's manner than the jnexpectedness of his visit. 1 Evan took a seat blithely by the lire, and the household rork was resumed without questionings. The scrubbing tone, Jessie strewed the floor with golden sand that grated d crunched under foot: on the morrow morning it would .swept into the ash-pit, and the boards would gleam l^^iter than new-sawn wood. Then she stirred the i{% on rrinr.^..'.^nf T^ F^^^^^S a song of invitation. Reniem- tring recent deprivations, Jessie inquired of her brother tricW ' H°"?^ ^V°i'^^ "^^"^^^ ^ ^"P <^f tea after his Jrndge. He thought he could; at least, he had never own himself to fail in that kind of enterpHse, and in any case he was ready to try. Accordingly, by the time Dav"d in 22 The Minister of State had finished shaving, three fragrant cups were steaming on the table beside a plate of delectable scones and a pot oi home-made black-currant jam. Evan, whose appetite had suddenly revived in contact with these delicacies, almost regretted that religion pre- scribed a grace on such occasions; he listened, it is to bt feared, a trifle impatiently to the protracted blessing invoke! by his father, and hardly had "Amen" sounded when lit fell to with a heartiness which assuredly did not sugges: trouble. David drank his tea and lit his pipe, preferring th; soothing effects of tobacco to jam and scone, and from tli midst of a cloud of smoke gazed with a tender, passionate wistfulness at his boy. David loved his son not less because of late there ha been multiplying charges against him, and certainly not les because they were all compelled to eat their bread in tht sore sweat of their brows. Nay, in the bottom of his hear David cherished an invincible pride in him. He knew tlia Evan was both clever and courageous. Again and agam had the boy's brightness and intrepidity been proved; am trying, with the pathetic instinct of a father, to leap tlit years and anticipate the doings of Time and Fate, DaviJ audaciously imagined that possibly Evan might escape thi plough-stilts, the wet, the mire, the drudgery, the rlieu matism. ?.nd the penury which are the ultimate portion c the jolly plough-boy. Nay, more, as the dreamer's imagitia tion soared, he saw the house of Kinloch rise like a glorioi; phoenix from crumbling ruins by the efforts of the miicli blamed Evan. For the Kinlochs had once been people c substance and blood. Upon a time, not so long past, the had counted their flocks by the thousand, their herds by tl score; had kept their gig, killed their fatted calf for tli feast, and been objects of conspicuous regard at kirk-nieei ing, fair, and social gathering. But somehow the trick of success was lost. There cam evil times — droughty or rainy seasons, spoiled crops, in adequate prices, a plague among sheep and cattle; and oti| day the country-side awoke to the discovery that Davi | Kinloch was ruined. Discredited before the world, hi I judgment and hip company lost their value and attractiocl social assemblies recked not of his absence, his old friend | passed him in their gigs with scarce a nod of recognitiorj and for the eldership that was in the wind another \va tate s were steaming on cones and a pot oi revived in contact 1 that religion pre- listened, it is to be ted blessing invoke! ' sounded when lit ily did not sugges; pipe, preferring tht scone, and from tht a tender, passional ie of late there hac nd certainly not les; t their bread in tht bottom of his hear him. He knew tlia . Again and agaii ;y been proved; an( father, to leap thi ne and Fate, Davi| an might escape tht* drudgery, the rheu ultimate portion c 2 dreamer's imagina h rise like a glorioi; efforts of the mud: once been people c Dt so long past, the id, their herds by tl r fatted calf for tli regard at kirk-meei as lost. There cam s, spoiled crops, in • and cattle; and on iscovery that Davi j efore the world, hi value and attraction ience, his old friend . nod of recognitior I e wind another "wa,' Arcadia 23 chosen. With admirable far-sighted policy the kirk con- cluded that one who fails utterly in the things of time can- not safely be trusted with the things of eternity. And, ijideed, when you come to think of it, would it not be the rankest impudence in poverty to presume to minister to the soul of wealth? The Master preached against money; but We live in another age. It no longer excites surprise to see me camel clear the eye of a needle, nor to find the bursting j|urse procure salvation. The fable of Lazarus and the rich "Ian has long since lost its moral. i Having once got her hand upon David, Fate did not ^are. That he might suffer exquisitely in the tender places ; the soul bereavement followed hard on the flight of riches. [is wife, a woman as lovely in her life as in her person, sank |to an early grave, heart-broken, people said, and a boy three, sweet as a visiting angel, was soon laid beside her. le loss drew David closer to the two who remained ; but did not forget the two who were gone: no fear of that, the holy of holies wherein stricken men keep their be- ^ed they lived on, ever young and fair and happy, en- ^rined in a kind of radiant immortality. Suns rolled, toons waxed and waned, seasons came and went, trouble [essed and toil wore, but they changed not. Time, which ooks the back, and furrows the face, and palsies the arm the strongest fighter, had no power upon them. Safe )m its blights and frosts, they rejoiced in a perpetual sum- Bler, an auroral freshness and rosiness as of the first dewy d»wn ; and often in the still watches of the night, when the worn and brooding David should have slept, they would break upon his mental vision like glorified beings from an- other sphere beckoning him away. He longed for them, •^ourned for them, yet thanked Heaven fervently they had 'jen taken home before the heat and burden of the day >uld fall upon them. It spared them the aching weariness, le dmi eyes, and the heavy feet that would have been their |t had they stayed: it was so much better, he told himself, depart in the brightness of mnrning than among the )uds of evening or tempests of the dark night. Their ninous memories were a flame in his heart, at once heat |d light; and more and more he dwelt upon their perfect Ve, their beautiful unstained youth, as the time drew on len he should be summoned to join them. Thus in the lad of night he saw them waiting for him with clasped ! Mi! iii hip 24 The Minister of State hands and shining faces in the portico of the House Beauti- ful. When they went he was down, far down, broken in spirit as well as in fortune. For eleven long years his lot had been one of incessant manual toil; and for eight of these he had served his brother-in-law, Neil Macgregor, for little wages and less thanks. Had he dared to formulate a philosophy based upon personal experience he would have warned mankind against the charity of relatives as a thing colder than the snows of Greenland; but he had no philosophy, and so he held his peace. It was remarked by those who never endured his trials that he lacked energy, that though fallen and grievously crushed he might have risen and fought on, as if the maimed soldier recked not of hurts. David heard these things, and made neither reply nor comment. In its own good time Heaven would judge, and set the balance right to a hair. What was said in the interim might be cruel, might be un- just, but would not aflfect the judgment. Shrewd people observed that Evan was not the least like | his father either in mind or person, and the down-trodden David prayed ardently that as father and son differed in gifts, in looks and in temperament, so they might also differ in fortune. Meanwhile Evan was engaged with an energy that signi- fied complete absorption in the present. Scones and jam dis- appeared at such a rate that Jessie was constrained to remark I the supply of porridge must have been scanty that evening. "No," said Evan, valorously trying to chew and talk at the same time. "There's always plenty of it, only it's all lumps: your teeth stick in them just as if they were paste; and the milk is the colour of a new scythe and sour enough to pickle onions. Aunt told me the other day that sourl things are good for the stomach. If that's true," he added,! ladling more jam on his bread, "mine should be in fine I trim. Goodness knows when it had sweet milk to hurt it.l As for the bread, you might as \ve\\ try to ent cntton-cake.! Jamie nearly choked on a bit of it yesterday, and when lie! was black in the face and gaping at the ceiling, aunt saidl she could endure anything but gluttony. Oh, yes," he com-S mented with the gravity of sixty, "pease-bread is fine and! lasty: they haven't baked for a fortnight, and I think whatj we have will do for a fortnight more." Arcadia 25 he House Beauti- He chuckled contentedly, and his father wondered at the bxuberance of the heart that could make a jest of its hard- ships. 1 hat had never been one of his own gifts L"'u"'^/?r^'"'^^^' *?°'" continued the narrator' gleefully, I Bob asked for a tattie-masher, as the lumps were too much lor him, and he said that if they gave him the water and the milk separate he would mix them to suit himself That D 1 ^ -/^-.r u^"}^ ^^^ °" ^'"^ l^^e Tweed on a cat. And 3ob said Well, then, it wasn't in his bargain to chew lumps knd he thought the cows had a little too much help from the bump. And aunt fired up and said the folk who were too laucy for lumpy porridge could just wait for an appetite r^nd as for the milk it would stand for the time to come lill It was solid; maybe that would please him. 'Anvthine lor a cnange, said Bob. Gosh, if you saw her theni I Ihought she was going to knock him down and dance on He smacked his lips and laughed again; for the scones knd jam were good and the recollections of his aunt's choler lickhngly comical. Then, after a brief pause, he passed to [he incidents of the evening. His father and sister set themselves to listen with serious S-Jll ^^^>7,^P?^ted an oft-repeated tale of faults and Icold ngs. But their gravity vanished swiftly in beams and lurghngs of mirth Evan had never been so entertaining Ke had evidently discharged his mJnd of all disagreeable nemones for the better accommodation of the ludicrous. U any rate he was facetious with an abandon and a power i ,v"k •*'°? '"Y^ ^"i^" '" °"'' ^'^'o w^s humorous and dram- liy '"I "''^* J^^ rampant bull, the scampering men and [omen, the meditative Neil on his bottle of strrvv, the dis- I? A ^u* pugnacious Lisspcth were described and mim- Pked as by another Foote more mischievous than the first 4e was irresistible; and the auditors had to laugh it out in pite ot a lurking consciousness that merriment was unfeel- npf and improper. BreYfh'V^^'T'/.''^ "^f^ ''^'.' ^"^ ^^'- ^^^^^^^rs had drawn a ireath of relief David cautiously introduced the events of lL.^\ a""- ''''" ""equivocally frank. The cows, he ■wned, had again transgressed; but he was happy to report »ey had been punished in a way that was likely to prove 1 utary It was undeniable too that Red Sandy had been Pamingly angry; but he had been placated, indeed had yfr^ m I i ■li!i '■ I \\ 'M. 1 . I ii 1 i 1 .ip!, 1 I 1 ■ I 26 The Minister of State himself sued for peace. Why he should subsequently have gone like a tell-tale girl to Neil Macgregor was a matter which Evan could not explain. All he could do was to ex- press disgust with conduct so heinously dishonourable. In the reaction a racking anxiety fell upon David. Evan was sorely to blame. He had been guilty of gross dis- obedience, and, greater enormity still, of a quarrel tliat would not be forgiven. For the fault of letting the cows into Red Sandy's turnips he might, if he were meek and penitent, be pardoned; but for bringing Neil and Sandy to a rupture, never. David felt as one treading blindly on ex- plosives, and shuddered to think of the consequences. Sucking a dead pipe, he gazed intently at Evan. Why could he not be like other boys, why could he not be docile, and dull, and pliant? Of what profit was it to have unusua! qualities of brightness, hardiness, and independence, if thej were to lead to perpetual disaster? Yet watching che gay: I^ and buoyant culprit David felt no disposition to seize tlici,'| occasion for admonition or rebuke. In spite of many sor-|| rows, or perhaps because of them, it was a fine thing to see| the invincible joyousness of the young heart, the unabashci;' spirit, gushing forth in pure exuberance of fun. Time would soon enough lay its frosty hand on the light spring; of jollity. David rose abruptly and went out. The glimmering splendours of the summer night clothed the world as in i lustrous raiment. The soft air was sensuous with the niiii gled odours of clover, bluebell, thyme, and honeysuckle, o wild rose and sweetbriar, of birch and oak and pine. Tlit hills crowded round in eternal vigil, dark, silent, impassivi witnesses of the fleeting generations. About their feet tlit woods clustered like draperies, sable adornments that ofter in the eerie midnight sobbed and wailed like lost souls, o; ;| threshed like a million flails, and again whispered thinp that tongues may not speak. And upward, whither Davi( I loved to lift his eyes, was the glory of the changeless stars David knew nothing of the science of the heavenj savi what hifi Bible taught him. The magnitude of those lam bent points, the rolling systems, the flashing suns, the nicas ureless spaces were not things within the sphere of lii knowledge. But of the peace shed from those gracioii heights he knew more than most astronomers. To-night i laid strong hold upon him, bringing him into quick an; Arcadia 27 osition to seize tliel b-anquil possession of his soul. The sense of the transient and the trivial slipped from him like a discarded garment Encompassed by the Omnipotent, Infinite, and Eternal why should he be dismayed or cast down? ' " Let nothing disturb thee, Let nothing affright thee; All passeth, God only remaineth." "^ J Tlie truth was as vividly real to David as the hills about Mini, as the heavens above him. His breast swelled with a fend of awed exultation. Travail, bondage, the sore heart the weary spirit, said the still, small voice, are not for ever' ■^(1 Calvary is not the end. ' David turned aside to the gate of a hay-field and leaned ver. 1 he sound of running water, the sweetest in nature, tl soothingly on his ear. the scent of hay was in his nos- pls, the quiet of the great night on his mind. The scene was still with the stilllness of deep repose A :)g barked and was silent, as if oppressed by the loneliness: 1 ox lowed dolefully, accentuating the silence; from be- Iw came the humming monologue of the river, from above le luctuating noise of cascades, and just at hand rose the ^khng undertone of the brook. J David seemed set on a height whence he had wide, clear lews. His life rose before him as in a vision, not ghastiv 3r grisly, but softly, sweetly, full of beneficence and bless- ing. Ihe years were reversed, and, with a kind of awful ry. he re-tasted early happiness. Unknowingly, he lifted lis cnp and the gentle night wind fondled his thin grev ■^ir ; and he forgot that it was either thin or grey Under the jnAuence of some mystic spell he looked sky- Zl 'f^"""; . ^^-^ '^""'ancy of the stars had increased; they ere fraught with a new meaning, a sort of burning sol- 11 u Jc r PalP'tations he saw yearning eves, glori- P(I. beatific faces,_ till it seemed the whole inhabited heav- .^ iooK-ed down m love and cheer. r,od sees all, and God is good," he said in his heart, f nitn r. M "" ^'"Iv^" T^'*^ adoration, lost, as it were, in le house' '"^calling his soaring senses, he returned to ["You'li stay with us to-night, Evan," he said. "I'll see (arc Ill i ^ i Ir i\m 28 The Minister of State Wu that you are up in good time in the morning." And Evan made haste to signify assent. Then was enacted the scene which Scotland's poet has described as Scotland's peculiar glory. The big Bible came down from its shelf, and David read of the sweet influences of the Pleiades, and the crown which Job won. And, the reading done, the nightly song was uplifted: " O God of Bethel! by whose hand _ Thy people still are fed, Who through this weary pilgrimage Hast all our fathers led, t " Our vows, our prayers, we now present Before Thy throne of grace; God of our fathers, be the God Of their succeeding race." The prayer which followed was long, and, I am sorry to say, Evan slept; but, remembering that he had been seven- s teen hours afoot, his father again forbore to chide. Half an| hour later he was asleep for the night; but David lay long awake, full of thoughts that could not be uttered. On the morrow, however, when making the bed, Jessie partially understood them from the stains on the pillow. CHAPTER V On Sunday Pitweem remembered the fourth Commandment and rested from its labours. Evan and the maids, indeed, enjoyed the uninterrupted benefits of early rising, for on Sunday as on Monday the cows had to be milked and got oflf to pasture while the grass was yet sweet with dew. But at the usual hour of turning out the men merely turned over, snuggling among the delicious blankets (cosier at cock-crow than at any other time) with a voluptuous sense of luxury and a blessing on the Christian religion for its tolerance of the natural inclinations of the lazy. Not until seven did they tumble into the stable with mop-heads, gaping mouths, unlaced boots, and a general air of griev- tate rning." And Evan Scotland's poet has rhe big Bible came he sweet influences ob won. And, the :ted: land _ image )w present and, I am sorry to he had been seven- : to chide. Half an . Dut David lay long| le uttered. On tliel ed, Jessie partially )illow. Arcadia 29 irth Commandment the maids, indeed, arly rising, for on be milked and got let with dew. it the men merely )us blankets (cosier with a voluptuous iristian religion for of the lazy. Not le with mop-heads, meral air of griev- Mice and dishevelment, to treat the whinnying horses to blows, bad language, and a wisp of hay. That done, the most venerable and docile of the lot was groomed and 'har- nessed for the kirk. It was a process which invariably called for more un.abbatical language, and a most unorthodox Use of the curry-comb. .'\t half-past ten precisely on every Sabbath morning on which the strath did not happen to be in possession of driv- ing snow or pelted by hail or rain, Neil Macgregor and Mrs Neil stepped ceremoniously into a vehicle known as "the nfeichine." This chariot was a triumph of local art. The creation of an inspired amateur in carriage building, it had all the qualities which are adverse to graceless pride and vinity of hne. It was as heavy as a cart, angular, ugly, and springless, and, in general, admirably designed to defeat tjc ends of those who might be bent on easy attitudes. In *nis machine the family jolted decorously to church, doing fe four miles to Aberfourie in an hour and a quarter, so \ to have time to take part in the sanctifying gossip which [nerally preceded the service. The friendly practice of »is discussmg the recent births, death, and marriages in district, the crops, the weather, and the scandals, at- led the minds of the congregation for the rousing dis- C^rse which followed from the Rev. Murdoch Macnair. Iftc Kev. Murdoch was accounted a most moving preacher his sernions on eternal punishment in particular beinc- the ^**-ror of the unawakened. pn these Sabbath excursions, Solomon in all his Horv is not arrayed like Neil and his wife. The good man rtiself appeared in superfluities of skv-blue linen, that had tendency to flop about the neck 'like the ears of an .phant, a black stock well glazed with use, shining broad- >th a fifteen-year-old beaver, and Blucher boots that reatened to last for ever. But he was eclipsed by his 'use. 1 hat estimable lady made a sensational appearance [a crino ine so expansive that Evan likened her to an in- rted h.^]]^on, a silk dress of extreme stiflfness and antique nion, and an enormous coal-scuttle bonnet, which pro- kled above her countenance like incredible eaves. ^11 this splendour required room, and with Neil it was :n a matter of delicate calculation how "the machine" ' to accommodate the crinoline and the troop of Mac- gor cherubs with which his wife liked to surround her- <*■'■[ w 'Mr 30 The Minister of State self on Sunday. There were half a score of these olive ^T T^r *'' P^'-'"^^^ virtues-four boys and sL th t th. nrH ^^ '^"'' "' "r"!''"'' ^"^ Lisspeth owned t n nff f rf, ""*^«'""lo"ly good to the household in the matter of children, but Neil was heard to hint unjrrate- fully that he did not mind if the blessing were curtailed and that af ,t were the will of Heaven he vv^ould l^lS^^t content with one at a time. His wife, who held scrTptural adeas about the teeming vine, very properly rebuked in x^:;; and"rPl"'f'- "'"t-^, the in\pio'us'man to Psalm cxxvii and 5. Lhnking and chuckling to himself, Neil re- plied that the good King David was'not to be ake too senous y on matters of that sort; that he may have been iromcal or possibly made the statement for ends of hfs ovvn Whereupon Mrs Macgregor, aghast with horro , doS to know what infidelities were afoot now. But Ne I ' lerdv remarked jocosely, "That will pe atween ourselves Uss^ ?"n'f"o7tL:U^j;-l^ P^ ^" ^^^^^^' -^ ^-^^ will pe a^ey The Sunday following Red Sandy's outbreak and the bull's escapades, Mr. and Mrs. Macgregor wenfto church accordmg to custom. They took thi'^e'of the cherub wkh them, yet, m spite of this and the fact that Lissneth's crTno- Ime seemed blown to unusual dimensions, room was r^ade in the machine" for David and Jessie, who had lone Snc! ^erfa'slf th' '""'' o^.^^f e-ng^hemselves into'od^dTor! s"a":^hVl?n?s^orS.:ir bttl^^^^"* "^'^^'^^^^^ ^-'^-^ ^° It was a day of buoyant sunshine, of laughinsr water and whispenng winds, a day of peace, a day of^ich^romL "o the farmer, in short, a day to attune the mind to devo don to nrnfi't Tl '''"'• °^ '" " "^^°^ °^ complacent read ness Then h'' !y "^/"'^t^^tions of the Rev. Murdoch Macnair. .nfTi ^1 ^ 'f^ ''°.'''' w^'"^ turned out to graze with the cattle, the delivery into Evan's keeping being efTeded with much sage advice and manifold injunctions^ He listene with an odd, ambiguous expression,' but he said nothing to rouse suspicion, and the ploughmen having discharged an ^heTass'es"'" '''"''"'' '° '^^ '^^^^^ ^° ^"°°- ^"^ ^fs'u's But Master Dugald Macgregor remained wide awake thirteen, but m vulpme cunning and curiosity and the vir- ■ these olive )oys and six ;peth owned lousehold in lint ungrate- re curtailed, De perfectly Id scriptural ebuked him .n to Psalm elf, Neil re- e taken too ^ have been of his own. ror, dosired Neil v.ierely elves, Liss- ill pe a gey ik and the t to church lerubs with eth's crino- 1 was made long since o odd cor- Jesigned to ■ water and promise to ) devotion; t readiness h. Macnair. e with the "ected with le listened nothing to harged an nd discuss de awake. was barely id the vir- Arcadia 3* tues which attend upon or flow from these he was at least hfty. His irreverent cousin had called him an old wife in kilts, and he treasured the afifront against a convenient time oi reckoning. Well aware where vigilance was likeliest to tell, Di --aid slipped quietlly to the back of a stone dyke, whence bv i di- cious peeping he could observe all that passed in the beech- tree held while remaining himself invisible. He meant onlv to spy to note defections, and report. But what he saw made him forget policy, leap the wall at a bound, and rush into the open, vociferating at the pitch of his voice. For there in the broad sunlight of a Sunday afternoon was the miscreant Lvan careering around the pasture on the fleetest of the horses as if training for a steeple-chase. Attracted by the cries, he turned and galloped towards his cousin, deftly using a switch on each side of his courser's head in lieu of a bridle, and shouting boisterously. ^^ "Jou get another horse, Dugal," he cried, as he tore up, and we 11 have a race; it's the finest fun I ever had; and I'll bet a fairin at the next market I can beat you " duce"d *^^ ^^^^^^ ^"^ prudent Dugald was not to be se- ''Maybe you;il have fun you don't like when I tell my latner, he replied. ^ Evan who had managed to halt, looked him over very deliberately; then dismounted to consider matters. You 11 not have a ride?" he said, he'rf f°or ridin " ""^ Dugald emphatically, "the horses are not Evan scrutinised him again quietly and scornfully slnX '"f " ^?i-^"' ?^'^ Cailleach," observed the critic Slowly I can t think why you're not in petticoats, you're "nJllff' 'Y '^^Y^- ^'"^ '^^'^ '^'^ that your tong'ue does not get too long for your mouth; we might have to clip it and that would be bad." P ' canauTte?^"^"^^*^ ^^^"^ responded with a burst of satiri- wni'?d°Jfi'* y°" t^" "^e!" he cried. "Gosh, man, that would be fine! Do what my Lord Dugal Macgregor tells <-•< 32 The Minister of State iii me. But let me whisper something in your big ear. I'm taking care of the horses, and I'll ride them if I like. Mind that I said that when you come to the telling business." "I'd just like to see you try it," said Dugald, secure in the thought that he was his father's son. "My Lord Dugal Macgregor will be pleased for once," answered Evan promptly. And calling Tweed he drove the horses into a corner, darted in among them, gripped one by the forelock and nose before it could avail itself of Its heels, and leading it to a bank sprang upon its back The next mmute he was circling the field as hard as hoof could go; in another he was back exultant to inquire how Dugfild liked the pace. "You just wait," said that young gentleman losing his dignity in vexation, "you'll catch it." "You're running a big risk of catching it first," retorted livan, making his horse curvette and dance threatenino-ly about Dugald. "Now, I'm going ofif for another little canter, and if you're not out of this when I come back, bv George there'll be such a tallo-ho as you never savv in your life. We'll see what kind of a fox you'll make, and that will be more for you to tell." Before the other could answer a word he caught the horse smartly across the tips of the ears with the switch and was ofif as if to take a battery or cut down a regiment all by himself. Dugald stood watching in a maze of won- der and chagrin, not untouched, perhaps, by admiration. I he speed was beyond anything of which he had believed a clumsy cart-horse capable. He could imagine it all a dream— that jumble of flying feet, streaming mane, and lo\y craned head, with the evil sprite atop plying his demon switch. But he could in nowise fancy it a dream when the evil sprite returned at a charging pace with the clear intention of riding him down. Then he remembered the discretion which is the better part of valour and took to his heels. They would have served him better, however, had he taken to them a little sooner. He had not gone three hundred vards when Evan was upon him with the whoops and brand'ishings of a Red- face warrior out for tomahawk practice. Nimble of foot as a mountain goat. Dugald dodged and doubled with amazing quickness, but his dexterity merely whetted the enemy's appetite for sport. A score of times the fugitive Arcadia 33 cried out with his heart in his mouth, as the horse, his own father's horse, wheeled and bobbed about him with open jaws or the rider made a feint of slashing ofT his head; and the direr his plight the louder rang the jeers and laughter of his assailant. The frolic, which was fast resolving itself into an ag- gravated assault, might have ended in incurable hurts, had not Dugald opportunely come to a wall, over which he blindly Hung himself. Unhappily he landed in the midst of a lusty bed of brambles: the shock, the fright, the pain of thorns in the flesh, and, above all, the mortihcation, put the remnant of his self-possession to rout, and he fairly screeched, breaking at the same time into a flood of angry tears. "Man, that was a grand skeiloch," called Evan from the back of the jibbing horse. "It's fine to have your hurdles kittled with bramble-bushes, isn't it? Just lie quiet and have a good greet; it will make you better." Whereupon he wheeled and rode ofT with a resounding laugh of mock- ery. All at once a sense of inhumanity smote him, and he felt chill with undefined alarm. The next instant he was off his galloping charger and running back to Dugald, who still lay sobbing resentfully. "Wait, Dugal, I'll pull you out," he cried, clearing the wall at a leap. His face and manner were full of contri- tion; his voice was soft and solicitous. Dugald looked up, suspending his tears in surprise; but immediately recog- nising his opportunity he wept with redoubled energy. Let me get a catch of you," said Evan. "I know it is awful sore to be stuck in bramble-bushes with a kilt," he added compassionately. "There, now, don't ereet It was all fun." Laying hold of Dugald's kilt-tail he pulled with all his might; the clutching briars tore Dugald's bare legs and he shrieked till the woods rang. Evan dropped the kilt- tail with an uncomfortable feeling of warmth. He had not counted upon these complications, and he detested blub- bering. ''What made you get in here?" he demanded testilv. Une would think you were a daft sheep to get tangled Txr Keep quiet and I'll cut the dirty things." Whipping out his knife, he began to slash away the t , -r-i^'ni ! 34 The Minister of State grasping brambles greatly to the detriment of his own fingers; and presently, after much groaning and comDla n mg, and not without suffering additional damage SSd" was dragged to his feet. The^pectacle he presfnted afhe stood lowermg at Evan was not one of grace^ His face was swollen and scratched, his clothes were rent, hif lei bS mg, and m general he looked as if he had been lacerated CO Id nTh t'' 'I' ^'"^ ^'°'^"*'>^ '"''^'^ out again Evan could not help makmg a comparison. Do you know, Dugal," he said, "you're just like a Skve terner after a fight with Tweed." ^ Ju^^i "kc a 5kye see'wh'nMfh!?r?"f ^'1^,'^'*'' compressed lips. "Well, we'll see who 11 be likest a Skye terrier in an hour " woundfwfh*?h?r'' ^^^VJ-''?\^^"" ^^P^^ his cousin's wounds w th the Immg of his jacket, having no fitter sur gical appliance at hand; that done, he help^ed °he sulkTne Dugald over the wall and set him iA the way for home ^ it ^Z'tL^l'"''^ ^'°"'" '"^^ '^' P'^y^'^'^" tenderly, "if Arjyou bette/r '"" ^'""^^ '"^° ^^^ ^^"^^^'^ ^^-'P- ]]^o," answered Dugald sullenly. Ur. 1 ' Z^V" responded Evan, "if you wash your face no- body will know you have been greetin', and as for ?he paif ofin rTcatH '"'" ?^ ^"^'^'^^ "P ^is'ku" displaying" laughed ''M^'f '"■'■"'' '''^'- "^^'•^e than yours," he laughed. Man, I have got fifty scrapes for one fe^d of "I don't care if you had a hundred," hissed Dueaid be- ginning to move away. "But I'll tell you this, you'U catch It. This will be a dear dav to you " I I'!'! Hii(j*i it CHAPTER VI Jhf.?''''/''"^ '^""^ ^"^ t'^^ ^°^s ^ere driven home Then the church-goers arrived, and Dugald hastened forth with hat he h'.T';"?' *°, "^f-"' *'^^"^- It was plain at a glance iseo water n^t '^'''fS^'^^t Evan's advice about the use ot water. Like the distinguished Dr. Slop upon a cele- SiTiirar- -n- -111 -1---:. Arcadia 35 It of his own and complain- niage, Dugald resented as he His face was his legs bleed- leen lacerated, : again. Evan St Hke a Skye "Well, we'll i his cousin's no fitter sur- i the sulking or home, tenderly, "if idy's turnips. /OUT face no- d as for the displaying a n yours," he one feed of Dugald, be- you'll catch Kobablv the lome. Then 1 forth with at a glance :e about the ipon a cele- brated occasion, he went out "unwiped, unanointed, un- aneled, and with all his stains and blotches on him." Evan stood in the byre door looking on with affected carelessness, but the quick beating of his heart seemed to indicate that his interest in the proceedings was keener than he cared to own. The tale of his grievance poured from Dugald like water from a spout. He was not usually voluble, nor had he the least talent for narrative, but when personally concerned he could, like Othello, tell a plain tale convincingly. In the present instance, too, his looks were an effective aid to his tongue, and when words failed he promptly fell back on the potent expedient of the eyes. "Of course he must greet," commented Evan to himself, growing hot in his unconcern. "One would think he was half killed." Hurt within an inch of his life was the thought of Mrs. Macgregor. At sight of her darling's stained and bat- tered countenance, his draggled clothes and crimson legs, she was so overcome with maternal emotion, that she must needs scream and essay a flying leap from "the machine." But an abnormally stout lady in abnormal crinolines does not vault in such a situation with impunity. Mrs. Mac- Gregor's dilated skirt caught fast on the bar of the dash- board, down went her head and up her heels, as if there were a swivel at her waist, and the onlookers were horrified by the sight of an inverted lady flouncing in the midst of a chaos of spreading pettiroats. Finding herself thus incontinently swinging between heaven and earth wrong end down, Lisspeth desperately em- braced a hind leg of the horse, and the animal, put out by the unaccustomed familiarity, made as if to bolt. David Kinloch and Jamie Tosh threw themselves on its head together, while Neil and Jessie hastened to give their attention to Lisspeth. Her position, dangerous as it was delicate, made it hard to render effective aid. But as something must be done quickly, Neil seized her by the shoulders, and Jessie, scrambling back into the machine, strove to reef the tossing petticoats. Simultaneously the screeching maids butted each other in the frantic but mistaken belief they were some- how helping their mistress. Under the influence of a performance so novel and exhila- rating, the horse, though usually a very Rozinante in gravity .■ • ''/ <(> i ;li:l li ii; :! 36 The Minister of State mw- and sobriety of conduct, seemed inspired by all the fiends oi mischief It reared, it plunged, it threw about its head so that the heads of the struggling David and Jamie knocked together, and, finally, to crown its deviltry, it set with all its might to the game of demolishing the dashboard, perfectly regardless of the circumstance that Lisspeth chanced to be in the way. "Look, look, he'll knock her brains out!" cried David in consternation. "Gott pless me!" responded Neil, dropping his wife and darting at a flying fetlock. He had the secret of that out- ward jerk of the limb which never fails to bring a flinpinping his wife and secret of that out- o bring a flinging ; animal was sliiv- rom between his ched off too?" A his eyes, and he ly prute peast. I another twist so trembling horse ^eil;butthe horse ng like a sack to nable to give her t be hoisted, and )ulley. But what ht accomplished. )nes the bar went Mrs. Macgregor, ted Evan a hang- wn in a heap with Hastily pulling on her feet, with Facing him, with Jers, her bonnet to deny that she argue, Neil said ' adjust her dress. )ted Dugald's la- ;ondition to give IS a fond mother, nities, she folded eing in th° least aware of the nature of his affliction. Presently, however, she gathered that Evan was at the bottom of it, and the fury of the pythoness seized her. "Pity on me that will haflf the like of you about me," she screamed, shaking her clenched fist at the byre door. "Iss there nopody that will take a rung and preak his pones?" she demanded in a general appeal. As no one seemed disposed to undertake the commission, she dropped the blubbering Dugald and darted across the yard, shedding petticoats and flounces indiscriminately by the way. Jessie followed, meekly gathering them up, and I Evan retreated into the byre. As his aunt stormed through I the door he was snuggling under the bull's nose, the only 'safe refuge in Pitweem. ■ "Come out of that," she cried, catching sight of him. "Come out and just let me get my fingers on you." But as that was precisely what Evan most wished to avoid, he only crouched the closer. The bull nosed him in surprise and satisfaction, then turned round as though to ay "Touch him if you dare." There seemed a challenge also in the eye that peered at her from beneath the snuffing nozzle. The defiance turned Lisspeth's passion to frenzy. With tears of rage in her eyes and gestures that made it perilous to be near her, she called upon Neil to probe the sinner from his hole that she might get her will with him just for the space of two minutes. At the end of that time, she thought, he would be in need of no further correction. The energy of the good lady's gesticulations had alarming effects upon her apparel. The coal-scuttle bonnet bobbed at the small of her back, her hair was in a mass about her ears, and the antique silk dress, unbuttoning by degrees at the chest, slipped stealthily down as if to exhibit her in all the terrors of nudity. Under an uneasy feeling that the spectacle was not seemly, Neil endeavoured to soothe and inveigle her into the house. "Nefer you mind, Lisspeth." he murmured. "It will pe all right. You just wait, Lisspeth." But Lisspeth had no notion of allowing herself to be soft- ened or turned aside. "Oh, yes," she retorted, turning the shafts of her wrath upon her husband. "It iss fine to hear you speaking. ■ My pairn and yours too, Neil Macgregor, and more shame to if •-^ 38 The Minister of State L sspeth,' but I wil mind itsZl' !'T,^ '^^^^^ "^'"^. mind too, Lisspeth ind u,itf ? ' ^"'' ^ ^'" make you mind too/ Lisspeth '' " "^°'''' ^ ^'" "^^^^^ him Eva':^ '"Mriad/?sth- se? ^f T'' t' ''^ ^--^ing thelongestdayyou vvill lite"' "'"'^'^ ^'^^ "^'"^ thi! awkward knack of turm'n J un it ^ ^'•^"ce, who had the "'ade her appearance Tefini^ Ms Af-^ ''"' ^'''' ^'"*^^' array and with so red a fa^^'cvl ; ^^f -^^g-oi" m such dis- ihat boihng lady if she vv^f:; • '^" ^''^^^d inquiring of -/.the great heJt Mrs Ma SCr^ m the opell beca^use child, knocked her down and £ ^ r''^"^'^ ^^^^ eaten the Pertii^ent brat, but remember ntTf^^P^" ^.'' ^°^ ^" 'n^- man's daughter, she snTotheredfe;-^^^^ ^^^ ^^ *° ^ ^'^'^ owenng dubious kind of '?.: e but F, '"'^^'- u^* ^^« ^ perused her countenance Wh £ i^ . ^?^'"'^ '^^^ "o* ;^r.o"?sr^'^- ^^■""'' ™^^- ■- -iii^f ,Te*; j^ .he'^QCfei^r Er,li°h' fS^'^/ "'^*°'" °' ^-ling with With a trembling hand pSr^f' "^'"f^ *^^^ ^^^'^^'^ head would leave one behind • ?hen with . '"'^''/"^ ^°P^^ ^'^'^ that was half bow and ha f c'urtlv^ ^enuflexional motion smde, she dismissed the voin^ 1 X^' """"^ ,^ '"'^^^ '"^'ting to be led into the hou e NefJlnl-'' f ""^ '''^^'^^ herself carded clothes in a btmdie under hi^'Trm"^ ^^'"^^'"^ ^'^^ dis- Dugald was close upon her h - f^' cur. She turned just^inside the dLr '"i^'r^ .''^^ ^ ^"^t as a tri cared a rent asu deed, hi wasn't w men we wonder i why woi peth Ma miserabl She V There, sc gorically directly, when Ne he had r learning his sentin Meanw meagre d gested. beech-trei Evan ate tions of V in relating certainly i David list his looks _ "There sigh when there will 1 he was cc often rose others and than in anj titl nefer a ^ver mind, make you make him crouching mind this garments, had the t wanted, such dis- uiring of 1 because iaten the >r an im- o a rich It was a had not e Jessie a quick Arcadia 39 'bserved )eaming hot this ig with ing the unctu- is twist 's head ed she notion lelting herself le dis- clredTt^^^l''"^ contradiction that nobody but herself There sXrtol'aSi"^, '"'' =*'''"«> '° ''" ''""-chair. certainly ?id not Soss or ^exteZJf"^-' ^^ '^^^ ^^>^' ^"^ ^e sigh when^ess^e 3'h°V'"f''?^ ^^"^^•"^^^^ ^'th a heavy firei^irhe^roVVofthi^ra.; r;^ oVrr^os^if I^r^iS ^^y David," repeated Neil softly. ^^ Neil Macgregor," said David with a rising inflection, you have made me do this day what nothing but the erave will take out of my mind." ^ "It is past now," returned Neil meekly, "and it will not happen again." "Neil," said David in tones that thrilled like the growl of a wild beast, "if I thought it lay in your heart to plan such a thing again, God forgive me, but I would choke you where you stand. Do not think that because I have done , everybody s bidding and taken everybody's kicks all these years as if I were a bought slave, the feeling of things has gone out of me." ^ "Father dear, father," put in Jessie, laying a hand on his arm, 'do not speak like that." He calmed down as if there were magic in her touch, and indeed there was the magic of love. "My poor lassie," he answered, patting her tremulously on the cheek. Yes, yes, it is kicking against the pricks, I know that, Jessie, I know that." "Perhaps you are making too much of it, David," said JNeil, with the intentions of a peacemaker, and the words were not out of his mouth when he knew he had unleashed the lightning. _Too much!" retorted David, turning on him like a flash. 1 oo much ! and that is a fine thought for a father. If I was in your place and you were in mine I wonder if it would be too much. Neil, have you ever done what I did this ftfVo ir°°'^ at him," pointing to Evan. "How is he like that? Because I whipped him? No, but because your wife is a devil. And this is only one thing among too many to be counted. A thousand times I have thought I cannot be a man at all to endure so long. J put up with it for my M : ■* >(* 46 The Minister of State Hlllpiiir:! children's sake, ay, and for the sake of her who is gone ; but I am done with it. Neil, Neil, be out of this for fear I do something I'll be sorry for." Again Jessie, now weeping aloud, laid her hand on her father's arm, imploring him to restrain himself, and again his anger died away at her touch. Turning half round, he did a rare thing for one of his class. He kissed her once, twice, thrice, each time with a more fervent pressure. Then, holding her by the hand, he drew back a little, and there seemed to stand before him the re-embodied spirit of her mother. For a moment the strained and furrowed face quivered and worked painfully, then all at once there came a choking sound, half gasp, half sough, and the face was buried in a pair of gnarled hands. Neil stepped to the window and looked out as if under an urgent necessity to discover the state of the weather. After standing for perhaps the space of a minute, with a trembling lip gripped in his teeth, he wheeled impetuously as if to speak, but the sight of David's head, deep down between two convulsive shoulders, sent him about again, dumb, to gaze with increased intentness out of the window. It was a morning to fascinate one with any sensibility to the sentiment of nature. The last shreds of mist were dissolving in the conquering sunshine. A hroomy hillock above the house was a blaze of gold and uems, the woods blushed in the ruddy light, and not twentv feet oflf a thrusl; sang its joyful matins. The red sky had softened to a sc rene blue-grey which promised an ideal day for the farmer. But Neil thought little of crops and not at all of sunshine. Presently he turned with a jerk and an embarrassed expres- sion of countenance. "They are my sister's children," he said, as might appear irrelevantly. David looked up, his eyes still wet. "They are, Neil," he said. "They are, and I do not know what she would think of all that has happened. I do not know what she would think if she knew how her boy is treated in her brother's house. Maybe she looks down and sees it all, maybe she is with us now: sometimes I feel as if 'she was whispering in my ear, and if she does listen a bonnie tale she will have to carry back with her. When I took her from her father's house things were different. We could hold up our heads like oui neighbours; but the finger of ho is gone ; but I bis for fear I do her hand on her mself, and again g half round, he kissed her once, pressure. Then, Httle, and there ied spirit of her d furrowed face once there came nd the face was ut as if under an : weather. After with a trembhng ituously as if to 3 down between again, dumb, to vindow. 1 any sensibihty ;ds of mist were broomy hillock r^ems, the wood- feet off a thrush loftened to a se- y for the farmer. all of sunshine. arrassed expres- as might appear 1 I do not know ened. I do not how her boy is looks down and times I feel as if s listen a bonnie Vhen I took her ent. We could ut the finger of Arcadia 47 God was upon us. Maybe we were proud, maybe we forgot Him. If that is true we deserve all that has come upon us, and more; only I hope we may be a warning to others. We will bear His stripes and praise His name; His displeasure will not be for ever." Neil bowed his head. Then after a moment's silence he said, very softly, "For the sake of her that is gone, ay, and for your own sake too, David, I want Evan to come back with me." "No, no! it cannot be," answered David quickly. "Let us talk as man to man, Neil. You are no longer my master; I am no longer your servant. As man to man, then, an- swer me this question. How could he go back? What kind of a father would he be that would let him go back? No, no. Our roads part here. It would have been better, I think! if they had parted long ago; but the parting has come at !a:t. Let us each take his own way, and God give us strength to bear our burdens." "Tut, tut! David," responded Neil l wonder at you I wonder to hear you talking." * "If you were in my place you would likely wonder less," returned David. "It is easy wondering when the hot iron is not on ourselves— very easy. 1 'm only a man after all, and every feeling in me cries out against letting my boy go DaCK* "And what are you going to do?" asked Neil, descending to the practical. "We will ask God's fielp," said David. "I think we are all forgetting Him. Yesterday we went to church and heard a sermon on love and charity and brotherly kindness and we came home to do the bidding of the devil The Pharisee would not do so much. Somebody will give me work Maybe we can stop here till we get another place; we will be quick about it." "Stop! cried Neil, so that the rafters rang. "Stop' yes you can stop; and what is more you will stop. It is down- -.^... ..o,,,.^n3e y^-u are caikmg about going awav. 1 will not listen to a word of it— not one word. And I tell you this, he added, with the look of one who is not to be thwarted: I II leave you Evan now, but as sure as we are living men I will have him again. I am master," he ex- claimed, shaking his closed fist at things in general. "I will nave my own way, and I will have Evan, mind you that." i I: I, '!' 48 The Minister of State I ■, -ri; .ii'l And before a word could be answered he was gone Three minutes later he swept into the yard like a hurri- cane, to find Bob Conachar and Jamie Tosh idly discussing the situation. He paused for an instant at sight of them » " ^f,''"^ ^^^ greeting they expected. "Ay," he cried, relapsing into English; "this will pe a ponnie way of working, clyping like a pair of toothless old wives Iss It for gabbling or yammering I will pay ye, d'ye think? I will tell you this— use your hands a little more and give your tongues a rest; it will pay poth you and me petter. Having delivered this volley he stamped into the house where he chanced to come upon one of the maids scaldine milk coggies. ** "Give Tugal some porridge," he said so sharply and un- expectedly that the maid dropped a coggie half full of boil- ing water on the f^oor. .u-'^i" ^°" ,".°^ ^^^ ^"^^^^ o^ '^ands or senses or any- thing? roared Neil. "Ay, stare as if you wass seeing a ghost. 1 think all the folk will pe going daft. Where is TugaP" 1 he maid faltered that so far as she knew he was not vet out of bed. ^ "No out of ped!" repeated Neil; "no out of ped at this time of day! This will pe praw work." And he was up an adjoining stair three steps at a time. He found Dugald yawning over the serious question of rising. 'You will split your face, Tugal, if you open your mouth like that, he said by way of morning salutation, "and you will have ped sores if you stick so close to plankets. Out with you! And in an instant Dugald was on the flo6r wondering how he got there. He would have whimpered, but at the first sign of tears his father admonished hini One word of greetin'," said Neil, "and I will give you something to greet for. You pe at your porridge in one half of a minute if you will want any this day. Have vou his porridge ready?" he shouted, descending the stair as if determined to dash his heel through each step. <^^\ answered the maid with a terrified look.. Well, then, py George, see that he gets it faster than you ever gave it to anypody pefore." The last part of the sentence was flung over his shoulder as he hurrted past the quaking maid in the passage to the byre. Arrived there, he shouldered his way into the stalls Arcadia 49 knocking the cows against each other in his haste, and be- gan the process of unloosing. When he came to the bull he paused. '.T^?'^" ^"n' ^^°P ^'^^^^ y°" ^'■^' ^y gentleman," he said. Ihere will only pe one pody about the place that's up to your tricks, and he iss off for a holiday." He gave the bull one in the ribs with his shut fist and hurried after the cows calling aloud for Dugald, ' "Here," cried his father when that promising youth ap- peared without having tasted breakfast, "take out the cows and see they will not get into the neeps or the tatties or the corn. If they do, py George, there is another switch on the rsitcrs. Dugald would have argued the matter, but there was something in his father's eve that intimated it might be prudent to forbear. So, with sullen looks and with what haste was possible to reluctant feet, he took his way to the beech-tree field. The cattle disposed of, Neil retu: led to the house in search of breakfast. Lisspeth was waiting for him in an attitude and with looks that are not popularlv thought to be wifely. "You have sent Dugald with the cows," she said in Gaelic, and there was a rumble of a tempest in the words "I have," said Neil. "And the bull will maybe gore him to death " ]]Maybe," assented Neil. "It is a bonnie thing," retorted his wife, with the breath hissing through her noslrils like steam through a valve Yes, a very bonnie thing," admitted Neil, clattering a chair in to the table and seizing a spoon. ."A"^ 'L*¥^ ^'"'"S ^'^^t ^°y back dead, what will you do with him?" demanded Lisspeth. "What do folks do with dead boys?" queried Neil "Salt them or stuff them, I suppose." "Neil Macgregor," cried his wife, unable any longer to repress the storm, "do you know what I am eoine- to tell you.-" "Something as sweet as honey I am sure," observed Neil, swallowing a spoonful of porridge and milk. Sweet as honey," she screamed, "yes, maybe. It is this, that you ought to be downright ashamed of yourself." You have given me that bit of news before," remarked Neil. iC 50 The Minister of State "Ay and I will give it to you again, and I will tell you it head" ^ ^^^^ '^ °" *^^ ^^^^^^' ^'^^ of your "I wouldn't if I was you, Lisspeth," said Neil with a meaning look. "Maybe it is better to take your porridge , ,| and hold your tongue." ^ & .u'T^*"" ^y porridge and hold my tongue! That's my thanks she cried m a piercing crescendo. "I wonder what 1 was born for. You send your boy out to be killed by a bull and you go clapping the backs of David Kinloch and his brats, that should be turned to the road like tinklers and 1 cannot say a word." ' K "'^^Kl^f'^' Lisspeth," said Neil, looking from under his brows, take care. ;'Oh,^| returned Lisspeth, throwing discretion to the winds, take care yourself: you have more need of it than 1 have; and I tell you again, they ought to go into a ditch." _ l^isspeth said Neil, starting 10 his feet, "another word, ditch^" """ ""' °"^ '^°'''' """"^ ^ ^"""^ "^^^ '''^" SO into the She paused, holding her breath, and looking as if she meant to spring at her recalcitrant husband. I suppose you have prigged them to stay," she said presently in an altered tone. "I suppose I have done just what I like," answered Neil, and I suppose I will do it again; and I suppose, too, this house ,s mine and that I am master in it; and more than that, I suppose those who don't like it are free to bundle pipefn^d'smokeTt''"'' '"" "^ '' "'"^^ ^° P"* *^^^ ^ ^^^^ r..!^,t ^^J^J down his spoon, smashing a jug that stood on the table and bounced from the room, breathing de- struction. Mrs. Macgregor stood for a moment as if con- sidering whether to vent her emotions; but as there was no one by she thought it best not to go into hysterics h M" ' ' tT"- - rnyiiii t,m inj^ write poetry 'Toetry doesn^ pay, my dear. In my experience the arti- cle has not once been quoted on 'Ch.nge. If you are moved to activity, do something useful " . "Useful! If I didi't know you I should suspect vou of •rreverence," returned Mrs. Dudley, laughing fn his face Now, you believe in going to picture gallerils, and it w^s Arcadia Mrs. Dudley icious garden, ghts of an en- compaiy, fill- r the top of a -'y suggestive Florence, ever Kperience, and . As the pro- isorne summer other, she was htsomely, and tune with the ith tent-poles, >rown faces. n of earth, as g a butterfly, flower, again heeks glowed ^ith gladness, the city," she ve there's no s it not so, glee that sent ice has fairly Dyant laugh, md quiver of m of a prac- ure upon his write poetry !nce the arti- u are moved 5pect you of in his face. i, and it was 55 only the other day you were in transports over the 'Lotus Eaters.' Are these things quoted on 'Change?" "We have all our moments of weakness," said the man of the world. "Then it was in one of your moments of weakness you raved about the colours of Turner?" He smiled ambiguously. "And I suppose it must have been in one of his moments of weakness that Ruskin described them in sentences which take the breath away?" "Don't miscall Ruskin, my dear. He is a great humour- ist. His commercial and economical theories are the most amusmg things given to the world since the days of Adam Smith, though thick-headed people insist he means all he says. But in regard to Turner, he is serious and he is right." ' J7 ell, Turner toddles a long way after all this." said Mrs. Dudley, waving her arm comp -ehensively at ^...th and sky. 'Nature still seems to have the best of ii." "I take it that it isn't the busine-s of the artist to improve on his model. Turner is as near nature as we are ever likely to get on canvas." "It makes one almost weep to think of it," said Mrs. Dud- ley, smiling as if she had never known tears. "What a pity It is that the best painter is at his best but a muddling copy- ist, giving a splotch of red or grey for the skv, a streak of chrome-yellow for sunlight, something dark for a wood, and the smell of oil and varnish for fragrance. Think of all that and of the glorious reality as it is about us at this moment." Capital," cried her husband: "go on." "Thank you for the permission. Well ! there's something else that occurs to me. Consider this freshness, this repose, this sweet air (I would say 'balmy' if the novelists hadn't robbed the word of all virtue), this grass that shames the emerald on my finger, these woods that are so many waving censers, the broom, the gorse, the heather, the wild flowers, the everything as it is at this minute, and contrast it with the mufky city. We work with gas-lamps qnd choke with soot and smoke, while all the time that blessed sun is shin- ing in the heavens." "Now," observed her husband, "you grow as humorous as Ruskin. Railways, factories, warehouses, wharves, ex- changes, are to be done away with, the whole commercial and social fabric is to be demolished, and, I presume, Eden (f'H yi*'^ 56 The Minister of State of a more romantic age ■ I like ft " '^^ " """'J' m Ja1?ratti,°^r„%\XS'^ '" *^' "^^ ^°" "^ «■= aI.I\^S,::rtrbt"f n1 her,ZS'p"e rfumi -Tifr ^ ""^ her red lips. " ""^ ''^'' l^'ssed her fair upon haS-inTr.^ 1-J L- P— -o^or indecent .e- WeiaUmonire™,';^,'; LZrd'T' '"•'"'"r^ ?"'=«"!• a place in the ^coun, f Infe''; JX frr,' ' 1"'' """"^ business. You have worked hard deJr /!t ""^ ^°''V "' ceeded, now take a ht.le rest and' enToyment'^"" '"''' '"" .he Sd ffen' I'tllS'snTdr^a 'd"" f" ^ ^" ^^P'^ ■■" ;;Ou. here it all"s^et^s':f?rrviat'?s''he'°r '''°"'''''- to-morrow ' n™fr you wour'^' -^ .r^"'=^' ^^'^ *=' Sc^^'n^t^d!" S^^^XnJd";*'^.,;? ^^' ^ -■<' '- ^ Wenfwe^mSt"' »""? ?'"%'" *e Scotsman, please, dairymaid. You wo. /d be ravisWnrrT"'' ^'^1''"° ' Sndt,la''sr'' "^" -'"-' "' bei-l TafelrfSnl Evile^'inVd&f rr'X? "t'?" '° ^""^ "P°" Signs of distress in hi- f.?J t. k ^- ^^^""^ ^^'"^ manifest br.and.hrSL'-shotU'rruX^fof^^^^^^^^^^ Arcadia -cart, riding in : idea is worthy )od you are the spreading Hme ; the place was up irresistible, i her fair upon Joking round, ir indecent be- ome practical. !? Let us buy and worry of you have suc- F all people in philosophy?" :xt deal that 3tlights with e over a new t joke into a sman, please, you into a . with a sun- is technically faded print jyre. I sup- winter you them in the two laughed 3m frost and come upon ere manifest scent scrub- ripe apples ; S7 but the brow was contracted and the eyes and mouth were frownmg. Surprised to find him loitering in idleness, they stopped to question; for partly from Florence's tales of his exploits, partly from facts within their own knowledge, their interest had been excited. His escapades were piquant if they should not be promising; and Mr. Dudley, who cherished no rev- erence for paragons, observed in the boy a refreshing in- dividuality. ** Evan answered the questions briskly as was his wont ; but his depression was plain, and in truth the presence of the great folks was the reverse of grateful. ''Something wrong," whispered Mr. Dudley in a soft aside to his wif.. "Trouble even in Arcadia, you see " Then aloud to Evan, "We are looking for the havfield, and since you are making holiday perhaps you could be our guide " It was an honour that Evan would fain have declined, for just then the hayfield was only a little less disagreeably sug- gestive than the kitchen of Pitweem ; but he could not re- fuse gentry," and so with a murmured "Yes, sir" he turned smartly to lead the way. ( u7^^ ^^ ^1 "°^ °"^ ^°^ ^^^^^^'" observed Mr. Dudley af- tably. Dont you think you could accommodate vour pace to ours? Evan fell back with a blush and an apologetic look To put him at his ease Mr. Dudley took his hand, carelessly stretching out and examining the stained fingers. Their shapeliness and flexibility were astonishing, and Mr. Dud- ey proceeded with an awakened curiosity to spread out the httle brown fist on the soft white ground of his own pair- By Jove," he exclaimed suddenly, "here's a discoverv You know the superstition— perhaps it is something more --that the hand is an index of talent. The idea is that where the second and third fingers are of equal or nearly equal length there must be exceptional ability. Look at that— they are almost even. Napoleon, they say, had a hand pre- cisely like that, ' Dropping the hand abruptly he raised Evan's cap "Let us pursue our investigations a little further," he said, brush- ing back the tousled hair. "Head completely confirms the hand, he remarked after a moment's pause. "This is in- teresting," Evan turned his dark eyes on Mr. Dudley's face with a Ill 58 The Minister of State questioning astonishment, then all at once they fell, for Mr t^rfcolhl^fcei^nT^'"' "^ '"""'■ ^^"'^ '"'"^ ^'^' "An amazing head," said tl.' examiner sotto voce- "I tell you a perfectly wonderful head. Your chin, boy " tiltfn" up Evan's chm Then he whistled low and lon7' "In al! my experience," he said presenth-, "I rover saw s?ch a om bmation of qualities, ^y boy,^f you donTmake peop"e" jump there's nothing in phrenology: I'll waeer ''he l^T<^ turmng to his wife ^he Sreams tfj dreamToTa' C^Lr '' ' smiled Mr? Du"dle';' '' ^"^^'^"^ '' ' ^^^^^ E-^-^^'" ret'S h^r^^tband '^ "'^'^ '^ "^"^ ^"^^^^^'"^ *^-^«'" "And yet," said Mrs. Dudley, picking some down from he arm on which she leaned, '"I suppos! he will whistle a the^il of a plough (is not that the phrase?) like the rest of nf^LT^ ''T''^^ ^'^"^ ^^' sphere-a creature, as it were of another planet, who could never touch her 1 fe • anrshe miM^y wondered at her husband's enthusiasm. ' xu /^obably answered Mr. Dudley. "Yet it seems orlrl that such a headpiece should h..e been bestowed upon a mere clod-breaker. One can hardly imagine Nature squan- dering her good things in that way. She is ircHned ^ be niggardly in the matter of brains, you know." laugH'ng'HgMy "' sometimes," remarked Mrs. Dudley, Mr^n^li^^'^^'u-^"" ^'°^ profounder every hour," said ^e ?nd t^' 1?^^/".? '"• '"^"'"- '"^°" ^"1 be tackling the freakish! P.?r^"v"''u "'^*- .^^"•' ^^^"^^ ^oes^ act gender'' ^^' "" '^"''*^''" °^ '^^"^^^ ^^"^inin^ "w°n ^''^'" ^"^^ ^^^ ^^^^ reprovingly. Well, well my dear, let's get back to your postulate Nature IS freakish, but it would be an unheard-of freak on JLrVHn'^'Ti '^' '".'''•^7"'^ Ploughboy with thafti S a head.'" '^°"^^"'' ^'""^ ^""^ ^ ^°" ^'^^ qui'e1ly'°" "^'^^ ^"^ ^'^^' Leonard," observed his wife "Well! we can only hope and pray, little chitty. One no- tices there is no scarcity of sons and heirs in the Highlands Arcadia )rising things," 59 —another freak of Nature, I suppose. But not to wander It IS a most unmotherly freak to bring this little chap to such an inheritance. What are his chances? From the ordinary point of view, nil. Yet strange things happen in this world. We are constantly hearing of miracles of achievement, of great men and their unaccountable courses Now, just as surely as Jesus came out of Nazareth, threat men spring from unlikely places. May we not yet hear of our httle friend in another and quite different arena? May "^ "°*,,?"^ ^^y ^^^^ a part in turning the tides of the great I world? '^ And contrary to all the traditions of his class, in face of the inexorable law which decrees that the rich and powerful shall not lower themselves by regarding the poor, there stole I into the heart of the rising financier a subtle romantic in- terest m a disgraced herd-boy. '. ^ "I^will keep my eye on this youngster," he said to himself. He s of the kind that make a spoon or spoil a horn." '^ed his wife CHAPTER IX I Meanwhile the presence of the party had attracted the at- tention of the mowers. Dropping his scythe in a flutter of excitement Neil trotted ofif to Sandy's side, calling out as he I advanced Yon's the shentry. I must pe stepping east py meet them, and you will just stop as you are, Sandy, and keep quiet and cool. Do not pe put apout ; they will pe gey and nice poddies, hooch ay. and not one pit prouter than me or you. I will pring them up fine and smiling, and I will say, Ihis iss my frent Mr. Fraser of Praeside " "NefTer mind the 'Mr. Fraser,' Neil; it soonds aflfektit Just say Praeside all py itself. Sav folk call me Praeside: It will pe more wisser like, and I will say they call you Pit- "Pitweem and Praeside," said Neil, turning the words sweetly on his tongue ; "man, that's the touch. You will pe a gey and pright one too, Sandy; ay, faith, there will pe T'^T^-u ^°"' ^^^"l ^^^" P^°P^^ t^""^- But gosh, I must pe off. The poor poddies will think they are not wanted. Am 1 snod-like, Sandy?" f -S!fr» rC 60 The Minister of State Hi "Snodder than me," answered Sandy cockinp- an ^v^ J such parts of his per.on as were within view ^ '^' 1 ,.^1;. . ' ^°" ^'" P.^ J"'* S^''^"^' Sandy," returned Neil ton polite o mention the overflow of snufT on the nose 'an chest; you will pe grand, man." " fr^^^-^^f ^'' shirt-collar a pull, brushed some hay-seed from his trousers, drew the back of his hand across hi mouth by way presumably of priming it for the fit Sandy to keep cool, went of? as if to receive a company o? reigning sovereigns. company o! While he was yet two hundred yards from his visitors be began the bowing and the hat raising; for he saM o bin self. It was wiser to waste a little energy than to seem lacS in courtesy and cordiality towards such d?strngui hed p ? Ih J f distingu shed people took his advancef graciously and Neil was carried out of himself with delight ^'^'''°"''-^'' Having exhausted all the forms of welcome he knew commented upon the weather, and, as he thought madetn excellent impression, he proceeded without lots of tfme t redeem his pledge to Sandy. The thing was done 1^ h STnd ^rnlli'^^^'^^ "^"f • ^^^".^^"' ^- Dud!e"s u The visitors smilingly expressed their pleasure in the S"is"?;e«le ?rn1 ' "^ '°""' ^^^^^'^^ -'"• ^^ a"m ?hi!!J- tu- ^^"dys response was stammering. Some- di cfnc"erted"h!J:f ' '",' \^°"' ^^^ 1°^"^^^ °^ ^^"^ -^"^1- aisconcerted him— a look, a twitch of amusement as if some wicked imp were tickling them bewiT T deene shade stole into his peony face,\nd for a momenreven h wooden leg seemed to lose its self-possessSn But tl fZTTu' ^^'^ ^^'^^ ^^^^ ^'^^ "P°" the bottle re" lev d Stylo^t glaTs"" "" P^^^^^^^^ ^^ - immediate^dif- thJt:;^:^^rr^^ ^^^^J^PPJ^ ^^ed in pdluted by a score of plebeian lipi ' '"^ '" ^^^^ They will not pe the thing for a leddy taking- a fey."'"' "'' ''^^ apologftically, looSg'^at Irs' ing. Arcadia 6i "Oh, but, good gracious ! you don't expect me to drink whisky?" replied the lady in alarm "Ay, intect, mem," rejoined Neil gravely. "It iss a goot thing whatever. Wine will not pe pad, whiles— I take it myself at Communions and things, but the <^ram iss the thing." "But indeed, Mr. Macgregor, I never * iste ir, ' ; votested Mrs. Dudley. "And what for no?" asked Neil. "It w:!i be a ^^ey and ponnie thing if you wass to come out hen a see" us and ncfer be asked will you have a mouth on you. ' Then a happy idea flashed upon him. "Here," he said, thrusting the whole glass into Evan's hand, "here, take it to the purn quick and wash it clean, clean, and pring it pack faster than your legs can run. He will pe here in a minute, mem," he added, turning back to Mrs. Dudley. "You're in for it," remarked Mr. Dudley, laughing; and when presently Evan returned with the dripping glass, Neil absolutely declined to entertain excuses ; so she drank per- force to a good hay. harvest. "Oh, you must weet it, mem, you must weet it," cried Neil, noticing that she scarce touched the liquor with her lips. "It will do you goot, mem, this hot day." She swallowed a mouthful, raw and burning, and drew back gasping. "The pillow-slip," cried Neil. "Quick, quick, the pillow- slip." He presented her with a piece of oat-cake, which she ate with streaming eyes ; then she laughed. "I knew you will like it, mem," observed Neil joyously. "It iss goot stuflf. My frent Praeside says so, and he will be a gey and goot judge too." Mr. Dudley tasted also ; Braeside and Pitween each toss- ing oflf a glass at the same time to testify their cordial feel- ing. Then the men were called, and one by one they drank to Mr. and Mrs. Dudley, to Florence, to Braeside, to Pit- weem, to each other, and to the hay. "There will pe a pig parrel at home," explained Neil as he poured from the failing jar. "Do not pe afrait, my latts." These delicious ceremonies over, the lads returned to their scythes, jocular and boisterous, Mrs. Dudley remark- ing their hearty good humour. ' ^f 62 The Minister of State »i! ,111!, 1:1 1. 1 "Oh, ay, mem," said Neil, "they will be gey and hke the pagp:pes too, there will pe most noise in them'^wTen they're All this while Evan had stood unregarded savP in ti,<. gass madent, but Mr. Dudley now dfrectd attention o t^cX^llTAX'' "'' '^^" ^°°' ^"°"^^ ^° "-- upZ hfs nefc'"^ ^°°^'" '''' ""'''' --'^-^ ^PP-vingly "And on the way," added Mr. Dudley, "we have been amusmg ourselves by casting his horoscope " Inteet? mteet, sir," said Neil, marvelling what manner of .nng a horoscope might be, and whether the casTinH It required skill or merely muscle. Was the count?vs df fo congratulate itself on the introduction of a new sport ^ rhere is remarkable promise," pursued Mr Dudlev His bumps are wonderful." ^vn. i^uaie>. Neil's eyes dilated with intelligence. Uh, ay, sir, Evan will pe a gey, gey latt," he resnonderl ceeZ"''''^'^^' "^""^P^ ^y loRical seq'^enc; with he pro S'^-nfanyl t^e oTe '' "^^ "^^"^'^'^^ ^"^P ^-n Zl never read a better head." ^ assure you I have W^?il'''''S-K'^'''='^'^ ^°°'' f^°'^ ""der his bushy eyebrow^ Was this a liberty or was it only a jest? ReadinVa he-irr who ever heard of such arrant non ense? Yet Mr S~ was as serious as if he were tJling gospel truth Was iV E r^M^-^ '^'?f °^ ^^"^^'^y J^-d been too mud, for him? Ere Neil could satisfy himself on the point dis.^nT TnXr'"'^ «P^^"i.ations alike were interrupted TFloence" y^U Fv! '"'^vf' '"'P"''' °^ f'-^''^' '^'^ began in great glee to There's game there," remarked one man leaning- ad rn^ki?;,'^'^^ '-''''■ "^° ^-- °' ^'^^ --"' t"S^nun; sheKil'" ^^^V'!^'"^>''" P"* '" ^ comrade, "and, my faith she^ll make hearts dura. Just see how the wee cuTty goes' fhir?'^^"!'^' "„P^ '" "^'^^^y P'"^w company the day "'.aid 1 third. I will not wonder if it would suit him %l[ as well Arcadia ey and like the m when they're id, save in the ^d attention to nough to con- ig approvingly we have been > what manner the casting of countryside to ew sport? Mr. Dudley. he responded, with the pro- np Evan will I Mr. Dudley, re you I have hy eyebrows, ling a head — t Mr. Dudlev uth. Was i't oo much for )oint, discus- by Florence, great glee to :taliated, and leaning ad- turnin' nun, nd, my faith, e cutty goes day," said a just as well 63 to pe herdmg his kye." The speaker was Long Donald, whose thoughts still ran on Jock and the vacant herdship. "Sirs, that's a pretty sicht," chimed in another, ignoring Donald's comment. "Now, would it not be a wonderful thing if thir twa bairns was to mak' the thing up some day and be merrit?" He was a low countryman and did not talk the dialect of the district. "Man, ye will hafif a grand way of thinking things," re- torted Donald. "What ye say would pe wonderfu' and per- feckly extraornar too forby, only it iss nelTer likely to hap- pen. You will have just as much chance of merryin' a praw London leddy. What he will want iss his kilt turned up. Are we going to stand all the day looking at pairns playmg?" He swung his scythe with a wide sweep as if those who had legs would do well to look after them. "It iss in a great pig hurry you are, Donald Bean," cried the man immediately in front. "Will you often pe taken like that?" There was a chorus of satirical laughter, with commen- taries apposite to the occasion; then with a backward wrench of the shoulders as if to brace the straining muscles the men struck again into time. The Dudleys looked on with a quickened interest ; for of all rural or agricultural sights, the most winning is the rhythmic swing of a serrated line of mowers, Mrs. Dudley was moved to fresh ideas of poesy and new visions of the delights of country life; even Mr. Dudley, whom his wife openly charged with cynicism, was not proof against the charm, while Florence, running to and fro, sometimes in dangerous proximity to a flashing blade, shouted for joy at the novel spectacle. Finishing their bout, the men presently trcoped back to raise the clamour of sharpening. Musical and soothing from afar, the process is one which at close quarters is apt to set the teeih on edge and rasp unpleasantly in the ears. Dis- covering that distance sometimes lends enchantment to sound as well as to view, the visitors aflfably exchanged fare- wells with Neil and Sandy, and took their way to pluck more flowers and feast on the omnipresent fragrance. "Will they not pe nice poddies, Sandy?" inquired Neil, watching them with deep self-satisfaction. ; *> " 64 The Minister of State that will neri-htThtr. "^'n^ing it iss consent, Neil, '• Wi of ^ T, . J?^^^ ^^ass a queer look on their far^^ '' "CoS, ■?%tt^n:s"alitS"'^- ■ ^^'^ Neil bSS!,. preached NeiCfiVn&lly" "'' «'^^'' ^""S Donald ap- five o'clock for theTerding " "' t°-'™"ow morning at CHAPTER X. doves K^i was n'?n. , ""^^ "'"" '''"^' ^«*"^" '"to turtle- Arcadia head in per- i' apout that onsent, Neil, I their faces," ^eil balmily. Jst leave that ill think you 3ur later he r the day. wn, and the ' Donald ap- "You just morning at he remem- irbanely, 'and we will a praw fine )rrow. The ! was out of our Jock — nd yokin'." he went in 65 al ardours, apturously heaven-in- nto turtle- but a mar- tly he was le bracing id equivo- years of gently, m every circumstance of the marriage state, taken her to pieces, so to speak, sifted her, and got her off by heart. Like the gentleman in the play, he loved so long and so closely that he found out a strange thing— he found out "what a woman is good for." He had had some scales cleared from his eyes in the course of time, but he desired to be scrupulously just, par- ticularly when things were going so well with the farm. Lisspeth was good enough, he told himself, as wom.en go — an ideal mother, a peerless manager, the best butter-maker within the sphere of his acquaintance, and in sour milk cheese absolutely above competition. She was devoted to fowls and calves too, could put fat on a pig in a way that was m.agical, and make skim milk and pease-bread go farther among servants than any woman in the district. These were great qualities in a farmer's wife, but he would not dream of calling her an angel. There was a time, in- deed, in the days of his infatuation, when he was convinced of her celestial origin. But experience had corrected the fanciful notion. The moon must have been always at the full when he entertained it. Now he knew she was supremely terrestrial, often anti-angelic, but was ready to own her vir- tues wore none the worse on that account. An angel feed- ing pigs and squabbling with ploughmen would, he was aware, be an incongruous spectacle, and, he ,vas certain, not at all a paying one. He was the most reasonable of men, was the last in the world to expect or desire perfection either in him.^elf or in other people ; yet he could not per- ceive the fitness of effacmg hhtiself to suit feminine humours and absurdities. Even a husband has his rights. On entering his spouse's presence it did not surprise him in the least to pass from an atmosphere of balmy peace to one of "saltpetre and earthquake." His foot was scarce across the threshold when the long-suppressed nether forces began to rumble and boom. Neil compressed his lips ex- pectantly. He had calculated to a nicety when she would plunge back into the dispute of the morning, and he was not without plans. The little preliminary skirmish that was to give an impulse to the blood came precisely as he had an- ticipated ; and then she was upon him with a swoop. He was not overwhelmed : indeed, he was not so much as shaken. Like a rock in Atlantic surges, he reared himself defiantly after the onset, impregnable upon an immovable *■*■■■■■ 66 The Minister of State —S'^lfCS^^ 2^,:^f^^f>^n, he took the deal table with such ded^oZh A .f "^'^^^ ^'' °" the solid ng. As his wife, cut short in the 1^^%''^'^^ °" ^' danced a n mmg led consiornation and an J^r h °1^ ^^"^^"^e' stared " his hfe he was not amenable ^n'.' '^^^'^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^^ce tears, scoldings, upbraSs ' son^"'"'"'-''^^* taunts, were equally idle, since he w^/r? i ' P'''°"' eloquence a lesson in obduracy "^"^ '"'^^^^d to give Old Nick I am as thrawn as ?he devil ^ ' ''" '''^^te of breath. ''w'eU t'mTn'^erml^^ti'' "^°" "-^ ^'-ys that" would go quietly to bed ar d s.v'"''" "^^- ^^ ^ ^^« you I do you good." ^ "^ ^''^ '^y "^y prayers. They might I do not know which nt „o i torted Lisspeth. °^ "' "^^ds prayers most " re- peth there is no use talki'gTo °';A° /"'-'-.."A"* L'»^- oo, deliver ne- a nat-f,-,,^ k "/^e whatever." her own chaiZr' wi h"a\eS^?^^' ^/^^P^th retreated to that husband is mer y t sy„1nvm T^' ^"^^ ^°"-Sion Nei listened till he hea^ henoTshnf ^v^ °^, ^^^'^ebub. ^ Lisspeth has it bad " hlL? i "^ ^'th a bang. ,!;f^Vf r'-^; bad indeed. Bu' mavb:' 1° ''?,^^^^' "lisspeth It s likely she'll be able to cool Sp J •' T'" "°"^^ ''ound ; , . Then, having bundled the m-M^V^"!,'^]^ §^°t hot in." his shirt-sleeves and "stoc i,?l f .°^ ^° b^^' ^-^ sat down in greasach and smoke tlifptrgf^reLe^ '°"^ ''^ ^^^ ^^ "he We was verv littlf^ r„m j l P^fee. closed; for he Ldtserfdliim^eln ^""^ ^^^^^ ^ad Just reasonable determina io^ to L?m f •" V^^^' than in a A consciousness of succp.« o-o ??'*^'* '" his own house trary I,e was on teLs oLooS fe ^\' '^- . °" *e con- world, and was ready to of n thSf "'""P "'* the whole Arcadia ind he took the ist on the solid on it danced a entence, stared d that for once t— that taunts, on, eloquence rive Old Nick elic, "till you ste of breath. always that." f I was you I They might •s most," re- n/' observed ^'pu are at it lis hand per- ^"And, Liss- retreated to i conviction Beelzebub, Dang. I "Lisspeth >me round ; t hot in." 5at down in toes at the ■ had just ■ than in a wn house, g: sense of s triumph, -'ards any- 1 the con- the whole Jnsidered, 67 The day had been one to make the farmer's heart brim with satisfaction. The hay was down, and the crop ex- ceeded expectations. What was more, the sunshine prom- ised to be steady. A week of such bright heat, and the hay should be safely stacked. All material concerns tended to complacency. He thought forgivingly of Lisspeth : she was given to spurts of vioLnce, and was not above prejudice, but she had her good points, he said to himself, thinking of fat swine, glossy calves, and high-priced butter. He would be up to her presently, with soft words, husbandly endear- ments, and no hint of a quarrel. Yes, on the whole, Liss- peth was a good wife. If she could be induced to clip her tongue and curb her temper, she might be improved, but one must not expect too much. Neil's thoughts, still in amiable train, passed to Red Sandy. What a fellow Sandy was, to be sure! Neil chuckled softly at the thought of certain escapades that hung ro- mantically in the memory. "A gey lad, 3andy," he said, as it were in the deepest confidence with himself, "a droll, droll fellow. The things we have seen together!" And, as though re-tasting the old, sweet, forbidden experiences, he shook his head and chuckled again. In due course his thoughts travelled to the Dudleys. Ex- cellent people ! They were paying him a pretty penny for a three-months' lease of three-quarters of the house, and were gracious. He hoped they would return next year, and the year after and for many years to follow. More profitable tenants he could not desire. They took dairy produce at Lisspeth's valuation, and mutton at his own. They were very nice people indeed. By logical sequence, he thought of David and Evan, and at that he took his pipe from his mouth and expectorated vig- orously. There was a matter to be set right without delay. "My sister's children," said Neil, thinking aloud, "Jessie's children. The thing should never have happened ; never." He had no light but the dusky-red glow of the smoulder- ing peat fire, which was reflected luridly on wall and ceiling, nor, except the measured tick, tick of the big eight-day clock, was there a sound, not so much r,s a -wandering whisper of wind, to disturb his meditations. The silence wa'j the dead hush of a sweltering July night, when noth- ing save the summer lightning that played fitfully about the edges of the clouds, had energy enough to be abroad. m- ;il ^t, I 1 ii iiivr 68 The Minister of Stat« Taking up the tongs, Neil stirr-H fh ^ company, and the caperiu" shadov^ ' ^' ^' ^'"'"^ ^«^ J"«'ve. haunting-seemed "u fin f-l"^^^"'^^^^ ^^^ie, il- presences. Fe^ng tha 'hehad l^ i '''°"' ^^'^ ""^-^ny began to gather t£ ale^i^S^^t^ fT f^^ done, he the red centre alive until n "rninl T K^''^ ""'''' ^'^ ^'^' P allowed to die. Ai. at on^h^fK°J ^^"^ '''' ^^^ '-^ver went our of him at the silt of n°f'^ "P' ''^^ ''^^ ^rca^h ghastly v.htte (a.e, 4at Sed h. J ^' ^^"^ ^'"^^^-a 'ght. A chiiiv, cr;em sc^,S'l^°'""^^>' '" the flickering not thole. L^v.n^ his tine on 1 =^^^'' ^"^ '^i''"t could make sure he "■•as^na tS^of Wmselrh ""''^ ^^^'b^rately, to wnidoiv, and, puttine- a hpni fi u' ^-^^ '"°^^' stalked to the into the nighf. The famm.. ^^'^ '"?" °^ ^^« ^^^^ Peered without sigLfinJrudir He, "^^^^ P^T^^ully", and and looked again Mpn „^ ^ °^'^^' cubbed his eves he would find^oi? who daredT."; ^^ '^J^' ^^^^^ or bogL.' time he looked, starLg ha'd ' buf "[hTri"'' P""'?-" ^ ^hld ' ? "°^^'"&' to be seen, '.e what was^^f.' T^'^^' ^'^«°- , . If the whisky was bad T ,!!. >^ \-"f"^^ ^"^ natural. thmgs," thought Nefl w^h L "^"^ ^^'"'^ ^ was seeing to himself in the dark ^" ""^"ccessful effort to smSf Had ^^nl^lr^^'j^^^^^^^ as if a cannon his pipe in his mouth, and gave Valf .h ^''''^'' ^^ ^tuck pulls without being in the lea? pw. . 1""^°^,^" tremendous not alight. Then he paused /n\^ *^^'. *^^ tobacco was the blatancy of the clo?k ^'^'^'"' ^"^^^^ly cursing would't^h'ii'f rs^a^d ""^"'^'' ^^"'^ -" -ver do. One thel'olfr^ti;-^^^ Neil, clapping the b- ^^ of tobacco is bad. 'l wonder wW .u^^' ^V^ ^^'"^ ^i^' le ne inrew the disc -ed dnHU ;« *i ^ He rose, bu. a. the second step he .stood fixed, .,:,e o, a 1 pro- again WM Arcadia 69 floo , his marrow suddenly frozen, and a cold sweat oozing on h!s brow, l^or there, unmistakable as was ever ghost irem kjrkyard, was the white, drawn face, gazing at him v.'th eyes that were fearful to behold. . *'As sure as death," he ejaculated, "my sister's face— Jes- David's words flashed across his mind. Had his sister come back from the dead to upbraid him? God help him, how should he receive her? What answer could he make to her? He shook as if taken with the palsy; his head reeled, and he seemed to be choking. Recovering a little, he went forward with knees that smote each other, and cast yet another look into the outer darkness vvnill! ^';;"8^h^.f, vanished. The young moon, the hills, the Tnc. ' wl,^'"','^-"F ;'''"^ ^^^'^' but never a sign of a on? K^'u' ^'"'"^ ^^ S-"'P' he thrust his face against the glass; but he thrust it in vain: no fearful eyes were fixed sXTows'"' ""^ ^P^'^^^a^ ^^"'■e flitted illusively among the He turned back with a gruesome shiver at his heart and eve y hair on his head erect. As he listened, involuntarily Iiolding his breath, he heard a tap at the out^r door, a lovv weird tap that curdled him through and through. Under uZil^''T^^'°",^''^ mechanically put on hi! boots and nioyed towards the door. He seemed to be drawn by an in- visible hancl ; the feeling that was upon him was un^eartWy and he knew well what it meant naStinn'i n°nf °P-! ^S ^f^ ^^'"^V^h ^ P^^^age between two partitions, and in its blackness of darkness he drew up with a spine that was as a trickling icicle. Only a few boards ,Xn " '""^ '-on, the wraith^ Suppose tha't, growingTm! S, h!?'^f /''''^ °^ §^^°5^y P°^^^^« and popped S th •/^'°^'' «"PPO^e-but there was no use sup- Po.sing there it was waiting for him, and go to it he must efoi-e he knew what he was about he had^taken a kind of Se ?lT/^°'^ ''''!^ '^' ^'^"^'"^ bolt; a moment mshpri .wu' "•'''.^ '^P^"- ^^aven forefendl he was face to mce with the spirit shadows wit'l I" "^Tr ^' ^"'P'^' '*^""^ ^"t° the black Miaciows with eyes that saw not. ''^A^r^u """^if'" ""^"^^ tremulously out of the night, be u^iT? T" P^ '"^' Vncl^?" and then before th?re could ue a reply he burst out m his mother tongue. "God bless :i .'■ ^^ff f < l..,,-i>.«-1 ■!;■.■';«: 70 The Minister of Slate fryhteifnrpeopje'om J?"hln,I' VV=' ""'' '-><= of nigh, any hing wrong?" '"'''■ *>"" '^ ,t, Jessie? Is Ihere ?Prangtohere?es"vo,t„ in"'"r'' J'^=i'>. and tlie tears ■ng, but this wilficiinVt'fer "' '"«^^ *'* »- f°' co"! shrank' Udfi n"°:' 'r'^'Zl.'^ii'ilr'';;^''^'"^ 'h^' J-ie '"5o'ri°LV,tcCtio? "--V on .„e edge as one „av- ^e-P teo",™/"Cst"- SVS- ■•"-'eed I cou,d not -^-Jn^arbict!'- " ' ^-- »' '-- which Jessie another"wo7d°' LfsU^r'n 1 'v'''''^'^ ''" «"de quicklv "nnf leaning confidential, T'towad T " f.^" ' ^^^ "em S^ now ;,t's all settled." ' ''"■ ^ am master here set olbTott'eV'.^B^^ttTa"' '"/ ^"-<'' ^'•^P-ayng a cautioned, "I'll not have tha eiThe "'«TI!'* y°"' aunt,"1,e glowed with an inspira&n ".w/' ^" « once his face ■ n.ore peats and blow the «%," he saia°" "' '"PP'«' ?« °n sponded Je^Jfe'"^ ^™ °"' °< ""^d when you are tired " re- "yoiVavrno not"ion'h" ^° ","=" *'^ ^--e 'old " „id v-,. Arcadia 7' of water. He helped himself, drowning half the cock- TnTo'sliL the '"';;," ''^ ^'""l''.'' ^"^ '^^^'^^ back s^'- II fr°om averts ^ °" ' ^^"^ ^^ ^^P^^^^ -- the "G J^o^ut^'Ihr ?!l^ P^^f^s better than I do," he remarked. kebbuck ni t -f .1 '^' ''^"" ^"^ *be butter and a kebbuck. 1 11 see if there's not a crock of cream to the "But, uncle " • H ^ thought you came here to argue, as sure's I'm liv- ing I would have slammed the door in your face There^ one thmg I have never been able to understand-whv rn,l riight'^^"^°"^ -^b a gift of the gab.'"clt 1^1^ h'Sd an^'trerdldon""^ t' ^'"°^k^ "^^'^^^ ^" ^ "^^^^ °^ wonder ana trepidation In a cupboard n the pantrv thev tr^t noir scone, and jelly and butter and cheese an armful aijiece, which they deposited on the kitcl en t^ble TTien seizing a jug and a huge horn spoon Neil made for "a crock of cream he had spied by the way. He was back in a tr?ce ke'a? ur^hTnT '"' ''^ «"?- alternately, anS chuck ng ''Wh.t^l^ after a successful raid on an orchard. ^ VVhat do you think of that, Jessie?" he inquired blithelv holding up the crystal jug so that she couwTee the rod^' fluffy stuff within. "Now for the teapot," he added seUW his prize on the table. ^uuea, setting "You are not to do that, uncle," protested Jessie "In deed you must not make it for me." *^ "Wh!?" are fine at jumping to conclusions," he laughed torn To Ser you up.'^"^ ^"^ '"''' ' ^^' ^"^ ^° ■-- 'ot- nlt^lZ^^J''^ ^^' a Whist!:- , cornado from the bellows uiat sent the flame about the kettle like a sheet o f To Td as fhelfi h"""*'. ''; ^°"^ '•^^^ ^"^'^'y' then diet sudd^enly " thouthf t";,.? "T/f ^ \^' ^P°"^ belched steam ^ 1 tnought that would kit^'e vou " cried MeJi +1,^^ • down the bellows and putting a^handfu of Sssoeth's nV? I ■ i> 72 The Minister of State and it boiJed ^n. ^ ^"^ "^ the n^; '.( ^r ^ , , "Tu "1 ■' t that hunp-rv I r^,„^^ 1 'That will ' '°'"'^"' ^^"^^^ thell^'toi must do better^'dian'thnf^'^" ^^ '^'^ blithely 'Ah , torijy she nibbled "tk.', ^^ ^^''^d' noticing W ^'r ^°"i to the cor.i t1 ^ ^^t kind of eatincr'l e ^ u Perfunc-' never "^"" ^^ >^°" ^^"'t do better T'^ ?ever"f'°"^P^'"^^"^ To show how the .V '^'"^^ ^""'1 a detected thief, ' °' "' ^"'> Jessie stared, quivering a "bS.-olTher^:^'' *'?' '"" with severe . „ ! it passed to the taM;'"""""? "'^ ^a.no ston riiriH^^"'' •'''=- ^ Donnie sig-ht " h r.u. , ■ "Ponthe chief Ser' °'''"'^'' ^ Gaelic, fastening its eves ^e/l somehow bolferl h- '^ She of crun *Ia [she nil "I w Imade t Jessi i tiger, a "I cc Macgrc would J Soni( eyes; cl the teai Neil, w "Sit nearly 1- }ou?" Y let him "May Jessie, c "Fuic tion," re fun. Yc his privj peace b( Outw ff'ctly in Now seated, ' thought irom hei "As SI be jrrood a little s the oiher "Mucf n^plied I nightcap better foi "Ah, V with a n tate : of red-J.ot cinder,] r an J crearn helped ^eep/' he remarked, >ne buttered theitij that over on tlie ^ handed them to ithely. 'Ah. yoJ -"ig how perfunc- small comphment 'ever forgive youj ■ ^^eil himself set mong every kind ick of his opera- a mass of bread -a to get into hi. ^ ^J! at once tlie 're moi-e terrible mpy nightgown ^ oig white cap ■the chin. Neil h quivering like Arcadia 73 P Jlonged de- rigid scni^iny, ne by one. A* tening its eyes 'd.and cheese, Gosh, 1 an' aunt— quick. -n I make tea. 1 and tell me -red Lisspeth u about. It '■ the mistress lof fru^mpH^ng in" Sme"^'" ^'''''' ^^^° ^^^ '^' -"-^ions "I canic about my father," said the wretched girl, feeling Ishe must speak, yet not knowing what to say ^ 1 want to hear nothing about your father, lassie: he has 'made trouble enough here already" JeVfjllf ^?"' ^u"* ^' ''^' "^^§^'^t S^^^ ^^ ^ crouching tiger, and heavy drops began to fall from her lashes MacVrP^nr^'W^?° "^^'".^ "^'Y T"'" ^-^'" remarked Mrs. Macgregor, but I never found that it did much good I would get over the habit if I was you " ^ Something seemed to Hash behind the moisture in Jessie's T;J^''"^"'^^u'' ''^"'^'i"^ '^P^ t^^ht and whisking away the tears as ^ they stung her, she rose quickly to go. But Ned, who h^, noticed the flash, promptly interposed. Sit down, lie said cheerily. "Bless me! we are not ncany half done ,, K Will you do what your old uncle teU u? he dema' ..,.! as she hesitated, "or do you want to let him see plump and n' in his tea's not worth drinking?" Maybe my aunt wo sooner be without me,"' returned Jessie, catching a trembling lip in her teeth Hon '"'"•' -^'"S^V M ^^'T^^* y°" '^^^ "^o'-e rummle-gump- ton, rejoined Neil. -I thought you would take a word of uu. Your aunt must have her haver like other folk " But h.s private thought was '^God help the man who has to make peace between two hostile worn >n." Outwardly however, he was as one completely and per- It tly in his element. ^ ^ f seat^d°'^I.^'f P'^\' ^'' '^'^ '^"'"^'y ^^'^^" Jes^'^ ^'^s again seated let us see how canty you can make yourself I lust "•ought you would like Ibis surprise" ^ from herT/eJ'^''^^''' '"'"^ ^'''P^^^' shooting barbed darts "As sure's vou're alive," asseverated Neil. "And will vou be good eno gh to tell me what other man's wife ckserves a httle spree as w 11 as you? Red Sandv was savm^- j„sf '"''at"''[ T?' "''"' '^'^'^' ^'sspeth, It wcdild make you vain."'' Much I m caring what Red Sandy sr.ys or thinks either." ' p led Lisspeth, with a snort and a toss of her voluminous befter f Jr you ''"' "^"^ "' ""^ ^'"^ ^'"^ '^'"^^"^ '' ^^'^^^^ be wt-flf o' '^^"' -^ ^°" ^■?^^' Lisspeth, if you knew," said Neil, with a meaning smi'^ "But never mind, the thing will I*. I 74 ^^e Minister of State keep. And th ^^^^^ bhe would hflvp fl^' ' -^'sspeth, ^bout her, not rJdelv n^ °"' ^^^'"'- but AVfr, '''^-^C^l'^llZl'r'^' of f/o^;e^' '°'^^^' persuasive! ' S^^ her into a chaiv ??' ^' ^' ^'"estled ^entlv h . . me a fine armful of ' ^ v^"""^ deny thafRl^ ^"^ ^'"'"^y to, ^^''^'•e. you know tKTiJ'''^^-'"'"^ you "^^ ^'^e denly at a dext^r^ ^ ^^^ ^'ay," as <;h« *eet^they're PWd-e to hatyou?."' '»-" of 4 See" "^Z.'T 4"" ,, H ig^^^^^ you don't get your on wc day, 1 the bi Mr she n< the le day if was N "Yc he ans to hav He was a was a 1 that h( sie. T won't 1 "Do: the bo^ WitJ peth bj to sleei and Ne By arts pected h The far: business dim," ar playing >tate Red Sandy, jf ^i. ce- Now, Lisspeth, Arcadia 7S ^t Neil's arms were softly, persuasivel)' ■^"t'y but firmly to vonr ?^'"S: to the your feet— they're ' )r.7t down sud- Now for a bit ^hat was more to avelhan subtlety o taste the tea. of jubilation that 3ke It: catch an '^■"§: Jier mouth from the crystal ^'"«f. the waste, p**. Puttinp-in ^ere, now," he ■ tooth in your 'ken, he began n serious sub- a'J; was taken when he ob- 3nd other in- ;orgotten the ' three. He hJm he was himself, and ■"5^y to the " the pot. "St realised , keep you. t get your SSoddtwiS^'l^oi;™ "^ ^'^"^ ^°'"S *"e, or will your afrlid" """''"' ''''" ""'^ ■■^P"''' ^'"= ™^ "« in 'he leas. ^s;?; we were young ourselves once And ha.USd .t brnt'er' and^1v"e'h:ra''r°e:. ""'•' ^°" "" ^^ »'- '° "^"^ &SS l»:-.??',,fe a-wtr- dav if fh. .1 ,^lP' ^"'^ ^^'^^ J^ss'^ could sleep all next ^l/ei.'^Hafet.tj^^ .|:.e;p!rd^;^s^.-^;-^-^A-^^ ...at he wa.pere'^r '"Wl;:t ^y^u cJ^;^ VbZ ^^ a^l^riS' Jei^ peKcLt l;:d^ti.fshiS?5 ?lfeCd ^Ve°oS' ^•'^^- to sleep she referred adroitly to Red ^arrtv'. Sf v ^°'?^ and Nefl, chucWing inwardl/, Lnew *at"ht battl" ^Tr^: CHAPTER XI pectedt-m M^-1^ ^'' '^'''?'^ ^"^"^« ^ould not have sus- The firm work ?"''" h i!^' "^^^.^fying process with David, bvl^lness Early a'dfate^r^^"'' ^^^ '''^' ^^^ P^°P^^ Slg^sLriSSr^^^-^^ H J' fc nis strategic game, lymg in wait with the craft of a II: ■ 76 The Minister of State ceaselessly dinning btheir ea fand^^'" •?^, '^'^' "^'^^ss the lord and master himself had ^^n ' ^'^^^^ endearments looks. He took it all S Lrh hj f "^- '^''''^' ^"^ ^^gger Janne Tosh, acrid wit^ disgust .1 ^'^"^1°^'^ ^°"^^"tte sklate oflf the roof," a cau! S'l^"''^ ^^^'^ "^"^t be "a hopeless infirmity of tl^ head ""'^ ^'^ °^ suggesting a the.end^ ^^ ^i^^ :^:;^r'''^ of diplomacy. A. fPnngs, led David and Eva^f l'"^,-'" '""^^« ^"d walking on the men happened at the ?no Jnr? T '^'' ^^^^le, where wives and vvhite-livered hu S "InH ^.'"'"^'"^ P^^verse horses under pretence of groo,^'. i? ^^''T"§^ inoffensive sunshme and azure immedS Hh, ""-, P^-^^^htness as of tions with abusive bruSi and .m ""'"'.^ ^^^ P'^ce; opera- bottle was produced to ce?eb1-a?^T^^^^^^^^^^^^ '''■'''' ''^' ^lack Tosh, grmning till his monfh '^^'^o'^ed amity, and Jamie cnmson moonSace in two owL d'h ' '^^" '^'' ^^^'^'^^ a m msinuating there was^'a skTa e off h'''' 'f^^y "^'^^aken of fact, the roof had never been in ^ ''"'^- ■ ^' ^ "^^tter d'tion. ""^^"^ '^een m a more satisfactory con- adr^'oiLsT^rttatf o^ ^^\ ^°--"-^te tact and that Evan was no U 'eMo h'/^'v^"''"" '^'^'^ was a clause tion this being balan? d b^^^^t'^^/l'" ^""^'^ i""^^ - abate his passion for nracfLi : • ^''^'"§^ °" bis part to j-e rain from n.eddSg' wS^D, °^"§^' -^F| i" particular to half suspected he cherirhpI5 7, ",'''. ^°'' ^as more than black eyes upon that motj bov' /^l^" ""^ conferring twS opportunity. '""^"^^^ ^""y «" the very first favourable W^^/cSX^^t^Lf f7-°^ P-- he was al- a step upward to share r^ommonrK'-' "' H'''^ °^ ^^'•'^'ng boy burning to be a man on? .f i '''i'°"'' °^ ^be field. No such .n altern..tivc !-md Fv. ' V'"""'^ ^""'^ bcsitate over next day therefore found h,m ^,f ''^'°" .^as prompt. The the hayfield with a ra^i andTn ." °".^ ^ '''^>^ ^^ women in ance. as if it were an undrla "< l' 'J^^^'^^^^^'-^'narv import have one's rose broue-ht fl • 'i'° °"°"'" ^"^ ^^lici y to «:rindstone. ^''^^^ ^^'^ ^ ^rst time in touch with the Arcadia *■ ^m 77 r-like fervency rered Lisspeth ler pease-ban- tlieir mistress Y endearments ds and dagger c content that ■e must be "a suggesting a iplomacy. At d walking on stable, where iing perverse g" inoffensive ?htness as of ^lace; opera- -d, the black [y and Jamie - dividing a -ly mistaken As a matter factory con- e tact and ^as a clause t's jurisdic- hJs part to irticular to more than erring two favourable !ie was al- or taking ■field. No litate over npt. The ^onien in y import- Felicity to I with the The original intention had been to give him a sharp dose of manual labour, and when he should be cured of his friski- ness to pack him back grateful and glad to the herding. But he stretched his neck so eagerly to the yoke, dashed the sweat drops from his eyes with such an invincible happi- ness, that the purpose was revoked and he was confirmed in his manly office. The edict which made Evan a ha'f'lin* made Long Donald's Jock a herd, though the appointment meant lasting durance for the bull. Thereupon Evan doffed his kilt and donned corduroy breeches, the change costing him nearly all his wages. But he had no thought of standing upon a question of expense, for did the transformation not mean a long, long step to- wards manhood, that glorious goal of boyish ambitions.'' Feeling the corded cloth in an ecstasy of self-importance, he pitied the luckless youngsters who had to be content with kilts, and looking forth from his sublime altitude, re- garded herding as an experience of his remote youth, a thing for dreams and meditations. Among horses he was proficient from the first, and he pre- ferred them spirited, that h to say, a trifle risky. If they were biters and kickers he was the better pleased. One day, it was proph-'sied, he would be found mangled and lifeless under avenging hoofs. Possibly. It was not for common folks, he mo'^estly owned, to gainsay the prophets, but with a sidelong tvv inkle that plainly implied unbelief, he ventured to inquire what they fancied he would be about while the horse was engaged in the mangling. His particular favourite was a veteran of inimitable wick- edness named Coachy, from its having once worn State harness and flung disdainful spume in the purple face of the driver of the Royal Mail. Even an expert in equine de- pravity would find it hard to name a vice which this four- footed fiend had not at some time exemplified in its heinous career, or a crime which it had not either attempted or tri- umphantly accomplished. In its coaching days the whole vallev of the Tav ranc with its iniquities, so that .^t ^.tiipnin""- places people crowded to gaze at it as they might gaze at a chained hyena. Its later deeds fully sustained its ea/ly repu- tation. It had bitten half the face off a former plouphman; it had taken Jamie Tosh by the shoulder and shaken him as a terrier shakes a rat ; it had sent Neil himself flying from *Ha'f' lit! — a lad who docs a man's work for a boy's wage, with the -Irudgery which neither man nor woman will endure superadded. il 7'j^>**T 7S The Minister of State its stall with his heart in his mouth • ^n^ •. • were innumerable. Mr Ma^^rP^A f '*' "''"°'' o^^nces would have it sold or fhot^rtnoLhT'f'^ '^^ ^^ because, in spite of a^e and iUt^^f' ".* '* "^^^ tolerated two ordinary horses in^tL Strath P"'' '^ ^'' ^^^^^ ^"V ^P^^^^ts^^^^^^^^ endued it with a •t m the ribs and nibbfng ftTn^e^le °^^^^^^^^ it, digging and see t flin^- and Cnl^rh.r ,^f^ P'^^es to hear it squeal eral abortive ftiempts'^^o^mSm'^l!;;!;^"^ ^^"^-"^^' ^^d-- Tosh :i^ onrof^hSe'^oc^ca"!^^^^^ Jamie dodging. "Ay faith crunch Tr h '''''' ^^"^ """^le Evan "He'd like to." resprded^FV^"""' ^.° f"^^"^^ ^^^ ye." adding maliciously '?)°h-bv-theb;r? ^^' '^^^ "°^ ^elp over that bout y/u had to'/e^^it ^^sl td tSe^l Onelir^s'slS^^^ the masteihand. lift" peats, leaving EvL to th. v ^ "^^"^ ^° ^^^ ^i'" to of general management '°j|^/it°"°"'-«/nd responsibilities His cousins, or suTof them as wereT^ undisputed sway. ?chool, probably blubbeS under Hi ^^''°""^' "^^'^ ^' m-ie Proudfoot's black rulef- T .1. L ^pphcation of dom- was liquefying fearfuHy amongTot \nH ""-ff °^ ^" ^°^^-- Jock Bean was with the oastnrfnS ..f "^ P'tchers indoors; good miles ofr among tL^eather '-?'•: '^ '''' ''''^ ^our say, What doest thou? it was his' to d'' '^7' ^"^ "°"« to cute according to his soiLl^'n pli^surj"'' ''"'' ^"^ ^^^- his St: "rmSL'Sntlnd conif Tr ^^^^^ -'-- to was a great, an animSg tlW to ?I Y^"^ '° ^'' ^^^^ It and spy no rival near tlfe hro^ne But i?'^^' *° '°."^ ^^'•^''^^ ous obligations. Well* -ind wW ^.f.l^ .^ '"Posed momen- jng heart. Is not obligation nect r '^""^-J'^^^ the mount- I'gation the hero's pasSon to 3nr ? ^S^'^'on? Is not ob- tlnnk oMying frofn ^IZ^^^J^^^l^^^^^^o. most quixotically nice ab'out dJ ve?i"stVifl"'f>^ ^"" ''- to smack of dutv Jt wac veriest trifle if it appeared should sla„dero"^^,ong„e"-be abTe /."■ "M.'""?"''- Never 'nvested with poiver and „L„ J ° '?>' *=" he Iiad been Arcadia 79 minor offences ntly swore he : was tolerated ^as worth any lued it with a ut it, digging hear it squeal ke, made sev- narked Jamie nimble Evan List for ye." 'uld not help lave you got bad tussle, I masteihand, :o the hill to 5ponsibilities pitted sway, 'unt, were at ion of dom- of all work, -rs indoors; 5t were four tvas none to ee and exe- airiness to fiis eye. It ook abroad -d momen- the mount- Is not ch- ild as soon 5"S" in his from abat- ig him al- : appeared r. Never had been r. Let all ^en the big folk came home they should find things as trim and shipshape as if five score grieves had been charged with the care of Pitweem during their absence. Late in the afternoon, as he was in the thick of his mul- tifarious activities, he canjc upon Florence and her maid glumly moping their souls out for lack of diversion. He meant to pass on with such indifferent greeting as a man in hot pursuit of duty might give frivolous girls falling casually in his way. A cry of jo}; and a clapping of hands, as at a timely and graceful providence, denoted peril of hindrance, and he lengthened his stride. But the next moment my lady had tiung herself upon him, rs a proved comedian, entreating to be amused. Pulling up with an ex- pression half smile, half frown, he looked curiously in the pleading eyes; then spoke like an oracle moved to irony. Did she imagine it was part of a responsible overseer's busi- ness to devise fun for idle people? It were well, he coun- selled, to correct the hapless notion at once. Whereupon Miss Dudley, fixing upon him an injured, disappointed look, thrust out her red lips upbraidingly. So, this was his chivalry then! Well! thenceforward she would take care to choose more adventurous or more gallant friends. And he would please understand that all must now be over between them. She would never speak to him again, never play with him, never write to him when she got back to Eng- land, never send him a card or a story-book at Christmas, nor give any other token of her esteem and affection. There were countless boys in the world who would be proud to do her service and receive her favours; and the round rosy face puckered, and the golden brown curls tossed imperi- ously in a storm of contemptuous indignation. Here was a situation of unforeseen delicacy. Wisdom eschews obstinacy, and the discredited knight instinctively thought of compromise. He was clean against deflection that day, yet by steering judiciously near the wind it might be possible to please both sides, to gratify Florence with- out forfeiting the bloom and perfume of fidelity. So he casi rapidly about for some feasible scheme of amusement, and almost instantly his mind lighted on Coachy, ther peaceably munching barley straw in the stable. His heart gave a jubilant leap, iiis pulses beat a heady measure to which prudence went skipping and dancing out of mind. Ah; Coachy. It jumped wonderfully with the autocrat's humour to bring matters to a head with that 8o The Minister of State fp'rll^SSs^^^^^^^^^^ nch in promise truly a rare stroke of fortune Th.n ?"^?^/^P*"^°"sIy; applause which he heard i„7maJn^!,-P'f °^ l^''^^'^^' and chantress before him put tl e^f t .h^!] ^'"Vl"^ «^"cy en- fl'ght. But before prScee Hnc fn u^'^°''' °^ hesitancy to vows of eternal silen^ce He plat an "mT"' ^'' '""^^ h^^^ pose he were to risk reout^fmn ^ ^aginary case. Sup- take their solemnesoltCerto"rH^?P"?^^' ^°"^d the^y eager brightness in Florence ' L'"^^^ ^^' tongue. What or how many o^ths diJ^ f'"'''^^. ^^^^^^ ^er sand, ten thousand, a niilfion ° Lef I ' '^^"'^^-a thou- and prescribe the form. He couM h "'•"'™' '^^ """^ber hked, of any kind he liked the on li "'r'^ ^' "^^"^ ^' ^e He took the Dledp-P= ^ •' I- ^^ condition bein/ haste Shorter Catechit'fnd' fle'tf Mu?d" ':\T^^^-'y oiZ false swearing involved ^^"rdoch Macnair all that fire an:rbrij;rrn " Z^tr'' '' P^"-P«^ - a lake of antly. "And vvhe^ Xi^^^i ^J^^ Sf out," he said pleas- drmk the Black GentSan wi ^st h f!^^ '"^^ ^''''^^' ^ Thev would chanrP tht ^'^V- '^"Sfh at you." 'un? His answers o Se" n1^"'^ l^ ■■'^''>' -«> 'he ven,em,^and invi.e then, to the "taWe ™" ''" '"=" '^^ '^°"- -lintenng the stable ,-mf . ,, "l^P^.mio&t. back, hea^vanceT^raighru'ionV" .'^' ^^^ ^^^^''-J his and stepped lightly intX s^ah fn '^^ ^'i^,^^^^ ^* ^^out, twisted like a snake, bringing^ ' h,nd ''"'"'''T^ ^'^^ brute the partition to prevent eSe anrrlh"^"""''', ^^"'"^ ^^^'"«t their breath in a tremor of expectadon ^^'1''''' ^^^^^^S flash of bare jaws. The frnn k "' ^'^^^ electr fied bv a bead tried odds with the Xs' l7vT ^''^''y' ^^'^^^Y'^ of glee. '^^^^'^' and Florence gave a shout cold'wilh ^Imrror^'^'Fol- ^'"M'P'- ^'^^^" «be was dumb and quickness and f^^ocit'v'ibf /.^^Tl"? .'^-'^ with a t^^ Struck Evan down. there\v-iT;„ .f ''n"'""'^' '^^^^<^> and swifter, wickeder than I e fi ?' ZT^! ^f' °^ bare jaws p ercing cry. That sign of mas'ol f P^"'" '"^"8 ^ith a =h in promise rapturously; laugliter and he saucy en- hesitancy to : must have case. Sup- would they iecret? The before her re — a thou- the number many as he >emg haste, ority of the lair all that n a lake of said pleas- rrcet for a y with the t Jay con- , he ex- ehind his it about, the brute d against . holding ified by a Coachy's ' a shout imb and tigerish "ed, and re jav^s, ;• with a 'Ut note achy as ts teeth I'een its Arcadia 8i forelegs it kneeled upon him with a noise that was part grunt, part snort, part hellish whinny. At that sickening proof of the beast's victory the specta- tors, shutting their eyes, fled screaming, and as they flew there came to their ears a curdling shriek which told all too plainly that Coachy was determined then and there to finish his enemy. Hearing the screams, Mr. Dudley, who chanced to be lolling by an open window v/ith a newspaper on his knee, rushed out to find Florence behaving like a creature frantic with sudden pain and fright. "Oh, papa!" she cried chokingly at sight of him. "The wild horse is biting and lying on Evan ! Oh, papa, run, papa, run! he will be dead. The horse has him down." "Dead, down," repeated Mr. Dudley aghast. "What is this?" he demanded of the hysterical white-faced maid. "In the stable, sir," was all she could answer, and he waited for no more. In the stable he found a spectacle which turned his mar- row to ice. The brute still knelt, worrying like a wild boar, and his victim, huddled face downward, appeared a mere inert heap of tattered and bloody clothes. Seizing a graip which stood against the wall, Mr. Dudley drove with all his might at the horse. It desisted, rising with a little shiver, and Evan was clutched and drawn from among its feet. _ It seemed he must indeed be dead. His eyes were closed, his lax face had the hue of death, and he was soaked in gore and cruelly torn. A frenzy of revenge came upon Mr. Dud- ley, and he struck again at Coachy, driving the prongs of the graip deep into the fore-ribs and withdrawing them crimson, it groaned, staggered, made a feeble efifort to retaliate, fell against the partition, and collapsed. But Mr. Dudley neither saw nor heeded, for he was lifting Evan upon some con- venient straw. As he bent over the passive form looking for signs of life, the coachman, who had been absent on an errand, entered. "Tliis is a bad business," said Mr. Dudley, glancing into the scared and inquiring face of the man. "But, thank God, he is not dead. Come and help me got him into the house." _ Between them they lifted the pitiable figure, then taking him in his arms as softly and tenderly as any mother could, Mr. Dudley carried him into the dwelling-house and laid him upon a bed. The womenfolk, terrified into speechless- I '.V, .;)* 82 M The Minister of State Herfathers'pVe^ht'krshe7^''''' ^^^ -^^ed, when shallIdo,pV,ifpSlvant^^^^^^ ''What rVou^nlLrno't"'; fiSTh^a'; K^V^J.^^^^er soothingly mstantlytheh-ttle'i.erolnecramm^^^^^^ aS "Poof li ^° '^'^' *^' sobs ' ^'^' Jiandkerchief into marked\ln^ Dufc to'^thT' o„^'^ ^^"'^"^ though." re~ ^'•^""-tehisfaceisL dist^ed?'"! ^' ^'T' "^"^ it^s spoken Evan opened his eyef as from m "' '^^" ^^''^^ were ment he stared blanklv pf ft^l °'" ^ ^'"^am. For a mn as if to rise. '''"^'^ '' '^' -°"^Pany of faces, then starred Where am T?" ii ^ g>llecting themselves! heT^^^^^^^ swimmin. senses Dudley, "I am very sorry sir hnf-ni P^^^f'"8^ look at Mr. said I was not to go near Cntu ^rT^ '-^O" ^ tell. Thev him knock me down." °'''''^- ^ ^^^"'t know how Ile^ , ^o," answered Mr n.,wi„ damp ta,> „,,h his tpen^h W^' ^P^t^'Hr^ ^^^^'^ the t«I!. There now, lie perfectly n,„v. " a ', "^"' "*ody will .nform .hat Ae hor e'^'tir.'' n Vr™.^^'''"^"'''^^* '"" d tojhe heart. "^ "y"?- P'fced, as it appeared, p«h5f ™t'te,\£™i'h'l'^;:?ei;,;^i;' ^''- '^".'^■ey- -m. fhat done saddle the blach^L!^?^^^''^^^ slow torture as hard as ever she c^n ^ ToJ "relfv '°^^^- ^-b- surgical case; explain the maiZ; t"' '*' a" "^gent bones broken, that certain^ IL f -^. ^^^"-^ ''^'■e Probfbly torn and bring him insta;^l'?. he t frn'^r"^ r^" '^^ other doctor you can find, and at in hi ? ''°"'^ ^^^^^ any Twenty minutes later the 1 om! ^^\^^^^^^^ make haste " startled bv a de«neraf -« f. ''""f^wives of Aberfr.nri^ ,:.;._ spurring rider,' while 'the faV c"onl?°Kf ^"^ ^^'^ vision ^f 'a and a desire for vengeance forT*^^^" '^'""^^ with rage oii^cer narrowly escap^^"b^5nrriSn2:^ir>^^ ^^^ -lo^^ END OF BOOK I, loodless faces. sobbed, when rage. "What -r soothingly ; hini." And ikerchief into though," rc- e- "But it's - words were For a mo- then started 'ning senses look at Mr. tell. They IV how I let g back the lobody will a little sigh sy as pos- 1 hastened appeared, ley. "It'll w torture, 'r- Forbes an urgent probably "ven and fetch any haste." ---• rrcsc sion of a 'ith rage I zealous BOOK II.-THE TIME OF ROSES All heaven is a maiden's blush, In which the soul doth speak That it was you who sent the flush Into the maiden's cheek. Coleridge. CHAPTER I Within an hour the watchers by Evan's bedside \yere heartened by the accents of Dr. Forbes giving directions about his horse. Hardly had he flung the reins to his at- tendant, when Dugald, tingling with a sense of tragedy, caught the twinkle of cart wheels and harness buckles on a crest half a mile away. "The peat-lifters," he cried, and his heart beat in a pleasurable tumult at thought of what was in store for them. To bide their coming was out of the ques- tion, for he was fermenting like a yeasty vat; so he scurried to meet them, bawling as he drew near that Coachy was dead, that Evan was hurt and dying, and that the doctor had just arrived post-haste. The expression of blank, gap- ing consternation upon which he had counted was imme- diate. The cart stopped with a jerk, all in it springing to their feet and looking down upon him with startled eyes and blenching faces. "Coachy dead, Evan hurt and dying!" came from them in a kind of hoarse chorus. "Yes." said Dugald in nanting ardour "Coachy's lying dead in the stable, and Evan is lying on Mr. Dudley's bed." There was no need to explain the connection between boy and horse. With an inarticulate cry David leapt from the cart and was off in a distracted race to learn the worst; the others, save Bob Conacher, who drove, following hard after him. He was the oldest and feeblest among them, but he pi'- i 11, ll .: i ^J- The Minister of State gate waiting for S^vith^l^h ^,"'^^'>' '^""^ at the garden cealed or dissembled '°° '"''g'^ ™ ^^ face to be con looked'ar,7l'f!,i- '-PP-ed?- ff^Ped David, and be answer quick enough. "'' *" "*" '° Piuck out the . "HernoTd'etd'.' T^iT't"';" '^'^ ^r. Dudley „uietly "or likely to die St^'ei- tof^ ■<"f W^' "''e '"not dead ■^'^^^H^Br^ ^o '"s^ F^s "" ■■" -'■ ■ng, puffing Neil. """' ^""'"y 'S"'"- ^ir," pu, in ,he heav- .^•Dj'dley nodded. -.dits wi^^d;t^'S."t"aM''' "■■'" ^ '■■"^ '•" '-'^ heart ^; ants&^LrrS^'^r-'-^'' ^-■'. "*a. is kill ??Jr^|^,-JP -U"a nVS^^^^ -,Pe .^' "n .t- ^n--£«'.t r,^f-h^ -^-o « are, all to ?*":'" a^ ,T^' .''"°>»' "'anner "here weather for the peatl^Ttween' ''Zt.T"'":'^' "'ort ac^fdJx? SL^i^te;/v-^^^^^^^^^ t'^?. else "o iT"'." S° i"""ithte worid' 1}°^' '"<' ' "'^'^'ai-eto J^^^ - "o .-daher.sX:?s'';blt'^- W^; The Time of Roses at the garden ntion of break- calm and even face to be con- ^avid, and he pluck out the ley quietly. Jessie, thrust- ather's. • is not dead, - and in your es." • in the heav- - 'n its heart "that is kill- let the dogs "fl eat him, wHl pe gey other day. they found lary exam- ley entered I am very f ought to me." ry counte- ^er, "here Glorious 's in luck. A trifling leclare to anything Ho, ho! red face, time of 85 With himself precept and example went hand in hand. A man of generous presence, exuberant spirits, and a face ruddy with sun, wind, rain, and good-will, he diffused sun- shine like a second orb. In the sick-room his mission seemed to be to laugh disease and pain out of existence, as if a timely je.st were the best resource of science, and the graver the case the greater his cheerfulness. What baseless falsehoods he perpetrated from pure love of humanity the Recording Angel alone knows, if, indeed, that stern registrar was not seduced into winking at benignant fibs. For, in spite of his grim ofifice, Fate's dispassionate roll-keeper may possibly have glints of humour, may be liable to twinges of human sympathy, and consequently to opportune fits of blindness. Be that as it may, it is certain that if everlasting bliss depended on the will of his people. Dr. Forbes would have the cosiest corner in Paradise. "Never such a man," they said, marvelling at his ex- haustless geniality. "Thinks of nothing but making poor folk happy." "Ay," some one would respond, capping the universal praise, "he even forgets to chairge whiles." It was impossible to go beyond that. Smiling and chatting lightly, as if nothing of particular moment to anybody had happened, the doctor turned back to his patient. "Well! my little man," he observed blithely, "we'll just find out the exact result of your dispute with that cantank- erous brute. And you'd scarcely believe how quick we'll be about it, and how easy it'll be. Just see if it's not all over while you're waiting for it to begin. Now," taking Evan gently in his arms, "we'll just move round a little, and you'll give us a sample of the bravery you showed in tack- ling such a formidable antagonist." He peered into ugly blood-red wounds, David watching with every furrow in his face a tiny runnel, and Jessie with fingers that unconsciously strove to wring themselves from joint to joint. "H'm, you've had it out together," said the doctor. "Draw a long breath, my little man; as deep as ever you can. That's it." When the inspiration was at the full the surgeon''^ mger- tips touched a spot at the lower ribs, and Evan si rank to- gether with a sharp cry. ^-^rsst*- w^rr ■I '' irii ''-% The Minister of State 86 on our feet again in no t^e X Tj^^^'^^^' ^"d we'll b^e of going hl^"^' ^P°^^ °"t, in the same breath, in favour in.S^?S hTpSenJtnSs^ndt' l'^. ^°^^-' P-eed- ^et\o'";'"°^^ baby in long l^outs "4? '° ^ pt your argest and easiest arm rh!t I ^°°^ ^"ough to The chair w.-!s hroupht Rnh r- presenting the:„«.jves Is bearers rt^n""' '"^'^ J'»'"''= Tosh Sori;S'S'-;{sa.i*^-/adr[,i: -auctions. -A nice slow easv rW^ • "•'. ^^^ ^^^ of in- bu , for your lives, no jSinT^T^r ""''.'^'"^ ^^ Jou like, going through doors and r"o^md corn^erf' M^' ''f P^^^^e . /be procession started IhT? ^'^"^'^s. Now then." -de of the chair vv^th'a hand ot to'^'.''"^ ^'°^^ «" one upon the others, Jessie pressin . -j .. ^Ponse. "Hurt for Hf?7S' tmlll ^A^f ™™^""S re- You leave the laddie to me Dav d t^ ^ '°J " "' ''°W Nature; between „s, I thin^ °^eV^' ?„- Jha^fJlt fhe^t almost gaily. t, and we'll be ng to lie here, It those about 5cl; if not, this ath, in favour tor, proceed- the similitude )d enough to stout fellows uin, my for- tioning look Mogul him- Jamie Tosh rerly as if it • hands, the 1 the palan- -ord Harry way of iu- jf you like, are, please, then." 3se on one >avid close now there, •inging up ivas drawn light. A rying sci- uiver and Lvid in an lifted his ating re- : holiday. Grannie ' the job. The Time of Roses 87 Hadn't I the honour of bringhig this young gentleman into the world?" "You had, doctor." "I thought so. I mind the fine face of his mother yet: God, David, he's like her. Well! we're not going to le' him give us the slip just yet as if he were tired of us and oui company." In order to frustrate any secret design of escape that might be cherished by the patient, the doctor whipped off his coat and tucked up his sleeves as if for a boxing or wrestling match. Then, with a clandestine and felonious air, he took from a small hand-bag a mass of lints and ban- dages, and some glimmering steel instruments with ugly probing points. David thrilled icily at sight of them, and Jessie, though endowed with excellent nerves, was over- come by sudden nausea. All at once the doctor's face took on a shade of grimness, and he bent forward whispering in Mr. Dudley's ear. "Two ribs to set and some work for the needle: will you hold him?" was what he said. Mr. Dudley replied in the affirmative. "Then," said the doctor, bending still closer, "you must hold for your life, and the more he cries out hold the harder." "But you will administer chloroform," suggested Mr. Dudley. "Oh, God bless me!- no," returned the doctor quickly; and one might have fancied from his expression he had been asked to commit foul murder. "No, no, we make no experi- ments. Hospitals and paupers for that. And as you wish him a speedy recovery, grip light when he struggles. Re- member that to relax for so much as half a second would ruin everything. You're sure of your nerve?" "Quite; but I thought chloroform was always adminis- tered in cases like this." "We are not city doctors playing with human lives, Mr. Dudley. That way may lie sudden death. Are you ready?" Mr. Dudley gave an emphatic nod. "Very well," said the doctor, looking full in his assistant's eyes to insure himself of the valour behind them. "We'll get it over, then." Thereupon he turned with his customary good humour to David and Jessie. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 2.2 ■UUU 1.8 11:25 i 1.4 6" 1.6 ^1 «? /; ^"^Z^" *-_X- Sciences Corporation ^ :i>^ i\ <^ N> l\ ^^ !#. ^ tsv ;\ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716)872-4S03 D^^^- ^1^ '^ , .^,: -'" ;i I. 8S The Minister of State -n, oCp^^^^;^^" he said. '.„d too , was finally a'djuste'd andihe ^per^fiof h".' ''^"' ^'^^ P^^^"" To science and the race ttuT ^^§^^"- everyday affair, but to the indElf 1 v'^^^^ ''' ' ^°n^n^on terror hke death and the stHnr ."?^ '^ '' ^^^r an infinite himself with a fortitude whchanl °''"""- ^van bram fing-ers, clenching like vices Z^l '^'" ^^'^ doctor. H? palms and the bWsqSed7rom ,' "''^^. ^^^P '"^« ^ set teeth to smother the cry of fnrn 'P^ ^^'PP^^ between ^onquer. At the rasp of^broken k'* ^^* Mature is ill to piercing: needle not all the fnrJl ; °"f ^"^ the pang of he acute scream and prS L^the sluicM '"'°" -"^d^^es roll of beaded sweat Con D.rlf ^.?^'1"§^ ^°"tortion and the horse's javvs seemed niercv^tlirl*^^ ^"'■^^^"'s steei how pain could make the he.H u v ' ?^^^^ "^ver dreamed were accom^lh ^d,''and ftf /ocfo ^"'^■""ff """ "^-dagin. Well, we're p-ntnrr + j they stepped in, fheirVrawn ff'^ "'7'^'" '^^ remarked ns ^rected to the b^d ''Evemhtnt' h"^ ^'^^^ ^^^'■^"' ^ye c^'- should go. We'll soon be sSnnf ""^ ^•°"' Precisely as t warm work," niopping 'h ^S "§" ^§^^'"' ^avid. inUt'l a bit warm too for the ?n f f °"^^ "^o^e. "And 's ture will presentrj begin Sf^ ^''^^^^^ ^^^'^^^ Mother n1 gveet of constitutVn'^^No wh sky' ?nflr ""^ ' ^°""^' -^ Ve'^a?i-^;v:::it^:,r^^^^^^^^^^ doubtfu'l whetCt':t^d^do Sv\^'?,"^^^ ^'"-tremelv was too far spent to evpree ' hk n^ ^l" ''^ ^' ^"- ^uf h^ were ail eagerness to believe '^°"^''*'' ^"^ the others Mn|:jdl:?SL;^5^;;L^^ ;-n-ould bestow. to the boys welfare, and ^:il'iZ::'Z;^^r-t& The Time of Roses 89 ^le said, "and too H just dander up ■ won't be a jifify, ed. We want to j> >ks, as if weights ^ sign from the hem; the patient ti. ^^ Js a common ever an infinite • Evan braced -he doctor. His s deep into his ripped between Nature is ill to ^ the pang of 1 could repress contortion and surgeon's steel lever dreamed hght to dark- 1(1 bandagino- his brow with "light be rc- remarked as arful eyes di- recisely as it vid. But it's "And it's Mother Na- young, and our system. !d." it extreme! V aJI- r?iit he ' the others uici bestow. y of seeing *^e; so that Evan on his back fared infinitely better than Evan had ever fared on his feet. Daily supplies of fruit, jellies, and other rare delicacies reached him from Pitweem ; chicken broth was made for him and the limbs of chickens were given him to devour. He had baker's bread too, from Aberfourie, crusty and sour with alum, and delicious farrels, light as down and white as snow, and sometimes even teacakes, though at this the doctor shook his head. The eternal por- ridge was tabooed as tending to product febrile disturb- ances, and as digestion waited unfailingly on appetite, cook and baker could not have had a more appreciative con- sumer. Dr. Forbes, with whom Neil had privately arranged mat- ters, made regular visits and each time was able to report that "we" were doing "very nicely, very nicely indeed." In the first stages the knitting fibres set up an intermittent fever which was not alleviated by the stifling oven-like heat of the windless July and early August nights. There were times when Evan would have given all present and prospec- tive possessions for one cool breath upon the burning sheets, one hour's respite from the fruitless endeavour to cheat pain by counting the moments as they were wearily measured by the clock. Nevertheless the progress, if less rapid than it might have been with the aid of contemned antiseptics, was steady and satisfactory. The blood was pure, as the doctor remarked, the constitution sound as a new bell, the floating germs were few, and there were no complications. To beguile the tedium of convalescence Mr. Dudley sent to his English home for books, for David Kinloch's library was not of the kind to fascinate youth. It consisted of the Bible with Matthew Henry's Commentary, Fox's "Book of Martyrs," "The Scots Worthies," "The Westminster Con- fession of Faith," "The Holy War," Jeremy Taylor's "Holy Living and Dying," "A History of the Covenanters," a "Life of Calvin," some "Sermons" by Dr. Chalmers, "The Headship of Christ" by Hugh Miller, a book of Religious Precepts, and volurnes of a Free Church periodical. One little book it contained, however, which set Evan strangely a-thinking. It was devotional in spirit, but as may be imagined its spell lay not in its piety. What gave it its peculiar value, its intimate and hallowed charm, was an inscription which already, because of poor ink, was turning |^^ i: '< 90 The Minister of State was^^'rl^'iln^d "rthu?-^ """"^' '" ^ ^""P '""'-- hand, H. n,h.o„3„.s, anlS^^H «/?LL^;^Sr ald'^dt^^^ woTd's' wercrt^gTdusr'h'i'L'i'"? ''5^'^'"^ 'he among- the daisies 3 il j ' , "^^ ^^°od above them derinf n his ch' d^sh w?v"l^i ''^ *^^' F7 headstone, woiv buried. He thoughfhr^undtLor^' ^^^- ^^ ^'^ ^"^ ^e own, yet with a cerfp in ""^fr^^pocl now; dimly he had to how'tL grave Vasafter^frbS/''"'""^' '^^' ^^^^ ^^^ and a fairer world whd' ^vJ.."/ Pa^s^p-way to anothe; bright azure Spaces He seemed 'T^^^'^'^ ^^^^ far off in thronging through a blad '^ "^ ^° '^^ ^ ^'^^^ procession tainous wall to burst into en Hi "°"' °P'"^"S^ ^" ^ "^oun- his'tLsS^;^^^^^^^ ^-^^h^ open book to bung bright inl^f imag^^^^^^^^ 'j^ °^ '^' ^^'' ^u^"^^ ^^^^^ shining hair and vviXl irfn ° , , ^"'^ remembered ^ told how on the lal S shf ^^^^ P^ ^"^ «^^en b with a presentiii^^nt o^^^^^^ f^ *^^^" ^""^ *° ^er arm. sleep as had been her rnior-''' ,^^"°0!""§: bim sweetly to tbe grey morning hours eT J u^^^'^' ^">'^' ^"^ ^ovv in from lier side? To? af^^a lonrf iir'" '"'/'^^^ bewildered all at once became imperativf ^f [f "^V^''-§^""^ '"^^''^'y brances too of his owTtemne!; .f ^^^.^ P^'S^nant remem- vain with her to sne^k fn S °Vf 8^"'«Ji as he pleaded in were his days to be a dious^nl?- ^'""'l 1^°"'^ ^^ forget, burning horU°of dLp^irrhtr^e"; 'd i^^f"""^^'^^^^ at the roots of his being, Xfhe ?om d h^.^f^ shut against his apDeal Vwin • I] . ^^^r ear was there tas some Tarful error tV"°''''' '^"^^ ' ^o, no! whom she had so often told bin. .' f ^"'T ^^^ ^^out him to prav could no. h ' *'', "^^""^ '^^ ^'^^ taught That had be^n h crv L b'p'^^'^'^^^^^^^ *° ''^' ^"'" ^^^y- tea., and foAt^SileL^'al ^^rs^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ te p feminine hand, her, and beneath rdom of God and II be added unto ! that wrote the 3od above them headstone, won- d to die and be iimly he had to that awed him, ■way to another •e far, far oflf in jeat procession ing in a moun- i beyond. His sies in spite of ire was her last d devise, e open book to fair figure that membered '^ — had often b to her armi, lim sweetly to 's, and how in ed bewildered g'l'im emissary ^nant remem- be pleaded in lid he forget, "t-wrench, the searing-irons t her ear was ad ! No, no ! s God about le had taught ke her away, face with his is grief, but illness of the The Time of Roses 91 lone room it all came back to him very vividly and with stirrings of dewy emotion. How would it be, he asked him- self, if she had not gone? Would his life be different? Would she take his part when he got into trouble? Would she have a finer understanding of his trials than others had, and a readier pity when he went wrong? And when fever burned would she lay a cool, soothing hand upon his hot brow? Being a poet for the moment he re-created the past, set- ting a sweet winsome presence in the full light of the fore- ground of his magical picture. His eyes seemed to dazzle as he gazed upon her, noting the ardent look, the smile that warmed and comforted like a cordial, the perfect curves of the oval, comely face, the yearning beauty of the eyes. Her very breathing seemed audible; the soft, persuasive tones of her voice thrilled in his ear like a strain of weird music. And as he dreamed his impassioned dream, all at once her arms were about him and her kisses pouring on his lips like warm honey. He drank them in with a fiery, passionate thirst, pressing vehemently for more, and clinging with all the force and filial intensity of heart and soul and sense. That was a thing divine, a fusing and mingling of being with being till each was lost in the other and both in an un- speakable joy. Suddenly as it came the illusion vanished, and he sank back with a wildly fluttering heart and a dizzy drunken brain, clasping the book tighter to his breast. But the impression, struck on the instant into his mind, re- mained engraven as "with lead in the rock for ever." From the other books he had, with the fine discrimination of a boy, taken just what suited him. The narrative parts of the Bible he knew well and relished. The whole-hearted, thorough manner in which Hebrew kings and warriors did their business stirred him gratefully ; but it is to be feared he neglected the invaluable commentaries and expositions of the good Mr, Henry. The gorier exploits of the Covenanters animated him to a pleasurable warmth, and for Claverhouse, despite the man's incontestable wickedness, he had so cor- dial an admiration that he regretted it had not been his lot to ride by that stained bridle-rein. Some old-fashioned cuts likewise exercised a potent fascination, in particular two representing the battles of Bothwell Brig and Drumclog. For hours he would pore over them, imagining himself cut- ting and hewing in the thickest of the fight. But these T I 92 The Minister of State !', the'hvLrme^lTpTot^^^ ^^^ -"---^ portion of Mr. Dudleys LSefJrHnn ^^§^"'"§^ ^^s of yawning. the parchedrcemlnlf frd^e^hm^^^^^^^^ ^^ ^""^^ ^° books were such as one reads onTTlu ^ "^^^'y- ^^'^ for a lifetime that t^ie first deW.? "^'^^ ^."'^°' ^"^ ^^grets peated. "Ivanhoe/' ' Rob rIv '' "n.TS''^",^"""^^ ^e re- the master of the vivid and^' v.? "^ Mortality" (wherein Drumclog and BoX'elf^'Brfg ""^SToe'^^'^Gun^'^^^^i Oliver Twist" and "PickwiVl^ " '"ri >;'^"?°^' , Gulliver," "Cook's Voyages," and cXn of S ^The A ' V ^' ^•'^^^'" -these, arid other wo;ks of ma^ r Z^^,^,^^bian Nights" space, and revealed whole ?ealms^nf i^""''"'f ^ed time and looked askance on idle tales he h.H '"^'^^"t'^ent. David novel in his life, and it wal w,>i, "'''^'' °^"^^ ^^ ^-ead a science he permitted one'n h hn?""' compunctions of con- and his less scrupulous son v^.M ' J ^"^ ^ ^*^'^ ^"^ P^^^^- Creed or CatechFs^n to the soel olfh '''''^°"' *^°"^^* ^^ the first step in a patl that was oLh'; "^^,8^'^'^"^ It was ways of D^vid • far ton frI!L ?, "^ ^^', ^^°"i ^he homelv swers. One day Dr ForbeTw.^ /.m % T-""""^"*' ^"^ an- keenness and alertnesrhis trZi^ 1 ""^ ^'' ^°""^ P^t^^nt's tuitions. David 1 sten^d with rf ' .^ ^^""l"' ^"^ ^^^hing in- doch Macnair, who had sTil.d .? ^T' ''"* *^^ ^^^^ Mur- the doctor toV:m?n5^t uf?ert^trw "' '"r/"^ ^'^^^ puckered his mouth and smSed san en Iv T^ f '^''''^^' not notice either the pucker or f I. !f^",^; T^^ ^^^'or did ing with quite superCus warmth. tTff'p^^'' ^'' ^^^ ^^^^^'- chance must be eSjicat^^^ must have a spirSnVr;^^p;t^m^?'"H'='' '^ ^"^^ - '- J-ty, in- degree I kn^w a phc 'Sr him ' Bv th'"r "'^ J^'^ ^°^ ^- how little the nhvsician L \ 7^/''^?""^ ^^ ^^s learned heir .0, „y day^^^liTe ';^]^ ^^Z^!^ '^^' "esh is I hope not doctor," ,,aid David f"rve„7y The Time of Roses ining portion of 'f yawning, ne as drink to e weary. The to, and regrets 1 cannot be re- ality" (wherein ^gain depicted ." "Gulliver," of the Midge," abian Nights" ited time and ment. David 'ned or read a ctions of con- leld his peace, t thought of :ians. It was n the homely self-sufficing f Logieburn e there was m. fond of talk- )rised by the nts and an- mg patient's I flashing in- - Rev, Mur- iriving with all mortal, - doctor did was declar- nust have a 's lusty, in- he's got his has learned hat flesh is men don't klurdoch— 93 to them who are better acquainted with sin and the pit But there is one thmg we are under no delusion about, and that IS that a doctor's life is no longer than another man's— IS, mdeed, generally shorter, which shows you may die of disease which it is your business to cure. The man who daily fights death needn't be dragged to kirk to hear about the shortness of life. Physician, heal thyself : the taunt is a good deal older than our science, and hasn't lost its sting. You go ahead, David ; when Evan's ready there's be a pair of empty shoes for him." A 'T°^"r^^ ^ ^^^^ dreamer, doctor," remarked the Rev. Mur- doch Macnair dryly; and he presented Evan with some tracts directed against the evils of worldly ambition and the sin of being discontented with our lot. The reverend gen- tleman was serene in the conviction that the day had long gone by when anything good could come out of Nazareth. Drinking a cup of tea that afternoon with Lisspeth, and talking between times of spiritual and mundane afTairs, he mentioned the matter to that worthy lady, feeling sure of her sympathy and concurrence. ''Am no so shure, sir," responded Mrs. Macgregor, to his infinite astonishment. "I will pe thinking a goot deal of iivan just the now, and am no at all shure. Mr. Dudley has great speaking of him; and if Evan will take a thing into his head, sir"— she shook her own as the only way of giv- ing any adequate idea of the lengths to which he might go But the Rev. Murdoch Macnair declined to be moved in his incredulity, for he had a son of his own whom he de- signed as successor to Dr. Forbes. CHAPTER II The doctor's words kept ringing in David's ears with an electric tingle that made his heart leap in his bosom "Put him to medicine. When he's ready there'll be a pair of empty shoes for him." Evan, the hapless, sorely-abused readily-erring, irrepressible Evan, a doctor, a great and learned man ! Would Heaven indeed grant that most ar- dent prayer of a father's heart? At the thought of the wild m 11 IW" I : iiii I'ii P!'! lilli .'Jf 94 The Minister of State E™n hr"f • "'* J'"''''' ■''' ^°''= confidential adviser ;nd &"|r.fs^prp«e^L'rs.''^'^'-^ "'^ ---■■- It IS the wish of mv heart " saiM Dnir.vi "d i. i .0 be^done? A conege^ed„ca'.lo„tt°rcos.„,'^;:d"r,:4 Jessie began her reply by kissing him. toT ThIt'sTdde°dT"?^''^'°;' "-' ™"ev\"^ goin" W; .aL%— d S-r S?ar-S 1,"atetr;K; hsS?" "n -"- -- i?;i'^"'^'.r;: v?,?e highest thing in this world— above orincinaliVSf 11 _ So would I." responded Tessie hnQl-h- "v ^ t« .i • , ■^ed sublimely a kind of in- lad drained a :ods deign to IS, and there amiliar earth self-restraint, im from pro- iturned from subsided, he adviser; and ears to hear >ut how is it and we have )y wrapping it is. Mind gain. Poor khan's going vo hands to great faith "saries, you is share of , in an un- id Evan to y through, more; but, doctor." with deep lere is the ies, above lit I would I'm think- iust pulpit ; this very had most The Time of Roses 95 I'Judge not, that ye be not judged, Jessie." ^ ''That is a good thing to mind," owned the little casuist. Yet one cannot help thinking sometimes of the four hun- dred and fifty prophets of Baal, and wondering if the tribe IS dead What is it if a man goes into the pulpit who has no call? "Everlasting damnation," answered David, in a tone of awe. "Better death in the hour of birth, better the millstone about the neck and the deep sea, than that. We have clear assurance what will happen when the Lord puts on ven- geance like a garment to deal with the false shepherd and them that turn His temple into a place of gain. You mind who used the scourge and said, 'Make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.' To preach in God's name with a worldly heart or a heart astray is more than murdc- • for It IS killing the soul, Jessie, killing the soul, and that sin will not be forgiven. This hand would strike Evan dead to save him from that fearful thing." Jessie forbore to press her point, and a general discussion of ways and means ensued. She told how much she could earn to push their scheme, related all the tales she had ever heard or could invent of clever students waxing rich on bursaries, described how she would send supplies and pro- vide clothes— in a word, proved conclusively by the clinch- ing logic of the hep.rt that nothing in the world was easier than to give her brother a university course. David went to bed with a mind aglow and a heart uplifted to God If he could but hear his boy preach the Gospel he would go, when the time came, exclaiming, with Simeon of old, Lord, nozv lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace. Mr. Dudley was an enthusiastic advocate of the univer- sity plan. It would be nothing less than criminal, he de- clared, to deny the boy an opportunity, and he was lamenta- bly Ignorant of human nature if Evan would not astonish them all yet. Ah ! could he have known what a prophet he was ; could he have guessed in what manner the astonish- ment was to come! But, happily, the sagest of men is not permitted to be wise before the event. Sometimes Mr. Dudley spoke of men and citites in the bouth, ana then he would notice his protege's countenance kindle with curiosity and intelligence. It was a singularly mobile face, an actor's face, as Mr. Dudley reflected ; and at times he humorously allowed himself to picture the hor- 96 The Minister of State ror of the "unco guid and the rigidly righteous" if ihi« rl,;i,i al'^^'he" fer.hofe° '°"" '° S"'^ "'^ ^°^'°" boardrBm again ne elt there was much more than the mimetir in stmct behmd those rapid, eloquent change of TZesio"" Already there were distinct intimations tha Evan Soch would ijcver be content merely to play at being greatha^ he would do and not pretend and vinthat HhJ^l ' born sen.in,en.alist an''d 'Sctr^^ dr 'mtag rL"antic questioning, commenting, vau tine "ailv into Hip t„f„V. i erectmg fairy fabrics the?;, the tv^? !iiSed nto antt macv that might have been thought impossible between pe^on^ so widely separated in age, in position, in outlook in everv rtSlrrn^rd^spa^^L^^-^^P °^ ''-''' '^^ ^^^^^'^ fdeStfuf '"'"" f'"} f'^'^^ ^^- to dizziS s a ways to a delightful sense of exhilaration. He seemed to be t ran. ported into a ighter, sunnier atmosphere, wLreineb? in was the natural and inevitable feeling The Tdea of\he nnf versity never left his mind. It was w th hrmin the field t" was with him in the closet; day and night, waking or ^eep mg, working or resting, it possessed him giving^xisten?e a fresh motive, a novel zest and relish ^ existence He was himself surprised how thines chanp-pd Th. crabbed, angular world began to smile b graceful allurTn' shapes; the grey hues turned to a lightsome wondrou? richness; the sun shone with an added bfithenTss The hS air became bland; the burden of time slipped imperceptiblv XuthTZrnedf ^7' ^"""^'^'"^^ °^ tL^^allan't efas'tli^ oi youth returned to the step, something of the eav con- rosT wi?h^r''' '° the carriage. For the horizon w^as'^agaL rosy with promise. It was still dim how the delicious dreams were to be realised. But the ardour that removes heTTtl Sol Jl" ""'''''' ^°"'' ^"^ '- lifted h^ldTnd neart as to beat of drum or song of triumphal march vocatef to ni? '^ ^r^vidence were raising aiders and ad- Ws deLns^ r.ll" '' '°"!"f S"" ""^ '''Se the execution of nL?er Peter P. f/'f"f">^ ?"" ^^y' '^^ d^st"ct school- master 1 eter Proudfoot. heard of the universitv nlan o«h instantly caught fire. Unquestionably Eva, If ""o college and distinguish himself. What in Heaven's name ' if this child boards. But mimetic in- '■ expression, van Kinloch ? great, that at he was a ig romantic nd hstening, e future and an intimacy een persons ok, in every not stay to id drank in ulations re- s, always to :o be trans- rein elation of the uni- the field ; it ig or sleep- g: existence iged. The ul, alluring wondrous ; the harsh perceptibly It elasticity i gay con- was again delicious It removes head and arch. rs and ad- ecution of ct school- plan and ust go to en's name The Time of Roses 97 did Heaven give brains for? the dominie would like to know. Let them see to it that no time was lost, and he on his part would take care that the decks were immediately cleared for action. Tingling with gladness, yet fearful of yielding to vain and perhaps impious imaginings, David hinted something of the hazards of the venture and the chances of failure. Mr. Proudfoot turned upon him with an eye of rebuke. "Did you ever hear how the Greeks got to Troy?" asked the schoolmaster. "No," said David, whose historical reading had not ex- tended to Grecian enterprise. "Faith, they say just by dint of trying. And I never heard that a better way of getting what you want has been discovered since. "I am answered," said David, smiling as one smiles who IS confirmed in a cherished conviction. Other circumstances also conduced to buoyancy and serenity of mind. The reconciliation with Neil was com- plete, and had been effected without violence to pride or self-respect. Indeed, the brothers-in-law were drawn to- gether as they had never been drawn before. The storm that had cleared the thunderous atmosphere in general had likewise purged and purified certain visions in particular. Neil, to his own frequent amazement and disquietude, te- gan to discern with the eyes of the heart, and developed a taste for benevolence. This taste was displav H capri- ciously, as if studied kindness were the merest ch; rice in the world, or shyly and shamefacedly, as if it were a weakness to be owned with a blush when it could not be concealed. Like the Man of Ross, he was happiest in doing good by stealth and if by any means his right hand outwitted his left in mak- ing amends for the past, his secret joy was ineffable. He is not very strong, poor man," he would remark, if forced to have recourse to explanations in allotting the ighter tasks to David, and if he fancied any one suspected his motive, he would add with an air of indifference, "Man It s a great pity we grow old. The thought of what Adani brought on us is enough to make a body swear." And then he would laugh as if after all Adam's transgression were a standing jest to the race. Even Lisspeth had softened, and though that excellent lady would die rather than express contrition, her de- -,.- ii !,! I mf 98 The Minister of State mcanour seemed to suggest a vague regret for what had taken place It said volumes that she was content to let bygones be bygones, that she spoke considerately to Jessie and visited Evan, taking him little presents of sweet butter and pocketfuls of gooseberries, upon which she generally sat down before remembering she had them. IVlr Dudley was yet more gracious, and as Evan got steadily well the Kinloch household basked in a cosy radiance it had not known for many years. So the summer dozed into autumn with supernal splen- dours and scenic enchantments of which the appreciative g lensmen disdained, for the most part, to take any note whatever. The pictorial embellishments of the heavens were of value only in so far as they enabled one to forecast the weather for the afternoon or the morrow; the adornments of earth as they bore on the state of the crops. Otherwise they were all mere frivolities, fittingly acknowledged by a scorn- lul glance or grunt when some chattering stranger, enam- oured of the sound of his own voice, made them the theme of a rhapsody, or gabbled incomprehensively about the re- lations of Art and Nature. For the rest they abjured change, held fast by the Shorter Catechism, which said nothing of salvation through natural beauty and took the weather as it came with curt speech and definite judgments. When the sun shone it was a fine day; when the winds rioted, hounding the distracted clouds from horizon to horizon, levelling trees, demolishing gables or carrying off thatched roof, it was blowy; when it Fained Jt was wet What more was to be said? Assuredly Logie- burn parish said no more, for the chief concern of Loo^ie- burn parish was to get butter on its bread. '^ None the less the fantastic mother of artists indulged her passion for shows and spectacles, bright pomps and insub- stantial pageantries. Day by day she spread the curtains of her tabernacle in azure and sapphire and crimson and gold coming and going in chariots of flame, as if gorgeous im- palpabilities were the particular need of a hungering world And presently the mid summer glow softened impercepti- bly into the pathos of the declining year. The silvery aureolas that crowned the railtiple peaks at dawn became dragg ed mists that trailed ever lower and lower down upon shoulder and flank, like tattered draperies, and lingered later and later, rising at length when the sun grew imperious, not The Time of Roses n 3r what had )ntent to let ;ly to Jessie, sweet butter le generally Mr. Dudley lily well the it had not ernal splen- appreciative :e any note savens were forecast the ornments of lerwise they by a scorn- iger, enam- 1 the theme •out the re- the Shorter igh natural :urt speech was a fine cted clouds ling gables :n it rained dly Logie- of Logie- dulged her and insub- curtains of \ and gold, 'geous im- ing world, mpercepti- he silvery I'n became lown upon ?ered later erious, not to reveal purple blush and shimmer of varied bloom, but a pearly glitter that suggested sodden soil and soaked her- bage. In the valley and upon the lower slopes the fields whitened and the harvest was reaped ; hips and haws, sloes and blackberries allured kilted adventurers to grief among thorns; the sapless foliage assumed the scarlet and russet of dissolution; the air got sharp and the dews drenching and cold ; the linns began to bloom in the frosty nights, the streams sang with a deeper note, and grey skies closed in oppressively. CHAPTER III Business and the sharpening October air drove the Dud- leys south with expressions of regret and a promise to re- turn another year. The Highlands, they were gracious enough to say, had fairly enchanted them, and they should always be interested in the friends they had made there. Florence, who grieved most over the surrender of holiday freedom, kissed her favourites all round, a mark of esteem which Master Evan received with a doubtful face and an inward imprecation on the foolishness of little girls. Mrs. Macgregor deftly smothered her grief in the corner of a huge apron, and Mr. Macgregor, gratefully fingering the coin in his right-hand breeches pocket, intimated that Pit- weem was theirs as often as it might please them to come back. The last words were an admonition from Mr. Dudley to David and Evan respecting the day-dream of the university. "When I return," he said to the latter, standing with his foot on the carriage step, "I shall expect to find you a scholar. Please do not disappoint me." No time was lost in making a tentative beginning. Within a week Burnside school opened, and Evan, with no sign or relic of hurt upon him, was among the first to hasten to the feet of Gamaliel Proudfoot. It is not to be hastily inferred, however, that the young gentleman was consumed by a passion for knowledge. Logically auguring for the future from experience of the past, he looked forward to a strenuously active rather than J'WL -■ 100 The Minister of State tu/es^wfth'";" °P'"^'!,^^'P^'^°"'^>^ ^^th tales of the adven- nero s arm and ribs curiously, asking many fearsome aue^ Xd wi?h\hr/"' f ' ''°-'^^" b^ones/and theTerre-" who ha tuSit hW? °^ rP^"°"ty proper to the veteran wno nas tought, bled, and conquered. When the examine de ica elv ai ni X'h."? '^°'""" ■' '"'''"'"■ and hinted as „(" 1- L , g..' °'^ ""at in scrniimages any nresumotinn r ceived"hf l^lTZ ""f" P™babl/be imlruZTT.y received the hint with a clear cognizance of its value anM turned to the winter programme o1 sports and pastin^^^^ niscience and rn°°^ Board hampered him with its om- berth he treateH.lf ""'"' inspectors gave him a wide Derm, ne treated the raw materia submitted to him nre cisely according to his humour, which wa often odd and ocasionaly outrageous. He bore sway with a bie black ruler, which he used energetically and generally wfth per be'stZoTrt'ed'j;' '" ''' P""-PJe'that u^ful kn'oSg'e s he ra sXn the ^.r"''?^ ^°'''- ^' ^^^^ '^^^ ^he bumps the head. th^h'^"!u °^ '^^^"^"^ '""^'^ sometimes as big as me heads that bore them. But that may have been a rustir exaggeration. It may safely be averred, however t"aerevvas tes i?v"Jn tl^^P'^ ? '^ ''^^^^ ^^^^^°"t these excr sence 'to tes ify to the master's zeal. Once or twice he imoarted tl e virtue of the rod too freely; then a boy wouldTake to bc<1 with a datnaged skull and ravings orbran fever S fatai;?rthaTin'l"f ''^ ^°"^' * "xtureno'asetrmina^:" laiaiiy, so that in spite of parental grumblings Mr Prnnrl .tetST^i^^lt."''™ '° -'^''^" «= eSentc!t™s"fo- Hi3 titular overseers were the Rev Roherf Wh,>f-^i ^ nstabiished and Pree Kirks respectively. Once i ve;,r usually m spring, these grave and emine/t mSers of the Gospel examined the children in the Shorter Ca ech?sm Ihl doctrinal parts of the Bible, and some othersubjecS; in! were not the of the adven- irers felt the arsome ques- l the hero re- 3 the veteran the examina- lough to note nd hinted as presumption udent. They ts value and pastimes, e reputation, le sole direc- imon stamp, ving his own vith its om- him a wide to him pre- ten odd and a big black- ly with per- nowledge is the bumps les as big as •een a rustic T, there was rescences to nparted the take to bed fever. But ; terminated Mr. Proud- ntricities to hittock and Tests of the ce a year, sters of the echism, the objects, in- The Time of Roses lOI eluding such easy arithmetic, geography, and grammar as they chanced themselves to remember. One or two picked pupils would give a rendering of "The Destruction of Sen- nacherib," "The Wreck of the Hesperus," "Lord Ullin's Daughter," or a selection from "Marmion," carefully elimi- nating the meaning and studiously misplacing emphasis, accent, and gesture. The parents' generally attended in bevies to witness their darlings mangling the poets or strug- gling fearfully with Effectual Calling, the mysteries of the Redemption, the theological tenets of St. Paul, the Seven- horned IScast, or the reason for Jeremiah's Lamentations. Sometimes the excitement was intense, and murm: -s of applause or sympathy were frequent as the youthful Vv itler did well or ill. As he or she was usually worsted the sym- pathy naturally predominated. "Poor thing!" a mother would whisper to her gossip; "I haf a good mind when I kent just as little mysel. How can a wee bittie of a laddie or a lassie care for Jeremiah? Not that I will be running the man down ; it would serve us all to mind what he says : but it iss not in human natir to be in love with him, at twelve and ten too." "Ay," would come the answer, "and that St. Paul, as sure's death he iss a stickler. He's a fine apostel am no niisdootin', but he iss uncanny. I never could make him just oot, and as for Effectual Calling and the beast with all the horns, the Lord save us from them. They're beyond my com])rehension." So criticism and fellow-feeling ran. It said unspeakable things for Christianity that the Rev. Robert Whittock and the Rev. Murdoch Macnair, though inevitably regarding each other with the profound contempt proper to the exponents of rival creeds, never came to an open breach. Rut on school examination days, when one had brought a stammering, fear-struck urchin to the brink of despair, making the trembling little sinner imagine he \yas already in perdition, the other took him in hand blithely like a cross-examining barrister to pervert his evidence out of his own mouth. It was then that the luckless witness to the variants of Calvinistic Grace and Church Government invariably came to grief. The Rev. Robert Whittock and the Rev. Murdoch Macnair w^ould smile complacently or shake a sapient head as the tide of testimony happened to ebb or flow, to run favourably or the reverse; and Mr. 102 The Minister of State Proudfoot's fingers would twitch viciously among his coat covers (emblems of sin) and the obtrusive morals were se'^A^'th" ''°h' f;°K'"' ?"^^^^^ ^-^ wirerTalTte^a f.?; of ^ ''^''i^ ^'^^'^y ^^'^ ^^'^°'a^« bolted as from the Mnr.?■: ^Stfidvr^T/'''''^ succinctly as a patchwork of imitations, lately? he would cry, remembering the conventional note of praise. 'Yes, stately and a milksop I hate i^° ta tions A copy of the devil himself would be as ins piia a painted angel or a prude's kiss. Without the blind^rake of Chios there would have been little piping, though doubtLss Aug/stu "D^tHf/^^" '"i' P^'^^^ and^flatTer o Augustus. Don t talk to me, please, about Tityrus." And the dumfounded rustics held their peace He loved to dispute too, to confound botching logicians out of the mouth of Aristotle. Berkeley, or Ka^nt ^^11 clowns were knocked senseless by terminologies that were hnt^l / '" ?' ^^l^' °[^ ^^^"t' '^'^ vanquished wouirgo home remarking that the dominie had had a bad fit tha? night, and hinting, if the whisky had taken effect ofthe sub terranean source of his erudition ,,.'^"^P'°u''!.''°"^">' ^^^^^ Proudfoot did not shine In ten years he had not sent a boy to college, and he seemed to have abandoned hope of ever sending one again Hs fhrlr, '°.f '° '^' plough-stilts, the hammer and chisd ne expended little labour upon them. Why should one et pearls before swine? A little reading, a Httle writing SSt de'al'oT the'hL T' ,°' '\ ^.^°^^^^ Catechlsm'and "^ fhr,?cf f it . ^^^^^ '■"'^^' ^"^ t'le quaking dullards were hrust forth to consort with the animals the/tended Their teaciier had no further interest in them But repeated conversations with Mr. Dudlev and his own knowledge of Evan's abilities, had stirred the master' aspirations afresh. As the school was d sp^ fng on^ 'They're going to make a scholar of you," he said with a savage abruptness that made the boy shak^. ''WeH now eJ:"°^ y°"- ?^°" ^^^' ^Shting: a bloody nose and a b"ack 2!.-tVTJ^''''''''^^ ^^"^^5 but I want to tell you now that If I catch you doubling your fists when you ought to 'Y^^m.?^ ' ^^^'^ '"'."''' ^"^ ^^^^" instinctively dodged. the mo^em.nt-?' "Tn^ '^' '^^''''' without notidng tne movement; I want to show you something." And he draggled Evan to the rickety desk that stood on three frail legs against the wall by the fireplace. Lifting the Hd wUh The Time of Roses 105 of imitations. conventional I hate imita- s insipid as a blind rake of igh doubtless d flatterer of tyrus." And ing logicians Cant. When ies that were ed would go bad fit that :t, of the sub- hine. In ten e seemed to again. His r and chisel, lerd's crook, should one ttle writing, hism, and a ullards were tided. Their ey, and his the master's sing on the irm, pulling e said, with 'Well, now, and a black 11 you now )u ought to )c trouble." 2ly dodged, ut noticing ." And he three frail he lid with a feverish eagerness that both astonished and alarmed his companion, he drew forth a tattered book. "It's a University Calendar," he explained, turning over the leaves nervously. "It was printed years before you were born, and there's not the name of a native of Logie- burn parish in it. There, read that, read it out, man ; I don't see too well." And Evan read : FACULTY OF ARTS. HUMANITY. Winter Session, 18 — . Senior Class. I. Peter Proudfoot (medal.) Evan looked up in amazement. "Your auld dominie, man," said Mr. Proudfoot in a voice that vibrated strangely; "your auld dominie. Now turn over the page. No, give me the book ; I'll find the place. Here, here. Read that." And again Evan read : GREEK. Winter Session, 18 — . Senior Class. I. Peter Proudfoot (medal). "Now," cried the excited dominie, taking another calen- dar from his desk, "here's something more. Lord! how old fingers shake. Here it is, here it is : you read it out. I see worse than ever." And once more Evan read : GRADUATES IN ARTS. Honour Lists, 18 — . Classics : Class I. — Proudfoot, Peter. "That'll do," said the dominie, "there's more, but that'll do. Shut the book. Man, Evan, ye've brought a queer feeling to my eyes. It sounds strange in this place, doesn't it? Well ! never mind, facts are facts. But listen, I am go- ing to tell you a secret : if you don't keep it between your teeth you'll rue it. The Rev. Murdoch Macnair was in all ' lif .<*/ i ' ,( J i&'l i;. . ii 's !»'|iT mm.' 1 06 The Minister of State these examinations, but you don't see his name. He had a scramble for a bare pass, and nearly missed even that- he's got a kirk to-day though That's what folk call the rony of Fate; you 11 understand it better by-and-by. But I hooe you 11 never know how hellishly ironical Fate can be Her satire is a thing to wring the soul; pray to be delivered from It— pray for that as you value your temporal and eternal welfare. But I was going to tell you something else and It IS this, that I want to see your name in the calendar You can put It there if you like. I never imagined they were going to send you to college; thought they'd n^alTe a plough-coulter of you like the rest. But it's come Evan we are— we are going to make a scholar of you " ' His eyes shone and an inch seemed to have been all at once added to his stature. "And when your name is there," he went on, "you'll avoid the road some of us have travelled. Tell your father I'm going to Aberfourie to-night for books. He'll pay when he^s ready. We must get rid of that trash you have under your arm, and to-morrow we'll begin Caesar. We'll manage the dassics, I hink; about the mathematics we'll see later on When you re on a bit, my old books-some of them are Mt yet-vyill come in handy. Now be oflf and mind what I CHAPTER IV That evening as it happened, Neil Macgregor had likewise occasion to visit Aberfourie, and business or pleasure or perhaps a little of both, detained him to a late hour When h •i^'f wf n7 ^" ''^'"' '^'" °^ ^°^'^^'^>^' there flashed upon h m a wholesome remembrance of Lisspeth's erratic modes of displaying affection, he hurried out of the Hgl ts of the belated husband yearning to reach the arms of the best wife in trie world. In a surprisingly short time he had reached Ceann Dhu a deso ate spot with an evil name, in" a little dell or dip aT tl e oot of a long black stretch of heath. In a hollow on the lower side of the highway was a fearsome pool, sa d ?o be The Time of Roses le. He had a i^en that ; he's call the irony . But I hope can be. Her lelivered from 1 and eternal ing else, and ilendar. You 2d they were -y'd make a come, Evan; I." e been all at "you'll avoid ir father I'm ay when he's I under your manage the see later on, of them are mind what I 107 !iad likewise pleasure, or )ur. When, ashed upon ratic modes ghts of the natural to a ie best wife reann Dhu, »r dip at the low on the said to be fathomless, known to be haunted, and at all times sickly with weeds and slime. In the wildest storm it was unruffled, in the severest frost unfrozen, and the boldest did not care to guess what hid in its unsounded depths, or lurked among its sedges and scum of green. A bowshot below this tarn, again, was a savage ravine, rent into frightful holes and jag- ged skeleton ribs of rock by a burn which readily became a roaring torrent. Above was the sullen uninhabited moor- land, dotted, as Neil approached, with short, deceptive shad- ows, and away to the left he could plainly discern Duncairn kirkyard, with its dismantled church and slanting tomb- stones glinting eerily in the moonlight. A man trudging alone under the starry sky thinks of strange things; and presently an uneasy apprehension began to nestle about Neil's vitals. He fought against it; told him- self the crawling chills were absurd in a man of his mettle. But it was no matter for philosophy. In spite of his utmost reasoning, the ghostly glimmer of' the kirkyard, the ebony gleam of the pool— a black eye in a dead landscape— the gaping, murky ravine, and the shadowy heath, illusively sil- vered by the new moon, remained horribly suggestive. Gruesome tales trooped upon his memory, tales of appari- tions encountered at the spot by lonely wayfarers tramping even as he tramped now. An icy sensation ran through him, his hair stiffened, and his heart fluttered uncomfortably high in his breast. And as he made haste, thinking of spec- tres in ambush, all at once the solitude rang with the most unearthly screech that ever froze the currents of a man's being. Neil drew up with a hard breath, every hair on his head on end, and waited for the thing to reveal itself. As he stood with the flesh creeping and shivering on his bones, there went up another long-drawn, piercing screech, that made his knees crook and smite each other in a violent palsy, "Lord preserve me," muttered Neil, "keep me safe from the bogles!" Steadying himself by a mighty efTort, and hearkening with all his senses in his ears, he fancied he detected the sem- blance of a mad tune, such as may have enlivened the orgies of Kirk Alloway. By all that was holy, he had come slap upon a revel of fiends, ghosts, or witches; probably of all three. Remembering the licence granted to spirits in the witch- io8 The Minister of State ing hour, Neil tried to read the time by his watch. Failing he thrust the timepiece into his coat pocket among packefs wlrgitn^toL^Ver^^ °^ "^^"^^ ''''''-'' ^°"^' '^ -^^' Though courageous to the pitch of temerity when only ^nnS"''lT°^^rV"^ ^^°°^ ^^'•^ concerned, he v^asTar to^ pood a Highlander to presume on the supernatural. An gnorant man would instantly have turned tail and fled trusting, in his folly, to escape by fleetness of foot Neil knew better. If it was perilous to go forward it would be fatal madness to go back. So, breathing a prayer for protec- tion from a 1 ghosts and goblins, fiends and witches he ad vanced with legs that shook as if they wouTd bend under the^^^o^H^?'' '° ^^S""' °^ ^'^ ^''^ '^'y ^^w both sides o ous rot nTf'il ^^' '°"';^' ^^'^^ ^^^ become continu- ous, rose and fell, now sinking to a dismal moan ap-pi'n meX't'?^'/-^^ ' "r""^-^ '''' -^ - ev^ry Sge^no merely maintaining but increasing its appalling, over- whelming suggestions of things spectral. Ndl hoped the tTavelL^^tt I' r°/^-,^^engaged to molest an inoffens v H?.H f ' ^ ^ i- ''^"^ "^^^ *^^^" ^ ^o^^" Steps when the hope died, leaving him, as it were, naked to the bogles ^ I ottering thus in grave doubt whether he should ever again see Lisspeth or the light of day, he spied two figures UD ne^trifili' 'Y?'"-''^ ^^'''^' ^^ ^^^ '^'^^^^'- He pulled up petrified and staring, like a man who has died in ^reat Se Had"' and body He could neither move^nor breathe. Had you offered him a thousand pounds in ^old the stricken hand could not have taken them^ He was stone o^instincTl °'' 7^"tf y and bodily; yet by some specTe^ ?nr hi ^fl ^^''J''? ^°' b°'"' ^"^ a ^'o^en hoof, watched for blue flame, and almost sniffed for sulphur. Through it alUie wondered what the Enemy of mankind would do with Presently, as his terror abated somewhat, he realised that he was a doomed man if he hesitated; so setting his staf! heTumbL'on"""""^ ''''^. ''''' b-"^h* a cfid shock he stumbled on once more. A terrific scream which made a crishZ nS ^'^ his advance; then all at once there was a crashing noise as of an orchestra gone mad, and Neil not knowing what he did, broke into a run. As he came up a flooH S' ^n?' '^^^'■^^ ' ^^^^' f'-^"^ 'ts shoulderand a flood of enlightenment came upon Neil. The Time of Roses tch. Failing, nong packets )ndered what y when only e was far too natural. An ail and fled, f foot. Neil it would be :r for protec- tches, he ad- bend under )oth sides of me continu- noan, again change not illing, over- 1 hoped the 1 inoffensive en the hope JS. should ever two figures He pulled ied in great move nor ids in gold, e was stone 3me species of, watched Through it uld do with ealised that ig his staf? :old shock, /hich made ; there was and Neil, le came up mlder, and 109 "Lauchie Duflf!" he cried in a thin shrill voice, "Lauchie DufT, and, sure's death, the dominie." Mr. Duflf looked up slowly, closed one eye, and hic- coughed. "Ay," he said. "Ay, just so. And what for d'ye no skreigh it from a hilltap?" He spoke as one entitled to resent an unbecoming mode of address. Nor was it without cause. Poacher, smuggler, spendthrift, ingrate, rake, and fiddler-in-general to the par- ish, he enjoyed privileges ludicrously inconsistent with his calhngs and character, bullying, miscalling, sponging, and plundering as by right divine. Few who knew him cared to risk a quarrel with Lauchie. For this there were two princi- pal reasons. At harvest homes, weddings, and christenings his room might be preferable to his company, but his fiddle was indispensable. Just as surely as the musician smacked of the pit, his music suggested Paradise. With different ideals and a soberer love of strong drink Lauchie might have^ taken the gloss of Paganini's lame ; ay, even off Neil Gow's. So good judges believed. As it was, drunken, dis- solute, blear of eye and shaky of hand, he was a miracle of skill, an acknowledged prince among the crew of rustic fid- dlers. There was scarce a farmhouse and not a single tavern within twenty miles in which his battered instrument had not wrung men's souls with grief or sent them wild with ecstacy. It was a question with some whether he could not make the angels in heaven weep or dance at his pleasure. The second reason was yet weightier. By common re- pute the man was uncanny. It was notorious, for instance, how his enemies' haystacks were burned to the ground. At such happenings the Aberfourie constable grew apoplectic over fire-raisings, and furious talk of clapping incendiaries in irons; but Lauchie went his customary ways, and would even condescend to discuss the cause of spontaneous com- bustion in dried grasses with the baffled officer 6i the law. These things made the country-side tolerant, and disposed Neil in particular to be kind. He therefore laughed at Lauchie's insolence as an apposite jest. "Skreigh?" he said. "Py George, I will nearlv skreigh my wits out." "Impossible," retorted Lauchie. "Quite impossible. Nae man can skreigh out what he hasna got in. Ye ma' be . 1 u liM " no The Minister of State rii 1 I V| neitlier'' ""^""^ ^^^""^ ''^"'*^'' "°' "°'" ''^'''^^^^" o' ^peerit ^ •'Fiddlers will pe aye jokers," remarked Neil pleasantly. And what will Mr. Proodfoot pe doing here?" he inquired bending towards the dominie. '4"'rea, '.'l^oing?" repeated Lauchie. "I'll tell ye what he's been doing; he s been sittin' there spucin' Greek at me till am fair scunnered. I had to droon the crather's bletherin' wi' the nddle. "It is quite true," said Mr. Proodfoot, looking up for the hrst time and speaking with deep solemnity. "What this battered Apollo, this peripatetic scraper of catgut sayeth— is— gospel truth—anyway as true as anything he's ever VFV to say— and it makes me sorrowful to think of it \ ou re Pitweem; sit down, we'll try and thole you " "It will pe getting gey and late," returned Neil; "maybe we will better take the road." ^ "The wisdom of the observation is wonderful," said the ?°"^i.^'^- 'Wonderful! There is no doubt whatever about It. lime flies, and more than that, he writes wrinkles on chine azure brow. Ah! it's a sad thought. Nevertheless ^qimm memento rebus in arduis senwe maitem. Be not disturbed. 'Tis the word of Horace." "That's the way he's been goin' on a' night," put in Lauchie in a tone of disgust. "Just deavin' me wi' his non- sense o Greek. '•He calleth it Greek," muttered the dominie, "exberto crede. Pitweem, sit down; you hide the light of the moon. Place yourself by the side of this hoary-headed libeller of the ancients, nodding sideways at Lauchie. "Arcades ambo," he chuckled sardonically when Neil obeyed. Then, bending forward in his old attitude, he began to shake his head lugu briously, and Neil noticed a parcel wrapped in brown paper Slung trom his neck. n,o'P?M '•! P! ^ ^l^- ^""^ P'"^'^ ^^^'^^t yo" I^af, dominie," re- ^.T f- ?.?^' stretching out his hand and twirling the thing I tied that aboot his neck at the beginnin' o' the spree " explained Lauchie "The dominie's memory's treecherous whiles. lie says it's books. ' « "^^ " ^°'^?y''"r.^^"'P.^^' "^P'^^w o^ the ill-1-ustrious Pit- weem, said Mr. Proudfoot, "and if the nephew has but the smallest touch of the uncle's brilliant-ay, faith, the trans- cendental imperviousness— much good it'll do him. I have on o speerit -'il pleasantly. ' he inquired, liat he's been le till am fair lerin' wi' the ig up for the "What this gut sayeth — Ig he's ever think of it. ^ou." Jeil; "maybe j1," said the atever about wrinkles on Nevertheless, m. Be not :ht," put in wi' his non- ie, "experto f the moon, beller of the ades ambo," en, bending head lugu- rown paper jminie," re- ;;: the thing, the spree," treecherous 5trious Pit- has but the the trans- m. I have The Time of Roses 1 1 1 iXes'a/td'lhern ''%".," ''''' Pf^^^^'""' '-"-• ^1-" ..to 1 1 b;rr..l J ' "^ ?''^?" ""'"'^ ^'^^ ^^y Of tJ'e vallcv ^^l^^^Z:^;^"" '"'"""'^'^ -'"- i^"t that^ ;'^es," responded Neil at random. J^'nioickc miris homo;' said the dominie. "You'll jret on n the world, I itweem. You're a judge of turnips t^ Let ting damp and cold; help me up" "' ^"^"'PS- H s get- Phaiicallv' f!J<^ favouritism here," protested Lauchie em- pnatically. If he helps you he helps me. I canna see th-it authority fo?i,." " ""■'■""' '"''"'''^'- There's Plato's oblicfnCa?,^ -w"'',''?"r'"*^ '■" '"■' '"■■" '" Neil's the nrefchin'j'n^ ^ >vho s l„s man Plato that's so fine at „P " ■ "°es lie dribble Greek too'" A stone IS heavy, and the s.ind wcishtv but a fool'« 'iCZ "ure'-r,' IT !'"=? !^i°"''" ""'"""''^ the doSe burnln?'^" °' ''■"" ''°'™'^ "'■"""g '-d^y imdTJ^^ at'Neil'"'"H ''=''« P'^yedto him," said Lauchie, clutchinE Burconld ?/,""f ,.•""< ''"" ^ ™'=""''n' blade o' a man PUweem ± iK " '"' "' ■" ^™"« '"' °' ^arf whisky? ATasThidJ^fthiewsl"" - " "™' "^'" «° """^ ^'«W"' And cleekinfj they went, Neil in the centre and Mr uts'a'b'ro'a;- ""'1 1'^'^'"''' Precario.Sy to' hifarm s li^^ — """ Si'nliiaXr^f ri-te •' O^Jeressa^^d-l^aTeThrr^^^ °"" -'™- ye've ei?r'h'?-,"'rro''?"'','*' *' M'"<""' '^'<' "' Scriptir, if moonlfght ' ^™'afls doon the at I ken o'. St a peck at ^ever kent, Dtninie, and made direct d. "It's all manage the oes not live you aston- 2y'd do you auchie. "I :k and He- do." id a sudden I Evan, ay, something. ould never squinting, lA Lauchie, God, what 1 suck-the- Heaven I :. Get out ble storms he said, as xchanging , sobering The Time of Roses 113 marvellously in his alarm. "Dinna leave me. He'll finish ^fh ; T "i^'"'- It,^^"»'^ be fair murder to leave us the- gither. lake mo vvi yc, I'itwcem." "Hear the chittcring lion roar," said the dominie. "But tr> and keep up ih-it lump of jelly you call your heart. You re safe. Pour tl^ngs protect you-you're old. you're a fool, you re a fiddlci, and you're drunk. Ugh! You turn my siomn.ch Take him with you, Pitweem: hide him out h n?r r'" • ^7"- '"} ^''^ ^''^'■"' ^'^tuff him in the byre, put him to sleep with h.s brethren of the sty; and if he speaks of Sln^ ^i" °V-^^'"'"^; °^ ^'^^"^ ""' Latin or Hebrew, or any- a Wtlfo'f f '^"^^^^^^^, tongue knows nothing about, ram a bottle of straw down his slanderous throat " nf K^^/T'"^-^'"^ "^^'^^ °^ '^'th unsteady strides, his parcel of books bumping against him as he swayed and lurched. Lauchie watched him for a moment with an expression oddly compounded of gravity and resentment. ihe dominies a big man when he's in liquor," said Mr. Duff present y. "And am no sayin' but he's a grand hand at Greek and stuff; but damme. I could fiddle him blin'-ay I?nrnl' T'^% -^ ^^'^t^' '^7"'^ ^"'" ^'•"' ^OO. Much gOOd hi^ erin" a-I ^K kh' • ^'1' • '°°^' "* '""^ ^here birlin' and stach- erin like a bubblyjock in an eddy o' wind. Thank God ye can stand a glass or two, Pitweem." "Yes " said Neil vaguely, for he was busily thinking what was to become of his nephew. CHAPTER V Of the many remarkable qualities of Mr. Proudfoot, not the least notable was his wondrous power of recovery from the effects of what his neighbours euphemistically called "the Dan. Un the morning after his rencontre with Neil and Lauchie he appeared in the schoolroom with the shinin- face of a cherub, and a manner which told the densest urchin present that something uncommon was in the wind When, immediately after prayers, Evan was called up before the three-legged seat of authority, the babbling hum fell to a tense silence, and fifty pairs of eyes grew round with curi- ■e*r H The Minister of State « 4 ' Id osit,v \Vh;it had hvan done? What was to be his punish- ment? I here was a moment of breathless dramatic sus- pense as they waited for the master to speak. When he did every chubby face tilted a little farther forward, every eye shone, and every mouth opened with a keener expectation 'Dravy a Ime behind you," said Mr. Proudfoot, havintj surveyed his pupil at least six times from head to foot Draw a line behind you. Nay, man, don't look as if your head were about to be struck of¥ your shoulders. All I want you to do is to cut off the past. You have reached the cross-roads and are turning upon a new adventure It will not be dallying with Amaryllis in the shade; lay your ac- count or that." And the intent scholars wondered who Amaryllis might be. "No, nor vet gathering honey a lono- summer s day on Mount Hybla. It's the kind of quest that needs the stout heart for the stey brae. Possibly we mav reach El Dorado; possibly return with the Golden Fleece" —(Has the master been drinking again? reflected the intelli- gent scholars.)— "At any rate, we set forth now in the spirit of A exander to conquer new realms. Here are our guides for the first stages of the journey. Take them, and see you make good use of them." Evan returned to his place hot and crimson, and Babel broke out. But the scholars' minds were more on Evan than on the lessons. In the play-hour the hero was the centre of an excited crowd jostling to learn his plans and catch a sight of the magical books. It was noted by the favoured few who were permitted to handle and examine the volumes that only bits of them were in English, the rest being in strange languages that none could make out; and mhnite was the wonder why Evan, a boy just like any other boy, should have been singled out for honour. The truth that one shall be taken and another left had not yet found a place in their philosophy. They were occupied with other questions. "I suppose you'll stop fechtin' now," remarked Dan Uiompson vyith just a suspicion of contempt in his tone. ^Dan held the onerous office of pugilistic whip. He it wa« who arranged all fights, conveyed challenges and counter- challenges from boy to boy, selected the hour and field of battle, and m general managed the practical s-ide of the Edu- cational Course. "Three good fights a day" made his ideal minimum. With the dominie lax and the boys in trim he The Time of Roses 2 his punish- ramatic sus- Vhen he did, d, every eye expectation, foot, having lad to foot. )k as if your All I want reached tbe ture. It will ay your ac- ndered who oney a long )f quest that bly we may len Fleece." i the intelli- in the spirit our guides and see you and Babel •e on Evan TO was the ; plans and )ted by the id examine ish, the rest ce out; and e any other The truth yet found a with other rked Dan his tone. He it was d counter- nd field of )f the Edu- le his ideal in trim he 115 often doubled, sometimes even quadrupled, that number, anil Iwan had always been one of his surest men. Now byan w;is exhibiting a weakness for other things. So it was with a feeling of dissatisfaction amounting almost to disgust that Dan said, "I suppose you'll stop fechtin'." "I supjiosc so," answered Evan carelessly; and Dan had to walk away in order to hide his feelings. That day there was not so much as a single fight, for Dan was both vexed and dispirited. Counsel with his fellows, however, restored him sufficiently to make him think of ar- giinient. In the evening he would convoy the renegade part ot the way home and endeavour to save him from disas- trous absurdities. But when the time of dispersal arrived, Evan remained with Mr. Proudfoot, and Dan went ofY in a burning indignation to plot conspiracies. Two hours later, Evan stepped into the dusk, glowing with enthusiasm and thinking of Dan as little as of the North J ole. The glories of the ring had paled and com- plete y vanished before the dazzling, the thrilling brightness which had suddenly burst upon his vision. Some magical power, subtle and secret in its processes, had endowed him with a pair of new eyes and poured a new tide into his veins, lie saw thrones of gold and ivory waiting for an occupant, kingdoms inviting to be conquered, whole fairv realms beckoning for a ruler, and with a bounding spirit he felt himself vaulting mto the saddle and riding forth to victory and laurels Never knight-errant had a more puissant right arm or a heart that rose more gallantly above obstacles. It was perhaps an additional incentive that the way was in parts dark, the mode of conquest vague. The man and the moment would clear all that. Whatever the dominie had said, whatever necromancy he had used to prick ambition and kindle imagination, the pupil would not that evening have exchanged prospects with the proudest king in Eu- rope, Asia, or Africa. Reaching home he bounded in upon Jessie with an excite- ment that speedily proved infectious, and throwing his old books on the table exhibited the new as treasures upon which .she nu-ght gaze if she chose, but durst not handle. None the less she handled them— snatching them brazenly froni his grip, indeed— and leaned over and praised them, and indulged in predictions that sent the light head of her brother yet higher among the stars. ii6 The Minister of State ^.l ,.p.' JS > Davul s joy, when in clue course the volumes were sub- mitted to his inspection, was soberer and probably deeper i le treated them very gently, turning them over and over, and closely examming the binding as if exteriors were the mam thmgs in school books. Hi- seemed timid to venture upon the inside: what was embalmed there was out of his province, above his head, like the incomprehensible things of the heavens, and when at last he came to it he turned the leaves with a sort of tender reverence, as if each leaf were a sheet of priceless gold. And through it all his looks were much more eloquent than his words. "I hope they will be a blessing to you, Evan," he said in C^aehc. VVe must pay Mr. Proudfoot for them at once " 1 liat was all the full heart could say. But a little later when the nightly petition went up there was a special appeal of moving power and unction that the new venture might prosper if it were the will of the All- Wise. It did prosper; it prospered beyond hope or expectation l^or three hours daily— one hour before school and two hours after it— Peter Proudfoot and his pupil were closeted together and worked with the zest that comes of a living interest. ^ The master was astonished by the ease with which the boy learned and by the quickness and retentiveness of his mem- ory; he vyas astonished also, as Mr. Dudley had been, by the imaginative insight, the intuition it might fairly be called, which enabled the learner to bound to results usually reached by painful and tedious processes. But most of all was he astonished by the impression of reserve power which iivan gave. "He is like an engine of unlimited capacity," the delighted dominie would exclaim. "Ordinary tests are no vise An ounce or a ton. it's all the same. Amazing! perfectly amazing! Let him but keep this up, and no tether will bind or nold him. The enraptured master thought of the young himself''^ the sciences and creating a Euclid for Tiie brightest qualities have their defects. As the course of instruction proceeded Mr. Proudfoot noted with some misgiving a touch of intellectual hauteur in his scholar that might prove troublesome, nay, might easily become danger- ous. The hardihood of mind which Evan was not slow to The Time of Roses ics were sub- bably deeper, ver and over, iors were the lid to venture 'as out of his msible things it he turned s if each leaf ; all his looks 1," he said in em at once." /ent up there :tion that the 1 of the All- expectation. 3ol ,'jnd two vere closeted s of a living hich the boy of his mem- been, by the ly be called, ults usually : most of ail power which he delighted lo use. An j! perfectly ler will bind )f the young 1 Euclid for 5 the course with some scholar that •me danger- not slow to 117 evince even in the presence of superiors might, if not care- fully watched and guarded, develop into ruinous stub- bornness. • "He could be thrawn," said the master to David Kinloch one day, "ay, sir, as thrawn as the devil himself. You may lead him, but you'll never drive him, and if it came to that 1 shouldn't hke to be the one to try. He needs judicious management." "See that he gets it, Mr. Proudfoot," answered David anxiously. "What use is learning with wilful pride of heart? ^^ "Oh, no* quite so serious, David," rejoined the dominie, not fjuitc .,0 serious. It's just a bit of dour spunk that needs guiding. Leave him to me." Mr. I'roudfoot would forgive much to such ability and such energy. The elementary class-books were mastered and thrown aside before it seemed they had been well begun, and Evan cantered out of Caesar to take Virgil at the charge, "He's wonderful," the dominie would repeat, "Now, though I have taken my bits of honours in the classics my- self, 1 forget things; but he never forgets anything. Swift- ness and exactness combined— I never knew the like of it, never— and, mind, I know something of students." These things were said in private; but one day his words received a public confirmation that tickled him to a dia- bolical fit of secret glee. The Rev. Robert Whittock and the Key. Murdoch Macnair had heard some fables of Evan's abilities from his patron Dr. Forbes, and, like 'cute birds well able to distinguish chafY from corn, they shook their heads and smiled. But they would look into matters for themselves ; and accordingly on the first favourable occasion the Rev. Robert Whittock took Evan and the Latin gram- mar in hand with some ostentation. It was plain sailing on both sides for a little; then the examiner, smirking to him- self put a poser from memory. Evan answered promptly ).o" re wrong," said the Rev, Robert; "try again," Without hesitation Evan repeated his answer. Have I not just told you that is wrong?" said Mr, Whit- tock, cocking his head to enjoy the triumph, "Are you of the strange people who think a wrong can be made right bv merely repeating it?" ^ Evan flushed over cheek and brow as if suddenly stung; ii8 The Minister of State Bi'.H but he looked into the great man's face steadily and without the least abashment, while the whole school held its breath ''Well! are 30U going to try again?" inquired the Rev' Kobert, glancmg comprehensively at the audience "No, sir," came the reply, firm, clear, and though low and respectful, resonant as a cannon-shot. "And why not, sir, why not?" cried Mr. Whittock. flush- mg m his turn. "Why not, sir? This is pretty discipline." casting a look of rebuke at Mr. Proudfoot. "You are wrono- and won't try to be right. I ask you why?" ° "Because if I'm wrong, sir," said Evan,' quietly, "the book is wrong. And if a bomb had crashed into the room the consternation could not have been greater. .1 ' ?°A. -^ M^'^^"'* ^"^"°^^ ^^''^^'■e I was standing when I heard tlie laddie, said the dominie, sitting beside the Rev. Mur- doch Macnair at Neil's tea-table that evening, "The only thing that saved me was that he was right. But think of the nerve of him. Whafll he be when he's through college if he s like this at a wee elementary school? But I'm think- ing he need never ask a favour of the minister of the parish " 1 he Rev. Murdoch could not help a subdued chuckle over his rival s discomfiture; but he said with an air of Olvmpian impartiality that of course boys were not to be encourap-ed m pertness. '^ "That's as wise as a saying of Solomon," responded the dominie. But I ve heard the Free Kirk minister say that truth IS priceless. I'm thinking Evan will do. He seems to be one of those who will speak the truth though the deil be shamed. Mr Macnair inclined his head as if to say Ke certainly would not think of impugning the teachings of the Free Kirk minister. "And what's he going to be?" he asked, slicing a roll of tresh butter that was still sweet with the fragrance of the churn. David, who had been invited in honour of his son's performance, replied that, if it were God's will, Evan would tollow in the footsteps of his revered minister. "There's no doubt the Church needs labourer^, both at home and abroad," observed Mr. Macnair. "But I thought 1 heard something about his being a doctor. Mrs. Mac- gregor bovymg gallantly to the perspiring hostess, "I really don t think that in the whole course of my life 1 ever tasted such scone and butter." The Time of Roses and without d its breath, sd the Rev. nee. tliough low ttock, flush- discipHne," Li are wrong ', "the book e room tlie len I heard Rev. Mur- "The only ut think of Ligh college I'm think- :he parish." luckle over t Olympian mcouraged ;)onded the er say that [e seems to the deil be e certainly f the Free g a roll of nee of the )f his son's van would r?> both at I thought VIrs. Mac- ostess, "I life 1 ever 119 "Oh, yes whatever," put in Neil joyously, "the wife will pe the lass for the butter and scones. You just leave her alone for that." ]|They are delicious," said Mr. Macnair with emphasis. Thenk ye, sn-," responded Mrs. Macgregor, perspiring more than ever. "And will you just pe helping yourself? Inteet, I will often and often haf petter things. You will not pe eatmg at all, sir. You fair shame me. And Mr. Prood- foot, will you pe taking something? A little jeel or maype more cream in your tea. Cream's plentiful; the grass is gey and good this year too. Just pe making yourself at home now." Perturbation and a beaded trickling moisture gave a troubled look and great redness to Mrs. Macgregor's coun- tenance. Several times she wiped it desperatelv, loosening strands of hair, which clung in sweaty ringlets to the fat hanging expanse of her .cheeks, and remarked between times that the weather had got "extraornar" hot. Mr. Macnair I came delicately to her relief. "I cannot conceive how you make them," he observed, examining the quarter of a scone scientifically, "so light, so white, so toothsome! Do you use butter?" "Oh no, sir," Mrs. Macgregor made haste to answer, "it will just pe the soor puttermilk. There will pe nothing for paking like the soor buttermilk." "Sour buttermilk," put in Mr. Proudfoot, "is good for many things." He intended to say that for sobering a drunk man it is an almost unfailing specific; but suddenly changing the current of his ideas he added weakly that it is excellent for removing freckles. Mrs. Macgregor stated in confirmation that for restoring the complexion after sunburn its efficacy IS unquestionable. "But it is only young lasses that will think of the Kke of that, she concluded, smiling uneasi.y. "What need a poor old cailleach like me care?" "They say the queenly Helen could never forget her face," remarked the dominie. "At what age think you, Mrs Macgregor, does vanity die in the sex?" "Inteet, sir, I never heard," returned Mrs. Macgregor jo- cosely, and the little sally quite restored her. "The heart is more than the face," said the Rev. Mur- doch Macnair sententiously, "David, may I trouble you for I20 The Minister of State M the cheese. I looks as tempting as the butter. Scone a day old a layer of fresh butter, a slice of cream cheese-these Mr.. Macgregor," smihng unctuously on the ladv "are among the most savoursome things of life. We were dis cussing your boy. David, and I was going to say " he went d"; Forbes^-^H ff °"'^ "^^"^^'- ^"^ eligible ^^iccesLTto Dr Forbes, that I cannot miagine a more glorious career for a young man of energy and talent with a calling than the foreign missionary field." " "Yes," interpolated Neil with conviction. "It will oe t h[m to go"''sir°" °"'''' ''' '''*'""• ^^^^^ ^^" y°" -^^'^' "Oh," rejoined Mr. Macnair comprehensively, "there's a teeming population in India waiting for the light and in Africa, and the islands of the far South " ^ "Among the cannipals," said Neil. "Gosh, they mieht nane;V"'°.T!^':.' ^'"'t' *° ''' ^^"^' ^'^^ ^ wa'ss re'adTnf a paper the other day where a parcel of plack rascals ate their meenister-picked his pones as clean as a sheepshank-am sure I hope he disagreet with them, only I will haf a notio what you would call a clean strae death is petter. Do you Fv.n tn ^ "Y- V^"'". ^''IP" P^^"^y °f ^^""e^s at home Vr Hvan to try his hand on?" "It matters not Mr. Macgregor," replied the minister,"how or where we die ,f we die in His cause and for His glory " said nS? '^"nH ^°" ^'" J^^ow pest apoot them things, sir/' said ^eil, and my word iss not fit to stand peside yours lm^f\'"^-} ^ '"^ '^'"¥"^ ^^^ *h'«' '^'^^ if the plack hungry ..m ~J '"^"^ "]'^" *^^^' ''''" explained Neil apologfti- cah iat vo7';\' '^'^" '^^P °^ '^'' '°"^"^- ^f '^'^ Pl^ek^ras- cals eat you, skin and pone as you might say. you canna pe I miftir i,'"''^'^^-* '^'''■' "°' j"^* P^ t^e posseebility of a mistake when the pig trump plows'" These are matters on which it does not become us to be pody a turn to think of it "To be shure," said Neil, genially. And the conversation veered to crops, cattle, fat and lean soils, current prices of farm produce, and other matters of moment to the practical '. Scone a day cheese — these the lady, "are We were dis- say," he went i successor to lorious career a calling than "It will pe a /ill you advise ily, "there's a light, and in 1, they might ass reading a seals ate their epshank — am I haf a notion ten Do you at home for linister/'how r His glory." I things, sir," Deside yours. 3lack hungry !il apologeti- ae plack ras- ^ou canna pe : iss a kittle Dsseebility of )me us to be ely. id Lisspeth, ^h to give a conversation mt prices of the practical The Time of Roses 121 Mr. Proudfoot alone remained in a state of preoccupation and detachment, thinking of Evan and the Rev. Robert Whittock. Once he chuckled so irrelevantly in the midst of a discussion on the best method of rearing calves that Neil, interrupted in a clinching argument, was moved to in- quire the cause of such untimely jollity. "Nothing in the world but my own poor thoughts," an- swered the dominie, "and the fun of the Latin grammar." ,t"^L^^'^^ ^ ^°^^ blunder on the part of our friend," observed Mr. Macnair sweetly. "Yes," said the dominie, shaking with suppressed merri- ment. "An unco sore mistake. Next time he'll perhaps re- member the daft Dane's judicious hint about speakintr bv the card." CHAPTER VI Presently Mr. Macnair and David left, but Mr. Proudfoot tarried to enjoy a little friendly intercourse with Neil. The talk, as might be expected, was copious, eloquent, genial, and as happens when mind and tongue are socially inspired and tuned, unlimited in range. Beginning familiarly with such everyday topics as prize stock and ploughing matches, it ascended to the highest themes of morals, polity, and re- ligion; and there was weighty if urbane debate. At ten o clock the two were arguing, with uplifted forefingers and faces of momentous gravity, Protagora's old question, whether there were gods or whether not;" and Lisspeth, growing sleepy, thoughtfully relieved them of a trammelling presence by retiring to bed. At that they settled down properly to the rigours of the game. They drew their chairs closer together, they clicked their glasses without fear of rebuke, they leaned their elbows on the table and ducked fraternally to each other, they des- canted upon one another's virtues in terms that came dan- gerously near flattery. Then one plumed his wings for a flight m the empyrean, while the other nodded in wonder and admiration. At half-past ten the dominie soared out of i\eil s ken in a disquisition upon the Nikomachean Ethics with special reference to the author's remarks on modera- 122 The Minister of State V i tion, and a eulogy on the Homeric gods for their suoerh scorn of the conventional and the commonplace NeTwas gettmg drowsy m spite of his admiration, when the domh^ie came gaily circhng down again in a Pludibrastic sat^r^on the pansh mmister's latinity, and in pure mellowness o sou" broke into song. Joyously pulling'^himself together Nd proceeded to give proof of his geniality by swinging ht head m tune and beating time with his foot. " " 'Within an hour o' Edinburgh toon A mile afore the su-u— n gaed do-o-n A lassie wi— a la— a— ssie wi— i— wi— i '-' " ^rin a wee pittie, dominie," he said "It's no worth while," said the singer, stopping abruotlv and looking at Neil with extreme seriouJness^^ ^ ^ ^ look '-TJ^^'^f while," assented Neil, returning the solemn look. Am perfeckly with you. No worth while " bo they applied themselves with quickened zest to a solace at once sweeter and more easily compassed. lowards the witching hour Mr. Proudfoot rose to go and i^es ^TfhT %^T-f/ ''^ ''" ^' ^'^°"1^ be of! the^p em- desirable ^ ^'^ ^^"""^ '^' ^^'^'°'" ^''' '''^^y than was "Ye will pe staci softly. v.f" ^'"^"2"'"^'^ ^^f dominie, "I haven't got my sea-lees yet, and thereupon he began to sing: ^ ^ " 'Drunk again and lost my doggie, Hoo the deuce will I win hame?'" "wS^r" 'f!^,^''^ ^" ^\^'^' for lie desired dead secresy. Whisht. Gosh pless me, they will hear us." J list whisht yersel'," answered Mr. Proudfoot in an b,&V°"T",l "''"If ''' ^^°"'^ ' "° --^-t myself wi' a J^r ™ me that, tousy-head. Ay, faith I'll sing- " " 'Hie upon Highlands, and low upon Tay &i'!i^^°A^9f"?P^^" '■^de out on a day, Saddled and bridled and booted gaed he Hame came his gude horse, but never came he.' " T ill^^' '"tleed it was a sair fecht. Pitweem, for a' yer sins I hke ye, and I'm going to give ye another ^ee liltie^" their superb ce. Neil was 1 the dominie Stic satire on wness of soul Dgether, Neil swinging his n, ing abruptly ^ the solemn e." >t to a solace ie to go, and ff the prem- dy than was e," he said my sea-legs ;ad secresy. foot in an nyself wi' a I'll sing," im he had he.' " a' yer sins Itie." The Time .of Roses 123 ^ As sure as death they'll hear us," protested Neil. And what of that?" answered the dominie. "It'll do Inn' .^^1°"^^ j°"l? S?od. Whoso hath uot music in hie n^m. L« ~?^ ~-' ^* ^.°' ^ ^^^^P °' things that shall be nameless. The divme— diabolic William says it. " 'O what a parish, what a terrible parish, O what a parish is Httle Dunkel'; Ihey hae hangit the minister, drounded the precentor Dung doun the steeple and drucken the bell ' Though the steeple was doun, the kirk was still stan'in. A T. i7 l^.f '^ ^ '""' ^^^.'■^ t'^^ bell used to hang, A still-pat they gat and they brewed Hielan' whisky On Sundays they drank it and rantit and sang.' "AT^n ^'f ^'^'^' #o^!^fss set," commented the dominie Man Pitweem I wish ye wid keep yer yard in smoothe; hotVhi!' ^"^t^ ''''^^-'- "^''' J"^^ ^ J^^tter o' nobs and holes hat s neither canny nor yet fit for Chn'stian feet " Hiffi.Ti ^^^" to perceive that Mr. Proudfoot would have difficulty in getting home, and the knowledge troubled him. Running his eye round the moonlit yard he sS a barrow, and a happy thought struck him. ^ Now you just stand there," he said, backing the dominie stfady"' ^ "^'"^ "'" '"^P yo/ up There! "What, if I may ask, are ye going to do wi' me?" in- quired the dominie thickly. ^ wi me. m "Going to get a gig for you," answered Neil "Lean against the wall, propped like-there. I'll not pe half a miniite, ay, or a minute neither." ^ neZH fTi ?^ ^- ^ "V""^^' ^y^ ""' ^ "^^""te neither," re- a Ttrnni^ dommie as he watched Neil's movements. "It's "We Will put straw in it," said Neil. no douhf A"!;'.' '"•*"'"'1 ^^' ^°"""'"' ^^^^"^ ^ '"'•ch. "it is test T Hn^ S- P'°SV"^'"1'°" *° *^^P°«'t me in it. I pro- test, 1 do. Since Silenus bestrode his ass there has never ZfN\^^-r^'^?'y ^.^^^> P"t "P°" learning " """' 'ThifS w"°' ''""' ^r ^'' '^"^ ^«"^ ^" q^est of straw. Ihis IS what comes of good nature," observed the do- minie, setting his back defiantly again t the 7^1 "J hu- I ^ ii I'N 124 The Minister of State i'i^ moured him, the frowzy-headed son of Beelzebub, sat wi' him and tholed his silly clash, and all I'm fit for is to prop a gable-end. It's God's truth." The soliloquy was interrupted by Neil, who r ♦^^urned very straight and sedate carrying an armful of straw which he proceeded with much ado to spread in the bottom of the barrow. That done he turned to his friend. "Now, dominie," he said, throwing his arms lovingly about the man of learning. The two wrestled for a mo- ment; then they fell together into the barrow, but Neil was uppermost. Extricating and raising himself with immense difficulty, he pulled and tugged Mr. Proudfoot into posi- tion. "There, keep your feet over the shafts," he said, breath- ing hard. "That's it. There now, steady." Spitting on his palms and rubbing them together, he seized the handles of the barrow, and the next moment was trundling ofT with his load. "Invention is the mother of necessity," muttered Mr. Proudfoot. "A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and the legs of the lame hang loose," he continued. "You're not so bad a cuddy, Pitweem, but what earthly reason you have for going zigzag in a straight course is more than I can persheave. Honest. A sober beast would give over measuring the road crossways. I am pained to think you maun be fou." Neil snickered merrily at the idea. "Fou?" he responded. "Fou? Fuich, fuich, dominie. If you saw me right fou, man, I will frighten the very auld ane himsel'." "He's ill to scare they say," remarked Mr. Proudfoot. — "God sake! what's that?' 'he cried quickly, sitting bolt up- right and staring into the gloom of a fir plantation. "Eh," said Neil, pulling up, "what are you speaking that way for?" "I thought I saw a red eye glowering at me," answered the dominie. "This is just the kind of a night he will pe out," said Neil in an awed whisper. "Many's the time my mother that iss in glory said that. What sort of an eye was it, dominie?" "A burning red eye," said the dominie. "It looked as if forked tongues of fire might leap out and strike you. God, a fearsome thing." The Time of Roses 125 )ub, sat wi' r is to prop r mrned traw which ttom of the IS lovingly for a mo- .it Neil was :h immense into posi- dd, breath- :ting on his handles of \g oflf with ttered Mr. he ass, and . "You're reason you lore than I give over 1 think you ominie. If : very auld roudfoot. — \g bolt up- on, making that " answered " said Neil ler that iss dominie?" ooked as if you. God, "That will pe it exackly," said Neil, quaking coldly in all his fibres. "The Lord haf pity and mercy too on poor mor- tals. You tell me a burning red eye. As shurc as death that iss just it. Will you haf a pittie of a praver handv, dominie?" "No," replied the dominie, "I haven't a bit about me. Drive on; there's nothing to be seen now." "Am glad of that," said Neil, proceeding on his way. "Wammlin' waur than ever," commented the dominie. "Man, you and the minister of the parish would be a fine yokin'," and forgetting the red eye, he lay back and lauglied an uproarious laugh that ended in a violent fit of hiccoughing. Looking up presently with an expression of profound solemnity he pointed a forefinger at the staggering Neil. "Pitweem," he said, impressively, "confidence in an un- faithful man in time of trouble is like an eye-tooth out of joint. I wonder if Solomon, the son of Jesse, was hurled home in a dirty wheel-barrow by his trusted friend when he found that out?" "Solomon, the son of Jesse!" cried Neil, Inughing out- right, "oh, dominie, dominie! I will not pe praising myself, but I know my Pible petter than that. Solomon, the father ^ of David, you mean." The dominie nodded gravely. "Ay, Solomon, the brother of David," he said. "Tlie wisest man the world e'er saw, he dearly loved the lasses, O. A sair handlin' was that same Solomon, and a gallant gen- tleman to boot, never a gallanter; took great grief at the thought of any bonnie lassie dying an old maid. But, Pit- weem, this is not fair, not fair at all. You must have a quadruple dose of original sin to clap me in this kind of conveyance: I might as well be sitting on your midden; and my best breeks on. too. Think of 'that— ^my very best pair of breeks that I paid old jag-my-thumb in Aberfourie my good seventeen-and-six for, with never a farthing back for drink or luck-penny. But Saints, as the observant Hooker has it, have a double portion of miseries to bear in this world. I know it (hie) from pershonal expcerensh." "And what will Hooper pe?" asked Neil unsteadily. "_A man, God bless him!" said the dominie, "who was afflicted even ash we are: had a scold for a wife, a clapper tongue wad deave a miller, and rocked the cradle wi' his !Vt> ,ft III' iTn'"i"rinliiBBtBMi 1 f 'i m MX mi w 1 f iPi 126 The Minister of State toe when he was asked. A model husband and father. A satirical dog, too, as ever put the Catholic King's English to tree-s-an-ous uses. He wrote nine and thirty articles proving that the Church of England is the only true and original and authorised Apostolic Kirk ever founded upon earth. What d'ye think of that?" Neil drew up suddenly, paused for a second, then dumped the barrow down so violently that the dominie, in his own words, not only bit his tongue, but was nearly shaken out of his bones. "What iss that my ears will pe hearing?" demanded Neil sternly, "That man Crooker will have the tam foolishness in the blood of him. The Kirk of England! tam sheep's plethers. The Free Kirk of Scotland is my Kirk. No new- fangled Sassenach hotchpotch here. If the Apostle Paul wass living this fery day he will pe a Free Kirk man. The wav he made the wild peasts jump at Jerusalem shows that." "Assur-ed-ly," hiccoughed the dominie from the depths of the vehicle. "The reasoning's not to be got over." "And what for will this man Cooper not mind what he will pe saying then?" asked Neil. "Because he flourished in the days of darkness and knew no better," explained the dominie. "It's in my mind the Free Kirk was not invented in his time." "Ah!" exclaimed Neil, generously relenting, "that will put the rick-ma-tick round apout the other way. The poor man will pe aneath the grey stone then. Ah! that iss a peety and not a blame at all." Fie took up his barrow and trundled on again medita- tively. For awhile there was silence; then the dominie said softly : "What about my breeks, Pitwecm? They'll never be fit for decent respectable legs again. It was an ill-done trick o' ye. If ye werena what ye are ye'd owe me a new pair. But a' things considered there's no cause to greet, How many pairs of breeks would the Rev. Bob give that he had just let that Latin grammar alone? " ' The minister kissed the fiddler's wife. And couldna preach for thintcin' o't.' "Fiddler's wives and Latin grammars are kittle things. And the fool spake out of the fulness of his folly, and the 1 father. A g's English rty articles ly true and mded upon cond, then dominie, in was nearly anded Neil foolishness am sheep's . No new- 3ostle Paul man. The lem shows the depths jver." id what he > and knew T mind the "that will The poor that iss a The Time of Roses i 27 silly bairn jput its fingers in the fire. Did ye see his face when the thing happened? It was worth the price of ten pairs of the best breeks that ever covered hurdies just to see it." And breaking into a fit of merriment Mr. Proudfoot rocked to and fro, till Neil had to call upon him to desist. "I never thocht ye were so fou," returned the dominie. "If ye dinna mind ye'll hae me cowpit. The minister of the parish came a cropper this morning. Man, it was perfectly glorious." And again he shook with glee. "If you will not sit quiet, dominie," said Neil, struggling grimly to steady himself and his barrow, "as shure's you're there I'll cowp you." Almost as he spoke the barrow swayed erratically, des- cribing a semicircle, and before cither Mr. Macgregor or Mr. Proudfoot could realise the course of events, they were embracing in the ditch. "I told you, Pitweem," gasped the dominie, "I told you you were owre fou." Looking up at the reeling stars, Neil asked tartly which was fouest. "This is no time for .^eckless questions," retorted the dominie. "I'll be obleeged to ye to take that dirt out of my mouth. 'Tis matter in the wrong place." lin medita- )minie said lever be fit done trick , new pair, eet. How hat he had tie things, y, and the CPIAPTER VII The temptation to celebrate the discomfiture of the Rev. Robert Whittock was too strong to be resisted; but as time passed the spirit of conviviality which had so long ruled the dominie's life was indulged less and less frequently, and, it was suspected, with a diminishing heartiness of enjoyment. Indeed, among cronies who suffered from perennial thirst, and had therefore the strongest motive to discountenance apostate, Band-of-Hope follies, his backsliding was first a cause of grief, and then, as it became hopeless, of secret mockery. No man cared to mock in public, because the dominie's tongue seemed to get a keener and keener edge as his principles deteriorated, and the boldest shrank from The Minister of State risking its pitiless satire or explosive bursts of invective; so that the sneering and sniggering had to be done wholly behind back. Doubtless they gained in pungency what they lost by privacy. Occasional turnings aside there were, of course; for a man of jovial reputation may not meet established friends by a convenient alehouse of a Saturday night and ignore auld lang syne. But these lapses into ancient custom merely served to accentuate the master's abstinence, and they did not at all hinder in the quest for knowledge that was astonishing the whole country-side. It was remarked by the observant that if the teacher was doing much for the pupil, the pupil was doing still more for the teacher. "Clean reforming him," said Red Sandy, expressing the general sentiment in a word. "The next thing ye'U see will be the dominie taking the boards against whisky; then, I suppose, stellars* will go to the poorhouse." And to be sure the dominie found meat and drink, solace and stimulation in the aptitude and willingness of his fa- vourite scholar. Evan needed no spur, for he was ambi- tious to excel, and could toil amazingly when his interest was roused; and the dominie, foreseeing scholastic victo- ries, permitted himself to dream of past friends, past rivals perhaps, nientioning his name once more with respect and admiration when Evan, his little Evan, should astonish pro- fessors and examiners. "Cheer up, there's something to live for now," he said one evening to his aged mother, who was housekeeper, guardian, and sole domestic companion in one. "It makes the pulses beat with new life to have something with brains to teach." And that night the poor decrepit, heavy-laden mother, whose heart had stood so many strains and shocks, thanked God on bended knee and with tears of gratitude for this saving mercy. "If the scholars were all like Evan," she said to David some days later, "so much of Peter's money would not have gone to the public-house. The Lord does not always bestow a blessing when He gives a son. But ye'll be prood o' Evan, and ye hev cause, for he's a clever laddie, ay, and what is mair, a good laddie. I was ance prood o' my son too. There wasna a quicker learner at the school, no, nor ♦Distillers. The Time of Roses i invective; lone wholly jency what lurse; for a ihed friends and ignore ent custom inence, and wledge that is remarked mch for the her. )ressing the ^e'U see will ky; then, I Irink, solace s of his fa- was ambi- his interest astic victo- , past rivals respect and stonish pro- w," he said ousekeeper, "It makes with brains len mother, ks, thanked ide for this id to David lid not have not always '11 be prood die, ay, and I o' my son Dol, no, nor 129 at the college either, than my Peter. But — weel! it whiles does an auld mithcr's heart no good to go back on things. The past's gone beyond bringing back, and it becomes us to be gratofu' for the present. Peter's fair ta'en wi' Evan, and it's like auld times when learning was as a spring sun, rich wi' promise of harvest." "I am glad to hear you speak the words, Mrs. Proud- foot," said David, in a tremulous voice. "I am sure o' that, Dav'd," rejoined Mrs. Proudfoot, "quite sure o' that. And Pm glad for your sake. We've baith kent trial, but there's One that minds a' that. When you and nie's gane, happit ancath the daisies, it's hard to say what ICvan may be. Peter tells me he may be anything he likes. Ikit if I was you I would watch owre him at col- lege. That's the tryin' time. No every ane that opens the door can walk the furnace and no be burnt. Take a mith- er's word for it, Greek and Latin's no everything. No, no." And following his wont in times of disquietude, David lay awake in the hours of sleep to brood upon the dangers that beset youth in great cities. Being a Highlander to his heart's core, and plentifully dowered with the gloom of the Celtic imagination, he found it the easiest thing in the world to call up harrowing visions of the Inferno. He saw temptations thronging to seduce unwary feet; he pictured protean sin in her thousand flaunting, flaming shapes, de- coying innocence, laughing wisdom out of countenance, and tripping with her duped victim to the gulf. A moment of delirious excitement, a moment of giddy whirling and spinning on waters that crisped and glanced and curled and beckoned in dancing merriment; then suddenly wild crests and vortices roaring for prey. The lurid surge, rising and catching the cockle-shell of pleasure, sent it like a ball from a rocket clean upon the open lip of the maelstrom. In an instant it was sucked in and engulfed, and a soul went head- long and irrevocably into the nether depths. Such was David's picture, and, shivering in his warm bed, he mur- mured fearfully, "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" Lose his own soul! Ay, there was the racking thought, the tremendous, the un- speakable risk. But, returning to his rock of refuge, he remembered that One rules in the lightning and the hurricane, in the riot and tumult of Babylon, and the flaring palaces of wickedness, lA' ¥ ' 1? I'tl 130 The Minister of State no less certainly than in the solemn temple, the soft, blue sky, the gentle sunshine, the wandering breeze, the rip- pling laughter of the brook, or the green stillness of the untrampled vale. And so, disburdened and comforted, at length fell asleep. Meanwhile Mr. Proudfoot and his pupil worked with the sustained glow of forc-ordaiiied conquerors. The two were seldom separate. H they were not in the little schoolhouse declining, construing, or hunting philological game, they were on the hillside or in odorous woods and lanes discuss- ing the spirit and style of their authors, for the master en- couraged Evan to express himself freely in talk, only cau- tioning him to take care he had something to say before speaking. Thus the process of brain-building went on. Evan was delighted by the lucid expositions and commen- taries, the illuminative and penetrating criticisms of his tutor; and the tutor was ever more and more charmed with the clear faculties and rapid intelligence of the scholar. "He just leaps to a new fact like a trout to a f\y," the dominie would exclaim, "and what he gets he keeps. Where he's going to end I'm almost afraid to prophesy." The course of study did not always run smooth. Dan Thompson, who had genius in his vocation, poured random challenges upon the student. Sometimes Evan accepted, sometimes declined them, but these chance encounters did not satisfy Dan: he nmst contrive something big; so one day he came to Evan with an important air and challenges from three picked men. Evan considered for a moment. "It's a pity," he said, quietly. "I have got to do this Greek exercise for the master at once." "It's a fine thing to have a Greek exercise when you're afraid," returned Dan. "If you say that again you may add yourself to the list," rejoined Evan. "You're old and you're big, and to speak the truth not vciy bonnie, but you've only got to say the word." "Maybe you'll find three quite enough," observed Dan, feeling safety in his years and bulk. "Just as you like," said Evan, "I'll be ready at dinner time." Accordingly, in the play-hour, an excited band of war- riors stole to a secluded spot behind a hedge and beside a little wood. Dan lost no time in putting his men in order. The Time of Roses 13^ e soft, blue ?e, the rip- ness of the »mforted, at :ed with the le two were ;choolhouse game, they les discuss- master cn- :, only cau- say before 1 went on. d commen- sms of his armed with cholar. a fly," the he keeps, prophesy." 3oth. Dan red random [1 accepted, Dunters did )ig; so one challenges moment. to do this 'hen you're to the list," id to speak to say the erved Dan, ^ at dinner nd of war- id beside a ;n in order. "Are they all to be taken at once?" asked Evan, survey- ing them. "Tliat is for you to decide," smirked Dan. "They are ready." In a twinkling, Evan, minus jacket and bonnet, had planted himself in the proper attitude, face to face with the biggest boy, who was his senior by two years. A minute later Dan's champion was led away with a flowing nose, and Evan, just warming agreeably to his work, passed to the next: for him a loosened tooth and split lip were glory enough; and the third, impressed, no doubt, by the folly of fighting with Fate, mounted the white feather in the first round. Then the victor turned to Dan with flashing eyes and compressed lips. "You have been bothering me a good deal, Dan, when I, was busy with other things," he said. "Stand out, that we may settle matters." Dan smiled inanely. "If you are afraid," said Evan, "I will put on my coat." A fighting reputation is not to be wantonly sacrificed, and Dan cle,i iy recognised how much was at stake. Throwing off his coat he squared up gallantly, though Evan, alertly on guard, noticed that the expression of the eye belied the confidence of the manner. Dan drove in, sparring furiously, and Evan, stepping nimbly aside, got in a stunning right-hander on the jaw while his opponent hit the air. Dan repeated his tactics and got it on the other jaw. "Ow!" he roared, spitting blood. "I'll tear you to bits." He sprang forward intending to close, and reeled from a straight shoulder blow in the right eye. Before he could recover his mouth was badly damaged. "Boo!" he cried, clapping both hands to his face. Then suddenly taking a race he aimed a kick at Evan; but before the heavy boot-toe could effect his purpose he was sprawl- ing on the ground with his antagonist above him. "I have a good mind to break some bones for von," said the victor, pounding the back of the other's head. "There now, lie quiet, or as sure's you're alive I will. Are you licked?" "You'll see that when I get up," answered Dan, strug- gling fiercely. "I'll see before you get up," said Evan, making his li If' U J l%' 132 The Minister of State !li^ knuckles play about the oozing mouth of Dan. "The sooner you say you're licked the sooner you're free to get up." And the intimation being accompanied by a kind of argument which was wholly irresistible under the circum- stances, Dan mumbled an admission of defeat. "Well, mind this," said Evan, releasing him. "When you or your friends want more you have only to let me know." Then snatching up his belongings he made for the burn to wash otif the marks of the fray and rearrange his toilet. The means at his command being rude his success was but partirl He was hardly surprised, therefore, when on resum- ing his studies the master eyed him sharply with the re- mark. "Yo-i have been fighting, sir." "I couldn't help it, sir," explained Evan. "Couldn't help it, you spitfire, what do you mean?" Evan brietiy related the conditions under which the battle was fought, extenuating nothing, nor setting down aught in malice. "-And did s^ou dress down the lot?" inquired the master. ' Ves, sir," answered the conqueror bashfully, as if ad- mitting an ofTence of which he were ashamed. Mr. Proudfoot turned abruptly to look out of the win- dow, his face tvvitching with a comical expression. "I think i told you," he said, suddenly wheeling back upon the culprit, and speaking with the emphasis and solemnity essential to the occasion, "I think I told you what would happen if I caught you fighting." Evan's eyes frankly owned the warning. "Well, if ever I catch you disobeying again, there'll be a reckoning that you'll remember. Now let me see that Greek exercise." In the meantime, Dan and his friends having taken coun- sel together, unanimously cast the defaulter outside the pale of comradeship. If he wanted Greek and Latin let him have Greek and Latin, and strut with the conceit of a peacock, and swell till his skin couldn't hold him. They were done with him finally and for ever. So he was allowed to go his own absurd way, or rather Mr. Proudfoot's absurd way, without further let or hindrance. Thrc€ years the oddly-assorted pair worked to.o-ether, learning and discoursing hugely, and taking in'^manv thmgs which did not lie in the direct path. Before the The )an. "The free to get { a kind of he circuni- 1. "When to let nie »r the burn : his toilet. ;ss was but on resum- ith the re- lean?" 1 the battle 3wn aught he master. , as if ad- if the win- Dn. eling back >hasis and '. told vou n, there'll le see that iken coun- utside the Latin let mceit of a im. They as allowed )t's absurd together, in many Before the The Time of Roses 133 opening of the fourth year there was a great conference in Neil's best room, at which the Master, David, Neil, Mrs. Macgregor, Jessie, and by chance Red Sandy were present. The subject of deliberation was Evan, his progress and prospects. "He's done better than any one of us dared to expect," said the dominie, who had most of the talk to himself, "though I jaloused from the first what was in him. There's a long way to travel yet, however, and we musn't brag. When we're on the top we'll give a skelloch to relieve our- selves. Meantime, we keep toiling up the brae. And what I propose is this. My old pupil, Andrew Sinclair, is, as you know, head master of Aberfourie Academy. He's a prize- man in mathematics — took all that Glasgow had to give in that line. He and Evan are the only two scholars I have put through my hands in twenty years." David drew a long breath, and Jessie scarce dared to wink lest she should lose a word. "Now," continued Mr. Proudfoot, "I want Evan to leave me. I know something of the classics, if I should be my own trumpeter. But all knowledge is not for the best of us, and the laddie needs mathematics. For that reason he'll go a session or two to Aberfourie. I have spoken to An- drew Sinclair on the matter, and he's ready and willing to help. Evan can walk there and back daily without putting himself the least about; and while he's working with An- drew at mathematics I'll keep him jogging with the classics at home," It was with difficulty that Jessie restrained herself from embracing the dominie before the assembled company, and as for David, he knew not where he was. "Books are generally the most expensive part of the business." pursued Mr. Proudfoot. "But I have some and Andrew has more, and I don't think there'll be much cost on that score. Do you fall in with my proposal?" "Fall in?" responded Neil quickly. "I think it will pe gey and queer if we will not fall in," "Ay. inteet," put in Red Sandy. "Evan and me had a wee tifTerence one time — he played a wee trick on me, but that is all past, long past; ay, inteet." _ Even Mrs. Macgregor gave a cheerful assent, and the mo- tion was carried without a syllable from David. But no one could look into his shining eyes and imagine he dissented. 134 The Minister of State I » hri • J, I Lil- You'll be taking the laddie in yourself, dominie," said Neil, with the countenance of a boy planning a holiday, "and I will drive you in the machine. Ay, and we will just all pe going too. When Evan will pe a pig man he will mind the jaunt." And in the machine they went, every man of them, under the captaincy of Mr. Proudfoot, who, as Neil admiringly observed, was born to command. Jessie saw them off, sav- mg to herself that Evan looked bright and "snod"; then returned to her aunt to dwell in a fever of imagination on the events of the day. They passed off so gloriously that in the evening every- body returned elated and full of prophecies. The dominie in his jubilation had got "a wee thought owre merry" per- haps; but a cup of Lissiieth's brisk tea steadied his frolic- some wits and made him grave and practical. At parting he gripped David passionately by the hand. "I hate boasting," he said; "but I cannot help thinking we have sown this day for a great harvest. Anv way, the laddie must get a chance. There must be no Tittle intru- sions when he's busy: it's these seemingly trifling inter- ruptions that ruin the student and drive the teacher mad. And, Pitweem," he went on, turning to Neil, "Pve a bit of admonition to give you. Crops and soils, seedtime and harvest, sowing and planting, and harrowing and reaping and feeding cattle— these are things to which the farmer must give his mind and strength; but if you dare to take that boy from his books to do the smallest job of farm work, I'll call down the very blackest curses of Heaven on that mop you call your head." "Trust me, dominie," returned Neil. "Just trust me. Do you know what I am thinking? well! it iss just this, that I will pe the proud man to pe the uncle of a fi.'e scholar." "Pitweem," said the dominie, "I honour y. : for your sentiments: they do you credit; but admirable as they are. they don't do you half the credit that your nephew will if he gets fair play. Now mind mv words: none of your dodges to get odd jobs out of hi'm. When you want a thing done do it yourself; it's the only way of being sure it s done properly." "The, dominie's a droll preacher," said Neil, beaming as at a piece of flattery. "But his toctrine will pe gey and good whatever, and am just the sinner to mind it." The Time of Roses 135 linie," said a holiday, ve will just an he will lem, under idmiringly m off, sav- lod"; then ination on ing every- e dominie erry" per- il is frolic- \t parting ) thinking / way, the ittle intru- ing inter- cher mad. /e a bit of Itime and d reaping he farmer •e to take 5 of farm leaven on trust me. this, that scholar." for your they are. ew will if ; of your u want a eing sure laming as gey and At eight o'clock next morning Evan strode ofif alone to Aberfourie with a strap full of books slung over his shoulder, and a buoyant hope pulsing in his heart. The sun was shining as he swung along the high road, and his father and sister watching him remarked it was a good omen. CHAPTER VIII In Burnside School there was no assistant teacher; in Aberfourie Academy there was a corps of assistants, all brilliant young men fresh from college examinations, "panged fou" of the newest knowledge and inspired by an implacable disdain for old fogeys and antiquated methods. Having traversed all the fields of learning by the royal road of editors' and commentators' notes, they carried them- selves with an air of omniscience and infinity that over- whelmed the timid and the ignorant. How, asked more than one bafifled trembling learner, had these geniuses scaled the sheer heights whence they looked abroad with such a sovereign penetrating eye upon all the schemes of men and all the secrets of nature, or how could a mere average atom of humanity ever hope to obtain even so much as a nail's paring of what lay so neatly packed and arranged in those sleek, shining, perfumed, marvellously groomed polls? Here and there a profane disciple of Job professed to wonder how wisdom could possibly survive them. Into the hands of these Olympians Evan was delivered by the head master, with an epitome of his qualities, so far as known, and instructions to watch and report progress. The start was distinctly inauspicious. No later than the second day he had a difference with the classical master, which developed into e;ross rebellion. It arose over a point of Latinity, an insignificant matter of quantity. Evan en- dured the correction, the inevitable snub, and the scornful question whether that was how they did things at Burnside ; but when there was added a personal taunt which was wholly gratuitous, all at once an open book went slap into the face of the sneering Olympian. \i \1 V ■i,^ ^^t , -•r? N' * 136 The Minister of State "That's how we do things a: Burnside," was the suc- cinct message, [rem between clenched teeth, that accompa- nied the missile. Nothing so unexpected, so mad, so startlingly dramatic had ever agitated the serene classical spirit in Aberfourie Academy. The scholars, breathless at once with horror and joy, felt the new boy was ruined, and the master, strid- ing wildly out of the room with a handkerchief to his dam- aged mouth, was also quite certain on the subject. The offender was flamingly indifferent. With a tingling heat in his veins and a savage singing in his ears, he looked after the disappearing teacher as if meaning to follow and deliver a charge in the rear. The door banged, and he turned swiftly upon his companions as if inviting a chal- lenge. It came presently in the form of a summons from Mr. Sinclair. The interview that ensued in the head master's private room was quiet but heart-searching. In measured polite, precise, unmistakable terms the culprit was in- formed that his conduct was wholly incompatible with ruling principles of discipline, and that if another outbreak occurred it would be necessary, for the common as well as the individual good, to use the rod of correction severely. Having regard to the boy's position, and perhaps more than a suspicion of the provocation he had received, Mr. Sinclair added a friendly but pointed admonition about the wisdom of controlling the temper. _ It was Evan's first encounter with a suave, unimpas- sioned man of the world, who reproved without anger, ad- monished in tones that were almost urbane, and spoke of punishment with a judicial calm; and he was impressed as no violence could impress him. For already he had eyes for the vital; already he knew when a man meant what he said. Long afterwards and in much altered circumstances he remembered the incident, and in his heart thanked Mr. Sinclair for the invaluable lesson in self-command. It was only on reflection, however, that its full excellence appeared. Just then the aboriginal was seething far too hotly within him to be instantly subdued and converted. He listened to indictment and lecture without a word of defence or palliation, but also without a word of repent- ance, and when he returned to the class-room the sight of the enemy was to his simmering passion as a blast to a The Time of Roses 137 s the suc- accompa- j dramatic \berfourie ith horror ster, strid- ) his dam- t. a tingling he looked ■ollovv and d, and he ig a chal- from Mr. i master's measured was in- tible with • outbreak as well as I severely, aps more iived, Mr. about the unimpas- inger, ad- spoke of impressed ; had eyes t what he amstances nked Mr. excellence g far too ;onverted. L word of >f repent- e sight of )last to a smouldering furnace. But happily the gods were kind, and prevented reprisals. Outside they suspended their tender offtces, and broils were thick in consequence. It is the chivalrous custom of the town boy to treat the pure bucolic as the picador treats the bull that is to make sport for the gathered multitude. Sometimes the picador finds the fun on the wrong side; sometimes the town boy is foiled in his own game. Evan ran the gauntlet of wits and pugilists as one enjoying the pastime, giving unstintedly of the rough side of his tongue and the hardest points of his knuckles as the occasion re- quired. He was beaten often, but it soon came to be un- derstood that he was not to be conquered, and presently the leaders admitted him to all the rights and privileges of comradeship. For the juvenile savage, being satisfied on points of pluck and honour, has fundamental notions of fairness. Individually the most troublesome of the new school- mates was Master Douglas Macnair, the prospective suc- cessor to Dr. Forbes. This mettlesome young gentleman had heard of Evan's presumptions for the future, and watched sleeplessly for a chance to break the audacious spirit that so da'-ed to aspire. There was no difficulty whatever in devising means of provocation; but when the combat came off, very privately within a cordon of gleeful aiders and abettors, the result was held to be unsatisfactory to the challenger. A second contest ended in such unmiti- gated disaster to the doughty Douglas that his backers had to intervene. He was then weeping, gory, and temporarily blind of one eye; but, refusing to be comforted, he made straight from the field of battle to the Free Kirk manse to exhibit his deplorable condition and explain how he had been set upon. Some hours later as Evan was tramping home, nowise conscience-stricken by the day's events, the Rev. Murdoch Macnair passed him in a pony chaise, and in passing (for there was no evading him) he received one portentous look which needed no interpretation. Upon reaching Pitweem Mr. Macnair found Lisspeth alone, and at once laid the case before her. She took exactly the view of it he had anticipated. Lifting her hands in sympathetic horror, she desired to know what the world was coming to when good, harmless little boys, y;i; "^ i^SSS^*'--. aBHB 138 The Minister of State u , ay, even minister's sons, were wantonly mauled and mal- treated. "Inteet, sir, he will pe an awful fighter," she said, after expressing- a fear that her nephew was possessed of a devil. "He will do just the same to my Dougal. I do not know, am shure, what iss to pecome of him." While they were still dolefully discussing the matter Neil entered, beaming, cordial, and mud-stained, a heartsome breath of wind in a morbid oppressive gloom. He wrung the minister's limp hand with the grip of a Hercules; ind, glancing round the room, inquired with boisterous good- will why in the sacred naine of friendship there was no sign of tea, nor, deng him! even of a dram? What was Lisspeth thinking of that she should so far forget herself? Did she imagine people visited her to sit dry-mouthed and pinched in the stomach? Fuich, fuich, she ought to be more mind- ful of her duties. Let the cheering cup be prepared at once, and meantime where was the bottle? His reverence put aside the question of hospitalities by observing in his solemnest ministerial manner there was more serious business on hand. Thereupon Neil, promptly adjusting his countenance to the gravity of the occasion, asked what was amiss. Briefly, tersely, yet with the need- needful wealth of colour and realistic detail, Mr. Macnair re- peated the account of Evan's misdeeds. Neil was deeply grieved, wondered why young rascals could not keep their hands to themselves instead of peppering each other's faces, hoped Douglas's wounds would soon heal and his closed eye reopen, and in general was the pink of polite- ness and sympathy. But it was noted that he was some- what vague, and abstained from saying a single word about the punishment that was due to the criminal. The Rev. Murdoch Macnair bit his lip. Neil's evasive- ness was unkind. It lacked the implicit faith, the childlike trust, that ought to be reposed in a minister's word. Was it possible that Neil doubted the absolute and irrefragable truth of the statement? Could he, the perverse son of Thomas, imagine that one who had preached with perfect acceptance for nearly a quarter of a century, was capable of deviating from naked fact by so much as a hair's breadth? Revolving this disagreeable question in his mind Mr. Macnair chanced to look out of the window, and spied The Time of Roses 139 and mal- said, after of a devil, not know, latter Neil heartsome Tie wrung ules; ind, Dus good- is no sign ; Lisspeth ' Did she d pinched ore mind- epared at ;alities by :here was promptly occasion, the need- acnair re- as deeply :eep their h other's 1 and his of polite- 'as some- 3rd about ; evasive- childlike rd. Was efragable e son of h perfect 5 capable a hair's lind Mr. nd spied David going from his work. He seemed to consider for a moment, and then turning with a little smile, suggested that the culprit's father should be called in to hear what had happened. Lisspeth accordingly ran forward, tapped, and beckoned urgently. David, who had learned to dread these sudden and in- formal invitations, entered with a cold feeling at his heart, and was confirmed in his misgivings by the still colder greeting of the minister. Sitting on the edge of a chair, and holding the back of another with a twitching hand he heard the damning story of his son's crimes. The effect was a reeling head and a world turned to darkness. Seeing him writhe as if under a sentence of damnation, the accuser re- membered the quality of mercy which pertains to the Gos- pel of Jesus, and graciously commiserated. "It is a painful thing to say," observed the preacher of peace and forgiveness, "but I am much afraid that boy is fated to bring his parent's grey hair in sorrow to the grave," And thus consoled, David answered with an in- voluntary groan. "I might have taken a different course, a course easier to myself than the one I am pursuing," continued the min- ister. "Br.c I did not wish to be the" means of wrecking the boy's life, and so I came direct to yourself. I am very sorry for your sake, David, very sorry indeed." "And what do you want me to do?" asked David, ig- noring the expression of condolence. "I do not zi.mit you to do anything," answered Mr. Mac- nair, "but if I might make a suggestion I think the wisest course would be to withdraw him quietly from the school. If this is the beginning, what will the end be? But there, David, there, your trial is sore enough already, and I wouldn't by word or act add to the pain of your feelings." And having delivered his message of peace and given of his bounty of Christian charity, the Rev. Murdoch Macnair drove off; and Davic^ went home supperless. Neil walked with him ostensibly to arrange the morrow's work, but in reality to see that Evan had fair play. They found the reprobate poring over a book as inno- cently as if he had never blackened an eve or bled a nose in his life. But his father's first look told "him his sins were coming home to roost. "Shut that book, Evan," cried David in Gaelic. "Shut it :ii^ H ii 140 The Minister of State M at once, and tell me what you have been doing to-day. Tell me every word, and as God above is your witness tell me the truth." Jessie, who had heard the story of her brother's tres- passes (not without wicked satisfaction) and feared the issue, was ready with every guile to distract the attention. She welcomed her uncle with what might have seemed in- ordinate warmth, remarking what a stranger he was in the house, and saying her father was much later than usual and must be dead tired, hastened to set his chair for him in his own cosy corner. IJut David was not to be diverted nor induced to sit down. "Let me stand," he said excitedly. "Let me stand. I can hear better this way." Evan, who needed no ; prompter to whisper what part of the day's proceedings he was expected to dscribe, related the history of the fight with his customary frankness, add- ing as the sole excuse for his conduct, "I had either to thrash him or let him call me coward." "It was his fault?" said David with a painful intensity. "He sent to me three times," returned Evan, "and the last time he said he would make me a laughingstock to the whole school if I was afraid." David drew a long breath, a breath of infinite relief, but Neil was the next to speak. "And if you were afraid," cried that gentleman in his mother tongue, "as sure as death I would never own you again, never." And almost as he spoke the words Mr. Proud oot walked in to make inquiries about Evan's studies. A glance told him that something was wrong, and instinct- ively he began to wonder what fresh scrape Evan had got into now. "I hope," he said, looking from one to another, "I am not intruding. If so let me retire." "Retire," cried Neil, joyfully. "You will just pe the fery man we will want. Tell him apout it, Evan, tell him quick. As sure's am living it will pe the pest thing I haf ever hard." The tale was retold, the master listening with a face that shaded swiftly from curiosity to hot indignation. "Damn his nose and damn his eyes too," was the unpro- fessional comment of the dominie when he had learned the facts. "I only wish I had been there to show Evan The Time of Roses ig to-day. 'ituess tell ler's trcs- cared tlie attention, cenied in- vas in the usual and lini in his •erted nor stand. I at part of )e, related ness, add- either to itensity. "and the 3ck to the relief, but an in his own you Proud oot Lidies. A 1 instinct- n had got "I am not )e the fery lim quick, ver hard." I face that he unpro- d learned low Evan 141 ive very where to hit. But he seems to I have the best hopes of him." David breathed a little more easily, but his mind was still troubled. "If it had been any one else," he said partly to himself, partly to the company at large. "And then it'll be so much against Evan at school." "As to that," responded the dominie promptly, "Pit- weem will drive me into Abcrfourie to-morrow afternoon, and I'll see Andrew Sinclair about it. Minister's son or no minister's son, we're going to have justice." "It'll only make things worse if it's found out that Douglas himself was to blame," said David in a fresh spasm of fear. "Douglas," answered the dominie, "must make shift to lie on his bed as he makes it just like the rest of us. Maybe if he gets into the pot he boiled for other folk it'll teach him more sense than ever his reverend daddie is likely to impart. To-morrow afternoon, Pitweem, you'll get that shauchlin thing you call the machine ready, and we'll have a trip together in the interest of good morals. Dun argue against it, please," noticing that David wisiK-d to speak. "It'll be arranged without any argument: for I taught An- drew Sinclair fair play myself. But mark you this, you fire-flint," he added illogically, turning to Evan: "if I catch you in such a scrape again, by all that's sacred, I'll lay on with the muckle black ruler— I will. Now what are you doitiof in the way of lessons?" CHAPTER IX The accused emerged from the protracted ordeal of the court-martial with streamers triumphantly flying; but the accuser, SiinKing lortn uv a back door, went off crestfallen and wry-mouthed over the triple dose of defeat, disgrace, and desertion. The beating and the shame he might have endured, for he carried a brazen front in such matters; but to be forsaken just when he most needed the means of re- venge was to be shorn of his limbs in the moment of neces- i 1 ( ■ 1 i^^^B 1 ti^m ■i I^^^^^^H ii ii 142 The Minister of State sity. So, with the bitterness of impotency in his heart, he ground his teeth, turning green with spite, and cursed his adherents for cowards and traitors. The deserters themselves took a more fastidious view of the case. They had loyally marched with him to the battle ground, thrown their caps in the air at the booming of his big drum, and were ready with huzzas for his victory. But finding his standard trampled, discredited and dishonoured, in the dust, they hastened to transfer their allegiance to the winning side. They had no suspicion of being on the track of a great principle: they merely acted on the supremely beautiful in- stinct which prompts the wise and prudent to shout in the crucial change of fortune, 'The king is dead; long live the king." And their red-hot fealty was given to the new leader without hesitancy or disguise. Tradition, our best historian of the salient, cherishes cer- tain characteristics of the hero at that time of crisis. Re- specting his modest self-possession the records are unani- mous. The sudden and dizzying elevation produced no symptom of vertigo. Even his enemies do not seem to have suspected him of arrogance, or found cause to whis- per maliciously of swelled head. His deeper traits and qualities were not to be read like a book in a familiar tongue. Already complexities and contradictions of character were beginning to puzzle his friends. Though dowered with a gift of speech that could charm unruly youngsters into breathless silence when he chose to exercise it in the right direction, he was much more given to doing than to talking. His code of honour was nice enough to be considered quixotical, and was fre- " quently found troublesome. As between man and man, he invariably meant what he said; that was one of the first anomalies noticed by the observant. And as he punctil- iously kept his word, even to the challenge and whatever effects might follow, so he was exacting in the fulfilment of covenants by the other side. The popular practice of wrig- gling out of engagements and laughing over the feat was suspended when he was concerned, for he had the hardest muscle and the best nerve in the school. By virtue of the same endowments it was felt he was dangerous to meddle with unwarily. For the rest, he was high-spirited, gay, laughter-loving, generous, moody sometimes, whimsical The Time of Roses ; heart, he cursed his LIS view of the battle ling of his tory. But honoured, nee to the of a great autiful in- cut in the ig Hve the the new rishes cer- •isis. Re- ire unani- duced no ; seem to i to whis- read like cities and )uzzle his :hat could when he vas much Df honour i was fre- ' i man, he I the first e punctil- whatever filment of B of wrig- ! feat was le hardest :ue of the :o meddle ited, gay, A^himsical H3 often, proud as Lucifer, sensitive as an uncovered nerve, c:entle, explosive, easily offended and easily won, invinci- ble of will, and withal possessed of the most miraculous knack of getting, or perhaps more correctly of taking, his own way. Finally, when he asked a favour, twenty hench- men were ready to blacken each other's eyes for the hon- our of obliging him. And Douglas stood off, with all his juices turning acid, and watched, biding a chance that never came. All the while the studies progressed apace. Every even- ing Mr. Proudfoot and his pupil worked together, and as the examinations hove in sight the mornings also were consecrated to the classics. Four hours daily made the average for five days in the week; on Saturday the four be- came seven or eight, and on Sunday it was with difficulty the dominie restrained his zeal sufficiently to permit him to attend kirk. While the classical studies thus appeared to engross Evan's energies, Mr. Sinclair reported that, though the lad was likely to do tolerably in Greek ana Latin, his forte unquestionably lay in mathematics. "He will probably take to science," said the Rector. Mr. Proudfoot smiled, remarking, "We shall see." The great time came with much suppressed excitement, doubt, elation, depression, and infinite fret of nerve and temper. Three days the fever raged among teachers and taught; then there was an interval ot calm; then again a swift rising of the temperature as the lists became due. They brought many surprises, several grievous disappoint- ments, end, in at least orie case, confusion to the cocksuie. Douglas and Evan were in the same classes, and though the head master discouraged prophecy as a sheer tempting of the gods, there was a secret disposition to bet on the latter. Since, however, the former was tutored by his scholarly father, those who were really competent to fore- tell, naturally had no manner of misgiving about the issue. So the iM-ee Kirk manse composed its smug face, laced its fat fingers, and waited complacently to be glorified. But the examiners had no sense of things. Where they ought to have put Douglas Macnair they put Evan Kin- loch, not once nor twice, but three times. The herd laddie who had moved his minister's sneer and smile of pity was a triple prizeman— first of his class in classics, first in mathematics, first in English, and not only winner, but so 144 The Minister of State far excelling in Greek and Latin, that the examiners made a special note on his proficiency. Some of the folk at the Free Kirk manse went to bed that night with a savage headache, and omitted to say their prayers. The victor took matters serenely. "The young gentleman bears himself," wrote Mr. Sin- clair to Mr. Proudfoot, "as if he were not the least con- scious of having done aught remarkable." Nor was he. He had merely answered certain questions concerning certain things he had learned. Where was the ground for boasting? It was Mr. Proudfoot and not Evan who got drunk on the strength of the victory; and the scandal coming to the ears of the Rev. Murdoch Macnair. that guardian of respectability resolved to have the master of Burnside School removed for gross indecency of conduct. But when he made the proposal, somehow it was received with such meaning smiles, such nods and pokings in the ribs, that he had not the heart to press it. In due course the affair came before the High Court as- sembled in the taproom of the Inver Arms, Aberfourie, for revision of judgment, and the judges were inclined to levity. "I've kent dominie Proudfoot twenty year if I've kent him a day," declared Tom Whittat the smith, "and he's been a steady drinker a' that time — and mair. Ye ken hoo often we've had to put him to bed in a corner here, Duncan, when he hed na a fit to put under him," he added, turning to the landlord. "Ay," answered the landlord, smiling thoughtfully. "The dominie's been a good friend to me." "Well! what bnmboozles me," continued the smith, "is that the minister should be sae lang in findin' oot his bits o' fauts. And what an extrodinar curious thing it is to think the splore should happen to come just when the son was lickit by one o' the dominie's scholars." "I fair wonder to hear you speaking," observed Johnny Cooper the wee wright. "Has the smiddy smoke dried up all the sense in your noddle? It's the minister's vowcation to hunt sinners just as Airchy here," nodding at a game- keeper who had dropped in, "hunts the brock for his foul ways. Would ye have him slack in doin' his duty? He's waited twenty year to find oot the truth, and he's fand it." The Time of Roses 145 ners made olk at the a savage Mr. Sin- least con- questions e was the drunk on ing to I he ardian of Burnside But when with such )S, that he Court as- .berfourie, icHned to I've kent "and he's e ken hoo , Duncan, i, turning illy. "The smith, "is )t his bits g it is to n the son d Johnny ! dried up vowcation t a game- r his foul ty? He's 5 fand it." "And what is the truth?" demanded Tom, never remem- bering he had the high sanction of Pilate for the question. "It's grand fun speirin' the gate, ye ken," said the little wright. "He's discovered that religion and barley bree'll no mix." "Quite an oreeginal discovery," put in big Hugh Camp- bell, the Perth drover, then up for the weekly fair. "But if ye tell me a man's fit till pronoonce on that point till he's been at the very least three times blin' and bambaized him- sel', I'll take the liberty o' tellin' ye yer a leer o' the first watter. Has anybody ever seen the minister fou?" "A Free Kirk minister fou!" cried Johnny Cooper. "Sic a godless thing to ask." Whereupon there were more chucklings and head-shak- ings, and the court, with the -.'OsL remarkable unanimity and good humour, consented o refresh itself at the ex- pense of the drover. Meanwhile the jubilation at Pitweem lacked neither countenance nor heartiness. Neil joined in it as a matter of course, so did Red Sandy, and in such a handsome man- ner, that at the conclusion he had to be driven home in "the machin'^," his crutch and staff being utterly unequal to the occasion. And Lauchie Dufif, whose scent, when festivities were afoot, was sure at ten miles distance, looked in casually with his old fiddle. "I was drouthy and thocht there might be buttermilk about," he explained innocently. "You drink large quantities of buttermilk, Lauchie," re- marked the dominie. ''I'd know that by the bloom on your nose." "It's the wind," said Lauchie. ''Tlie wind's a sair enemy o' the nose. I kenned a teetotaler once, and the weest puff just made his nose like a furnace door. Folk said it fizzed at sicht o' water, and others that it frichted the drunken into soberness. But it's a dreigh thing," he added, looking round, "to be dry and draigled at the same tiime. Maybe a body could hae a seat to ease his shanks, and just a mouthfu', guidwife; cauld in the stomach's ill to bide." "Did you ever hear of the wonderful feat of the Cow of Forfar?" asked Mr. Proudfoot. "Ye ken a' thing," said Lauchie. "tell us," "Faith, it's reported on good authority she took a stand- ing drink," said the dominie. ! i 146 The Minister of State •Jl, ' "Aweel," responded Lr.achie, taking a chair, "am better providit nor she was, poor beast. The hinner end o' a coo's no handy for sittin' doon on; mine as ye might say is made exckisively for that purpose." He had something to warm him internally, and as he smacked his lips Mr. Proudfoot observed, "And you have yet another advantage over your friend the cow, her virtue never shrine in her snout. Think what a light in the forepeak you carry. It's a wonderful provis- ion of Nature that makes a man's virtue blossom so luxu- riantly where it can best be seen." "Ay," said Lauchie gravely. "And there's mair won- derfu' things nor that. Have ye ever considered hoo ae cockroach kens anither? Me and you's baith got fine nebs, dominie, though maybe a wee thocht deeper in the pent than is athegither consistent wi' beauty — so let well enough a-be. Would you like to greet, dominie? It might help to cool ye." "Yes," returned the dominie, "I'm feeling very much that way listening to you. Is the fiddle sentimental?" "Oh, just able to croon a bit," answered Lauchie, screw- ing up. A moment later he struck into "The Flowers of the Forest." "If ye were providit wi' feet I'd gar ye dance," he said, nodding at Red Sandy. "But bein' as ye are I'll no vex ye wi' stirrin' strains. Yer gettin' auld like the rest o' us. Here's something soft and soothin'. I made auld Bell Thomson greet her een oot wi't the other day." And he gave them "The Four Maries" in a manner to melt whinstone. Some hours later, when Bob Conacher and the sedatest horse in Neil's stable took the dominie and Red Sandy home happy and inarticulate, Lauchie retired to the barn singing, " 'And twenty pipers at break of day, In twenty different bog-holes lay, Serenely sleeping c 1 their way From the wedding of Shon MacLcart.' "Ay," says he, as he turned in the barn door to bid Neil good-night and nod to the new moon, "it's an uncanny thing to be dumpit like a dead sheep in a bog hole, and a weet ditch is little better. Lord! what I hae suffered frae weddin's and berials and christenin's, and siclike graceless ■Jfakk. The Time of Roses 147 im better end o' a light say nd as he ur friend ink what il provis- so luxu- air won- I hoo ae fine nebs, the pent II enough it help to ry much tal?" e, screw- lowers of ' he said, 10 vex ye :st o' us. uld Bell lanner to ! sedatest ;d Sandy the barn bid Neil uncanny »le, and a ered frae graceless kerryins on. I'll never be quit o' the rheumatics they've gi'en me, if I was to be as auld as Mathusalum, wha had a mortal unfair share o' life. Am jalousin' it'll stick to me through a' eternity." "Oh, just wait/' said Neil piquantly. "Maype you will pe glad to haf the rheumatics yet." "Ah! yer a deep deevil, Pitweem, for a' yer guileless ways," rejoined Lauchie, thrusting the end of his bow into Neil's ribs. "If a' tales be true there's little fear o' rheumatics ortakin' the cauld either where some folks is goin'. What am wonderin' is what'll become o' oor friend Red Sandy's wooden shanks. They'll no stand the climate owre week" "Go to ped, Lauchie," said Neil severely. "It was good for you if you will pe like Red Sandy." "Am sure I'd be the last to tramp on anybody's toes," observed Lauchie. "And if Sandy's safe am glad to hear it, for it'll gie hert to the rest o' us. Only ye canna keep thochts oot o' yer head; and ye've gi'en me a veesion o' Sandy thumbin' a harp. Ye'll no be angry if it gars me lauch a wee. If am tliere I hope there'll be cotton-wool handy." "You are just a plasphemious v/icked sinner, Lauchie," answered Neil. "Am no' misdootin ye in the least, Pitweem," said Lauchie sweetly. "But am goin' to take a thocht and mend ane o' thir days. There'll be sheep o' a' colours and countries at the Great Gatherin', am told, and maybe — wha kens? — a black and battered straiggler will be allowed to slip in wi' the rest for a' that's come and gane, and the Magdalene waitin' ahint the jaspar gates to welcome it. What d'ye think o' that? But no to go so far ahead, are ye insured if I put a spunk to yer strae in the nicht? I like to hae a smoke by mysel' in the dark; it kind o' consoles me for the wickedness o' the world." Neil clutched the shadowy figure. "Leave your spunks with me," he cried. "Hands oR\" said Lauchie. "Your spunks!" reiterated Neil, tightening his grip. "Your spunks, or out of this." "I thocht that would gie yer hert a wallop," chuckled Lauchie. "Weel, feel my pooches for yersel', they're just as fou o' spunks as Adam's was afore the tailor made him breeks frae that fig-leaf. Now let me till my prayers." « ii ib. 148 The Minister of State "You will need them, Lauchie my man," said Neil, re- leasing the fiddler. "Av coorse yer abune the need o' them," returned Lauchie, stottering into the darkness. "It's a great peety a sinner runs sae muckle risk o' deein' for vvant o' company in this righteous world. Weel, good-night, Pitweem: for a' yer virtues yer no a bad deevil ava." "Good-night," said Neil. And listening a moment he heard grunts and rustlings as Lauchie made himself comfortable among the straw. CHAPTER X Elsewhere the gladness was yet more fervent, though it found expression with dififerent rites. Jessie hugged her brother till he inveighed vehemently against the absurdi- ties of girls, vowing he would never win again if she did not instantly cease her folly; and possessing to the full a woman's charming gift of perversity, she became the more disorderly for the threat. But David took his joy by him- self in a solitary walk in the spruce woods. From that still cathedral, gloriously lighted by the red beam of the de- parting sun and odorous with the balm of a thousand cen- sers, there went up the wordless thank-offering and the prayer that this success and whatever it might portend should be to the glory of God and the boy's good. And the pulpit seemed nearer than ever before. Mr. Proudfoot likewise had his secret and sober delight. When he got over the immediate effect of the celebration he wrote a glowing letter to Mr. Dudley, and was trans- ported to the seventh heaven of rapture by the intelligence that the great financier would be pleased to give some spe- cial prizes for competition among the scholars at Aber- fourie Academy, if the authorities would permit him. The authorities were gracious, and gave their consent. The prizes, two in number, were to be of the annual value of twenty, and ten pounds, tenable for four years, and were to be continued at the donor's pleasure. "I think I can tell," said the dominie, "where the first of these will go." The Time of Roses 149 Neil, re- returned at peety a company veem: for rustlings straw. though it igged her i absurdi- if she did the full a the more y by him- 1 that still )f the de- sand cen- <; and the t portend od. And ;r delight, elebration vas trans- itelligence some spe- at Aber- lim. The ;nt. The 1 value of d were to ; the first And, indeed, Mr. Dudley knew too, his generosity being prompted solely by his prophetic knowledge. The second examination came, and Evan took all the honours that were to be gained, including Mr. Dudley's twenty pounds; the ten pounds going to Douglas Macnair, who still strug- gled gallantly and hopelessly for premier place. In the third examination the chief resulis were a fore- gone conclusion with both teachers and pupils. The great prize of the school, a three years' scholarship of fifty pounds, involving an Arts Course in Edinburgh Uni- versity, was allotted ahead, even Douglas concurring; some minor distinctions were likewise thrown in, and the prophecies had due fulfilment. The Rev. Murdoch Mac- nair, knowing no way of controverting facts, muttered something about prodigies, and strove to accept the de- crees of Nature philosophically. If Heaven had seen fit to make Evan Kinloch something of a miracle, his rever- ence, though much marvelling, felt hound to submit. So he merely remarked that for a boy caught wild in the fields Evan's achievement was rather surprising, and, as far as possible, avoided the subject. Mr. Sinclair, less self-contained in his elation, could not refrain from communicating with Mr. Proudfoot. The let- ter was delivered by Evan himself in the little schoolhouse on a soft summer evening just as the master was finishing his day's work. " e can do no more for Evan Kinloch." So the Rector of Aberfourie Academy wrote. "He has accomplished, and more than accomplished, all that you predicted of him. I lose my brightest scholar. I have never had his like, nor can I hope, ever to have his like again. He has set a fresh record, a thing inevitably gratifying to a teacher. I with- draw the statement that his forte is mathematics: his forte is anyth'ng he pleases. What is to come we know not, but this much may be said with safety, that if he but half fulfils the promise of the start " 'He'll be a credit till us a', We'll a' be proud o' Robin.' " Lifting his eyes, the dominie gazed wistfully for a mo- ment at his visitor. "Ay, we'll a' be proud o' Robin," he murmured. "We're proud of him now, but we'll be yet prouder by-andby." u^' m i''3i 150 The Minister of State Under a sudden impulse he stepped forward and took Evan by the hand. "Come," he said, "and sit down on this bench beside me. I want to have a quiet talk with you." They sat by a window that opened upon a glorious pros- pect of slope and mountain just then a fiaming gold in the radiance of the late June sun. There were people at work in the fields, carts were crawling hither and thither, sheep and cattle were browsing, an occasional dog barked and was silent, and above all were peaks of fire setting the flushed heavens ablaze. "It's a bonnie look-out, isn't it?" said the dominie. "If it were worth while a body could indite poetry about it. But what's the profit of rhyme and jingle? It's better just to sit here quietly in the gloaming thinking one's own bits of thoughts and watching the stars of the twilight coming out, the serene and everlasting stars." Evan observed that the scene was very beautiful. "More than beautiful, Evan," said the dominie. "It speaks to the soul things not utterable in words. It breathes " 'The still sad music of humanity, Nor harsh, nor grating, though of ample power To chasten and subdue.' To chasten and subdue! Wordsworth knew the secret. And isn't it strange to think," he went on slowly, "that be- fore we were born that hillside was thousands of times ju; ; as it is now, and that after we're dead and most of us for- gotten it'll be thousands of times the same again? The generations tramp on, fret, worry, scheme, execute, laugh a little, sorrow a great deal, beck, bow, and pass into the night, but the granite hills remain and the green grass is regularly renewed. You remember the image in Homer: "'Like the race of leaves The race of man is: The wind in autumn strows The earth with old leaves; then spring the woods With new endows.' Your own Ossian has precisely the same image; and a yet higher poet tells that One 'sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers.' But it wasn't about these things that I wanted to talk to you, The Time of Roses 151 ind took ;side me. ms pros- gold in )eople at [ thither, y barked tting the inie. "If about it. ;tter just own bits t coming 1. nie. "It ords. It le secret. "that be- ime? ju; ' 3f us for- in? The te, laugh into the grass is Homer: though they force themselves on a man's mind at times. You and I have had many a good hour together, and we've done some work that was pleasant in the doing, and now we are going to part. That, too, is in the way of life." "I owe you much, sir," said Evan in a low voice. "We'll not speak of that," rejoined the dominie. "What we have done we have done, and as to owing, that's chiefly between your Maker and yourself. He gave the brains; you used them — your auld dominie just tried to show you how. And that brings me to my point — and mind, I'm not speaking as your dominie now, I cannot be that any more, but as a friend." He softly caressed the hand he held. "A friend, laddie, a good deal the waur o' the wear, but proud of you and seeing your possibilities as perhaps you cannot see them yourself; and in a word this is what I have to say: You have got your chance. It is said that every one of us gets a chance at least once in a life- time; some have many chances, but all have one each. Yours has come; and as you value the love of them who love you, as you desire peace of mind and would avoid the gnawings of remorse, do not miss it. Take the tide that leads on to fortune; hoist sail and out into the deep; Only when you are sailing gallantly with all your canvas set, 'Say I taught thee, found thee a way, a sure and safe one, though thy master missed it.' " He spoke with a little quaver of the voice that was sin- gularly inconsistent in a cynic, and as if by a common in- stinct the two lifted their eyes simultaneously and looked out of the window. "There is something I want you to get oflf by heart," the dominie went on presently, "and remember always. It will have no profound meaning for you now, but as you grow older and mix with men and learn the ways of the world you will understand it all. It is a father's advice to his son, and better never passed human lips. Give me a pen and I'll write it down for you." And on a leaf torn from an old exercise book he wrote: •W. s'-" ind a yet le of the ers.' But < to you, "To thine own self be true, And it must follow as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man." "Whatever else you may remember or forget," he said, after reading the lines aloud, "do not forget that. It con- 152 The Minister of State b i l':!^*. tains the wislom of all the centuries. Get it stamped on your mind, and never fash asking," he added, with a pa- thetic smile, "how some we could name knew it and heeded not. If they were fools, that is their affair, not yours. For you the pregnant moment has come." He took the boy's hand again caressingly, and Evan, breathing under restraint, glanced in an embarrassed way at the master's face, which glistened strangely, but he did not attempt to withdraw his hand. Again the two looked out. The gold was waning, van- ishing magically before their eyes. The shadows, gliding stealthily up the slopes, had dimmed the fields, turned the woods to crowded masses of blackness, and taken sole pos- session of the gullies; the labourers were passing off the scene like spectres into their native night, and lowing cattle were slowly going home to be milked. The mountain- tops alone were still alight. Looking up in a long pause of speech, the dominie noted, not for the first time, the contrast of height and hollow. They were essentially the same; they lay as it were cheek by cheek, were fanned by the same winds, soaked by the same rain, warmed by the same sun, yet what a mighty difference! "A symbol of life," reflected the dominie. "One is a lit- ' tie up and his sublime head is glorified in sight of the whole world; another is a little down and he is lost in the gloom of obscurity. There is only a step between, but "'The little less, and what worlds away!'" He did not, however, disclose his thoughts to the lad at his side. Instead, moving a little closer, he talked of the big world into which Evan was about to adventure — of professors, prizes, and examinations, and such other mat- ters as might interest the ambitious scholar. They sat thus side by side talking until the fires died on the multiple peaks, and the darkness stole in like an impal- pable presence, wrapping them gently in sable, so that they could scarce discern each other. Then they rose and passed out together into the mild effulgence of a starry night, still conversing earnestly, not as master and pupil, but as friend to friend. The Time of Roses iipevl on ith a pa- d heeded urs. For id Evan, 3sed way It he did ing, van- ;, gliding irned the sole pos- r off the ng cattle lountain- lie noted, i hollow. ;re cheek d by the I mighty e is a lit- he whole le gloom he lad at ed of the nture — of ther mat- s died on an impal- that they id passed light, still as friend 153 CHAPTER XI Simultaneously with Evan's triumph the Dudleys made their second visit to the Highlands. Instead, however, of cabining themselves in the straightened Pitweem, they rented a gaudy palace especially "erected for summer gen- try," about a mile nearer to Aberfourie. Craigdhu it was facetiously named, because it lay so cosily tucked among ambrosial woods that, standing upon its front steps, you had not even a glimpse of black rock or scowling precipice. For your speculative builder is a practical humourist, and, save the fun of plucking geese, loves nothing better than the pleasantry of satirising Nature. Craigdhu effectually inspired a poet's pen to the "fine frenzy" which fascinates wealthy people looking out for summer quarters. Advertisements in southern papers imaginatively described it as "a first-rate gentleman's resi- dence" (the epithet first-rate being applicable to gentleman or residence at your fancy), "spacious, elegant, perfect in all its appointments, replete with every modern convenience, and situated in the very heart of the sublimest scenery in the British Isles." There were deft allusions to romantic dells, flashing waterfalls, umbrageous nooks, soaring moun- tains, rugged cliffs, a picturesque peasantry, and eagles nobly aloft in the blue, the whole being shrewdly pointed and driven home by a pat quotation from the commercial saviour of the Highlands — Walter Scott. Not the least of the thousand and one advantages of the place was that it had a climate all its own, an exclusive and inimitable cHmate which combined the best qualities of the climates of Greece, Italy and Switzerland, "without their defects." Into this Eden came the Dudleys at a rent that would make an earl's mouth water. Since their previous visit Mr. Dudley's fortune had expanded so mightily that Pitweem thrice enlarged could not have held half his princely retinue, his servants, his dogs, his horses, his carriages, and the end- less et ceteras that hamper the happy millionaire. It was said he was making money faster than he knew how to spend it; that there was scarce an auriferous pie in England ..aiRassws^K**'-'*'*^ 154 The Minister of State IM worth touching- -n which he had not a finger that invariably came out a nia y bar of gold. The fortunate man had, in fact, discovered the long-sought secret of alchemy; he was Midas without *he curse; whatever he touched turned to coin of the realm and brought unstinted blessing. In the Aberfourie alehouses and by the chimney cheeks of farmers it was freely stated that beyond any doubt whatever he could buy up the biggest landed proprietor in the county, be he duke, earl, or baronet, and scarce feel his pocket the lighter. For when the Celtic imagination invades the sphere of ro- mance it does things on a scale of imposing magnitude. But, in sober truth, Mr. Dudley was thriving prodigiously, His name was magical in circles of which Logieburn parish knew nothing, and would have understood nothing had it known. Astute, sagacious, far-seeing men of affairs, steel- cold Shylocks, long-beaked brokers, keen-scented "bulls" and '"bears," those who tossed the market up and those who clawed it down, grandees of trade, magnates of the Ex- change, kings and princes of the golden realms of specula- tion and comm.erce, were one and all noting for their private guidance that in the absorbing game of fortune-making it might be well to watch the play of Leonard Dudley. For his boldness at least equalled his sagacity; and his luck was unconscionable. The argosies he sent forth took the breath from seasoned adventurers, yet every ship came home as regularly as the tide returned. It was remembered, too, as a matter not without significance, that his credit and integrity were unblemished by any breath of suspicion. So the in- vesting public learned to put its trust in him, firm in the faith of substantial dividends; and professional speculators marked his moves as if his smallest act were to them an augury of certain gain. His prosperity he took as a thing intended for daily use, like love and religion and fresh air. Though by no means extravagant in one who found a gold mine whithersoever he turned, his tastes were the reverse of ascetic or miserly. Bearing well in mind "How little while we have to stay. And, once departed, may return no more," either to enjoy hoarded treasure or to resume lapsed oppor- tunities, he was jocund with his plenty, as one who would drink at all pores of the immeasurable rapture of living. A The Time of Roses ^55 nvariably n had, in ^; he was :urned to <;. Ill the if farmers he could ty, be he e lighter. ;re of ro- itude. ligiously, rn parish ig had it irs, steel- d "bulls" tiose who the Ex- specula- ir private naking it ley. For luck was le breath home as too, as a integrity o the in- m in the eculators them an laily use, lo means soever he miserly. d oppor- lo would ving. A trite quotation expressed his notions of economy: "Empty- handed we came into the world; empty-handed we go out of it." And the moral seemed to him as plain as the sun at noon. Of foibles he had enough to yield ente»-*ainmcnt to his friends. Though his character was founded as fast on the practical as is the lighthouse on its rock, he yet had his poetical and romantic moods, his fits of dreamy wist*. 'r ess, as if in moments of reflection or self-conmumior nis i- rA craved something beyond scrip and figures, som; ihirors were gone, Evan was posted of¥ to bed; but his father and sister remained togethe'-, talking and arranging, and kncsv nothing of the flight of time till the w i68 The Minister of State r, D.'r 4 cocks were heralding the dawn. Evan's trunk was exam- ined for the twentieth time to mak( ,ure he lacked nothing they could supply. The new suit he was to wear on the mor- row was hung as carefully on a chair-back as if it were made of veritable cloth of gold and would be ruined by a wrong crease, the smart city hat being perched above, and the light elastic-sided boots, speckless and shining as Jessie's eager hands could make them, placed at the chair-foot. They had all been bought in Aberfourie— the first apparel Evan had ever got in that centre of fashionable outfitters, and Jessie spoke joyously of the appearance he should make in the metropolis. His second best suit, the suit in which he was to do all his studying, was also re-brushed, re-folded, and patted as if It were a sentient thing. Then the ties, the handkerchiefs, collars, and other minor articles of the oufit were smoothed, rearranged and blown upon, lest any vagrant speck of dust should mar their shining purity. "Well! there it is, then," observed Jessie, when she had replaced the last article in the trunk and given it the final pat and touch of adjustment. "There it is, and thanks to nobody." "I will not let you say that," replied David in a quivering voice. "Thanks to you, Jessie, thanks to you, my lassie. It is there and paid for because you skrimped yourself, be- cause you slaved night and day for it." "It would be a fine thing to think upon all the rest of our days," she retorted cheerily, "if we allowed him to break his prize money, and borrowing has never been the way of the Kinlochs. As for pinching myself," she went on, laughing in her father's face, "fuich, I have more new dresses than I can wear in twenty years." And the Recording Angel must have winked approvingly at the monstrous fib. "If Evan does not mind all this, shame be upon him," said David. "I am willing to trust him," answered Jessie. "For it runs in my head he's got the best of memories. I never knew his heart to fail yet. And, you see, if we don't do something for him now we may never have the chance again. You wait and see if the bread we are casting upon the waters will not come back to us." David p^nlped the lump in his throat and was silent. In addition to the clothes and the varied miscellany of The Time of Roses 169 V a wrong d the light lie's eager They had Evan had and Jessie ike in the to do all patted as [kerchiefs, smoothed, :k of dust 1 she had : the final thanks to quivering lassie. It irself, be- est of our break his :ay of the laughing les than I igel must on him," or it runs kntvf his amething in. You le waters provisions- jam honey, butter, scone, oat-cake, hazel nuts t^runW i HHi sloes-there was packed in a safe corner of the ZtL I ^'^''t^^ sovereigns, saved Heaven and Jessie alone knew how. Yet more precious was the Bible wrapped VeTS P?r'^^"^ ^^^['"fi^ ^ ^l«"ble inscription by the gn^ers. In David s tremulous hand was written very closely 7aif7ni .r^ "^' ^^' ^'^"-^ ^''^"^^ nighi^hm thou sMt say I have no pleasure m them, while the sun or the light or the ZV'^'f"'' ^' ""' ^^^^^"^^' '''' '/'^ '^"^^ return Iter ^brolher:'^'"'"' ''''°'' "''''' ^'"'^^' "^"^ '^'' "'^'^' ^' '' But the most precious treasure of all was the little de- votional volume in which Evan's name had been put ten Sp .1 rk/' m° T' '""^^'""'y ^"-^PP^d and deposited huf whin n'^ -'i ^^''^^'.^\^^^^ oi the faded words it bore, but when David saw Jessie bending her wet face over the wnting he had to turn quickly away, for it does not beseem Ik hP ?h''''L^'°"''u^"'..^f ^'^ ^^°°^ trying to control him- se he thought much. What would she Tvho slept in the little kirkyard say if she knew what was going on? Once on r/.n^w'of 7'"'"^ T "^^ '^"^ ^^°' ^^^^" ^o'^e one spoke Ino^^^^- ? t^f ^'\^- ^e^'-n^n^' she fondled his hair and ooked into his laughmg eyes, murmuring wistfully, rather to herself than to those about her, that her boy, her bright, babbling, toddling, mischievous Evan, might one day gf to college and learn and astonish them all; and lo! what she dreamed was coming to pass, but she was not there to Not there to rejoice! David checked himself with a shud- dering sense of impiety. Who dared to hint that those who hLTv,^ T "^o^e. remember the dear ones left behind? Who had the brazen infidelity to scoff at the notion of unseen presences-the quick, deep, sympathetic jov or sorrow of unseen visitants? What insensible fool had said that the grave is a fixed impassable gulf? Impassable! Oh poor Ignorant defrauded bankrupt simpleton that hast' nevei^ known the immortal might and mystery of love. David was did he not feel the impalpable presence from above, the gracious stooping of the divino to the human? Had his heart not leaped up to meet her? was his whole being not . " I' ■ 't I* 1 ■ il I: !l, .'.*' I 170 The Minister of State vibrating in response to her yearning? Yes, surely she was with them, watching over her boy, and ^/ould go forth with him rejoicing, David turned back abruptly to Jessie. "You'll go to bed now, Jessie, and have a little sleep," he said in a quavering treble, "I want to have a smoke." And she kissed him and went without a word. Taking a chdir by the dying embers of a peat fire, he stirred them, an act of unconsciousness done in stress of feeling and from mere habit. Presently he scooped some of the glowing ash into the bowl of his pipe and pulled spasmodically; then again he took up the tongs and stirred, and his hand was shaking violently. Laying the tongs aside and resting his elbows on his knees, he leaned forward with a rapt, far-away expres- sion until the heat crimsoned his face. When he recollected himself his pipe was cold. Putting it in his pocket he rose quietly, turned down the lamp-wick, and went forth into the pulseless night. It was still black, but the solemn hush had the subtle intimations of life which betoken an awaken- ing world, and he knew that day was at hand. He had not long to wait for its coming. The stragglers of the starry host faded quickly as he climbed the little hill above the house, the air was chill with the peculiar penetrat- ing chilliness of the dawn, and presently a peak caught a ruddy gleam of gold. Quickening his step, he climbed an- other and higher hill, and then at once a great shaft of brightness smote the pitchy vault, which seemed to dissolve in flying fragments. It was as if the black cap of night were torn by a prodigious explosion. A beam of rosv light touched David as he stood solitary on the crest, ; ?tti'ng him off in Titanic proportions against the darksome background of the west. For a moment he remained with face upturned as in adoration; then dived among the shadows. When he returned indoors Jessie had the fire blazing and the kettle singing cheerily. In a little while Evan, who slept as if parting were unknown in this world, was roused for breakf.nst, and he was the only one who ate at all. An hour later Neil was at the door with "the machine," and the entire household rode off to Logieburn Station in a flood of pearly sunshine. To their astonishment they found the dominie waitin,; for them on t-^ platform, with a parcel neatly wrapped in brown paper under his arm. The Time of Roses 171 throwinVitlt^Etan" ^.f^cott lexicon," he said, almost lurowing It at iL\an. I thought never to part with it but I know you'll use it well; and my day is over!" CHAPTER XIII ttfSTof Arf/'^r'fi'!? ^^^PP^"^^- The Professors of mc 1 acuity of Arts certified, not without surprise that hav- ing shown surpassing proficiency in Humanfty Greek and Mathematics, Evan Kinloch, Pitweem, Perthshire was ad mitted at once to the higher classes in these subjects- so lun for t^ f * '''''''h^i' ^^ ^'^^^^^ t° ^°-p"t^ he^curricu° tions that mercifully gave mediocrity a chance mIrulAhtT'''T'' ^" ^^''^' ^'' ^^°°d alo"^' immediately marked him for observation and criticism. There were iesl ousy, mutterings, and envious looks, but here were also ous" o t[T''w?- ""^ T.^'-'^-r'^- ^°"^- °f the more gen r^ ate V round S/°"' ° ^H' ^^"^^^-^^udents walked ddiber- f.r/ * . . ^^^ * '''■° °^ *h^ ho"^' heads tilted to the side faces astutely sere A-ed, as if to note and examine his points' and remarked succinctly that he was a devil. He answered aX^^l^'\^''.^.'''''?'^'y ^°"^d fi"d him a pkasan devU and the bond of brotherhood was established. ' of oVwhich w.f /'°Tr'' ^'^'"^' ^'■°"^^t a wild shock \/ VI" ^^^ almost disastrous. It was as if the air InH thrISS am? o 1 f "'^' ^° 1,P^,^^ ^^^^* caured\^ultuois tnrimi gs and odd uncontrollable fits of exaltation The dominie, having the liveliest appreciation of Evan's achieve- ment, was naturally most affected. acnieve- ^:i"'l,*^'"^ °^ S' ^" ^""^d ''y' breaking out in the Trinll hnnn??"'^"^^ •"" conversation. "Just think of it. iriple honours, jumping the junior classes in the three c-rin- tT .l"H'u'' '"^i'^^ ^^^^••^^ the big schools against^Hm too the fellows who sucked learning with their mother^ mdk who were hard at it when he waf herding kye and try- ing to break h,s neck galloping bare-back on horses-the 1/2 The Minister of State '' r rascal! God, it's j^rand, it's prand. And mark nic," he would add warningly, "it's but the beginning, just the beginning. What the end will be I'm clean afraid to think." There came a brief note from Evan to Mr. I'roudfoot full of thanks and gratitude, and modestly attributing the suc- cess to the skill and devotion of the teacher; and as the dominie read it over and over again the scholars wondered what ailed him that he looked so like grectin'. Detecting their furtive watchings and whisperings, he vowed ho would treat the whole school to a dose of the black ruler if they dared to lift their eyes ofT their lesson-books. They instantly became studious, and he fell back on his letter and the lost scholar. He easily pictured to himself the whole stirring scene m Edinburgh. lie saw dii^appointed students gaping at Evan half in envy, half in awe, and stooping, wrinkled, long- haired, pre-occupied ])rofessors, who could not tell Sandy from Jock for their precious lives, peering curiously over their gold-rimmed spectacles with odd ideas about a novel im- portation from the heather. "As sure's they're alive they'll have a great deal more to stare and wonder at before all's done," thought the dominie in an ecstasy. And he was pre- cisely right alike in regard to the present and the future. "Are your father and mother both Highland?" demanded the Professor of Humanity one day abruptly and irrele- vantly. He cultivated eccentricity and had reason to plume himself on a conspicuous success. "Purely Celtic, sir," answered Evan. "Then," said the Professor, who had preconceptions with- out the corrective of universal knowledge, "then, sir, you certainly ought to be lank, red-haired, freckled, hard-feat- ured, raw-boned, and furnished with the teeth of a horse." Assuredly Evan did not correspond to this enl htcned notion of the Celt. He was not lank, nor red-haued, nor freckled, nor raw-boned, nor furnished with the teeth of a horse. On the contrary, he was dark and rather slim; not tall, but remarkably supple and well knit, with mobile, clean- cut features, luminous, steadfast, dark brown eyes; a mouth that could shut like a steel trap, and a Napoleonic head perfectly poised upon resolute shoulders. In fact, it was m the Professor's mind that here was the picture of the young Napoleon over again, and though not of a worldly spirit he remembered the Ihree daughters that were among his house- The Time of Roses 173 Iiolcl chattels in Georec Snu-in. r« f • x .• • scliolarship let us hasten tTncl.l tlJV/-''''' *°. ^I'suitercsted tlioupht, say one o tlir 1i ; ^^ tins was hut a passing to recall the nan,... "I nci r I card , , ■^'T''' '' 1'^^'"^ t«rn o„t ,„a„y scholar., UK you?" '"'°™- '^"'' " "an,e n.ight |,c found ?n "l f Sn^erst Ol 'd»-" ' man and medallist ^-inversny L-alendar as prize- the name of Peter PrC, no : ''';' ^^'^th away; for while ours, his own s?ood sccolr^ ^F' ^" '^'^ ''^^ of hon- and buried long ago vef ^^er;.,-nl °"f ^ ^' 7'' ^^^^ who competed wTth him^Uw iTow'h ^^did' 1 '1,°.'^"'"^ Hr;o^i:;:s:i''s'sta'd:™-''"''n'¥^^ of Fate. I speak Slh,rft nr'i;^""'''' ''^ "'V^^ *"<^'= drobbinc I ever hid rn„/' . ," 't'""^, "^ "''^ soundest dklwhafheS nml n T.^'r '•, '",""^ '^^'"^^'•■^ 1^^ i"=' i'es, sir." "And miscall Virgil?" "Occasionally, sir." "The .same old heretic," exclaimed the P. -Qcnr "vr. • 1-74 The Minister of State %r& Ser f h..e He ..s a.o t He .est o. us ™ght think of second place, ^ut never otnrsi. ^ actually nestled mHb^a.n to «se^^^^^^^ great man of to-day. W'len we w j^^ , over syntax, hurting our teeth 1 ke so many apes ^^ » and o'uter shells, he ^^^^^ .^^^^^ f.^S^ b^^^^^^^ reached it was always a baffling q}iestK)n d serene as one of ^^-^ --.^/J^r^^ learning was tantalising, it ever mere wa , j ^^, ^nd you was an instinct that case was Pf ^^J/^^^'^^^t^e Highlands, perics and fine city manners; ^"d the Protessor s . ^as motherly and rather ':»;™°"- , " ^e lOTfemWne wits, time what it was to be f^^^.^.^STool with three pairs and how hard .t .s to keep *e head cool wun i^ of slyly coquettish eyes X>lTiXred!t enough to be dis- c«LeTaS:?d^l'rth:ttwn.Vta^t2|'^^^^^^ %t°''i:;nefrrh:wrr!"Sl'rnTtopic.was the domUe alld "4n did not withhoM his g^de" opm, „^ "I want to ask you a plain question, saia me r suddenly drawing himself "P -JJ^j^tclfa hy '^ knife and fork as if preparing to receive cavalry. ""Mo U,r:"tr„t*"i? did,- sir," answered E a ^t And that school of his-what is it you ^aU it? Brook 1-He SVv.r.ide-ah! ves to be sure, to he sure, Bum^side GoIhic"brunna, Anglo-Saxon burna: curious r.onv .nc nr.at process of borrowing and appropriating f^^^ °j^-^^f,°^^^^^^ Celtic in it, vou see, nothing whatever, hough ttiere may be a strain oHcelandic. And this Burnside, what is it? Evan gave the desired information as concisely as pos- sible. Greek, and urst dispute of us might nestled, sir, phrase of a and feverish s with husks 1. How he here he was, rery serenity lich learning s. And you e Highlands, God bless us with me to- saw the Pro- • elegant dra- )r's wife, who d for the first "eminine wits, th three pairs s of the heart, gh to be dis- : which young ry. van. I'rofessor, low- indeed to hear all it? Brook- sure, Burnside. i now Liic H'^"*^ s on. Nothing lUgh there may , what is it?" )ncisely as pos- The Time of Roses j^ P'-^PIT^^^^^^^^ swallowing a nearly lost its illustrious occupan nin^'^' °* Humanity a queer world, an astonf^hJn^i '^P^" ^y soul, this is the theory thai our Set ^"f '^^^^^i^,^^^^^ Do yoi credi other p anet and developed according f Ju^'T °^ ^^ ^°^ne tion.? I'm sure I don't know Th^ "" *^^ ^^^^ o^ evolu- Proymce; but it's a queer LrTd "'""'' ^'^' ^^^^'^e my world, which the HumlnitTes Tarn L "'3'! ""^'^countable explahied. Without doubt wi Jein.T'^? *° '/>^' '^^^^ """ made; that is about the exte.Tf -f ^^f ^""y and wonderfully the Professor of Anatom" rji3° °"'- '^"°wledg^^ My friend! own skeletons we'd straiihtwav din J '°"'^ °"^^ but what about the skelffon if ?u^ • °^ vexation. Mavbe that's the ^... « W':l oTyo^^^^ ^^-^'« the pu'zl';' ophers. But we're eettino- ii?" , ^v^'^^^'^'^^^ and philos- Brookside-tut, tutT S BurT'' ^?'''- ^^ '^'^'^ o thatched roof in which Tnarrnu- ^ "W^^^ ^t has a and the scholars are bteroTeTL^!^^'^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ ^^-^> ^^^tUr&oTL^^^^^^^^ ^'^^- - ^^--^ "you forget gores' ppuru"^,, ^i^^^Z!^^"^' 'T^ ^-^ hare mhabit the same hills W T ^ ^^^ ^^^-le and the passed together by natuSs I L^^^^^ ^^""d them Kmloch, that the materipl fii u -^ ^°'"§^ to observe, Mr works cannot in thetatu e of t"h£^ ^'"'^ ^.^°"^^°ot ;;As a rule, it is the reverse sir "^ ^' ""^'^ Vromx^xngr ^^^^^^:^^r^-^^ a bow. '^As ?s IS right. And the excenHonf • ""^^^'"^^ exceptions, '"variably. Many a cleve?fXw comeVr"'-'!?!^ important ?1^?-P^i-- , And there hTs Cn Vll"!L^>^J-^^"-^ was coming ti m^fi-t^^the'SL^'T^ ^"t?^ ^^.^^^^ once brilliant and ndn.?-- ' -^ "^r" ?°*^^ Proudfoot, our there, Mr. Kinloch."partrLi7?t"5*'°*' "^'^^ ^ '^^^^n' is and to think what thev have led tr'T'' •/ ^""^ ""^*^'"^' wmm— if p, •? **^' 176 The Minister of Sta^e tragic, with an JEschylean tragicness. Sunt lachrymos rerum." . , , 1 j- "What has he done?" inquired the young ladies. "Done?" echoed their father. "Why, he did a very crush- inff thine— he took all the prizes on which the Professor of Humanity in Edinburgh University had set his heart; took them, to6, as it were in a kind of holiday frohc. That was the rub. It was Samson walking off with the gates of Gaza just for the fun of the thing. But alas! he met Delilah by the way, turned aside, and was shorn of his locks of power. Ood preserve us from the women!" "Oh!" cried the ladies all together. "An exclamation has no force in logic, my dears, re- torted the Professor. "I thought you would remember that. I say again: God save us from the women. You remember the saving of Metellus Numidicus. In the economy of Nat- ure I suppose they're necessary, but " The sentence was finished with a shake of the head more impressive than a hundred speeches. . . , j The ladies, turning scarlet, declared the heresy unpardon- able; but Evan, absorbed in the light cast upon a baffling mvstpry, did not observe the flush of confusion. Noting his inattention, they exchanged glances of intelligence and breathed again. , r, -jt That night the Professor sent a long letter to Burnside School, recalling the time when two grizzled men chased illusive meanings in dead languages, compared notes, and heard the midnight chimes together. The sedate man of learning was back among the cakes and ale again, and wondrously sweet they tasted. There were such messages of remembrance and inquiry as would not hurt a proud man; there was also an inevitable reference to Evan. "You have sent us a promising scholar,' were the words. "But he was taught by a man of genius. You will allow me to make the affirmation out of the fulness of knowledge and ^^^The letter reached Burnside in the middle of the after^ noon, and, upon reading the first paragraph huu gianciug at the signature, the master suddenly called out, Children, you can go and play;" and so anxious was he to promote their happiness, that he locked the door hard on the heels of the last disappearing urchin, lest by any chance they should think of returning to their studies. A little later, some of the The Time of Roses ^jj letter in his hand and fi^ns nf . 7" ^^'' '^^"^ ^^*^ ^^ ^P^n "Some of his folL d^ld iiLrv''H' ^^''"''T ^" ^^^ ^^^e- a ship of the hne dip the flnlT ° ,"T^"'^>^- ^^'^ "^^de David, it touches me^ttouchi'^ ^'^-'^ ^^""'"'^ °'d ^^^f^' There, read it." '^^''' ""^ ^" "i>' tenderest spot. the'^tiTdlt^'ciSg?^^^^^^^^ ^pP-^-ce of deciphering comment, he turned Hhelr? u° fr'^'' ^^^"' without self received that da>^ '^"'^ ^°' '^"^ ^'^ ^ad him- "This is from Evan " he pvnin,-.,^ i • opening the envelope'wlh shakv An''' ^ Queer quiet voice, owes everything to L's old S "^''',' ^"^ ^^ ^^ys he Proudfoot, particularly " '''^'''' ^"^ "^"^^^ youf Mr. ini^'-Do^'tTelte^'r^fit^r^^ '^^'^^ ^- something." "* °^ '*• ^^vid, you've dropped to^e^tttrSinglZordt^^rP^? "^^'^^ ^^^ ^"ttered slight an eiertion^ ^xtraordmanly red m the face from so Se^^ V^^ft^^^ to speak. "Read it. near holding her breath ' '^'''* ^^^ ^P^"' ^^-^w aboutltr/eS:."'' ^^'^ °-'''' ^taost" ch"o\tg. "Te,. h™ the thing by keeoL m %e» 1^"?-'- '°"'^'=' ^"'1 he settles Uavid Xinloch "%aM th„ jr""' " l^^'* i-ourself, sir." read the lette,^ "fhank God ^orT'h '"'"""'^ "^en he had pace for such a scholar H?, , M ^■'°"' "'"' ^ "«' 'ay honour to me. He'sTid hi; '' ''''''""S 'o .vou; he's an ■nore; but I'd \vSt: A^p ^^ ^'^^^'^f "l^ely he'll have -y a word against hi„,^ IXIZ^^ ^^Tl^^^^^':^,^ 178 The Minister of State M ' 1 s "You will wait and have a cup of tea, Mr. Proudfoot " said Jessie, rushing to a cupboard for the teapot; but he had Tom^ fete'' "^^^ ^°"^ ''^^°'^ *^'^ sentence was Five minutes later he was in Pitweem stable, talking ve- hernently to Neil about matters bearing no relation what- ever to horses. His face shone with a kind of angelic light- but his words were herce and were hurled at such as knew not how to appreciate gifted nephews. henhL^'^1^''^^ ^^fr°T^ ^"''^^' ^¥"' ^"^ d""^ the laddie's health, observed Neil by way of commentary and reply and he smirked as he thought of his own perspicacity. In what?' demanded the dominie notS^'vn. t'""^ /^ x^-, "^'^ P? .something left in the plack pottle yet, said Neil, smirking again. But the smirk changed to amazement at the dominie's response. That may suit you," he said; "but as for me, I am drunk already on a diviner drink that was ever brewed in High- land sti 1, and I m not going to mix liquors. The gods, ay the gods o my youth, have filled my cup to overflowing with something rarer than nectar. Man, Pitweem, you'd give a thousand pounds of the dross you sell your soul for to have my feelings this minute." "Ay?" said Pitweem, lifting his eyebrows as if to inquire th^per^ ^ ^ *^'' "^'^^^ ^''' ''^^- ^"^ how will *i,'T°-*^" ^°" ^y°"'^ ^^ ^^ fit as to whisper a love tale in dnJu!7 ^.^^^u°^*^^^^'^^ if^.^^s I "^eet," returned the domime. Ihe horologe of time has swept back thirty years this night. Can you understand that?" ^ Am no sure," rejoined Neil. cfo7 ^f^^-"^ ,^^f^.^l^^! ^s s"re of salvation as I am of your state o mind, said the dominie. "The point's as clear to you as the moon to a blind man. The Theban son of Jupiter knew how to clean a stable without polluting his fingers. You'll have heard of that?" ^ o 2 "^i'liT^ P^ 'v,'^ ^"^^^ ^ ^^^^'" s^»^ Ne»^- "What kind of a hoe did he use? the' donlini^^^ ^^^ nothing less than the clouds," answered "None of your colly-foxing, dominie," cried Neil. >ing in a hurry. What kind of The Time of Roses j^q day/'^lid fhe'dominir^'T^^n' '^?^^' ^?^ ^'^^ ^'^^ --e hav; a talk." * ^°"'^ ^'°"8^ ^^e road and we'll hi/";'^ sTar^anl T.t:fJ/V'T'' ^'^'"^^ ^^^^ -^^e capades. of splendid riu^phl and unfi^' '"h' '-^^^^ ^^■ of the glory of the ancienN pLf ?!? ""'"^^^'n^d wickedness, riches The masLr tS ^' Possession that is above exclusion of c?on and nrir- °"' ' ' ' ^'"''' *° *''" ^°^"^ bound from AcK'tS^^: ^ VhT 5.1^;,:^^^^^ language what he owed to Heaven i^ w , 1 P,'^'" .he human race ,o be nnck to such a ^^ " """ "' '" I m thinking," remarked Neil to Lis<;nPfh ,'« fi, fidential chat with whiVh fh/ i-isspeth in the con- rather light ^ '' ^"'^"^ ^'^^ ^^^^-^ it is apt to be letlrTlftrl^rfo'^rf^^^^^^^^^^^ scholar of repu e in Twenty vears A nH ^u^"^ '""* ^° ^ obedience to the bounding h^eanth^sh. hi ^' ^'"k^'^ ^" a second Mount of Transfieuratinn Th ^ '°°'" ^'"^"^^ shameful defilements fenfr^.lv,-J^^ P.""^'^"* ^"^ all its tie, and the olTpeter PmnH^"l ^^ u' ^ ^^/honoured man- bitterness and fh^Th J« u ^^^ apP^ause had turned to ashe wofiidh^Liftavesaid'The'^V ^^^y' ''-' backs in anger The snnW^n/,?'^^ ^^^ '^°^" ^'"^ theii 't'lger. ine spring mood had returned : the spring i8o The Minister of State music was in his ears; the spring sunshine and sap surged ^ulse""^" '" ^^'"'' ^"^ '^^'°^'' ^""'"^ ^^^ °"^ exultant He had a fine face not yet wholly marred by drink and the devil, and so marvellous was its rejuvenation, so radiant Its likeness to what it had been before the evil days came that his mother, entering to bid him good-night, marked the change with a kind of awe. But a little later, had he chanced to be less preoccn, ied, he might have heard the lonely woman pouring out her soul in gratitude to her Maker because her Peter, her still beloved son, was turning over a new leaf. ° He was turning over many leaves— backward, and each leaf had a diviner potency of intoxication than the last. An aeronaut triumphantly cleaving the upper air might know something of his feeling, but the plain pedestrian never. When he vyas m the middle of his letter, and his rapture was at Its height, the soft scraping of a fiddle beneath the window made him p,t.r,- in sudden, savage irritation. J^auchieDul^ scouring vmc country for supper and a bed, had spied the light, an- i. .iignmg that the dominie must have soniething exceptionally good on hand, turned gaily aside to share it But the respor.se to the fraternal signal for ad- mittance disturbed his serene confidence. Springing from his seat and throwing up the sash, Mr. Proudfoot looked ' . , , ..inging in astonishment. ]]Icannot let you in," repeated the master. ITiat s news," observed Lauchie, staggering as he tried to look up. Ay fegs, that's winderfu' eentelligence. What's happened that ye look doon on auld freends in sic a wav^ My certie, but times is changin'. Somebody left ye a for- tune, eh? I would warn ye, dominie, against the pride o' riches They take up their feet and run. Scriptir says it." ^ 1 have been left no fortune," returned the master. ^ 1 hen ye dinna surely mean to tell me thae teetotal fowk hae been gettin roond ye! Are ye converted, dominie?" 1 don t know," said the dominie impatiently; "I think ''Dod sake, this is serious," remarked Lauchie. Now please go away," pleaded the master; "another The Time of Roses i g i Eiaf norto-nig;:;:'' " '"' '^^^ ^ ^^^^ ^"^ ^°"^^^»""s ->-' nicht! Oh, Its michty grand and fine, as the horse said T.n"h-T' '^' l^"^ ^""^ ^°^"- ^"t Who's goin' to ge to sTeen'p TlfT'/^"^ '^'' '^"^ "•^^^' ^"^ whefe's he go!i' to s eep? That s the question afore the meetin' the now." I m very busy," said the dominie hotly. "I cannot waste a ba'ng" ''"^^^ "^^^ ^""•" ^"^ ^^ ^»^"' '"^^ winSow w^' ve^^e^i^bU-^o t^hL— s''^ -'^"' ^^-'" ^^^"^^^-- Slipping to the wall foot he screwed up the old fiddle and next minute there was a hideous din as of ten thousand cats clawing each other to pieces tnousand The window went up with a rattle, and a furious voice demanded instant silence. «* lunuu^s voice "in fr^t^- r'^'HV''''^y "^"^•^'" said Lauchie, innocently. If I am mista en I'll gie ye 'Home, Sweet Home.' " ^ • t y°"i''"^w the bow across those infernal strings a^ain " "That would be ill done to a man sae reasonable as me " askin much— a bite, a sup, and a bench to sleep on." coSderi^g" " """""''^ ^""'"' ^= " ">- "'^" -b°ve were "a/ m,7™" '" "'".T ''•'^P 1"''='-" "i' »»I<«^<1 then. Lauchie " '''<'-''""" ^foi-o 'he fire," answered iJ^ttJ?'"'!!'^!''^''^'"^'"^' unbolted the door, and catchinc tSthe ktd,en "'°""''' ^'^S'" '^'"er'than led h"m .oaS^^ur^, p^'^^;::^^!. trfatL'",i: sl<7sTo*l's:'l'^L/^„^°V,''i-''' ™e again, as surS'tL^ In the glimmering light of the candle Lauchie noted the wSSs^taMSr^lTh^'- ^™-"'''°°i.'^ '-^' andttfte'r! d"'om1nilfoabomrn:{|,,''d^rnr"™^' "•" ""'' "^^'' ^''" «« IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) 1.0 I.I I til! 2.8 S: 14.0 11:25 ■ 1.4 6" 22 2.0 m 1.6 Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 873-4503 |\ I <^ •O^ \\ ^ ''h l/j '/. l82 The Minister of State Totally unconscious, or for that matter totally regardless o the impression he produced, Mr. Proudfoot returned to his writing, and immediately forgot the interruption The fiery glow of feeling seemed intensified; thoughts thringed If possible, hotter and faster than before, and^the peTs^ed without pause, for the pent-up emotion of five-and^twenty fn f 17' ^K ^^'' ^1^'"^ ^^"*- ^' ^^'' he spoke unreseS to a fellow-being who would understand him, and the impas- The concluding paragraph referred to Evan, and it con- tained a veiled prophecy. "You and I," said the writer may fairly consider we know something about college hon- ours, yet It IS possible we shall find ourselves amazed at the von"n? l\ '''"'^a''^ °"/ ^^^^' successors. Kee,^ an eye on our young Alexander. It may seem vain to speak of promise- assured y, m one who knows aught of the world it?s rash to indulge in prophecy, and I am not going to rant that you my old friend, may laugh at my fatuity Yet th"s much I will hazard that if the student who has gone hence t^you drv tw?i ^"^ ^°"°"r' not to my poor sch5)l, which is but a dry twig on the mighty tree of learning, but to your ereat university, which is world-renowned, fwill meron^eru dition, dream of success, no more for ever. Yet I doubt whether scholarship will prove his forte. Were you to vS hs native strath you would be startled by the wildest legends .ilf i!-/?^.K'''*'« ' ^."^ audacities. I, however, comforfmy! self with the reflection that eagles, even when Voung, do not I wiS rPn'- " '^«!,*°° ' ^'^ ^°'" h^'" ^I'o can' handle them I will repose confidently m my hope in spite of the clatter o old wives. My judgment is gone from me, or a wider world fen^vf 'l^'^r''' ^"l^^* P^^^°^^^ take account of Evan Kinloch. So I love to think of him as our young Alexander Ab actu ad posse valet consecutio." ^ ^lexanaer. A fervent letter was likewise written to Mr Dudlev and another to Mr. Sinclair. The last was not finished whek the grey dawn was breaking upon the hills. i !■ The Time of Roses J 83 CHAPTER XIV According to his wont Evan toiled hard and said little Th. ordinary examinations he passed in the ordinal? course to n.^ol'^^i^ ^?""^ ^''"^ ^O'- recreation, both physical and wise ones of the^PhiSphi InThese meUeSTi;" ueriae ueiphic and other oracles, and to treat venerahlp fm dition with the cynical irreverence whicrsits so Jracefifv" on the satiated pess m st of sevenfppn Tv,«L u • ^ under his irony^whispered of rrrihipXra'y'^^^^^^ IyZ°''u^f **^" ^^ ^™"'^«'l "Pon Hume and vtltoe' hates Satan, with all its honest heart and soul ^^' ^Vnlf'n /?" P''°^^^^0'" gave gentle admonition, vnn nn". ^""'"^ ^^^ ^^^ ^'^'^'" he observed. "Well! are riTf? T^ ^7. ^r ^^^'""S the shortest road to grace and ti« H I werrv"ou"Vr'' *"° T"^^ °^ ^^^ -*« ^"d 'c'p^ ucs, II 1 were you. They are pleasant, clever fellowQ K,,f co5;/r .V^'l°"/" ""y ^^"^^h in Scotland. And when you a^re^artee" ' °' "' "^"'^ ^°"^^ ^^ ^^ --d byTpTgr'am wal-rnna^ST-lf^^^^^^^^^^^^^ quicksands. , His salt of h^mLt'eLtaVpres'eTvTd^hfm' from any taint of vanity or infatuation. Nonrunderstoo^ be ter than he precisely what and how much the rrnk com bats meant, and to himself, if not to others there waT « frn^J admission that he engaged in them no^ WnTarge the u„- > > i .1. 1 84 The Minister of State i'(*ij derstanding," nor "to cultivate the reason," nor "to Min th^ philosophic mind," nor in any way to approach the Meals of wisdom; but simply to give an edge to his sarca „ to Poin as"tosS ' "^'' '"'' '^ ^" '^^^^^^' '° h^- as'iuchTn i^i^"* in the classroom and the solitude of his own bare lodging (for he preferred to.study alone) he was another be ing. Banter and fire crackers went to^he wTnds It was" known that, as the phrase ran, he was "a glutTon for work"' but as he was taciturn respecting his private conceriTs and declined to be pumped, few guessed how strenuously he bent nntM""'^'"'^ "P°" ^"" predetermined aim, undl very quietly, one day towards the close of the third session he deposited the necessary fees, notifying the clerk of tie ini! versity that he intended to offer himself for a further ex- amination with a view to graduation with honours and naming the department of classical literature ' w^« vf Jo""-"'^' ^^"^ ^^°"^ °^ *^^ ^°^^« at home knew what was happening, was on tenterhooks. For this hour he had long been preparing; of this hour he had dreanVed passion- ately at dead of night and lo! when it came helook fc a bride on her wedding day. He could not sleep he scarce ate enough to sustain a wren, and it was with difficu ty " refrained rom gomg oflf hot-foot to Edinburgh. For whole week the scholars did as they liked. Ihen just as the fever of expectation became unbearable a messenger from Aberfourie Post-office appe^JeH w side School with a telegram marked "Immediate," an event t^LT.^-?'' ''"°T ^" '^^ ^''""'y °f that semi laty Fo?- tunately it came when the children were deep in the r mid- day play; otherwise there would have been legends of tremu lous hands wild looks, and sudden delirium^ The messT^^^ was from the Professor of Humanity, and ran- ^ Your young Alexander first prizeman and medallist Humanity and Greek. Latin prose superb. Highest class iS.i^''''"'''"' P^^^^-Phy, Lo^ic, Rheto^rif j./" rJ^i dominie seemed to whirl in a tumult of emotion, the roof flew upward, and he could have sworn the rickety three! jubnafion! '^"" '"'° *^' ''"''' ^^ *^^ ^^^ in a^•fg of ¥\rf^^^f'^'l ^t ^/'^^ '^""y' ""^y «wn clever laddie! First-first in both Greek and Humanity. I knew how it ate ," nor "to gain the roach the ideals of 5 sarcasm, to point have as much fun : of his own bare le was another be- le winds. It was flutton for work"; ate concerns, and renuously he bent aim, until, very third session, he clerk of the uni- for a further ex- ith honours, and re. home knew what this hour he had dreamed passion- e he shook like a sleep, he scarce with difficulty h^ inburgh. For ; came unbearable )peared at Burn- ediate," an event seminary. For- ;ep in their mid- sgends of tremu- 1. The message •an: 1 and medallist . Highest class Rhetoric. Artes of emotion, the le rickety three- loor in a jig of I clever laddie! I knew how it The Time of Roses 185 would be; and yet, God forgive me, I was afraid when the pmch came. Oh, doubting Thomas! doubting Thomas!" bmkmg dizzily on a bench, he drew a long breath to still wl "u"^^^.^*'"^ °^ ^'^ ^^^'■t ^"^ steady his whirling brain. When he had composed himself a little he read again, and this time with overflowing eyes: "Your young Alexander first prizeman and medallist Humanity and Greek. Latin prose superb. ^aim haSiV^^^^'^ *° ^^^ ^^^' holding the open telegram with both "Beaten them all!" he cried again. "All Edinburgh Uni- versity ; every mother's son of them; and he went from Burn- side. God keep me from going clean daft !" Chancing to look out he caught sight of the Pitweem folks yoking for the afternoon's labour at ootato-plantine The next moment he had clapped on his bonnet and was through the door as if flying or dear life. He shouted at the pitch of his voice. The workers turned inquiringly, and at that he waved and shouted again. "Gosh pless me, what will pe wrong with the dominie now? said Neil. "Maybe he has heard from Evan," suggested David, with the swift intuition of the heart. Hearing that word Jessie must needs run to meet the mas- ter, but with an imperative gesture he waved her oflf Lassie, you cannot understand," he told her almost angrily. "Is it from Evan?" she demanded quickly ^'Not from him, but about him." "Mr. Proudfoot, has anything happened to him?" she asked, turning a dead white. "Yes," answered the dominie, "something tremendous uite "^^^" ^° '^'' ^^^^""^ ^°"' comprehension. He shot past her, and she fell in behind his flying coat- tails breathless and terrified. In another minute, however, he had reached the group and thrust the telegram into David s hand. ^ , "Read that," he panted. "No, no; give it to me," snatch- ing It back. "I'll read it myself." And in a strange piping voice, broken for want of wind, he read the Professor's message. "That's your herd boy, Pitweem," he added savagely. I i86 The Minister of State That s your son, David, who couldn't take care of kve h„f can beat all Edinburgh University. The best classic^of hh year-what am I saying?-the best of any year I exDected good tidings, but this makes the heart jiimp " ^^P^^^e^ David turned away his face, pretending to tie a bootlace that was as hard and fast as fingers could make t but Tessfe ^X^l''^'' ^"'"^^^' ^" ^ '-^ ^^ undkg'uile^dT: glowing L^e' '^''" '^"' ^'^ ''' ^°"^^"^^'" ^^'d N^^'' with a shS'^'TorroH'' ^l^'^T'^/' ^turned the dominie vices " ' '^^ "^^"^ ^^"^ ^y^"& *° yo"r other v.ui^nT.J'-"''^-^ -^^'^t^^ '^^' j"'^ t^i^ same as my uncle" put in Jessie wiping her eyes with the corner of her aproi amlu?; itl's't^^t'oa^^^'"^ "''' ^^'"^ '^«^^"^^^'- "'"" ^ nevS^^Jn^H^?^^ nonsense." responded the dominie. "But never mind, there it is. I told him at the beginning that he was to put his name as prizeman in the cfleniaf and Seat'nThemTSrAn^h'^^ ^f2 ^°P- ^^ Highland laddie's ueai^n rnem all! And he s not done vet- he's nnt Hnn*. ato-u what the Professor adds: 'Highesfclasrho^ours Mathe- matics, Logic Rhetoric' That means mo?e dTstincdons As sure's you live the end is not yet " ">snncuons. There came a note of Caesarian brevity from the Con- Son 4^1'"^ "'/'J" ' "^°"^^ ^^ --« hie for the vacation. They expected to see h m thin, fa^eed white XS^i'dS;/"^"^' '- ''''' -^ risy Ififhe^::^^ dominie^ ^ 'Til TJ h ^'m i"'"'^'" ^^^'''^^^ ^he admiring thaThead Well TM? "^ *^''' ^''" ?° ^^^ ^^^^^^ about presence/' "'''^' "''"*'°" '^^'''"' ^^^^" ^^ yo"^ joinid Evail" ^^'^'^ "^^ '''"" "^'' '° '^^ ^"^"^^' ^i^'" ^e- "That is a calamity I do not wish to happen as lone as mv hfe lasts," answered Mr. Proudfoot ferventlv, "Tf f„w ^? the sake of what's^come and gone you'll not^'throw your o?d dominie overboard. You mind that day I told Tu to draw a me behind you? I confess that I was not without hoje^ sunshinV wlu ^^>^°"1 ^^J^'";, Now it seems as naturafas sunshine. Well, you shall tell me all about it. You shall The Time of Roses 187 said Neil, with a friends, sir," re- mvTor7zon t ° h ^ff^'^^. ^^'^<^ which looms dimly on fabric of avis on^'wpMl-"?, ?'^ °^ \^'''^'^' '^^ 'baseless ntai^?ble wi°n ;v • 1"^^"^^"= ourselves in the poetic, the mtangible, we 11 e en risk the scorn of devotees of the eaWhv d?n/a?Nei^'"A"^ super-excellent friend,' P?tweem.''"od^ ?i^£>5 • , ^y' "^^ " ^^t the balm of spruce woods and clover m our lungs and climb the braes and hills Cether and ease our shanks among the sumn.er heather looking down on the ghnting Tay and them that toH for a mess 0I r sufh c^r^ck^!'' ^"' ^^^^ ^"^ ^^"- '^^^' I'- f' Sng ofth^'^ex^mfnidonf '^'' TT' ^^^ P^^^^^" The battles or ine exammations were fought over again, everv notable feat or mcident evoking a word of delight or caustic crS SedTr^thX n"'"" ^^^ P^'5^^^ "^ Snt^no; li^iH- u ^ "^"^ °^ learnmg were described with a tart ^ckhng humour, and the Comic Muse, getting 1 er head x-^one 10 tne nmes, he would cry, wip ne his eves "Ac t^h?A^' ^stage-play." And he woild have this%art and trinuH^^ ^^^'^ ^l'?'"^ ^'S^^' entertainment or more illus- trious company. Shades of divine Olympians soirits of /n mdistmct antiquity peopled the greened puVirsoitSdes The wise, the lovely, and brave of pagan Eld-gods and goddesses, heroes, heroines, wits, poets, sages-rained thSr alien influences on stern Presbyterian hills aZ ,L fne7' '".' 'y!"' '^^^'^^^ bloomedTd crops g^ew and "p" ened, and sheep were shorn to the blended musk of hlel? mg and barking, and bees and birds went ab^ut their bus " ness,^humming and singing, and Time sped wUh'out any Pr?udtTanT"4'VSir1oTlS:' '"*| ^^^^ Jl^*^^ ^- speculation about the"frn1r;esu^ "^^ *^^ ^-^-"* tor S^A^rieT^^ry "^^^^^^^^ ^T a double first in Edinburgh " '^Possible to take "We'll wait patiently for the all but impossible," returned '':sA ■ km if'i if lii i88 The Minister of State i !) m m ml m : 1 P* ;^ '' ij il ini ait I Mr Proudfoot. But secretly he trembled over the prospect. Perhaps he was hoping too much. f f ^. fl ^P'i^ ""^^^-^^^ "^^^ appeared, and again the telegraph flashed a thnlhng message. This time it was to Mr Sin- clair, and ran : "Kinloch first Mathematics. Swept the field. Broken record. University proud of him." The Rector of Aberfourie Academy was a product of the high science which chokes emotion out of existence. Neither teacher nor scholar could boast of ever having seen him sensibly moved: to imagine him giving way to excitement would be as if one pictured a marble statue splitting its sides in merriment or a bronze bursting its cheeks with rage But after that day another tale was told. Flourishing the message in his right hand, he ran through the school crying out the news, and having sent assistants and pupils into a sudden fever, he remembered Dr. Forbes, and hurried forth to set him too afire. He espied his man mounting the weather-stained gig, as it appeared, in some haste, and hailed him lustily. The doctor turned quickly, with one foot on the step, to stare in amazement at his friend's look and manner. "Good Lord, Sinclair, what has happened?" he inquired as the other came up. "Has much learning made our Rec- tor mad? "Hee, hee!" responded Sinclair, irresponsibly. "Mad eh? mad! What intuition ! I'll rely on you to send me to a cosy asylum. My gay Knight of Physic, have you ever ac- complished the impossible? You may open your bonny blue eyes as Avide as you like, I'm talking seriously." "I don't think a straight-waistcoat will be necessary," re- marked the doctor, as if speaking to himself. "Thanks, the lunatic is of the harmless kind," said the Rector. "But he wants an answer." "The question is odd," observed the doctor. "But sup- pose we answer in the affirmative." "Then you will understand. Read that." ^ The doctor took the telegram and read it deliberately; tiien, looking curiously in Mr. Sinclair's face, he whistled ' I congratulate the Rector of Aberfourie Academy. Sin- clair, that boy's a born true-blue devil. I knew it from the moment I stitched him and set his broken ribs. Where he got his brains and spunk is a problem in heredity. Well! ate 1 over the prospect. ?ain the telegraph :t was to Mr. Sin- the field. Broken s a product of the existence. Neither having seen him vay to excitement ; splitting its sides eks with rage, old. Flourishing trough the school istants and pupils Drbes, and hurried nan mounting the 2 haste, and hailed with one foot on friend's look and led?" he inquired g made our Rec- Jonsibly. "Mad, J to send me to a lave you ever ac- pen your bonny eriously." >e necessary," re- If. ; kind," said the ctor. "But sup- I it deliberately: e, he whistled. 1 Academy. Sin- '''- ^"' "= his hL''me:Lli;.''"??ofr:VKe"''^ f f •'• ."""^'"^ ^T,;s^Ue^^fti x™^-"-^ foir"ioc i? ..'° '^= the doctor ' ^ "" """«^ """"^^ °ff properly," returned an;?h^7cto^^:.n;:?^->^Q-„h^^^^^^^^ there'';rtTL:?thefe 'e'bo'ard t'lffd n'f ''°l' ^"'' '■°'''-' masters Red Sanrlv n,Mj t" .'='°''' ""e two school- chief guest!t!ri'^vit?d o take't t'sJat I?Lt''°V' '^ gracefully declined honour, but he he^Slway'f^r^Dav'id'^-^w" """"if '° ^"'"■'-•" "^ withyourso„Vfeth°?:"fakeTou7cErlDa=:5d5? ^" ""^ 190 The Minister of State to the solitude of the woods to tliink. and brought even to Jessie's face ati air of deep abstraction. As it touches a crisis and turning-point the reader is entitled to it verbatim ct Ittcratim. 1 i- lil;! iillU ! ^ Dear and Honourkd Father,— I have finished the Arts Course, as you know, and qualified for my degree. It will be a double first, and there are one or two 'little honours be- sides, the nature of which Mr. I'roudfoot has probably ex- plained to you. People here are congratulating nie on all hands with expressions that make me blush; and I have had the most cordial message from Mr. Sinclair. He was not content to write but must needs telegraph. These things flatter, and one loves to believe them. But in any case I have tried to do my best; perhaps not many can wholly un- derstand how I have striven. What is done, however, is done; and I am glad, not so much on my own account as because of my certainty that any success, big or little, I can gam, will gratify those who did so much for me when I so little deserved it. Thank you, dear father, and let me add, dear sister, thank you in love and gratitude for the oppor- tunities you gave me, for the sacrifices you made for me. Looking back I see plainly what pain I must have caused you both, how often I must have distressed and disappointed you. Well! that is all past and gone, a part of the irrevoc- able. I cannot undo it, and I will not spend words in idle regret. But if it be any reparation, your unfailing love, your unspeakable patience and forbearance when I must have seemed to be wilfully thwarting all your desires, are now my most precious memories. Nor can time destroy them while it leaves me power to think, or to remember, or to be grateful. The return is poor indeed, but it comes from the heart. You will not doubt that. "And now I am going to lay before vou a matter which has been occupying my thoughts a good deal of late. I know you have set your heart on the pulpit, and the time has now come when in the ordinary course I should take up the study of divinity. But I am going to ask vour leave to postpone the decision for a little. It^ is difficult to explain all the reasons which prompt me to make the appeal. So mstead of trying to make clear what I should perhaps darken, I will ask you to trust me at this turning-point to 1 decide for the best. Do not be alarmed, dear father, do not UBUMai, tate nd brought even to 1. As it touches a ititled to it verbatim ivc finished the Arts my degree. It will /o little honours be- ot has probably ex- atulating me on all ish; and I have had iclair. He was not aph. These things But in any case I any can wholly un- i done, however, is tuy own account as , big or little, I can 1 for me when I so er, and let me add, tude for the oppor- you made for me. must have caused id and disappointed part of the irrevoc- pend words in" idle unfailing love, your when I must have r desires, are now time destroy them emember, or to be it comes from the ou a matter which 3d deal of late. I ulpit, and the time 56 I should take up ) ask your leave to difficult to explain ke the appeal. So I should perhaps is turning-point to dear father, do not The Time of Roses j^, -y l^r^'umfZ T "^- I'f^ ^'""''"^^ ^'-ve turned rcgarclles; of trii^o' "^ T^ ^'""^^-V ^^"'•^^^ of notoriety which Xs"; of in H " '^ ''' "" ^"'^^ "^^'^hod and teaching ar?no Cott Jul' '/^''"- ^""'- ^^^'"Pl^ They are paft of m ve.y^.eh ^^ 10"; nth'" f ^^«^,^"\yo". I say more? You will t ,1 r ,V ' ''^ '"^^ ''^^'- ^^^^ haJso often ta^en melcady '" ""'^ "'"^ ^^^'" ^^ ^^^ going^^rtli!: aM^"^^^"V-^ >-^T ^^^'"s y-- 1 a- places. Tell Jessie X s^,..n^^'''"^S^?, ^°"^'«» ^nd other my experiences otirn ?'" '' ^"'- ^"^' ^"""^ ^^^^^""t of Cromwe in cha „ .^^''/'l^^ '^''^''.''^'^ Wallace and hung South Britain V i' ar c .1 rr''""' °^ '^'' ^^'^^S'' °f and customs, rite X h jf '" • ''"f ^^ "^^'^^ '"^""^^-s von Honiboag Profess^ of m'^ -^'V ^^^ ^^""'^ "^^^^'^"^ father dear) in the IWrl °^^^.°P'a (short-sightedness. Fellow of Learned SodStcX^ (<--ttmgen. if you like) and fully arranged it woMlr Ml "}""^'-""« to n.ention. Art- have a loo fa St Pau^" 'w w" l^'P''''^"^^ ^itle-pagc. Fll Street, where sUtlcdcmffi. ^^?;^"^'"; ter Abbey, and Fleet nalists of Babylon iZnr'r ^ '""^'^^7^^' to wit the jour- clerbolts, and X "io sTs of p'^r"'''""^f J"'-'"^ toy thun- speechif; therrso'lre" la^t ncf'SirTov^Je^^ ' "'^ *° were wont to exninfP thoL \ ^^^^, ^'^^'"^ patriots will be fitt ngly eratefiil in .,/"-^^^"P[?on. Let us hope she which please also ex cLl *- " ' TS^l^'"''' ^'-F ^'' '"^ ^ove, so far.^ And remember Z - '''^ ^'*T^"^, '^ '^ ^^" stretch Proudfoot, a we" a to Mr S' ^T H'"^'^^ ^^>^ *« Mr. them, afte; iLrven ami m! f f "^^'^'^ '^you see him. To -ain, dear^fSh:- rvelTo^u^l^ff^^o^ ^^.^ -e all.-I "Evan Kinloch." sent; and 0^^ the fnZL ' ''flf"^- 'T'^ "'"'"S ^er con- — us t J .hV£tterrdo°2i;%:ra^^ ^-Drvi?.^: ■ ^ lii Ml 1 iliihi 192 The Minister of State thought that there should be any halting over the divinity brought a pang of regret; but the issue was in infallible hands, and he was content. Sometimes he fancied he must be dreaming. It was hard to believe that the student who had taken the prizes which men of learning made so much of, was his laddie, his own Evan, whom he had seen grow up amid so many disadvantages and discouragements. Many and many a time it had wrung David's heart to think of what was before the boy, and behold! on the very threshold of life, a dazzling prosperity. But what pleased most was the assurance of unchanged affection. The sacred chain lengthened but did not break. Honours, applause, rewards had left Evan as he was. The father's heart rose bubbling; his eyes were misty with joy. "He might have taken his own way without asking me," was David's remark to Jessie. 'Tie is the best of sons," retuu ed the adoring sister. "God has blessed me in my children," said David, and kings might envy his happiness. Evan made his flying visit to the South, returning to Edinburgh to be capped. Mr. Sinclair contrived to be pres- ent and carried a full account of the ceremony to Pitweem; for Evan remained behind to complete some urgent work he had in hand. "It was a pretty sight," reported Mr. Sinclair, deftly piquing interest that already ran high. "The black silk lined with white became him very well indeed. He was the youngest among them, I think." "Ay, he'd be that," put in the dominie. "The youngest student capped," said Mr. Sinclair, "and out of all reckoning the cleverest. The entire Faculty of Arts worships him. The thing was infectious; I was no whit better than the rest." "What said you in a letter you once wrote me?" cried the dominie, jumping to his feet. "We'll a' be proud o' Robin. You mind the words. Sir, I tell you we are proud o' him. He's a lasting honour to your school and mine. You'll be grey and bald and toothless or you teach such another. He'll be remembered when our forgotten substance is food for th^ gowans, and a bleared sexton is mumbling at our awry headstones. It'll be said that he was taught by one Andrew Sinclair of Aberfourie Academy.' hout asking me," The Time of Roses jq^ ' Whlj'jvr^Jr'.*?''.'''"'*,^"^ '^'y "monument ''And" wifrhl'^hr^'J^ ^°" ^°"'*'" ^"^^^^--^^^ Mr. Sinclair. tPrnni.lV T • ^\^ ^''^ sown and iiood to himself?" in- S oi/s""BurH?"i"'"'-^"/ °" ^'^^ splendour of a a- demic robes. But the dommie brushed the vain question man'^ed '"^^''" ^' "^ *° "°^^ ^^^^ ^'"'^ "^^ home?" he de- oJ^Zt^^^Zt' ''''-' "^^^^-^°-' -^-^-^ -ri. secret """warairthe".! '? -f *?V'"^^-. ^^ "^"^^n't divulge '•Prlci ^^^^^.V^e dehnite mformation he would eive "J rn nlH ^"^^^'t'^«' ^ » ^^^ bound/' observed the dominie the wTnd. "'^" "^ "^'^ ''''''' '"'^'^ -'' moretnours fn And he vyas right. While they were yet in the first he.f of speculation over the Rector's secret news came th. E>an had taken a mathematical schoSiipTEdinhur^h d uroken voice. Fray his eyes may not dazzle- nnv hi^ 72.T^ r '^^''''- Well! well! wl/at strange ,i,fni\he ^e ToiThr •?HeVH°h'' -;e." he added, piel^„Vh^l4',! lies logetnen Herd boy, double first of Edinburp-h Fvh,' bitioner of Oxford, and after that what we h tt"e wo^of T'm hinking. Lord ! what a thing is brain a pickle grevshma^ ter, curiously creased and convoluted, say muckk foo s It's" man s dearest possession, his very deires^t^e Creator has nothing better to bestow." ^ ne ^.reator nas ''Except heart," said David quietly For the sake of friendship we'll make the excentinn " -^ turned the dominie. "But if we're to believe he tS n'st'er o"f the parish and his learned brother of the Free Kirk it's oos s.ble to get a new heart. Heaven itself can't give iiem new oS^'r ' ^ "' '^'^ "'^^ '^'"'- Oxford! I never dreamed of that. But give our mountain bird a chance and it makes 194 The Minister of State for the peaks by instinct. Well, well! here is something more to think of in the sleepless night" ^ A little later, Evan and the dominie were once more roam- mg the hills and woods together. ! i 1 t I r il' CHAPTER XV It remained for Mr. Dudley to give the coup de grace to David s hope of the pulpit. The great financier, waxed rich beyond computation, was back in the Highlands as shooting tenant of Granvorlich, the most extensive grouse moor in half-a-dozen heathy parishes. It might be thought that guns, dogs horses, game-keepers, ghillies, slaughter, fetes, fash- ionable friends, and a correspondence which temporarily converted Aberfourie Post-office into a school for bad lan- guage would have given him occupation enough and to spare. But the fairies that flocked to his cradle had be- stowed the rare and happy gift of a mind that expanded with expanding fortune. He found room for new interests how- ever diverse and multitudinous without discarding the old, and he seemed to make it a point of honour to keep in touch with Evan. "I have a young prodigy here," he would tell such of his guests as happened to be ignorant of the matter. "Have the goodness to take me seriously when I say I am watching the unfolding of genius. The study is onlv a little less fascinat- ing than the eccentricities of 'Change." "And the character of this native product?" some one would inquire, thinking probably of the generous wine and the tang of the rare Havana. "Complex and highly original. Career divided into three principal stages so far— first, herd boy, kiltie with bare, brown legs (not unacquainted with the switch) and rebellious black hair shooting in defiant tufts through holes in a faded bon- net—a source of infinite tribulation in this initial period. Second, double T.rst of Edinburgh University— ha! your peepers open; third, only beginning. Oxford and astonish- ment and discomfiture to placid plum-pudding knights and sedate grandfathers of learning. As perfect a dare-devil too te lere is something ' once more roam- The Time of Roses ^95 coup de grace to ncier, waxed rich lands as shooting : grouse moor in lought that guns, filter, fetes, fash- hich temporarily hool for bad Ian- enough and to s cradle had be- at expanded with :w interests how- Bcarding the old, to keep in touch d tell such of his itter. "Have the am watching the ttle less fascinat- uct?" some one nerous wine and ivided into three ,vith bare, brown rebellious black in a faded bon- is initial period. Tsity — ha! your "d and astonish- ing knights and a dare-devil too as heart could desire, a sort of second version of the Bob Chve who used to crow on steeple points before U occurred o him to found the British Empire in India. I have rescued the young scapegrace from a horse that had mide un ks Sm'afterw'ards" 'y'' ^"hM"' ^° '^"^ ^ handTn ttcKiig yi?rsdves '' " '^'" '"" "^^ ^°""^ Napoleon for And Evan was made free of Granvorlich Lodge nav sometnnes shouldered a gun and strode the heathe^ that Some' nfT '''' '^"^'^ "^'^'^^ ^'"'''^ themselves of h metde Some of them were disposed to be satirical at the beginning' but desisted on discovering how unerringly the win " ^fl tort struck home. And the shaft was delivered sc efHv ttlT^^' •' "' 7'^' ^"^^ ^^'^^"t innocence o design thi^ SSdi^ g^dt htriirnTor ' ^-^ - ^ ^^^"^^' ^- Tu . u "'°^'"'s pinch, Inat hurts and is desired." A-y'^f^^^' ^°"y budding Bonaparte will do," was the ver- dict of a grizzled critic whose repartees had en Ln/n dreary midnight debates in St. S?Xn's "A nhrrhtf tongue with a nice edge to it Tart bn hv A. ^^^ omous. As self-posseled as sltan. v n'ever SfC In?o and^r'^^eT-f ^^^^,-°"gh to keep him coStlbly Lrm 'f5 J?rf .°^ "ll'.^^^f ^« ^^^'! as talent. We shal/h^ar of him presently. What's he to be?" 'Undecided, I believe " "Ah! One could almost imagine the voune-ster in tW House tackling a whole Treasury Bench ./°""^«ter ,n the .« ,-VT^ to that," responded Mr. Dudley as well pleased as if the subject of discussion were his own son 'T^f ^n you one better and imagine on the Treasury Bench " ^ The grizzled critic screwed his mouth. I hat might be a matter of pence, my boy," he remarked lT::iLZl o'rZw"" '''"■°""^^' Philosophy-s" an a^ "The old order changeth." Tl I I' \>l I, f i'^l% .liiiil :|Mi ) I M ^ ;ii: 196 The Minister of State Vanisheth yon mean. My friend, it's chaos, stark naked chaos. How does Solomon of Ecclefechan put it? Koarmg milhon-headed, unreflecting, darkly suffering darkly sinning Demos come to call its old superiors to ac- count Old Tom s got it in a sentence. That French Revo- lution taught him some wrinkles. But it's probably all right. Go ahead." ^ The decisive step was taken one dav when Mr. Dudley with Mrs. Dudley and Florence, visited Pitweem, at the urgent invitation of Lisspeth, for '"a drink of sweet milk and a teed of gooseberries." "You go to Oxford," he said to Evan, who attended to gather the fruit, "you go to Oxford with a reputation that will in Itself be a spur. You will carry things before you as a matter of course. But after Oxford, what then ?" 1 hen the prospect was vague. "Let us try to clear away the mist," pursued Mr. Dudley, with the zest of one actively aiding destiny. "An Oxford honours-man— you see, I take certain important things for granted— has a prett, varied choice of careers. He may It he be a bookworm, settle down to educational work, be- come Fellow and tutor of his college, write books, scribble tor magazines and newspapers, and so forth. With a clearer eye to the main chance, he may mount by way of the Church— the Church of England, you understand. If his creed be right— and creeds are lilce compasses, good for any course— he may live to die a fat prelate. Then there's medicine, if your gorge doesn't rise at disease and death But ambition s gem of gems is a public career. There's your shining mark. To that the Bar is the royal road- he En8;lish Bar not the Scots. The law and the chancel- lorship, he added, laughing. "Think of them and keep your head. ^ Evan was eager, but David held back as from the brink ot a precipice, and would have argued warmly had he had a tongue for his feelings. A dark idea haunted him that law- yers are little better than rogues-legal rogues who fleece their victims by sanction of Parliament, and are thp worse on that account. Personal experience had revealed to him something of their devious ways, and he would have his son grow up an honest man. A whole sleepless night he tossed over the problem of Evan's choice, rising at break of day gaunt, hollow-eyed and still cogitating painfully. The "SOBum The Time of Roses hands and a sweet consc en^^^ t """ "^'^^^ '^^^P ^'^^n pulpit slip, he gave h a^ ent S ^°''^°^f""y letting the more, than his simple Lrt";i.l- "''^"V'"°'"^' '"^"itely mantic head could dream tSli '''""' *^^" ^'^ ««"'« ''o- imagine. ^^"'' "'^" ^^^^ patron could possibly a nevv'^world: anT^ate'crbTanoth^""'' ^"^ ^^^^ ^--1^ i" traditions than those unon.l.r .^^mosphere and other tured. Edinburgh anTc)xfo d^^^^ had hitherto been nur- apart, yet the one ifto the othe .^ ' i'"'^ '^^^'' J°"'-"^y cloister; as Cameronian batde fieM "^^ '"'l^ '° "^"^^^^ vvreckages of the fight otIetnfHi ^T ^'^^ ^^^'" ^"^ drowsing on lotus and rose-leavef P °^ epicurean culture but as different as dustrnoon .n'l" ,^°"'^"Se 'n both places, ual and the visionary %ere the rn'""^ '^'!'^^''' ^^ '^'^ ^<^t- beat of timbrel and die blare of fr?'"^u^^"§^ °^ ^^^^J' the mind yielding itself wfh iff • ^ """P' ^^ere the brooding Here ^the bfoillt'ah d Itrrl^ncr^cr ^° P^-'^-liry^ watchword of Isaiah ami Ci? Covenant, the fiery and dreamy ph losophf an a'"t;/ >''' '^'^''''' ^^"^''"-'t analysed, too hoary to b; recLn^l """ ^°° '"^^'^ ^o be awe seized upon tL i„wSs r rliV'^'f " /^" ""wonted out his hand into the Ses and 1^° > '" "'' ^' P"* It; shadowy presences ha!m'ted the e'lrV^r^', ^'"^^P^^' memories and associations weiVhednnf,''' ■'^'''^' ^^^^^t the very stones exercised a sfrtnf^T *''^ imagination; busmess appeared to be less to u ^"f^^^^ment. One's philosophise in whispers Til '^ *''^^ *° ^^^^^ and Evan took to h Sies vvifh .r^',^^' ^°^^^^'-' ^"d application. "^' '"^'^^ ^he old vehemence of young spark f?om' eZ or^Rugbtwh^. li'^^'fTf'"^'^^' ''^ and a good time;" and his FrKnk., T " "^ "P ^°^ a pass h;m; so that even as ^fre h4n he if V.f "''''°" ^°"°^^d of being pointed to as a dtible firs' '' '^' '^'^ '•^*'"^^'«" A readmg man" sn,Vi ft,^ with admiration, "keans to 1^=°""^,-P^''''' "^^ ^"tirely The Singular intent^n^r Sit^ Clj?;;'.! ™,-l"^ 1 !i lii; iiii I 1 lll'liil III Ih in i! I 198 The Minister of State several pairs of eyes very wide, and Moderations appeared to denote that such as meant to enter the Finals against the dark-eyed Celt from the North had better be girding their loins for the fight. All doubt on the point vanished when he captured the blue riband of the university — the Ireland Scholarship "for classical learning and taste." "Go on," said his tutor, a man of European reputation, when this honour was chronicled. "Go on, and I shall be proud of you." And the Master, congratulating him, remarked curtly, "I think, sir, you have a mind that will win distinction."* "By Jove, Kinloch is going it, you know," added the young spark, snatching a momentary attention from the delights of wine and supper parties. "Wonder what sort of machinery those reading chaps have fitted up inside their heads. Deuced odd, you know." Odd indeed, your lord- ship, and altogether ridiculous to one of your lordship's proclivities. Like a good Scot, Evan not only toiled prodigiously^ but lived with calculated thriftiness, partly that he might keep a clear head, but chiefly that he might not fail in a certain periodical remittance upon which he had early set his heart. His scholarships were handsome, and he augmented his in- come by accepting travelling tutorships in the long vaca- tions instead of going home, greatly as he yearned for the heather. Thus, by doing the work of three men, he was able to "discharge current expenses," and to remember the folk at Pitweem in the manner which pleased him best. Of all that came to him they had their share, and not infre- quently it was a Benjamin's portion. For the rest he took recreation regularly, made a mark at the Union as an orator of promise and caustic wit, ran, walked, and pulled an oar that won plaudits from athletes. Presently he figured as a crack oarsman, proving himself an expert in the game of bumping; by-and-by he was actu- ally adopted in the envied Eight, and it was found that his devotion to books had in nowise hurt wind or muscle. So the years passed, and the crucial time, the time of the blasting of reputations, drew near. Evan was entered for ♦The late Dr. Jowett, Master of BalHol, made ihe same or a similar remark to the late Mr. Walter Pater. Alas! that in referring j to the author of "Imaginary Portraits," one should have to write "the late." The Time of Roses ,00 «Pating his EdinburU Lrf„ audacity to dream of was arrayed against liim VliTt.l ? '^'' P"'''"^ "'^''ools compared'notel discusTed probabi SL' and "d'eTnr^"""' experience, awaited results «„>),' . ' despite a ripe for the candidate hindfLai^lfr''"^, ^^^'V^"^^"^' ^' his mouth a trifle gr m ^ Ld con ' t"^" "^ ^°^'^' ^^»* with the composure of ^veteran ' ^""^ "^""^ ^"^° ^^"le ship"m:,:f;L"vrL'„"t?edt Th'^'rT ?"^''^^ -^o^- will not avail- as little wfln,^ ^^^ ^^^T*'; ^^^'"^ cleverness fail for lack of reading -^i^/"'!' f^f^^^^^- Brilliant men date after candidate vflioles in ?nV^^°^ '"'^"*- ^^"^i- emerges from the fierv fnrS s^ lingly sure of victory, cruelly burned to rumi^^a 1 „n'.?'\^' ''^'^^^' ''^'''^' ^"^ ambition. Thi wr tTn Ss are' nl/n'''^'"f '^^"^ ^°"'^« °f Placfs; but if there be any doub s ^nft '° '"J-."" ^^^ pacity they are child^s7ay to tl e torU re nf'fh ^'^- '"^ ^"- For the examiners are experts n the Irfnfr '''•''' ""•'''■ Heart essly patient r'l^ if Stt I -5 ? ^ °^ discriminat on. grief, they'ar^e qT"cV?o detect^'tU" ^"V^'"^^,,*^^ sciolist to offhand.. \o ;i.e stammerer the^roces^fs"?,"' '"^ '^^"^ ending in crushing disaster. The soace of fivf '^"^^/^^^"y Evan clear. A few Question = \J a^ vJ ^^^ minutes saw were of no conseqTenct I m Ip.f •.'"?'^'''""^'>'' ^' '^ t^ey itors, and the affable remark ''Yon '^' ^'^^^ '^^ ^""^^ ^"^"i^" sir/' and it was aH over When he n^'^^'f "'" T^ ^°°^' tunates still waiting in [renin ^c P^''"'' °"*' ^^^ ""^or- knew that he a ifa wa a?e for'^'^'lT'-^^ °/ '^^'' ^^'^' , token of success. From the Mn^/r T'^^'J^^ infallible I same tale; and so in duT rnn.^''-?^'"^*'^^' ^^^ooJ came the Kinloch of Bal roMia 'crZ e/7^ ^^at Evan a brilliant double first ""'"^"^ '^'■^^'* '^^ t^^'"? ine:etTf^;r Lfgi^^^^^^^ jroru^s i"sa\'rtr""^ °^ -^-^ best double-first ever 1X1 . n f f^c ''"^ examiners, "the centage in Math?madS"L'nVhtlast le'nbr Iv''^'^ P"" Cambridge; sets us a new standard in clSsics''^''""^^^'" "' pmu"d'oTSr"sr"alS' T'':r^ OxftTdeclared she was n. With ;^^1S/----h his. ^^^^^ ■.m i Jil',- J -.r — 111! If ' ^ 11 ! ill ! I ll I! il 1 1 11,,, mill ■^^'Hl. 200 The Minister of State eminent statesman, himself a double-first of Oxford, and the ruler of the people condescended to talk with him of Homer and the Greek influence, to refer to the Union as the school of English oratory, and to hint, very delicately and sweetly, of a possible future in the House. The host was more explicit. "I think you take up the law," he observed in a disen- gaged moment after dinner. Evan answered in the affirmative. "An admirable choice," said the man of learning, who took pride in being a man of the world as well. "I always advise my promising young men to go to the Bar. It com- bines the intellectual and the practical as no other profes- sion known among men combines them. Moreover, its prizes are worth a man's best efforts. And let me say, sir, that if to ability and energy you add prudence the nett result may be astonishing even to yourself." Nor were other tributes wanting. He was carried oflf to college fetes, he was dined and wined by sporting blades who commonly contemned erudition, and the scions of a patristic aristocracy poured upon him invitations to half the noble homes of England. These things were as drops of honey on the tongue. But sweeter yet were the messages from the North — from Pitweem, from Burnside, from Aber- fourie, from the united Faculty of Arts in Edinburgh. In- effably delicious too was the message from Mr, Dudley and I Florence, for she must join her congratulations to her father's. The hero is shaped and impelled less by inherent force or impulse than by the breath of those he loves. If there were none to admire and praise, great deeds would | fall out of fashion. Upon those at home the tidings had the startling effect of I a storm of electricity. David was struck dumb, and had to I retire to commune silently with himself in the solitude of| the spruce woods; Jessie was thrilled to irresponsible exal- tation, not unmoistened by dew; and Neil, speaking shrilly I from excitement, drew upon his lustiest superlatives to ex-j press his feelings. But none, not even David, was so pro- foundly moved as the dominie, perhaps because he best I understood all that the intelligence meant. When the newsl tame he locked himself in the little schoolhouse, that the| tears he could not keep back might flow unseen. "Ay, ay," he said aloud, "the eagle is born for the heights,! L)serve(l in a disen- The Time of Roses 201 kye and paidling in he bu^r^Sether the ™fi'' ' ^f ''"<"ng and the other left Inscn7tahK„ . ■ ^''?" ""= "''*™ Double-first of OvfnJ ,' "'^"'^"ous. Past finding out. and a Burnside s?hohH T', "?"'' ^"P^-^ilio-'^ Oxford. desTll;e%aZeH"^ I'""? ^' Y-""''^^' ^^^^h from the ricketty that autumn evening vheVremarirF"^ '' 'T?'"^ ^^"^^ book! He saw the tonsWl h^ made Evan read from that wsmmm ^:::r^^^^ ^o:^^i^i ;°elsi Sr rin I' ^"^ breakmg in abruptly upon Mr Sin rt\ hi II > ^f1 ill I 202 The Minister of State "Yes." "Well! and your opinion of it?" "Brilliant," responded Mr. Sinclair warmly. "Brilliant!" repeated Mr. Proudfoot with scornful em- phasis. "Brilliant! God save us, how many brilliant things there are in this fine world! No fitter word in your vocabu- lary? Fish again. I take leave to call it unprecedented, unmatched, incomparable, the unique achievement of the Only if you like, which being interpreted means that if the Rector of Aberfourie Academy expects to see the perform- ance repeated he had better take the old Roman cut to heaven to avoid heartbreak." "He does not," said M-. Sinclair. "Therein he shows himself like himself," observed Mr. Proudfoot. "It were unwise to expect larks from a fallen sky." And thereupon the two settled down to discuss what had of late become the staple of their talk. A little later they were again brought excitedly together by the intelligence that the Craven Scholarship had been added to the list of honours. And about the same time there came a letter to Mrj, Proudfoot announcing that after an absence of over three years Evan was coming home. The dominie sat into the grey hours studying it with an interest never roused even by his beloved classics, and at length went to bed to dream of it in mere snatches of sleep. It made graceful and grate- ful reference to the writer's unreckonable debt to his earliest teacher, and touching lightly upon the examinations, con- cluded: "As to the future I need not say much. If I cared to remain here I think I might count on a fellowship, and al- ready it has been hinted that a professorship of Greek ayont the Tweed is open to me if I apply. These things are good; but I do not want them. I could not teach if I tried. Be- sides, I have crossed my little Rubicon, that is to say I am entered as a student at the Middle Temple. So it will be wig instead of cap. Though I shall be here a term or two yet for the sake of the scholarships, I am practically done with Oxford, except the Law School. I am longing — yearning | is really the word — to see you all. Indeed I'm homesick. Nostalgia must be the banished Highlander's peculiar dis- ease, I fancy. At any rate my heart's very much in the Highlands at this moment. I have been away more than three years. In that time I have traversed several countri( famed for majesty and beauty of scenery, but I have seen 1^ The Time of Roses 207 S^J^'llt.^^^^^^^ Burnside. May to the wind ! ThopT o b" L" bin".'/ " ^^"°" ^^^'" --- just such company and such alk 's t tT T " ,"^^'" ^'^^^ ( The rascal, the rascal" i« ^i had when last there." dominie.) "Meanwl^f "am doine?£; ^"-^^^""^^ ^^^ teract the effects of the read n^n?! \ ^ '°J^'"S: to coun- honour to pull an oarlntJit inter w'" -^'^^^^ ^^^^ '^^^ as soon as I can escap^rm off to'rr'^'i>^ '''"• ^"' P«- 1 m ott to the heather and the hills." CHAPTER XVI The distinction which foil f« t: notable one of strok'nVteDafkB^ls'VTT" ^'^ '"^^ our was not assigned wi ho,Tf^ k-. •^- ^^' P^^^e of hon- 1-art for he failefTn'wT t was teteeTh' T^^^'^^^ ^^ requisite. With the exceoti^n of K?. u''^ ^'''^ essential est man in the boat/a^KecedLt T^^^^ ^' ^'^ '^' "&ht- the conventional, was hard arSn!?' • '"P?"'^ ^'"^'ter of the chief seat. I was not tiSr ^""1"? ^J'^^^^ ^^^^ht in watching, and testing that the eeS ^'^^''' ^^Shation, were ardent advocates of bull -W 1 -."^f "'^^^- ^here had their due force in argument hn.h''^' •?"" ^"^ ^"^^es remembered the value o7nrvrlncl%tet of '"' "^^' Tt,» ^ "^^^ unconquerable will Aid 'Ztfs e"S"o'.°,i"^b"''' " ^'^'<'' Q ., ^'^^ "°' to be overcome " ; schoo ,' An '°aS'/ son" ro'w ?''°'"J^" ™ "'^ hero of the bishop's number seven aTu.ureT''" '°'"" ='"" »" '--'h- and they were all VZ'ldTZ the"stS ""S''" "-ree; year, in the season when wnnHI»„i ?^^. °"« "ery the maiden's heart i^ "ange?. moveTtht'^'" '° "T ^"^ erable fathers of our ereat univTr^M ' ^'JT" ^"<' ^«n- « a tumultuous return^ of theSy of 1°.!,^^'" ^'^'''^' most beguiled infn tv,^ • sfiety of youth, nay, are al- things eSona,\V''in\XS^^^^ Overall heads, but the "Derby ShoaZf''!^^''^'^^ f"'""^y '"» too much for the Treves of ir^^k ^^1 ^^^^ °^ ^^^ «- is me greyest of greybeard wisdom with aught \im li! I iir! '1" ' I ! ! llilili!!' ii! ' ! ! ijji 204 The Minister of State left of the pith of other years. Here and there a cohwebbed creature will stick to the schools despite all external seduc- tions; but the souls of the universities are with the practis- ing Eights. The training of these, as the initiated will tell you, is rigor- ous to the point of cruelty. The Church talks of asceticism; but the only real ascetics are the racehorse and the crack oarsman, for they are continent by compulsion. The Deca- logue is elastic (probably because of long and rough usage), but the rules of the rowing committee are rigid as death. No man may break them and keep his place; so it comes that on the crucial day the University Eight are steel and whipcord. Neither the athlete nor his worldly patron commonly re- gards scholastic achievement; but it was remarked by pro- fessional sports as an odd circumstance that the Oxford crew should be stroked by a double-first. The auguries were doubtful. During practice a prophetic Press daily de- cided the coming contest, giving such personal particulars of the crews as shrewd reporters and sub-editors guessed would be popular. It was noted that Cambridge had the heavier men, and Oxford the prettier style. The odds were two to one on the former. As the practice drew to a close, however, the critics intimated that Oxford had suddenly bettered its prospects, and many were sore over being duped into putting money on what might prove to be the wrong side. On the final afternoon the scratch crew, muscular, strong-winded, determined, laid wait for the Dark Blues 1 in the last mile of the course, bent on "letting them have it," and kept alongside for exactly thirty seconds. The pace] was a revelation. "Whu!" said the blown scratch, gazing after the glimmer-] ing meteor, "Cambridge has its work cut out for to-mor- row." The great day came with brilliant sunshine, and a breeze] which crisped the water into flashing ripples of silver. Put- ney adorned itself in bunting, and "the leisured classes," fashionable and the reverse, streamed forth in picturesque! variegation to do honour to the Olympian Games. The! banks of old Thames had never, it was said, been pressed byj Such a multitude, nor his waters crowded by such a diversity] of craft. The Dudleys, with a distinguished company, werel among those afloat, and Florence was queen of an adoringj M' The Time of Roses tZghts^^VtVone'^V^""'"^"^^ ^«'><^d '- Chain hel cheek's Sow anThereJefdan^e" "°^ ^'^" ^^^^ ^^^^ ^'r suspense v;as over T^^ 1 Can T."'* announced that the launched first, paddHnjr iLlv to ?h' ^' /^^ challengers, of a thousand glasses In h. ' l^t^ ''°^*' ^^e focus were followed by the Oxoniln. ^^?.u^ ^^' "^'""^^^ ^^ey roarious outburst Both creWs H "^ ^'' ""°^^^'" "P" indiflferent, looking Sesslv about .T'f' ^''5 «tu^Jio"sly mild way, at the ?oninS on On th^ ^vondenng. in a Dark Blues, Florence travel Lin ^ appearance of the "Oh, there's EvanTere ifi'J,'^°"^°".'^rr"^cc"""t. shaking in her jewelled Tn^rs ' "pf,,-'''"^' ^'l^ '''"^c"'^'' ::cS^^-^^^ ^^ ^^- ttTand^lS -^^ -1 ^a:1 exl^^le r ;hf:L- -^^^^^^^^^ >ay follow his forgetting yourself " ^"oiness. You are really quite perfume from a daintv S. ^ ' f,'°''';^^ "'^ =«"<«"£ 'he wind; and aT she wa/ed she .h"onX''-"^ ""*" "P°" "-e certam raspberry .hfc\;?i„^'',le' H ^ds™"^™""''^ "' ^ .osI-a^nZTh'^'suT?" r r\ .^'"''"'^^ -" "•= into position can. .n.i^ ' ^^^h boats moved briskly the umple^ head .n A'"'"^''^'^-" *'''" °^ ^"^ ^""^ ^^ for the^^ars the^ cordeTmr^'f^^''^ ^':°^" ^™« '"^^^he^ life as at th^ pri k of 1 SP^' Th '''''T^ ^"'° ^"'^^^""^ g:leaming blades hung modonlesi in ?hf '"^'"r' ^'^*^^" , craning multitude held hs hr?^fh .L '""' *^^"' ^^ the smokef and they were off beW; fh''' '"."^^ ^,5^"^ P"^ ^^ ' could go up. ^'^^ *^^ '"stant thunder-peal , wa?erS;LrCamtrI5g^ hTth'^ ^^^^^ '^^^^^ -"^^t the ! a rather fl irried thTrtv eihf . l"" ■'^'"'^'' '*'"°'^^- striking The greater raniditv of <-lr° !^!'' Wonents' thirty-six! jthl Cambridge s?eame? !en./'.?^'^T'""'^ ^"^ '^^'^ on The Oxonians Sened to tht't?^^^^^ 'r'- '"• '^^ *^^^- hponsive howl, a^nd in^^e^tel^^^e^Sa^^ ' to6 The Minister of State ■>'( Mmi\ III I iiii , Mi' ' W > nine, iltc M?'«r by dint of Titanic ^:^^. rt keeping their head canvas a liug • r-lcngth to the front. "Quicken up, Oxford; let 'em have it"; "Well rowed, Cambridge, make 'em blind," were among the stormy cries which encouraged them; but, as if disdaining to be urged by people who knew nothing whatever about it, Oxford dropped to thirty-five and Cambridge to thirty-six. They were passing Craven Steps, two minutes fifteen seconds out, and were neck and neck. "They're settling to work," said the knowing ones. Now we can judge of the chances." To the untrained eye there was not a i)in to choose be- tween tlicm; but experts remarked lh;it the Dark Blues had the easier, cleaner sweep, and the better command of them- selves. ' " 'Out and in at a single dash, Flash and feather, feather and Hash, Without a jerk or an effort or splash — It's a stroke that will break vour heart,' " cheerily sang a friend of the Oxonians. At the mile post, reached in four minutes six seconds, the nose of the Oxford boat appeared for the first time to the front. The Light Blues, spurting hardily, made up their leeway, and the crowd yelled at the Dark Blues to quicken. The stroke, however, remained a swinging thirty-four, clean, full, unflushed, and in less than a minute the Dark Blue canvas was again ahead. An inch, a foot — two feet — a quar- ter, ha]-' a length, it went to the front. Once more Cam- bridge spurted, but Oxford declined to budge from that terrible thirty-four, and the coach, who staked his reputa'' on the long and slow, could not contain his glee. There wc others equally enthusiastic. W "Oo's the bloomin' strowke?" inquired one eager gentle- man. And another consulting his newspaper fired back the information, "Hevan Kinloch, ten stone eleven, bally 'igh- lander. V.' 'ars petticoats when 'ees at 'ome. Double fust." "Wot bio. n 'i' 'ot is that, 'Enery?" demanded the other. "Dunno," •. •; Enc •>, fastening his eyes once more on the boats skhnii ir; itke a pair of swallows for the horizon. At the end '>: -even minuN s and a half the Dark Blues shot through Hammersmith Bridge a full length ahead, and it seemed the voice of the whole earth was in the roar that went up. Yet again the Light Blues spurted desperately, :ate keeping their head it"; "Well rowed, ng the stormy cries aining to be urged r about it, Oxford thirty-six. They liftecn seconds out, novving ones. Now 1 pin to tlioose be- .he Dark Blues had conunand of them- lash, splash — our heart,' tes six seconds, the he first time to the lily, made up their < Blues to quicken, g thirty-four, clean, Lite the Dark Blue — two feet — a quar- Once more Cam- D budge from that aked his reputa'" ' is glee. There wc 1 one eager gentle- >aper fired back the eleven, bally 'igh- j ime. Double fust." emanded the other, iyes once more on vs for the horizon, alf the Dark Blues j 1 length ahead, and 'as in the roar that purted desperately, The Time of Roses 207 / finally to thirty-iight ,4inst l ^ T' -^^ thirty-six, and boats gave lean^.ri; ?,'{-' ^^/"^^"^Jffe forty, and the chase. ^ ''•' ''•'^ greyhounds closing in the a te^^ptuolr;;;:;" ^'^ ^^^' --^"^^ ^'- ^"*'---- '--me scS^l'o ;;SS?£^f^,^'"^[^' ^"-r-^--nt, backers fection of mechanic art -in^^^^^^ ^^'^ «"cJi Per- r.f 4.1, 1 M,- "^"^ i" spite ( f the kiUmg paco and the stroke of rniRht --■ opite of bone and muscle and height On flies the dark blue like a flash o blue bVh^ And the river froths like yeast " ^^' 2o8 The Minister of State hi'. '4 "1 . L 4 i 'i \u 11! iiiHii; jilf m M\\\ iiiill ill in I ! I li iniilil as if swamping, and from the disordered splashing it ap- peared the whole crew were catching: crabs together. "Lost their heads," said the agonised coach, trying to wrench away an iron bar. "They may as well drown as do that." It needed that momentary pause or break to enable the spectators properly to perceive the tremendous velocity of the Cambridge boat. Swifter and swifter it seemed to fly as it overhauled the staggerer in front, darting at every Ti- tanic stroke with a bird-like lightness and eagerness as if exulting in its power of flight. In half a second it wo .Id be ahead, and nothing could save the Dark Blues. The Dark Blues, however, had still notions of working out their own salvation. As their friends trembled over a foregone con- clusion the stroke was seen to throw a lightning glance over his shoulder. What he said none save the six men at his back heard; but as the Light Blues swept to certain victory down went the chins of the Oxonians with a sudden fierce motion, their blades struck with a single crack, and the ar- rowy craft leaped from the gulf of its own wash at the im- pulse of a terrific thirty-eight. They needed all their power of wind and limb. Fired with new hope and vigour, the Cantabs, now half a length to the good, pulled like fiends. Oxford instantly quickened to forty, and in a moment more to forty-two, creeping up on their opponents snail-like, inch by inch. They had never rowed before, their performance in the first part of the course being child's play to what they were doing now; but could they keep it up? It's the pace that kills, and veterans counted the seconds for the inevitable breakdown. It was deferred till in the excite- ment it was forgotten. For three delirious minutes there was a race that made hardened sportsmen howl like novices, and the Oxford coach led the shrieking. But the Light Blues had equal cheering, for the fury of triumph was upon them; they were eight to seven, and the betting was two to one. The multitude exploded in peal upon peal, and within sight of the racers there was not a man, woman, or child who did not thrill to grip an oar. At the end of three minutes the Dark Blues showed they had wind yet for further effort by quickening to forty-three. For perhaps ten dizzy seconds the Cantabs, rowing blind to the screeching of their cox, endeavoured to respond. But the Dark Blue nose was lifting itself unconquerably to the front. A foot was gained, then lost, then recovered; then, at a bound as it appeared, half a length wis put to the good; The Time of Roses 209 i^lettly'tf^^^^^^^ ^— Hsed. fell off to a passed the goal in flawless form L'f' ^^^'^S^^o Jhirty-seven, white lips; bm in tl e Oxfn H h f ^'^""'^^ P^"''"^ between torn! .t%7ews and Zrihf '° ^""'r ?"'' ''™™«'l -- there was Se' me'tTnl^hl' "'f'' '.T"".^' ™-^ stroke was called unon W , ^' U ™'^'" *« winning mysteriously disappear"d "'" " ™' '"""'' ^^ "^^ "Nn " °' '""^ '^J"''"='' '° '"nl^-." observed some one youloV-rclrsn^^pfr^e II^Z^B'?"' ' ™«it«:liS" ^}^P^'"^^^' " Juliet, eh?" ^ '"^ ^°"'^° to some ravishing he:ve'n%?d%Trt;!'th™ ^^^^^^^ -- things in osophy. The devil wilfrle earW If- S^''^'"^'? ' P^"" up to Kinloch of BalHoI " ^' ""^ ^"""^' ^'^^ ^^^ he's a .few re'me™£e*7re" \Tlt£r°t^on"' T,;*' ZdTl^itrhimrr''"^"' P°''^'^'^" -"° ■"'•^"-^^ Ttterwa^ds: ' ™''""' ""'' '""''^'^'i "> Mr. Dudley WemTthlT^i '"f "'' 'f.?°'"ff '"f the law, he tells me we shal hav 'himt tlJe iT '° '"'"°"" ^''^ ^t- Stephen' ! Dark Bluer"""^ '''' ''"'^^ ^^^" ''^^^'^ by one second-by the miijm^ 'M IH» T W ■ (1 w ^H £ m ■ 1 J ^M 1 'f ,i 1 i ill;! I'Mi ! \$f:: I iiji:! !■ il I i ::HIV:,; I ill f i I ill' iili : ■'liil III 210 The Minister of State "I saw your performance to-day," she said when they had got over preHniinaries. "It was very pretty." Evan bowed. "Very pretty indeed. But I am not at all sure," she added, with a little trill of laughter, "that I shouldn't hate you." Evan murmured something about a calamity. "Now, now," said the dowager, trilling again, "I am old enough to be your grandmother, and you must not be sar- castic. The fact is I had a nephew in the disgraced boat. But all's fair in love and war. You may feel disposed to test the axiom some day. You took honours in the schools, too, as they are called. What, pray?" Evan answered briefly and technically, and she observed vivaciously, "You must be very learned — Greek and Latin, and all that sort 6i thing. I must own the classics always boggled me, and as to science, I know as little of it as it knows of me. One is astounded in one's old age to find one has lived so long in a world about which one knows so little. Providence is long-suffering. You'll be at Henley, of course?" Evan feared he would not. "The University Eights will be there," she said in sur- prise," and you will certainly miss an ovation from the girls." "I give it all to my companions ungrudgingly," said Evan, "because when they are receiving plaudits at Henley I hope to be among the heather." "That is most ungallant of you," returned the vivacious old lady. "Well! you must come and see me. I have two sons, solicitors, and the barrister, I am told, prospers by grace of the solicitor." And she bowed majestically and passed on. "Handsome and clever," she said of him a minute later, "and his self-possession is astonishing. I'm too old to be deceived, my dear. Mark me, he's the stuff out of which romance is made. Remember that I told you. And if I were Miss Florence Dudley's mother I would keep an eye on her. You may have noticed my lady's glances at her knight of the oar." And to be sure Florence was at no pains to disguise her interest in Evan and his doings. "The fun this afternoon," she said, where the words might kindle jealousy, "was almost as good as gathering rasp- berries in the Highlands." END OF BOOK II. BOOKIII.-THEORACLEOFFATE Had we never lov'd sae kindly! Had we never lov'd sae blindly' Never met— or never parted, We had ne'er been broken-hearted. Burns. CHAPTER I hf L^°T"''°"'''i^- ^f '°"§^ ^ favourite topic of discourse by barn door and ingleside, for those who witnessed it told wondrous tales Neil, with "the machine" scrubbed to per- fection and violently done in blue and red after deigns^ by the owner, was at the station, David and the dominie ac- co^npanymg. A ull hour they had to wait for the signal of the southern nm.l, bottling their impatience and parrying ,t,^Tf °n °^ f"^"11y.8:'-°"Ps who! rememberingT/an'f tTJ ^°/ 1"',^^"^' ^f '''■"^ t° '^"°^^ ^hat colleges and the great world had done for him. The dominie, who loved to s^ir cunosity, had eyes bulging and heads wagging over many a consummate fable. '^^^'''S over All at once there rose a white wavy line of smoke acrp,-nef the horizon and Neil breaking off iX the mllsT of a dd^ate on the myster.es of Providence and the vanity of human Almost as he spoke there came to their lars the boom of express wheels on steel eirders soannin- the Tav f^M- closely by the screech of the "ste^am-wfis^! In'd' bu iing wShT.?"""^'"? ^■°°^^'' '^' ^'•^^"' ^^^'^ the brave ronf which belongs to conquering things, swept on bring-injr wuli^t the bustle and eclat of ?ities and centres o" 'fa hion"^ DavkltVT • "°l.i"P'\ '""^'" '^"^^'^^^ Neil hastilv to Uavid, in Gaelic. "He's been away three years now, 'and 212 The Minister of State three years is a long while at his time of life. Maybe he has a beard." Before David eould answer, two bi{^ locomotives, each bearing the name of a llif^liland eliieflain. were hissing and spluttering- alon};side. In tiie line of earriag:es a head was thrust from a window, and a face, turniiifj^ swiftly fore and aft, broke suddeidy into a smile of reco>;nition. The next instant a light tigure leaped to the i)latform. and David ran. charging indiscriminately against barriers animate and inanimate. Precisely what happened next he never knew. Nor were Neil and the dominie, who made haste to follow and swell the confusion, any clearer in their minds. It was not until lilvan was out of the tutnull and securely wedged in "(he machine" that coherency came out of chaos. Then by degrees both sides began to make notes. The studious Neil was profoundly impressed by the metropolitan style of his nephew's holiday suit, his smart looks, and awesome air of cosmopolitanism. "You will be a grand tine gentleman now, Evan," he re- marked admiringly, lie spoke in tiaelic, but somehow ex- pected to be answered in elegant b'.nglish. He was delighted to enthusi.'ism when the laughing response came with as true a native smack as if the speaker had never set foot beyond the bounds of Logieburn parish. "And gosh, they tell me you know an extronar lot too," added Neil, changing his tongue. "As much mavpe as our minister, ay, or the fery domii]ie himself," glancing slyly at Mr. Proudfoot. "You'll observe that your uncle still finds fair words the cheapest comfits." said the dominie, "But letting courtesies go by the board, Pll plank a crown against a groat he'll never guess how ministers and dominies are like Portia's suitors." "Teet no," said Neil. "How?" "Just in being as God made them. They arc seldom. Heaven and their victims know, what they might or should be; yet here and there a member of the dij!credited craft takes pride in honouring scholarship," and he bowed to his old pupil. "And here and there a scholar takes pride in reverencing his master,'' said Evan, promptly returing the obeisance. "Ah, Evan, Evan!" said the dominie with a queer expres- sion. "You remember that day with the calendar. Lord! The Oracle of Fate 2 1 7 what a bat is man when he knocks his head a^Minst fntnrity How often have f (heanied of that day since?" ^' ( )ftener than of your sins, (kiniinie." chimed in Neil un- consc.onsly t.ekhn^Mhe horse fo a canter. "( )ftencr tl an of yonr sms. I he nmn-ster jalot,.es yon Ve a backs er The doniniu. kept ns posted." bobbing, his head at Evan Voa yc daf teflle of a prnte peast. vvonhl ye cowp nst'' he erred as the horse sprang: at a cnt .,f the whip. "The nn'sch ef wd l)c m the ferv feet of the thiufr." nns( met will rhancinfj to «:kmce over the ears „f the startled horse ll bm"^ \'" r'"!l'' "^ ''''' ^''^^' ^^ that mome t S the llutU-r of ,1 handkerchief on a knoll ontside Pi weem Rates. Scarcely had he ^^ot over his thrill at the sieht wlK^^ Jessie was npon bun with the impetuous afYec on of an adonns sister, whih- [.isspetb. her face shining hTr apron speckless and creasy, advanced with a battalion of the Qan Macgregor. as a possible gnard of hononr. For a momen" was the confusion of the platform worse confound^ onW hat now the commotion was softened by triUs of womanlv "It will take the womenfolk to do it," remarked Neil beamino: moistly "Think, dominie, how the a,u els n heaven will laugh and greet in the same breath when you -step in by to the fold. Man, it will pe worth while pe"ncr a sinner just to see them." * ^ ^ "Yes," said the dominie absently, for hr wns wnf^tiJ^^ DavK and Jessie Kul„i„„ their j„y, ilSlh^,, presemlv fc bore Rvan trinmnbnnflv r.fr ^r. \ui .._: r »"V^^"i'y tney I r' '' . ~ j-."-i"-'s ii"^'i j»»y, fUiu wnen nresent v thpv Z I ^^ckSi""^'"''-^' f 'V''' ^T'^y -' ^heir'o7n cot- Kye and porkers it'^wc^th whiiriivi^r Ye lli^::^ l^ ye U not deny that?" And Pitweein owned he'd sooner' think of jumping over the nearest linn Iwo days and two nights Evan was left in peace to his father and sister, and incidentally to his uncle, his aunt and cousins 1 they cared to have Iiim; then the dom nie annro priated him body and soul. What rare speechThc ?4^ ha°i by corrie and inn. and among the broom and heather what oyous excursions they made through the realms of classic lieathendom, were a long tale to tell. Homer and Horace rake and cynic, the twin divinities of Burnside were as boon' compamons Plato, "face of sunshine, hear tof fire "as the dominie called him, also graced th^ company' and fo? I > I M^i m:: 214 The Minister of State diversity Aristophanes was there, tongue in cheek, eyebrow ironically arched. A later Aristophanes, one made in Ger- many though bearing no Teutonic stamp, was specially in- troduced by Evan, to wit Heinrich Heine. Over him the dominie slapped his leg. "A rare rascal," he would cry: "Bobbie Burns with a taint of universal culture. A shameless dog in a Christian era; vyit, scoffer, poser, libertine, heretic, philosopher, poet bon vivant: a Jew with the most delicious vices of the Gen- tile, a Gentile vyith the savoury vices of a Jew; an epitome of all that s delightful and forbidden. As I live, our pious Bubblyjock, the minister of the parish, shall know him " Over Carlyle, whom Evan also introduced, there was a momentary wryness of mouth. But all at once the Titanism and poetry took effect, and Mr. Proudfoot became a tran- scendentalist on the spot, "A great epic poet," he would exclaim of his hero. "But why did inscrutable Heaven deny him the gift of song while vouchsafing it to so many intellectual babes and sucklings^ In i=-lysium be it mine to grasp the hand of Thomas Carlyle. There were others a little lower than the angels and demi- gods. Matthew Arnold and Algernon Charles Swinburne were presented because they were fashionable at Oxford Mr. Proudfoot fastened on them hungrily; but feasted per- haps less royally than he expected. "Arnold," he said, "is as dainty a gentleman as ever es-l sayed the task of Hercules in kid gloves. Lavender and pomade, sprinklings of rose water to keep a festering world sweet. Heyday! grapes ofif thistles and figs from black- thorns. Exquisite Matthew, wafting Sabrean odours fromi bocratic robes. A School Inspector you tell me. Lord Lord ! how this world is given to irony. He ofTers sweetness and light, and is put to scare brainless brats who will not get their lessons. O grateful country! O discerning gov- ei-nors! Arnold has breathed the clarified atmosphere of Greece— in winter. He is like a starry night with a touch of frost— beautiful and chilly." ' "And what of his brother poet, sir?" asked Evan. "There we go at a bound to the tropics. From out the I purple mists come haunting melodies, ravishing, passion- ate; but the tune is beyond me," Asked his opinion" of the poetic idol of the Victorian of the Victorian The Oracle of Fate 21c ^^^:^^;'^^>^^' '^^ '-^' -^ "^'^'^^ ^°"^'" stumbling to hTknees in spite of supportmg arms. "I hev'na hed a lap ria ir nor eight glasses my oath on that, an' this is my conTeticn P.tweem, ye'll get yer fairin' for this yet. They'll sSve' Fv .n^''l''''^' '• , Laddie," he added, casting a rVd eye upon Evan beware o' the deceits o' this warld When ye tak" iS^^'' that the stuff's good; that's the chef 'end o' ane.' f I'm no mista'eni er in her shadow, ngodly things wi' sshapen Itash o' a| t was auld Nick,! timeaboot. Ye'll low, guidwife, be "D'ye think ani| ess sinners?" CHAPTER II ITo the sweet delights of wit, poetry, romance caricature ^fjl"'^?lf' ^'"^^^ succeeded the Svllabus o^he S^^ a^'s^this^fi'^'''r' " '^l^'^u'' ^""''y ^"^ savoursome as Tas C . /^^- ^^°'^ ^^° had hitherto followed Evan with fthe zest of partners in his triumphs fell away,leelinrhe was Ibound for unknown lands. Even the dominie couM bu Book on wondenng at the faculty that throve on the In.M te/n"fSe"" ^'''' and |:ontracts,°on Ecu'^'p o-" E farSouslv IVt.u "' ! ^°'^ ?" ^'^^^ ^^^^ and husks, boy t^stoD? WhL V^r"''" ^^''*"- ^here was this enerlv l^-? 1- V^^^"^^ ^^d he got his ambition, his amazing him 1;^ ; u^fT *^ •""*! ^'- Proudfoot hovered abouf Ipol s wk rran'.n°"f '') ^f T^'"^' "^^^^'"^ ^is ripenCig ■powers with transports of gladness and much astonishment; 2l8 The Minister of State 1? ' » w' •i i* at times overcome by a desire to caress and cry out iti pure oy of heart, and then again all at once sta.u'iing off hi ^ renmr at the .dea that a gidf, a great gnlf. vv.- opening be- tween theni ihere was, indeed, no shadow of doubt as to the steadfastness of Lvan's affection; l)ut in intellect ho was no longer the lictile substance that took shape so eL; at a touch o the potter's hand. That phase had passed passed hke the song of last year's nigluingale; and t' ' domune s.ghed a little at the thought that what was go would return no more forever. ^ He still had the mentor's interest in Evan's studies. The good Justmian lie took up for the sake of the classic flavour 'llerX /'"°"^f "^^''^ ^":""^' ^"^' ^^^^"" ^ second S rapture! ^''"' "" generation, with a kind of malicious /'P?'^- J.V^ ^vell that kirk members arc blissfully ignorant of their Gibbon," he would call out, chuckling. ''Listen o bis, and he would deliver the barbed shaft of the -entic historian. ' ^ He even glanced at Maine and Bentham on Jurisprudence (as amended by Mill), and dipped into a library^of text- books. But it was dry work, and he gave it up. You go for honours as usual?" he said one day. Jivan nodded. , "^'15" .f " } ca» say is Heaven speed thee. The Cordm Juris Civihs is too tough for me." ^^rpm Spring blossomed luxuriantly into summer. Low, storm- swept skies lifted, expanded, lightened as by magic Wan sodden pastures burst into bloom and fragrance of clove; and buttercup and daisy. The broom brightened the dun uplands with ghnts of gold, and the young crops made fS H^'" ^'^°''- ^f ">■' ''^"' ^^'''' "^'ff^^t be Ao mistake about the progress of the seasons, the little boy, honouring pristine instincts, went forth into the thickets to harry with undisguised glee in man's prerogative to thieve and kill. All the while the Kinloch cottage was a busy temple of the law. 1 ouch w^as nevertheless maintained with the big world away to the south— the errant, wicked world that whirls on an axis of its own devising, and provides its own Decalogue Intelligence came to the recluse of a dazzling brilliancy of fashion at Henley, and the glorification of the University r-ignts. "You poring, pondering old owl," wrote one of the Dark Blu you liav( it w Hea that out I to tl yet i visio neve of M and ; man mins propi coun of m; it's t< papei daug] stepp and t you ii decay are? webs : drink amorc bcautc life'— Eva corres] taste i And tl probal ment t: of con the we Educal ordain. determ a name :,S|h Hi tate and cry out in pure c standing off in a ilf, vvc. • opening bc- ladovv of doubt as l)ut in intellect he aok sliaj)e so easily phase had passed, fhtingale; and the lat what was gone The Oracle of Fate van's studies. The the classic flavour, ill" a second time, kind of malicious blissfully ignorant kling. "Listen to haft of the i^eptic 1 on Jurisprudence! a library of text- ' it up. I one day. hee. The Corpml ner. Low, storm- by magic. Wan, agrance of cloverj ightened the dun! ng crops made a I a^ht be no mistakel :e boy, honouringj :ets to harry with I ) thieve and kill.f usy temple of the /ith the big world! •Id that whirls on I 5 own Decalogue! ling brilliancy ofl jf the University! : one of the Dark! iiavc turnd your head xS , ', uJ^ T""/*' "'" ""'"'•' to this unholy ricnk7^yoi/^,,v"'i,f ",'""'■ ^'"^^^ 7'"'"8: and ado,,, tl.c ph/rali y ^l^om ^■h!;,!.':;y';^"'V''= ''"'^'^ prophet "f Sal L t^r", """J'.'''" '"■"'" "''= '"'"al-mMed country °on^cr«nt , Ik- ^^ I "'",'""''', ','" ''''»«=" «■") his «bsr„The"SL'?e'Srra,„',n:;^:? '^' "" '-^' ™^- drink forever denied von U, ^ ''"T" ^S"' ""■°=" ""<• determineTbom with Roman "^nd'S'^ ?="" T'^' ^ a name i„ the Temp.e. iT?h"e„^,"f, i"etl' Xed?"°S I,. i« I 1^' fo 220 The Minister of State ■;i * ■•fa p- ^ ill morrW." ^'"' ""'' ''"'^ ""'" °^''^" P'^" ^^'"'y ^^^ the The big world outside liad of late been troubled with nor- tcn s What the wise call the political horizon was b ark v.th brewing tenipests. The country was in a simmer some said w. h discontent, others with mcTe whim and a famas" c desire for change. The Government had been in for full five years and Governments are the playthings ocm/stitu Caririn I r ""'"'rr '^?'"."^' ^^'^ ^'^^'^'» -' kicking o"t. Lards had been much shulMed. Party managers were oass ing sleepless nights; prophets prophesied'lx, grUy ffwlnt; each other the he; democratic voters smoked their^lick pipes watchfully, calculating when they migh exnect c^n freJl!7ecein/'f P^^'^^-"^ --es wfth f Jr proillises and hn. /!f •P^'.^°',''^PP'"^'^'^' ^"^ "I'tors and leader-writers hurled their thunderbolts with rousing sound and furr Six months this went on and nothing happened Cmi one fine midnight when the electorate wa's plac^ll/snor ng,"aXv^ Meet street nodded, suddenly the game at Westminste became animated and dramatic. The? court cardf hanged hands with results that made sober men shriek and S mornmg the country awoke in the throes of 'a general coa^,ette^.",?H'^"' '''''' ^'^^ ^^^''.'^ ''''^' '^'^ parliamentary coquet e and done some political nursing, declared his love nounced'/ni' ^^«"^^^'^"f^<^y- The fact was abruptly an- nounced to Evan in a telegram: '"Standing for Beltin^am Can you come and help?" Could he come and help Could the war-horse resist the blast of the trumpet? Justinian and t^huSrn T'. ''^'^°r^ ^"*? ' ^°'--^' a Vrtm'anteau Tnd " r. n ^ P '^''^' ^?T ^'""'^y ^^'■^^^"^ ^vere taken. Neil Z. on^i ^T''"'!f '^"'^ °"^' ^"^ ^^'ithin ten hours Evan was on the London express, debating politics red-hot and with overwhelnnng fluency. By the time he reached Eus^on the war fever was fully developed. Already a fighter of th opposite camp had called him a babbler, and his party a party without honour, honesty, ability, or policy. The taun was as stimulating as the thrust of a spear fhr';^fT"f"^''''? ^" 'y^'^'^'S and whirled hiin to Park Lane through s reets electric with suppressed excitement. Though It was early, Mr. Dudley had gone to the Executive oS but Mr^^n^Jf '''P°"«' ^V «.""^"iO"« from the secretarv, but Mrs. Dudley overflowed with cordiality. Evan was un- Ian vainly for the The Oracle of Fate ins /or her. because if, hi, f, ' "''""' "PP^ciablc mean- t''i"R's topsy-turvy y^TlZr7T ''■^"^^"^°"«- Every- ciRht-and-forty hours iusf/oi, ^ '^?"' ^^'"^ »* only for 'H'-stinfTs, or wha ever you call he?."^^ ^^•, ^'^ '"«""* the .rouse and captivate and convinn. ' Tu ""^'^^ 'P^^^^es and in.q:s, as Cleopatra savs OmT ,] .^^"^^ immortal long- , He looked^fuiri-^Xr Sow n^T ^ ' H^r;"'' her so bvelv so -.m-mof ^ ^^^- "^ had never seen •ion stirreT'hi bre™ "f^rhf 1"'"^ ">" ""^ "'""»- correspondent. ' ™ ^^ 'hought of his Henley qJel™ "^"^ "°' ™°"'^- *e hustings to eaptivate." he said ■I' you were a vntnr *v /"■ i- much pleased I should be with v.' ^?" ''^^^ "« '^^a how with a laugh. "Bu as it Tvl7 f lantry."she answered ness," andihe laughed a^TnnrL^^^^ ^° l"^'^^"^ ^"t busi- augh. -The defeated Governmenf^ "' ^' ^°"'^ ^^^^ her l>eavy. Poor thinfrs or aH .h. are getting it hot and It rnust be dreadfS be sem packir' ^^ f'^ ^^'^ *hem. pockets to the bare-ain Tul ^^'^'^'"8:. and abused like nick- to go sooner. Klp^lS'^^/^'"^ ^^^ *^^ «-"«e starts this evening for B^elt'^nS '^ L^'T" "' H'' ^^^^ lead on, Macduff " ^'"ngnam. So do we. And then "iT not^th?''- ?;'^^.^>' ^" '" °b«-ved Evan ''If "e^aVn amt^,:;" ^[^d'r!!^ --^"^V's rage." Evan. '^'^^°'>'' h^ ^ be Premier to-morrow," said "Fair and soft, gentlemen n= n^, r^ • recovering his w tf We ?nil^ ^"''^"^^ observed on : the chariot of the . n Bu ?• """ ^° ^"'^ '^ ^^ ^^ove I w,n make as good a membe^rJrs?"^^ °"^ ^^"^^-- ^^P^ I not the words'" °""*^' ^'^^ ^"^^^^ '" 'as good as most' are She' flLT T^^'" '^^ c"ed delightedlv She fJ.ted about him, buoyant afit^p^essible, as he m 222 The Minister of State il sat at breakfast, and he took occasion to change the sub- JCCl. ;;You were at Henley," he remarked abruptly. the httle bird has been tale-telling. Yes, I was at Henley and you ought to have been there too. The Eights got a splendid ovation. It made me envious. Why can't drls tackle the world and take honours and things^" ;i am no hand at conundrums, but I happen to know a tning or two. "Among them?" queried Florence. "That those who never get a chance, somehow contrive to make and unmake kingdoms, annihilate parties, make swords clash break and mend hearts, chain willing captives to their chariot wheels." ^ ^ "Angels come unawares. I had no idea we entertained a poet, she responded, blushing in spite of herself Her father bouncing in at the moment caught her in the act, but was none the wiser, his mind being fixed on other things. • "i^"" YV ^i^"^ ^° '^^ y°"'" ^^e cried, seizing and wring- ing Evan's hand. "Well! here's a pretty kettle of fish." And he beamed as if such kettles of fish were of all things in the world what he relished most. ;;i congratulate you, sir, on your decision," said Evan. 1 hank you, and thank you still more for laying your own attairs aside and hastening to me so promptly. We shall require all the help we can get. Old Bearston retires. ' JBicker, y.C., who opposes me, is a formidable antagonist They say he has the devil's own grip and a tongue like ai razor. Besides he has made his mark in the House, while 1 m a novice. You 11 have to provide me with powder and shot, and do some of the firing as well. We'll do our best to bury our steel in the bosom of Gath. We're at home in Beltmgham, among our own people, and Mr. Bicker mav tind that means something. Have you finished breakfast?'' iLvan ansM'ered in the affirmative. ' "Then you'll have a sleep." Evan thought that unnecessary, and forthwith the two turned to letters and telegrams and the plans of the forth- coming campaign. It was to open on the morrow i ■ iH„ ate 3 change the sub- bruptly. I colour. "And so I was at Henley, The Eights got a Why can't girls ngs?" lappen to know a nehow contrive to te parties, make n willing captives ?a we entertained if herself, caught her in the ig fixed on other sizing and wring- ttleoffish." And f all things in the in," said Evan. ' laying your own nptly. We shall Bearston retires. Jable antagonist. I a tongue like ai :he House, while with powder and '11 do our best to I 'e're at home in I Mr. Bicker may shed breakfast?'' rthwith the twoj ms of the forth- norrow. The Oracle of Fate CHAPTER in 223 turne'd^'pllfjl^^ttfv^W^^^^^ ^"^^^^ -PP°^- - and nigh\of nniotn^'L':^!^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ STma'fd^^^dS^laT:? .1 ^^^^^ ^ ^^^^^^^ quetry. a seducL SdTffe/enS'rLTl'^"^' P^^">^ '^' mettle, Beltingham \ihed thfu P"f ^^^ ^°°^^ «" his Mammon, pardrperhans h^.i,"^ ^"? ^^^^ ''' ^^^'^ to cash, but chlflv be?aSh. .. f ^°^ ? "^'"^^' bias for a citizen of app?ov:d'wor ^anTllESliry" Vhln"T '/ more than to any other Bpltin^hl^v. ^^ ° """' ^deed, as one of the chief dtiefo^^fe iffidTnlj^' T^T^ ^^^^^^ had purged its municipality raiLd ts rrSif ^- ^°''' ^^ tion, reformed its police ^vlTh ^' ^^'^^ '^s taxa- and sanitary dwells akn^f P"'" ^cc^^^'' '^^^" '^'^^^'' belted knights of Offici^iHo^' f^' ^ '^'^ t"^^^^ ^^th tape- had receiv^ed and entertainS rud.T'''/",? '" ^'''''- ^e gers (a prince of the blooT^^ng^h^^f dt^^^^^^^^^ quited by givi^'a Sm^Xr^oS^^^^^^^^ - CO J/r rereX^TndT tT ,^ '""f ^^^^^^^^^ speculation rTnh^h Now Bicke'r w^'^'"'"' ^^^^tement and the balance tremfJed so fhat barkJr^s'to^n^h''"'^'^^-'^^'" passions, scarce knew whether to bernrfil^ ^onA^ctrng the small hours of a dark n p!hf f ^ i""^ W'; ^^ last, in Hall, leaped into a cab ^n!l ^ J^"r ^^'t^^ ^''^"^ ^^^ City Dudley, forced to break fh."^' °' ^^"^''^rove, where awaited the result The tho^hnrU^^'" °^ candidates, out, though pretending ^^ole household was on the look- tenterhooks. Florence^aSrW nf'^^"' '"^ comfortable on the rattle of the cab ";d'"^a^ out' whib V^' t'' ^°. ^'^^'• come was still ringing"" ^^ ^^"^ ^^^"t of wel- neZf 'qS'oukl r :t';'.h^'?" ^P^\"^ "P '''' «teps. "The which throttles ^ '^' '^'""^ ^^^ ^"'"X ^i impatient "The world need not crack for somebody's rage," he w 1' 224 The Minister of State hi i ■! answered. Tlicn spying Mr. Dudley behind- "Ti,„ t • yours, sir, by a elean majority of a ofousanS^' ' '"'^ " lor of liis face. ^ ° ""^ quivering pal- breaTh.'""^ein'Cell1 l«'ll* t '°"ff-'' '" '=■«, was bcgif„[°g7j on,e fme Iain vaguely ii?r''Du^ '^^ ^raS^^! of .some wild romancer the "a' v'^^^nt'^?^ *^^ ^'"^^ms Cnsto » and caverns of 'go d ratw 1" ^^u'"'" "^"^'^ marvelled how one brain cnnlViS *''^" '°'^e'" ^act. He and set in motion a 'Aemw^er 'T'''''/' ^I^boratfd! mterests of the entire gbbe a finanVf.T^'"'"^ ^^' "^^teria speak. Not less wonderful was i^ hlf'^r^^'^'P^^^' '^ *« one mind should control such vast an ' ^^T""^. P^^-^ected. being given to speculation he ^0^ "* activities, and vvhat would happen if he foTes tZ °" n f^-'"^ ^^"^^^'^ -S^im^/SSStLS^TT^ jector had not understood hi ovv^ ?''"'''• ^""'^^P^ ^^e pro- not -ealise the wealth that thrif^v Fno?f :,'^' ^^'"^^P^ ^^^^^ m wll darned stockings awakinfo^if-'^ ^'^"^ '^^^^^ away events the thing grew and nrl^ ^^* mvestment. At all enin, its scope,1tSd "'n?:^:' 1'^ ^'^ London, shook the Stock Exchan J; . « ' ^"'f ' ^""^'^^^ sidiary companies and cornor^t on5 ' ^/^^-flowed into sub- beyond sea, ever absorbTnr ever ' i"o ^''''"& ^^^^^ afKhcted societies in the iSfiecrsL^^'T ^^''^ ^^^^ Continent of Europe. resultS t 'V Australia, on the tionsthat by-and-by the 1 ftin"^o n ^1^^ P'-°^J'g>o"s opera- ish and International Co ohI^L? f ^"P^ ^^^ ^^^^ Brit- tion through the money /rrketfo T' ' '^P" °^ ^°"^"io. fortunes made by simolv h^n • ^^^. '^°'"'^'- There were following its leaJ ri^L'yrintlfJ^fhl^h^'^ f''S' "^^ ''''"^fy could tread with security!^ The, S'L°"^ ^ privileged aging director was as the hint of 1^ T'^ ^'°"^ '^^ man- Piously watching men For f . f'A'''^ ^° thousands of tionswith great^bankers fnd poS ^'7 -a?e -ndi! , The headquarters of the naren^^? Mmisters of State. ?ngham. There the directoi^ ini ?'" ''emained in Belt- ions with the easy hVhtne.rrff f, • "3^^' *° "manipulate mill- and congratulate^slTeholde?s 0??,'"^'' f° "^''^^'^ dividend , often travelled to Sch anT carrv 'b ^^'^ ?'''^'' ^van ".bten Mr. Dudley's ^^t^i^t^^rt^Cs^ 1 I ! ' I 228 The Minister of State I I'Mi'i 1 IT I 111 'i|^ gratify them by pretending to seek their advice. But it was oftener asked than taken, for Mr. Dudley had Napo eo^' notions of government. L'Etat c'est moi might have been Ins motto, so imperiously he held the helm; and had U come to a pinch, remonstrances would probably have been silenced with the reply, ''Tel est notre plaisir." His Success however, kept grumblers dumb. success, Court and Throgmorton Street, where the sons of Mammon most do congregate. He arranged meetings, learneTthe pleasure of speculative millionaires about nev? projects con versed familiarly with bankers and brokers of pircenta 4 and bulls, of conversions, corners, and pools, of gilt edees watered stocks, and other deep mysteriL of' finance Te had likewise to receive and dispose of bores, and sustdn ers^of%h/h?^'?"r''''^*Tt°^'^°'''"Pt^°"' the blood-suck- ear of •'t^,^"'^°^^"^u'^',P^^""^^"t. Could he get :he ear of the guv nor" for this little scheme or that? What was to be the next move? Would he confirm or deny :er- thL"sponT"' ~'" ^ ''°'^' ''°"^^ ^' ^'^^ ^ *^P ^^^^^^re ^arZ-rLfif ^ ^""^^ k"^ ' t"^"'"8: "Pon a notorious buz- m,.c; I I '^'^ "'P''^^ ^^^ pleasure of mentioning your re- fln fl V^^^^^y fi'st opportunity, and depend upon it will tell the 'guv'nor' to have nothing whatever to do^withVou or any scheme with which you may be connected. Aad I . beg of you o note for the future that thought I may ap- P^^^ ° '^f. «'"^PJe I am not to be pumped." ^ ' ' ""^^ ^P Blue diamond," remarked the man, grinning at his com- panions, and turned to other game. For the convenience of capitalists desiri):?^ to transact business at their ease it was sometimes pa. of the^Se- tary s duty to dine at palaces where all save the trifles of meat and drink seemed a dazzle of the precious metals Thus he grew familiar with the worship of the goldeTca If" Did "the saflfron-gilded pomp" startle his Puritan con- science? The ardent devotion of the elect to their gods "^ closet and temple may have astonished him. But !S^ the present he was much more concerned to observe thTn to moralise; so he merely remarked to himself that gold is the ^.^X^'i °^ *^ latter-day Crusader, and that the way to the New Jerusalem lies via Capel Court. The Oracle of Fate 229 ng at his com- CHAPTER V whlchThrl^r„X',°^^^^^^^^ breakers through 'ng admiration he noted ^h! ' ^1"^ ^'^^ ^" ever-increas- Piloted invaluable argosS safe !^"'^''' seamanship whTch J»deous wrecks. Thefe wer/rf.n °u^ ^ ^^^''se strewn with was as the glance of a^^^^^J^l^^^ ^^^ Mr.Dudley'sglance hidden forces, interpreterdfm nr^h.KMv'""^^^^ ^' ^^ined hrough the storm A hundred ?^'^'*-^'' '^^ ^^^ haven few months had Evan held hi^ hi ;^''' '" ^^^ *Pa<^e of a and as often felt his pulsl ' „ ^?*^ ^^^r crowding perils nsing lightly, topped fhe sur^e 'I'l '^' threatenld^^hS Parentlv as seaworthy and auLr.'.'^ T^"^^^^ ^^^^rs ap-' he helm, swung merrilv acros ti ' h.rh'^'^'l'"^"' *°"eh of trim every spar intact' ^ ^^'b^"'" ^^^' every sail active! imr^na"ti:e"h;"reLh'e^'^ -".^^^^^^'^ --d. Ardent the glow ofVeat enterpr t BrHr ^ '" ""speakabirreHsh drink to him; talent he admired tf"?,"^"' ^""'^ "^eat and did not as yet concern hims^ f 1>V '"^^ -^^'y- Perhaps he abuzz with tales of the d^erk of" "'°*'^^^- With a head 'takers, the C^sars. A?exan^ersMr"?"''"°''^ ^"d emp.Ve- 2,"est. A little dazzled by 4 i'^r^'°"'' ^'^ adored Ln- I 7"/"^ things quite phiLopfev fn'''^^?"^'^ *° i"dge I tttlT'^^^^ tribulation and old^'aie' ^K^^^P^y eoml fact that mediocritv rules the wnrU ^u'- ^^ momentous mpassivity the flashing chariot wh' '^^'"^'^y mere force yet graven on his mind wf ^'^^^' ^^ <^enius, was not doubtful whether hTwoul^nnr''''"'^^ wisdom, y^it's Alexander drunk to srral"oberiJ'"''^ have p?efe ed Moses expounding ?he taWe. nf ?' ^°"^^ ^^^e bowed hashed to Joshua's side in he takh^J'T?' ^'l^^"^^ ^^ave It was not that success; l^Ll^c^^ °^ Jericho. I for he r^^vellpH ,-,- "F^^e^s sanctified quectionsblA t • fardest and fastest. Did he exuTS tl prMe o!t\'!-„''^l» ^>^ 'tf'' lit I •=f, Um iilfi 'If 230 The Minister of State strength? Did Apollo rejoice in his beauty? He regaled his soul on enchantments, and youth and a heady atmos- phere perhaps begot a kind of lyric ecstasy. For he stood where the humming dynamos keep the wheels of the uni- verse spinning. Politicians at St. Stephen's, financiers in tfte City, the joint governors of mighty England, were equally within his charmed circle. It was his privilege 10 study them as one studies a piece of delicate mechanism. ! "^.^^ not always lost in admiration; and on occasion he entertained Florence with satirical accounts of the manner in which ingenuity raises the wind and popular government inHates the lungs, as in days gone by he had diverted her with mimicries of Red Sandy. He peeped too into the glittering salens of Olympus, the Beulah of gold and gems, of enigmatical smiles and shrugs of elegant scepticism, stifled emotions, dandled lap-dogs and imperious lacqueys, which lies west of the great desert of Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. A swift and keen observer, he made many jottings on the tablets of his mem- ory, and was buoyantly in his element. Too much in his element it was suspected. One day Mr Dudley inquired how Blackstone and Justinian were faring and hinted a fear of neglect. Within a week he had his answer in the announcement that the negligent one had carried off a Council Studentship of a hundred guineas ten- able for three years— three hundred guineas swept from under the noses of five hundred competitors, and the fifty pounds which the Temple adds to the honour by wav of encouragement. "Astonishing fellow," said Mr. Dudley to his wife mar- velling more over the doings of his secretary than over the achievements of the cloud-compellers at Westminster Later on he asked Evan himself "How on earth did you do ^'Mostly when others were asleep, sir," answered Evan. r.Ti. ^^^ ^'^^" ^^'^^'"^ ^^^^ asleep?" repeated Mr. Dudley That is how Napoleon won his battles." And thereupon he doubled the prize. Some evenings later there was a dinner in Park Lane at 1 which red-faced Benchers and great Q.C.s, relaxing over wine, examined, cross-examined, complimented, and coun- selled the student. "Don't get top-heavy," said one, solemnly wagging an Lte ity? He regaled I a heady atmos- ly. For he stood heels of the uni- n's, financiers in f England, were 3 his privilege to icate mechanism, d on occasion he ts of the manner lular government had diverted her of Olympus, the niles and shrugs, landled lap-dogs the great desert A swift and keen )lets of his mem- d. One day Mr. nian were faring veek he had his gligent one had tred guineas ten- leas swept from >rs, and the fifty nour by way of o his wife, mar- etary than over at Westminster, iarth did you do iswered Evan. ted Mr. Dudley. And thereupon n Park Lane, at j 5, relaxing over nted, and coun- ily wagging an The Cade of Fate j^, sfces, Sfade pl^"*ad'""'"'"^' '''' '«"<«"g '« the Lvcmtia Vatum " rripr? i,;^ • i , stated for argument." neighbour. "Let a case be The Olympian eyes rolled quizzicallv Court, if all tales be true k'll hi ^ ^'^^' ^'^'^^- -'" that appeal." ''"^' '^ " be summary verdicts and no expL'sfve^v^ put in another, ^f m, atquc amcm.J;\ndJ^Si ^o T"'" /'^^"^^'^"^-^ mea not to expect too much 'The Ssn ST^^'.^^^"^^ ^"^ he observed, "since thp la^r i ^^^'^ ^^Id to ploug-h " demned stiff 'fie?d to Xl'whe'n ^'^ "^' ' "^'^ ^^^ a devil's b t remember I told you so " ^°" '' '"^^'"^ ^' '^^ i^van bowed orafpfMiKr • ." prediction in mind " '"' P'^'"'^'"^ '^ ^ear the pleasant ^"•s erbo';%Te'n^^-o^?e9e1dTf;,^^ ^-^- ^t pnse you'll give me^hc pleasure of J '^ agreeable enter- And as Evan again sm led IL 1 ''".^- ^°"' ^^"•" one called out abou snZthin? fc'^ ^"' *^^"'^^' «°"^e upon the table broke into a rofr T.^ "''°'^ P^*^' ^'lere- o remind lawyers and poht'cians o/h' ^\^,^q»'«ite jest theologians earn a living °^ ^''^ ^^^^'^ by which ^ether\oTpringy*,,T' ^T'' ^-"'-^ ^^^pt step to- ncentive. The^LdnTof'hf ^L'enT? !" ^^^^^^ '- -" and presently there came readier n f'"T' ^^^"^ on, drudgery was borne with the^rim^J? ^'^^"^^ers. Tha bear, rebellion lurking in he dumh^'f f "'' ?^ ^ harnessed ngf on curdled asses' milk " was K . ^"'^"^'««ion. "Batten- btisiness to Mr. Proudfoot! PrecfdenVb°''" ''-""' °^ '^' The past enveloped him like an t i!'^""^ ^'' ^'^^ ^'^ir. feet of defunct jurists wSe as n^"ht2. '^"''^^ '^^ '^'''dcn he struggled valiantly on dra W^nn ' °" ^'' ^'^^«t. But ;ngs and writing opinion^ Zhh^S ^^"^^yances and plead- ■^ «<«««•*»:•= j « r. f] rt The Minister of State 11 f , t If c M !i'',^^' 'I liC ' f'\^ 1 1 232 as if the briefs were handsomely backed in his own name. The position was not without reliefs and compensation. Ihere were social asides, delicious ever-memorable half- hours stolen from business and the importunities of be- wigged ghosts. Then Florence perhaps^ang to him, or disputed with charming railleries about poetry or the lasJ fashionable romance, about art, religioS, folly, frivomy when she was furthest astray. Those were the only con- tests in which Evan did not care to ha-e the best of it He J^mfn deH^h?"'!?'^!:^'''*' ""^ ^?'.°" '^«^^"'"& ^ith a soul Kuld Sre forter""' ""'^' ^° ^"""^ *^^ ^^^-^- Of late his vision had undergone a process of purging. H therto unimagmed things were looming seductivel? on his inner eye. Haunted by dim feelings of a mingled pLs- fnMf f "'"' ^'r""^^' ^r^'^^ ^^^^"^^"g ^t Sgh noon and n the stress and roar of prosaic businlss. Pictures of a feminine divinity rose on parchment and foolscap, obliterat- mg momentous matters of the law, and, despit^ a S brain and digestion, sleep forsook him. He g^zed at Flor- ence with a strange intensity, telling himself that she was n^iirfL^i^gf ^^' ^"' -^-'-'^ -^^ ^^^ ^-^y - Her charms were indeed in full bloom. The golden- brown curls, which had tossed so finely on the braef about TnchanHAr'- "T ^"';^'"°"?^>' '^^'^' ^^^^" ^ack and looped enchantingly in a low Grecian coil that set off to perfection he shapeliness of a superbly poised head. Flowing rom " full high forehead in shining ripples, they might^stiH in certain lights, suggests a sunlit peat burn; and there were cS.7^-^r/- T"^^ ^"^ ""^^^^^ ^hich, refusing to be less freedom "^Th ^'"'"''^' ^I-'''\ '^' ^^^^^^^^ ^^ ^ ^^^er! less treedom. There were dimp es n the chin and thp sa'f Tt";KV" ^^^ ^^r '/ r^^ l-/hing some oS nnue the exercise ess of purging, seductively on mingled pleas- high noon and Pictures of a Iscap, obliterat- espite a sound gazed at Flor- If that she was the lucky son The golden- he braes about ick and looped ff to perfection 'lowing from a might still, in ind there were refusing to be ols of a fetter- chin and the ing, some one les of girlhood rhe curves of ilive with ani- thousand un- uch and taken tig them a be- i might easily The Oracle of Fate become caprice. The mm.fi, u ^ ^3 qrancy, with hints in th"fle '?hl/'' ° ??« °f '^embling pi- ant capability to cur\l,,^A ,' ?™s.t.ve Jips of an abL^ ^y-^J were such as no C^^A"'}" '" W" "^ scorn"'"Th; poet beholding them mtht'h !^^ '"'° =""1 forget A xTth' ■"jdnifhts, Tn" fe neS'on "^"i' °"' """"ent ti J he tl^under and liriitnin^ n^ 'aughing Italian skies Sni'r "'"^ "~"d°dep,h's'",5''l'°" ^"■^"" mI, '"^ast aware how the elem^SJ S Perhaps she wa. My were mingled under th J k" ?" °' comedy and tra^ Pnde and glo^ o? he" maid I ' """'" "hich was tfe thmg of radiance with Ik^i^it ^^^" °"en watched thi! wildt ^nH^v"' ¥ • Whose? Whose"' wft*''^' .Whose "ft^'-^e^Tptciairr^^^^^ ^Phe;e, the CotSmon ^Law'BiS"^ ^^ ""> '"^"ho'^.en ? ssiors~:pv^au^trmted^^^ ^^^^^^S\^ Z' r^i^of^ Ten.pie, Fforence was ti'^^'ut^^Z.T.^^^.t'Z' ^'"^'^ . . CHAPTER VI membl'°}'^i'f L °/ f "«'"'■' '"'^ "ot pounce on the „ diate^ i„terfS;tc^d^SteTrr,?Lei r- - r r i j: fi i t 234 The Minister of State f} ' Her pretext was interest in business, nor was the interest feigned. She had all her life been her father's chum. Schools and teachers had imparted knowledge, but he had shaped her mind, directed her taste, given her an appetite for affairs, and she repaid him with idolatry. Among all the paragons of chivalry there was none comparable to her father. "Did you fling yourself headlong upon him, mother darling, the first time you set eyes on him?" she had asked, "What a question, child I" exclaimed her mother, with startled eyebrows. "Don't be scandalised," pursued Florence. "Were ten such men to ask me, I'd marry them i^very one and laugh at the law. If the ancient idiot objected, I should pluck his tangled old beard till he growled assent." It lay in her to laugh at the law and pluck venerable beards. She drew inspiration from great sources. Adoring the heroic, she had actually been at pains to master the history of a long line of heroes, ancient and modern and of many climes. The taste was a dangerous one in a world but ill provided with means of gratification. Disappointed, it gave edge and trenchancy to a natural disdain for the com- monplace. Not infrequently when a perfumed gallant, "brave with the needlework of Noodledom," joined her train with obvious notions of conquest, she abashed him with the Corsican's query, put with inscrutable drollery, "W^iat have you done?" And the exquisite creature, answering after his kind, would stammer that his vocation had always lain in valorously refraining from doing. For all such she had one humiliating look, and when they felt it upon them they | took their way, unable to comprehend wliy the salt of the| earth should be affronted. The goddess never descended) to explanations. Another besides her father was fast rising to the height! of her high standard. The consciousness of this caused fits of abstraction, much impassioned meditation, and some blushes. The feeling, she knew, was no girl's whim, no vagrant fancy come and gone like a strain nf music or a I wandering wind. It nestled at the roots of her being, and! was old enough to bp intertwined with memories of heather) and broom, of clover anf' rasps, of brawling streams andj braeside climbs and other tar-off happy things. iiill i» • was the interest • father's chum. idge, but he had I her an appetite try. Among all Muparable to her 3n him, mother " she had asked, er mother, with ice. "Were ten y one and laugh I should pluck nt." pluck venerable es. Adoring the aster the history :rn and of many 1 a world but ill Disappointed, it ain for the com- d gallant, "brave d her train with d him with the sry, "What have answering after had always lain all such she had upon them they I Y the salt of the[ lever descended! \g to the height of this caused ation, and some girl's whim, no 1 of music or a| t her being, and! lories of heatherl ng streams andj igs. The Oracle of Fate The immediate effect nf fh. v ^^^ a puzzle of eccentricftv V. f^'^^^very was to render h^r vanishing glimpse 'of' her T^ '""^''l'' ^van had Ju T/f'J V'^'S ^° fi"d reasons for i "' ^' ^^' '" dreary ^se^i^s ^;;i S ^^-^ --^ '^' ^i '•ng. yef he 'found 'time'^forsne^i"'' ;^'^ ^'"^'^« ^^re exact- outpourings of lyric verse sStf ''y''' ^"^^ ^l-*«perate and Byron and Shellev nf' M • ^^''. '"^'^af , , of Burn. ~W f ^f ^"''^-^ " '"'"'"'""^' ^"^"he Z^i- .T^^'^^lhe lyre wf; otnZ'''\'''' ^ daunting Maid of Athens" or "When wl t *''!?^' ^° ^^e tune of vvas a fresh version of "La BeHe n^'"' I^^'''^'' ^"d theie the wr,ter might have been puzzled to' ^T- Merci"-why! These thng-s fluno- „r^^ ■ ^ *° <^^P^ain. ^' perished in th?nZfngTr?h?" '""^'^ ^^"^'"^ -^^"'^ht. sentiment. So Celia never earn. , 1 ^ "y"'" ^" "^^tter! o nspired the Muse, no? how rhvn ''°^ Passionately she tured m celebration ofher bea ISh^'''' 7'""^ ^"^ t^^" Reading alternateH «r,-fi ^^"^7 ^"a goodness, masters the poets ^olasT hi ""''''"f " ^^ ^"••ned to his ■nflamed T?.is might be tak^n""^' '"^^ ^^""^ '*' the more '" the blood, and the ailmpn, symptomatic of disease fe fact that he was pSle^^rn'^'^"^^, "^^^^^^^ sympathy. To keen .poi ^*^ "^"^ seeking advice nV Periment'^not wiS dln^T'n'J'''^^ breast's an ex- - "-th.^ an:aDly with his secretirv oi?' . " ^"^^ey was ^ose m the latter: "In case n?^' ^",^* °"^^ ^he thought :" that's holy, if .ou drZr fc^"'^ >:<^" oppose.? Bv --. fc> ^"ctuiy wun his secreHrir ^ii f -^uuiey was rose m the latter: "In case n?^' ^",^* °"^^ ^he thought an that's holy, if you ^d^f'^ B^^T"'^ ^^" °PP««^? % down as traitorous and unworthv p^' "^/tantly crushed ! f H r ^?f I 236 The Minister of State applause. An Old Bailey affair it was, and a case of flag- rant ruffianism, in which justice was perverted by a too in- genious advocate. "If ever yer wants a job done neat, sir," whispered the model of virtue with a cynical grimace as he was stepping down to join his brother ruffians, "tip this 'ere cove the wink." "I'm sorry I've done you an unfairness," responded Evan. "But keep up your heart: another time we'll make amends." And sure enough a Judge that was to be hanged him. CHAPTER VII Mr. Dudley was absorbed in statecraft, and Mrs, Dudley, as a lady of fashion and the wife of a prominent politician, had the diversion of church work and charity. The mission was seriously accepted. Awakened somewhat suddenly to the fact that "the lower orders" had souls to save and bodies to feed and clothe, she explored foul streets, dis- tributing alms and sympathy to the wretched, pleading tim- orously with the wicked, consulting curates, vicars, bishops and other orthodox persons about the regeneration of the I fallen, and fetching infinite sighs over sinners who wantonly declined to be coddled into grace. Unhappily for a hungry and erring world, she was often laid aside with headaches, I the results of evil smells and obstinate wickedness, so that what with public good and private ills Florence was left pretty much to her own devices. Her father and mother did not consider she ran any risk. Now and again, when forced by pressure of affairs to let her go forth under Evan's escort, they confidentially owned her need of a brother; but they ever fell back on the thought that she could probably' make shift to manage without one. "Florence has discre- tion," they would say to themselves; "she will do nothing! indiscreet." And it was assumed as a matter of course thatl her notions of right and happiness were precisely as theiri own. So the older generation expects an inhuman wisdoml in the younger. Having studied arduously under mop-headed, fierce-eyed The Oracle of Fate 237 Wfc/to^^^ musician. She ridge and Keats/ and diPDedw^?fn''/' ^^''■^^'' ^^°"> Cole- worth and Browning P£erver/'r'"^!"'^o^ Peare, not only from assidunu!\t\^''^^ ^^^ Shakes- but from zealous reading Even thr^^""'' °" '^^ P^^^' to damp her ardour for the cr^IZ 5 t ^^n^mentators failed Her favourites she discussed with ^T'i^^'?^ ^^^^""d. and her face would shine when hfu ^'' u^^^'' secretary, which had eluded her ex^afneH = °u^^^ °"* ^ "^^^ning dwelt upon some noble thofe^aotnrn^'?'" '^^^^^"^^' ^^ time passed he introduceTfresh ^In^'^^ ^''Pi:^'^^^- As classics, pieces bv lafP r^r I ^^^^^^> snatches of the tinental geniS, Tennvson 9 -"VP^"^^ ^"^^^^h and Con- Hugo, cfrlyle,'RusS °Sos,rlr';.^'°^"^"^^ Goethe, of fitness, with unerring tact 'nd^i there could be doub Its fascinations. ^ ^ ^""^ delicacy. Romance adde^! course^'o? s^rS; "^^ut'l '^^ ^t ^^^^ ^^^^r a petition Providence fofnew^lmes'^P ^T l^' ^"^^'^"^ "^^ walk round them or trip anui.?n^f \ ^^''^. *° ^^^P and bent. Tourgenief ha?'the "eeret of v2 rf ^' ?," P^^^^"''- magnificent. His snubbinls would L*^^'*^' ^^^^'"ov is J^Z"' """'"^ --«°-hS tWh Evan's chest made a miserable end " ^' ^^zarov, you notice, '^erh'a^^a^lUttdr^^^^^^ if for relief. I you want to die easi W don'A? ^""^"'^^ ^°"8^ ^"<^ suffers, difficult endings: yo'i ^..e, ' ^d -'^''"'' ^^^^' "'^^ ^^ve stances in abundance. Tour^en/ef^nT"'^ xT'" '"PP^^ i"" Bazarov dies hard CommnnT ^P"?"^^ ^^t»re, and so the snail perhaps happiesTS ^ Y? 't ^"^^>PP^^^ ^^its! m the goinp of? than'S a nonemit "''°"^' ^^^^^^ «"ff^^ Ho, ho! so yo« are ambitious"' ^' ! 1 I (■- 9 238 The Minister of State I , ' "And you are not," came with a merry laugh. "Mv Bazarov, take care." She professed a fervid admiration for Thackeray, singhng out Beatrix for special honours. Evan affected to shake his head over the enchanting Trix. "What would you have, sir?" demanded Florence. "She was not born for a convent or the martyr's crown. The common world was Paradise enough for her. She liked excitement, splendour, fine gentlemen, and her own way Do you presume to blame her? If so, sir, pray what do you know of feminine nature?" "I am learning," he answered humbly. She rose hastily, blushing a little, and made him a stately bow. ^ "I wish the student speed in his interesting studies," she said, and tripped from the room. By such devious routes they came upon the old ballads and the Scots songs; that is to say, upon elemental nature. 1 o one who had mastered German the Scots dialect was '".sgnificant, and Florence took to the wild Northern bards Avith the zest of an eager temperament tasting new sensa- tions.^ By some subtle method of her own she discovered Evan s tastes and remembered them both in singing and playing. The Scots songs she sang with a delicious win- someness that ranged freely from the gay banter of "Dun- can Gray" to the poignant pathos of "The Four Maries." Uncouth vocables seemed endued with grace and aerial lightness, as if they underwent a refining process on her lips; her very stammerings were piquant with hints of alien elegance and daintiness. Though her preferences in music ^F/^ for the classic, she enchanted Evan's barbarian ears with pibrochs and strathspeys, vowing however, they had just as much suggestion of melody as the rattle of a tin kettle. Others shared the opinion. "What in the world makes you play such horrid pieces, my dear? cried her mother once, thinking of flight or cot- ton-wool. And with a sidelong glance at Evan as if to sav, "You hear that? Florence answered laughing. "A horrid in- stinct of perversity." Tlie next moment, as if in urgent compunction of con- science, she had run up and was passionately embracing her mother. You sweet darling," she said. "No imp of the ry laugh. "My The Oracle of Fate "SlSiw^^n STndtaS;?;^^:/ and ^oo! be good enough^fS you" '"'"^'^ ^'^' «^^^^n will not ^^^?^^:S'^^^^^y- :Was there Florence, running back to theTiann k^ ^^' '"^^^ ^^^e; as that was as the wlil of eternal v?oe' °^' '"*° ^ coronach Presently Mr<5 n„^i ^' to write abow a ?<^Zl:^Z""u"!"^ "•« ^^^ h-d letters under the patronage of °wo4n''r^ ""''"?• °'-&='"S the two "nexpeetedlyfoundThem^^r "•,'"'' P'=^" > and an embarrassing pause Flon - i" '''°"^- There was catchmghis eye, instantly av. ' S """'' ".Evan, and, few bars of a fashionabfe a k/ "m"' ^he played a then a Highland air still as 'if ™,-:;5'^"'X='"'' ht.rriedly; apart. ^ """ as it mind and fingers were far in?|S,' ■SVmotCrtVery gl'd""^ """"^'^ -^-' Penfand rve jol^ed^^ ^"d piety," she laughed "Ser know I should Co be P^e™^^^^ '^'''' Do y^u ■n^ i i" ;-*5aBBS85aiEffiK«iP6» aaasi**. 240 TL J Minister of State I i'iif "And be mewed like a felon in the Vatican," suggested "Fiddlesticks! I should make a triumphal tour of Chris- tendom; travel like an emperor, give State audiences, re- ceive obeisances and hold out the anointed toe to the ador- ing millions— so long as the toe didn't get tired. When that happened the milMons would have to find other means of adoration. But mark you, men should get to their knees- thats the great thing. Oh! the Pope is your true Grand buJtan, Beside him princes and prime ministers are chil- dren with drums and rattles. He alone wields real power- and in face of Holy Writ power is sweet." "It is a sweetness; which queens as well as popes taste " said Evan, with flutterings which he could hardly control bhe chose to ignore the impassioned tone and the meanin? which shone in his eyes. "^^^ri! ^^^ responded lightly; "queens are popes in their way. There was Cleopatra, for instance; but she owes her potency to Shakespeare. I believe in my heart the gor- geous Egyptian was an ugly puflfed-out virago, thick-lipped and heavy-faced; and fancy calling a woman with thick lips and a heavy face beautiful. Octavius wasn't fascinated Even invested with the magician's charm her beauty is fhat of the tempest or the abyss. Would you care to have her for a wife? But there, there," she added quickly, blush- ing and laughing together, "that was a lapsus linguae. What 1 was wondering is why our greatest painter missed the H-nglish Elizabeth. Now there was a woman worth im- mortalising." 'The divinity was perhaps too close," responded Evan. There you are again," cried Florence, recovering her self-possession. " ' 'Tis distance lends enchantment to the view.' Poets will be " She paused glo glai ;What?" said Evan. "Poets," she answered "Don Quixote could not only charge a windmill and imagine a tavern a castle, but fall in love with a cabbage-stock." "Poets are often fools and bunglers, feigning whzt they don't feel," said Evan, with a tumultuous breast, "it is twt distance that gives enchantment to the view." She turned abruptly to the piano, running over the keys in an aimless and confused manner. toh the deli'i "I Fl "1 "Wh prate and ] is bui all da her dj She noise He chokii His he in a lu veins, coming paused She fel turn, b( all at o colour ' she kne "Her had just "Her herself, shoe-lat( over the "I wjl ielectric i [tumult o She tu . "You ) '" defian< ate atican," suggested phal touf of Chris- tate audiences, re- ;d toe to the ador- get tired. When ) find other means get to their knees; your true Grand ninisters are chil- A'ields real power; The Oracle of Fate 241 the to 11 as popes taste," Id hardly control, ■ and the meaning are popes in their but she owes her ly heart the gor- rago, thick-lipped an with thick lips vasn't fascinated, m her beauty is you care to have id quickly, blush- 'sus linguoe. What linter missed the oman worth im- !sponded Evan. ;, recovering her :hantment to the I could not only castle, but fall in gning what they breast, "it is fwt I ;w." ig over the keys glance at him ag^i„ '""«'■ '^' remarked, venturing .What was it, pray?" to her. Je'repVdZ m^^lT'T TT^" "-ri-ge the cmders, Wac ^u^ ^"^ ^ husband to <5i> am^.? defehtfully s„M" P^'^^""P">°"s foreigner" ei^r'morf it was cruel and unaueenlv " Florence cast a swif"1oSu„r,V-^f' '""^P^"^^- There's a forest here as R^^o ' '^ '" Perplexity. Where were we.?-Oh I rL f ""^ '^y^'" she observed prate of the fanciful and forStTh^/'"' T'K'^y "^othJr. We ,^t P^'^"^/^'ities I wish rfvere iVe't ^\f *^ ^^ P°P^' no^e intoYnU^of OiT^ii""'"^ "''"'"""y fro™ a chaos of choking!^ ItryZll^Zsl^" «'*''■ «"= '-""^s of one a^ head was spinning^^He saw fL""'"«^™<' suffocating ma lummous mist; yit ther/t7 ^'orence and the piano is vems, and he moved oV^h™' ""= '^^"^^'i^' throb in hi sS fell ff^emio't'nn" 'I '" ^^"'ouTd pulTZ T "' all at once wheeled Th'rir^ '^" "^''ords savagely -then colour went from her face If """' ""^ ^^ery wst^ie n^ she^-new not. " '""• ^he wa. being whirid whfther '■^djus'; s^ofe^'" '"'" E™"' "ith dry lips, as though she I'-f "wfl^r-OhTer'^ ^'-■'«. trying to collect ^^SS'^hS'Ml^e^-^s^S- "telUrpermUmT.^.'"".^ "- "-«•■• '" O^-e. ..Prarw-b'ar^ffl Z^^ ^^^ ^^y. Ha„ 242 The Minister of State "To traduce the woman I love." The words were as the blast of a trumpet. She started up, quivermg, as if to fly. He caugH her trembling hand and they came together as steel and magnet, heart against heart, bo they stood for one nameless second. "Florence," he whispered, bending over her face "Flor- ence, my soul, my immortal soul!" And in a blind 'rapture he kissed her. She attempted a protest. It failed, and 1 ^ kissed her agam and yet again. "Oh! Ev— oh! Mr. Kinloch!" she panted at last. Manag- mg to free herself the nc :t moment she fled, leaving him as one struck dumb and motionless. He stared for a min- ute without winking in the direction in which she had dis- appeared; then rallying himself, followed her. Going along a corridor he met Mr. Dudley, jubilant after a speech in the House. ^ "I expected to see you in the gallery," cried the great man, saluting his secretary. "You are pale. Not unwell, I hope? ''Not unwell, sir," said Evan. "Well, your arguments have gone home. TTiey were clinchers. Come into the library and we'll talk about it " And into the library accordingly they went. CHAPTER VHI The parliamentary season came to a close, and Upper l^ondon poured abroad and into the country. The Dudleys went first to Beltingham and then to Granvorlich, where, as the chroniclers of fashion reported, Mr. Dudley enter- tained a large house party for the grouse shooting. Evan remained behind in London: but the Long Vacation and his patrpn s appeal for help presently sent him also northward. J-ven among the remote Logieburn hills the managing director of the British and International had no peace be- cause of the importunities of "fishers in the black pool of i Agio. So Evan was summoned to keep the stream of The Oracle of Fate S;s!»«««ii«i*B. •et She started trembling hand, et, heart against ond. her face. "Flor- a blind rapture i It kissed her at last. Manag- ed, leaving him tared for a min- ich she had dis- r. Going along ter a speech in cried the great e. Not unwell, e. They were talk about it." 5e, and Upper The Dudleys vorlich, where, Dudley enter- tooting. Evan acation and his Iso northward. the managing 1 no peace be- black pool of the stream of I knew how thew w^e ^ade^n?*'''' and speculators little .m Highland soli?udesrnor dkf the^'^'.^ ," ^°^^ «P°ken influence of a private sec?etarv' fi? '" ^^' ^^^'* ^^^^^ the their fortunes. Not onr! ?^ ^/ -^"^^^ "P'^" the course of Evan's pen-nib qutkened th*^ ^'''^ ^ '"^-'^" °' ""^>^ 'o^ and diverted thoSs strW^'^t w '""'"-'^. °' ^^-^ he made a mistake. ^'"""^^^^S- it was never found that Evan kS^w^nl'oS ---^ People whom was h,3 friend Mr. Quimon ro "^fe?" ,^" Particular there wise saws, shrewd advice and nT;/\''^'''' T^^"^ar, full of no sportsman, indeed hpr^i P^^'^^t prophecies. Bein^ whichendofthegunlsmea^ntfo^^ ^^ ^^^lared^ nent Queen's Counsel did no? fonnJ^f '''^°"^^^^' '^^' ^mi-' summg enthusiasm. ^""""^ *''^ '^og- with a con- -t^^Tf rri:: t?u:?i:^toiu'cf r i 'i "^- --^ - ^ sportsmen. Sometimes t^ ^ ^"^ *^- providence of then the keeper comes rCn?;^;; '".'P'^'" ^ ^''^ drops, and Pe a fery goot shoTs r 'Tnd f L^' r'\ ' '^hat will low's face, wondering whether it '"'° '^' '^°"^«t ^^1" or he ,s practising on me Forth J^''^'"'P°'^^ °" ^'^ But Lord!" he added nurZ u- "^ ''^^^try somewhere and : vyers without it? oS! to'tV^I'^^' \^^' "^'^^ 'a^ uery. Villains are our bes fr end^ ' 7' ^^"^" ^y '^S- were made in favour of the fools" ' " '' '" exception / A hard saying, sir," returned" Evan / take a v .nk from a blfnd e^^ Nnf ^u "^°^' ^^'^^ ^ow to fast with the Lord ChanceHor he ;7^'S ""' P '^ ^^^ak- morahty and justice and so orth L^^' ^".^ *^^"g« about of him, and a Lord ChJJ^ n " because they're e loected ofascandaf But we a^f rememh 'T°' ^^^'"^ the £ry and no harm ensue, WerThone'/^'. '"^ ^^'"'^ ^^^^"^ ^^le"; we should (Change our occuoat.vfn i^' ? ^^°"^ V"*° fashion IS encouraged to wLlnlT "'^ '*^''^^- ^o the world clients thini we're Sing mlhtTnd'^''^"'.^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^ mum By the way, I wfs Med h TJ" ""' ^^^ ^illen- which a certain young friend ^? ^^ *^^ ingenuity with young tnend of mme turned black to 1^ if w 244 The Minister of State i^g- 'need f ma'n^t^hn P°"k' ''"^"^^^ ^'"^^'"^ °^ ^-Pl^i^" i"^. neea a man who has been a quarter of a rpntnrv of the law be told that it's the barristei^s bustess to tar or whitewash according to need? He laughs Tn his leeve haps-^"''^ ''" ^^'"^' *^ »"ost illogical, except per- He paused, smilinp-. ;;What?" said Evan. "Johnny Calvin's tophet," answered Mr Ouinton "Th^ S ofcroTrson '"^" '^ yesterdayf seVmot"- YoS thank rn/r are champion fire-eaters. Weill well' thank God I'm a bit of a philosopher after all Ar!^ V «?H1Ip^ r^JJt^^ IS a Clumsy creature compared with the •' hope M™'"" f''" Majesty's Courts ^f JustTceV 1 nope, sir- Evan was replying. ton "Hnni ''"T"' y^H. don't Hope,'' broke in Mr Quin- ^Moso^hrhiys" Vh '[,' :si;T/^ft^a^*''^^ for him He surlc<5 hiT^^ft / « ^ ^^^^^^ ^^^ enough equal grace of"countenance "^TlTturT ^1 ^'^^'^ ^^'' abomination to him And vet .n nrii^^' ""^ ^^"^^ ^^^ ^^ "St' 'l°?u T"*^ *'^° ^^ fallacious," he remarked wha?s"o1ot1s"sK;^suT^''^'=7C^'°?;""'''^^^^^ odds of a thousand to on/ ' 'L^"' Q"""on, "but the gameste, Yes I thU wf t,,''?,*'''"' t' ^"^ ^^^'We young friend a Benche?" ' "'°" '"^ "''="'"S "^ he'tou?erSL:.?oTtnr°d:srr & '" ^-'i hlwas valuedZ his cSnve^sa^on lnd°f '',^' dinner-tables it with pessimisn,, he™irSed^tit^ t^felhr?^^ aver to tt was easil the r thaf unco Evan resin( which or ini differ< One c of a r standi; no on( whatsc humoi] when I trifle vi the ene ren un( antly, equivoc on adan and, as i screwed pleted t judges, i itors cer jury thai what he h'eved in or orphai hand, he : bringer's Unprof student o ^vas a dc dreams w carried aw "I'nd, and temporary ing or explain- of a century at siness to tar or s in his sleeve irposes that he oti ed, won on of course, that l1, except per- The Oracle of Fate Quinton. "The jrmon. Your Well! well! ir all. And I s among this one truth," •igging. Your >ared with the )f Justice." ! in Mr. Quin- fian fact. No al are enough is physic with fancy are an ■e constituted, hink we shall narked, observes that ton, "but the any sensible electing my Its, in which ppiness, and t was as de- iinner-tables iked to dash re than the was as sweet as June heatL,^ r™' ?' "■"« tart the core eas,ly lured him irZ spo rt hff"'';''^'''' °' e°°d '^Ik it the moors of a sultrv aK'„ "™ ""^ w°«l- Celtic Pr^h S'SSrdefecC '",T" Mr. ArnoW, ''has as the •^S^U^'fr. ""'""■"• ^°" ""-^er ¥- ArnlStf^lS:^ '^'™' '-government?" said Evan •Disniarck sir to rwi, t-. ^^au. correct that notion." ^' ^'""^ officials German. We'll Excellent," crie.l lu- a speaks the CMqueror "A ^''i""''- "Excellentl Th„ for a ,He-A-me S ihe t"eit '"'' P°««Sn oJivl: brilliant monologue. ^ *^' ™='" ^P«dily turned into " walked°S"'''? T"'" ''"^ Mr. Q„i„,o„ ,<, p Almi|ht;",?'V^Vhought^!f/?i°if--" K,.^ T y *°^ bemg univt-rcoi xf ' " quarrel w th thp dS;^"'"? 'hat." SeTl„ .1°: Arnold fronts fl^ -aagsr ;nan?" replied Evan,, Celtic Litera- at is a matter! ish have menj nerce, and anj myself a boref n. The Celts *wo7ld-7n!fr^ ^"^ S^iffe nTandlrt '?''• ^^^ '" IS much. He is pU fA • ^" "^^^^ o^ omniscient- h^i^^ ^T^^ i. i t Mm, .mm m 248 The Minister of State hW self, was con ucted with great spirit on both sides. It was, indeed, reckoned the finest display of dialectics ever wit- nessed in those parts, and it did not lessen the interest that it was the dominie who hauled in his colours. At the finish Mr. Quinton gave his hand, hoping for the honour of further acquaintance. The dominie answered chivalrously that the honour was entirely on the other side, but was careful to add that some of the matters touched on had still to be threshed out. "I'll have a word with you some day about Homer," he cried: "you dropped several heresies by the way," and took his leave in a glow of enthusiasm. Victory or defeat, it had been a glorious experience for him. "God's sake! and you've to contend against men like yon," he said to Evan almost in pity, "what must he be in his own field when he beats me in mine? I'm glad I'm not at the English Bar." "You ought to be, sir," returned Evan. "Ought to be?" repeated Mr, Proudfoot. "Laddie, lad- die, you must not be sarcastic on me in my old age. He could twist me round his little finger, the easier, I do be- lieve, the further he was from the right. A man of gigantic parts and nimble as lightning; has all the arts of fence at his finger-ends. Tell me why don't they make him a judge? "Because," replied Evan, with a meaning look, "he can- not afford to accept it. His income is twice that of the Lord Chancellor." "So, so!" said the dominie, gripping his chin. "Your popular pleader has to do a sum in division when they clothe him in the ermine of the Bench. I never thought of that." ^ The day of the great Homeric battle came, but Mr. Quinton's heresies, if they ever had existence, vanished into thin air before trial. All suavity, concession, and compliment, the lawyer sorely disappointed his antagonist. The dominie had dreamed hotly of drawing blood for his idol, and lo! the other was as idolatrous as himself. There was nothing for it but to clap sword in scabbard and embrace. So the two brought up with mutual cordiality under the blue sky of Greece, each striving to outdo the other in homage to the "prince and master of all praises and virtues, The Oracle of Fate 240 the thrice sacred Homer." Thereafter Mr n ■ ♦ many a long summer's Hav ,- ^'^^^"^'^ Mr Qumton spent foot, and the loTaT nostr^L ^''^°""^ with Mr. Proud- number of letterbearSernnl^''"''^ P""'^^ by the and motto in an unknot tL'^'^'lP?'^'^^'^ ^"^ a crest at Burnside ""''"o^" tongue, which he had to deliver oui!^^^a^,:!;:ji°X;^^,^^.freends have fo.ud hhn the doin' of DavM Sloch's bHH^^^"'"'- uV^'^ '^' '*^^" ^ be a lawyer " ^'"^och s laddie, him that's 1 ;ai < m' to were^Tidt^/jfsii'i^n^d'N^'r^^S^^ °^ ^^- ^^" -^- was jocularly garruloL about FvW ^1^^?!^^'/"^ Pltweem ton was not sSrpr?sed b/Ne if fals "'^^^^ u^'": Q"^"- laugh.ngly, "keeps wonderful v true n V '' ?^\^ ^^ «^'^ still go through fire and w^ /r =ni ? ,T'^'^- ^^ ^ould vicious horses^ and it mi^ht h. '^^> ' ^^^ b""« ^nd occasion." Then turmV^o- /i n T"/''°b^y o'-ders on present. ''You Save ^h/h° ^''''^- ^^° happened to be most promising ml'n at the Si'T' S^ ^^ ^^^^er to the famous before vouWnn!,, u ^"^^^sh Bar. He will be completely ove'^comrcouw'b/.^ ''''' ^"^ ^^^'^ being thankfulness to God "^ '""'"'"' ^ ^^P^y about ev^teterT^-itl^ PitwgranVr^P"^'^^ -^ been revolving a curious problem ''"' ^"'""'^' "^ b^- the^^^^^^^^^^^^ ""^J^^-^^^^n Of a lawyer," was Whence came the '°"'' secretary? My point is thisT does Natnr/' °^ '"'"""^ '" heredity. through a countless series of unHfr°" ''t?"^"^ "^^t^^^Is to burst into flower and fruk in. 3 P-'^.^^- ^^"^^^tions by what strange process of chLj T^'^' mdividual? If so. why? Does your biSist or r.h • 7 '^°'' '^^ ^° ^t, and sons? I must cross examini P^^'f^'S^'^ explain her rea- touching Kinloch?1 can rscove^nn^" '^' '^^''''- ^' him, nothing-, thouc^h T u'tf-^'^^^"?*^-'"^ to account for line of simple peptic count;; Jolt? 'r^- '^°'"^>^- ^ ^ong pious, and ignorant, and then on l^^L'^' ^f>^ '"espectable. -n who -i.htrd^a?r°lfi?ferktr!l,e !?Tes^LVn T! 1 ■ 250 The Minister of State -spite of a seeming improvidence of eflFort, Nature does ^HH^h"^ ^-f "?/'''"^- Do you twig me? But there/' he fht^L^^^^' ^P"*/°" to the trouble of thinking, and that s no occupation for a holiday " Socially Mr Quintcn had sacrificed to the Graces. Early n his career he had captured a season's belle, and now at seven-and-forty was not only an eminent Q.C. and a Mem- ber o Parliament, but had the felicity to be father to one bright boy (destined for his own profession) and two charming daughters. At the moment they were ui on the Continent, while he, under pretence of shoot?ng grouse played mentor to Evan. ^ gruuse, "I have been through the mill," he would laugh. "You %nJT .l^?r ^"'^"^ ''' t^^th. Or shall I say wi°h Socrates that I am a traveller who has been a journey^wS lZn,r' H° '"^^'' '"^."^" *^" yo» whether the Vay 's smooth and easy or rough and diflficuh>" On a grouse moor all men are equal; yet the comoanv numbered one whom most people trea ed w th a Sn instinctive deference, the deference which the " orM y dds fn onV soTnt ^° 1!^ ^^"^^^"^ "^^ five-and-tw'enty an on.y son, personable, and a millionaire. The elder i^tr^'.r.' ^^•^'■- ^""^^'f' "^^"y right-hand men, had kJI I"^ to enjoy an evening of peace and leisure before being gathered to his fathers, and the vast financial inter- tvX 7^^£, bequeathed to Godfrey, who took the trust blithely. The young man had got manners at apublicschool had parsed in due course to the university, not from an^^ ^Zfl'fr^' ^^'^^' ^"^^^^' ^' ^ ^^^oi spiHtTe de^ spised, but because it was "the proper thirg to do" There rowed'^filSifv X''T ^""^ r''''^ ^"^ ^^^^^f"l ^thLS rowed fitfully, played a neat game of Jc mis when he chose to give his mind to it, danced divinely, as more than one blushing partner whispered in his ear, hunted spent money makerTok'f?/.?' '^ %^^'''' ^''•''''^'''' ^^^^^^r .nd shoe- maker, took flattery witho t a grimace, and for the rest was untroubled by ambition. He grew accustomed to the ?uckTn.'lf T' u t "PJ^^l^J"^ ." but by a miracTe of good luck finally took his degi e "at the fir.t <=hot " In hi- ills fSr^'nT'^ ^'""^ overlooked the achievement? buJ his father, m honour of an ever- so unexpected held a great reception, at wl^ich Godfrey accepte^d congratula- tions with the sang frotd of a veteran satLed wi?h glory A litt] ary p( of a g ther's plaine( whetht Amc of gOO( occasio lent to he nev( ham w; ience, t With so knee, h( he cheei boldest ] Periodic knowled noble CO the worl Evan he diiTerenc* commerc confess tl less the t once only young fri( were matl matters tl; markedly aged by hi seemed m consolidat( What w Nature does Jut there," he thinking, and Graces, Early e, and now at . and a Mem- father to one on) and two ere ul on the 5ting grouse, laugh. "You I I say with Durney which r the way is the company ith a certain '"orld yields !-and-twenty, The elder nd men, had eisure before lancial inter- k the trust )ublic school, ot from any spirit he de- • do." There ul athletics, en he chose re than one pent money r and shoe- for the rest )med to the cle of good The Oracle of Fate f^"*^- a^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ upon here'd^t!' of a great retinue; and heie he w^f T^,^"^ ^^^ ^«^^as ther s shoes. If they were ton h.^? ^^^>^>^ t^y'"& his fa- Plamed of a misfit an 7;/ ,^ ^°^ ^im he never com wh^ether he finS th:m '' "'^ "^'^^^^'^ business JoTnqmVe" of ^^odlnS^^ he was the soul occasion generous ^S Zfnvfl' '''''''^^^'ory, and on lent to expectant peers and Tmn^ ten-pound notes he had he never cared to^recko„.^ Z'TZ'T T""^^^ ^^^^^ers ham was always "g-ood for . i f"^^ ^"^w that Lane-- 'ence, that is to sfv ft ?^ j°^"' repayable at conve? With some hazy notbn of hn«- '""' ^^ the Greek KalendT knee he took I.O u s for thf '' '""^'^'"^ ^' the pa e?nai he cheerfully inscribed them ^it^^"'' '5 disburs^ed bu holdest hand and tosseH fi^ ^ ^ *^^ ^oi"°^o "ho Under this nsoiratinn ul sitting down to wait for h midnight silenHrhis roZ V""""'^""' '"^ " 'h- when written as shalW TV ''^?''',"» *«"' "P feverishly "»'■ At last, however • he nm."' "^dequa?e, imper^ which he resolved to slake his faTe"" '"° """^""^ »" !""■■ " P'.t'S'tte^-J-f";:]?,"^ 'et „e have sen- morrow afternoon at four hTff^l ' ^°" ^^^^^ alone to- ^:^^'"-'^ ^--^^o teh°^,f tdXr ^he missive was nut ;r.+^ t-i passing to her own rSom?ortS°''- "."'I '""'<' ^' ^he was bearer. Entering her c".mh^r -'M^^' '■" "^^ bein?The held the letter for a mome'nT,f „"'*?"' P^-^'^ °' «epf she ycret; then tearingT"pe„ tl^T "'^".dallies with a great difference, and when dn„. .1 "^^■'^ »"* well-feig„ed in He^r^face told no tale ^°"' ""■»^' " >>«= sreS TJ 'J°Si ^^ ^^'" condescenHMto i™^^??'^"^ wifh -a^atn'le'nr'"^^' ''- --Wngnlaif -^af °oveJS i was afraid vou wnnW u^ . . ,. Highlander would „ake a go/dTushand"? ' o^u^ca'u'^S,^ f 254 The Minister of State Is )- „ The maid sniggered with a toss of the superior cockney head. Her young man, thank 'eaven, was in London, footman, comfortable sityation, per::eesits, day hofif reg'lar u^^ , Queen's Henglish and dressed Hke a Christian "' Make him happy," rejoined l bog holes afraid of. f'ays, to n "Upon regretted ^orld put! i cann embrace, * flight still who remai now out of we?" erior cockney s in London, y hoflf reg'lar, a Christian." 'And, by the If to-morrow '.y mistress of 1 she turn me ■y comments, nee spoke of a Httle tired and the door rts was still r with a hot when, after er pillow. "Well! for ion." I d^or of house stood id and front- !i seemed to e hills. In irged piping indows with ? snowdrift, 1 the sunny though the mical in it. pple, a blue ich, washed •ence in the o the broad Lch abruptly lost in con- below and 'f the loch's like a shin- id; but the emnants of The Oracle of Fate of,a solitary C"/ s?r„"j„"!,!.i °" '''^^^"^^n^il7i -e re?d^ ?o°° ,° ^Ij^t "' 'he .oo„ a. if ■,„„,, .. Florence kissed her >^th ferw?,"''^! "' "^S'ect. ^' Mother, darling can J ' ''"derness. ;f^er mother could not afrfid or'Th' *"•= '^ "°°hingelse'soL"%'u""' ""-d days to ml " '""'' "° '"rking trallantr ^' ^ ''"''»'• '<> be "rL ^""^ °"e a ready caoffv?, • ' y°" ''"°"'. nowa- Upon my word child „!P agamst one's will " I cannot conce'ivp " ^""^ ^'^^d?" "-' ™te;>d' *'V^''=y -" We^'Z"" »■•* -other ^,,„ '^^h,on. We wouldn't be unfehion^bf^t^^^S 256 The Minister of State Um&: She glanced at the clock; it was half- past four. "Oh!" she exclaimed, " see what a march time has stolen on us. If I tarry longer, sweet mother, it rvi^? be a tramp by the light of the moon, and that might be awkward among heather and peat hags." She made off with a mantling colour, calling goodbye over her shoulder. Outside she hesitated for half a second as if considering her course; then turned in the direction of the Altmohr. Her mother watching he. v-hh lively pi-ide thought what a handsome picture she made i« the close-fitting grey and the sailor-hat and eagle's feari cr. "^ charming girl," whispered the maternal heart fondly. No wonder Mr. Langham is smitten." And dreaming of bridal flowers and music, the excellent lady sat down to her beggars, her churches, and charities. Florence passed from her mother's presence with the lightsome mien natural to a young lady in perfect health taking :;n airing for pleasure's sake. But she was not out three minutes when her breast had the th, ob of a thousand pulses. "Oh! what am I doing?" she asked herself in a spasm of white fear. "What am I doing?" Being a woman she did not stay for an answer, though she was dimly aware of walking without volition. And, indeed, iier agitation was plain in feature and movement.' Her step, usually as firm as the click of a hammer, was nervous and uncertain, her eyes were on the ground as if scanning the pebbles for gold, her wits were off in a panic. In this riot of emotion she suddenly reached the Altmohr. Brought to a pause, she glanced rapidly about as if half dreading the capture over which she had so lately made merry. Her sense of the incongruous prevailed, however, and in sharp self-reproval for foolishness she turned into a tangly path by the burnside, making a prodigious effort to appear unconcerned and unexpectant. As she was thus rallying she heard a quick rustl'^.-, and glancing invol- untarily ahead spied Evan comin -wards her. Till that moment her heart never beat, never proved itself a traitor and rebel. At sight of her Evan raised his cap, and she promptly dropped her eyes, trembling in a kind of hot ague and feeling that her face was a red flame. She would have turned T^ — - t: our. :ch time has r, it wil? be a t be awkward ng good bye f considering Ihe Altmohr. bought what ing grey and heart fondly, dreaming of down to her ice with the erfect health was not out f a thousand 1 a spasm of iwer, though ition. And, I movement, ammer, was ground as if T in a panic, he Altmohr. ut as if half lately made ;d, however, iirned into a Dus effort to le was thus icing invol- r. Till that ielf a traitor le promptly •t ague and have turned The Oracle of Fate ^ct and fJed but ior Qnm« «, . • -57 >eld and drewhe on ItuT ^'^l''^' ^^^^e which rushing waters was in herlars vet "^l '"'"^^^•"^ ^^^l^s and aby^^"^^"^ ^ '^^' familS voice °Tf-n-'^^^^^^d '^^ ^biy, she looked up, and lo, ^^^^3 EiJS^fe^^" CHAPTER X He was the first tn fin^ * sionate thanks for keeSfnl''?^"f' ^^,^ ^'^ words were oas' sf & si S?s'r=a £ '£?£ self, however, with a sweS h.?f . ' ^^'""^^^ ^gain-her- difference. '^^^t, half tremulous, indefinable i^ou did not expect m^^" d, as to deceiving do vn , \ ^^^ V^^'" ^^e laughed "R„. study the art^f dec^ep^io^n"^^'^ ^""/^^ '^^^^ng me to rnake-ups and the ac?^ of lit^rfi^^f? *° "^afkrand pretender of the sta^e Yn„ .!•! ^i"' ^'^^ ^ny dizened my wit was upon its^mett^To delte'^nl ""^. ^^^^' ^^"' an Mother was within an ace of k ?^^" ^^ <^oming at Would you rave played the .rallL? . '^"t"^ "^^ compSiy Esmond.? Nothing but the Inlf *°, "' ^°t^' ^^^^ anStW ,. '-'^less the London sS^,J^"^°" '^T' ^^^^^ you." 'ig-e the way, our way 'o S"^'l ^7^" ^^^^ently. - acchapel. Out of the s?rnn^ '^ '^°"^^ ^^^ through Jiy bliss; isn't that it?'' °"^ sweetness, out of the '^^tle;sS?f p^ ^° ^-- ^er towards him, but she g.ve a ^'^^& Z^"^':^!^ ^ deeper rose in her cheek. o you care?" he askeS'i^^t • t'^ • ^ere but one thfngfn \°he ^^^^ her as if s '" ^ne whole wide world worth f I I 258 The Minister of State having or heeding. "Let me say in the words of one you know well, If I profane with my unworthiest hand this hol> shrine the gentle sin is this;' " and suiting the action to the word he kissed the hand that lay captive in his. She thrilled in every atom; but she kept her head. «f,-fl-I' !u-T''u^"u '"/""^ °"^ ^°^ ^'■^sh air to dawdle in a stifling thicket," she observed with an air of discovery we ex lor^?"^*^*"^ ^°°^ °^ ^^^ ^°'"^'*'" ^^ returned. "Shall ^^JI^ came just for a moment," she said, "and I must not Nevertheless she followed him in the narrow hunter's path into which he turned, ducking and curtseying with grea gaiety when he thrust up a bough or held aside a tangle of undergrowth for her free passage. A spurt of ten niinutes brought them out on a clear green spot, a mis- shapen mound thrown up in midforest, no man knew how or when, oyer which a great hoar rock stood sentinel l^Iorence instantly recognised the towering grey head as the one she had noted from her bedroom window with Vd?nc1ifg\;°e.''' '° ''' '""^ °^ ^'^^ ''''''" ^^^ -'^^^ 'Tossible, but difficult," was the answer. .,J t ^u? -"^ Jom^J'Ofl?3; say that difficulty is the whet- stone of ambition. Show me the way to climb," she re- joined with the half jocular, wholly serious manner which told she was in the mood to take the bit between her teeth. J^eehngs that are hard to conceal must be dissembled by timely diversion. -^ tr.V'f ■''''f^ J'^u"^ ^ ^'j"? ^'■°"*' '^^^^^ a hundred feet in air, to a kind of shattered battlement that sternly forbade as- cent, but at the rear the ground swelled in billowy forma- tion, as if m the plastic era of the earth r wave had been caught and solidified, and there were clefts and crevices and spiky points ^yhich to sure feet and tenacious fingers migh serve as stairs. Evan took in the chances with the eye of an expert. veiiUire?"^ ""'^^^ ^^ serious," he remarked. "Will you "Your hand," she replied, stretching out her own and the next moment she had mounted nimbly to the first low "Capital!" he cried, the spirit of the mountaineer alive in is of one you !st hand this ig the action e in his. She dawdle in a liscovery. ned. "Shall 1 I must not ow hunter's seying with beld aside a spurt of ten spot, a mis- 1 knew how sentinel, rey head as low. " she asked 5 the whet- b," she re- nner which 1 her teeth, sembled by feet in air, orbade as- >wy forma- ; had been id crevices )us fingers :s with the "Will you The Oracle of Fate 259 ^VIm^^^^^^^ ~t me lead and do the pulling, she inquired archfy" ^"^^"'^•^' "^^ ^"Pert of the Rocks.^" ^^^^hVSlt7'J^^^^^^^ ^' ^"^^^'•ed. "You genius of .^he cffffs^m'src^, b\ud!cit ^"^t^" ^^^ ^^^ ^Se for her safety." ^^ audacity. I am responsible ''J^d'who Shferid'h' ""^^ ^^"^'^• manded. ^^^'^^^-ed her into your keeping?" she de- ret Jne^d.^-loT you 'see^ fl^^f' .^- '^^ best right," he my trust." ' ^°" '""' ^ "^"^^ insist on being falhful to ^^'^^l^:^^S%^fy '^-k to aid his It had the trustiness of tried steer ^''"'' ^' ^'' ^^'^■ '^Th^' 1 ^ ^i^' tightening his ^asn -PaTi. ;:sSd £«■" mth fate on a HilkZd precif fee " ' '"^^'"^ '"" '" '""e crimson, they stSod t iiSant ' if * ^^' ^^°^^"^ ^"d nous, aerial prospect from that Lvh .u' ^P" ^^ ^""^'" chantment Flol-ence g^ve f shf.^f ' /l ^^' P"^^ ^"- pf the spreading woods and fh/.i I "^^ -? adness at view ing black and gold, S here ^ J th''""^ ?'"^°P^ ^" ^ven- or opal and hire an^ there a flush nP ' ^^'""^ °^ ^"^^^^^ fire. The sun pouring throup-h I '^°'\°'" ^ ''^dness of caught the twain in a^gSdentdlanc? ' t' ''\^^>^ "^^^ were, sharers in the mi?acre"of7rt^"fi'^u;;tn.^ ''^"' '' ''' ':t. I' (fSiJ ,j{'J 26o The Minister oi State n I Turning her face a little to the right to escape the dazzle of the sun, Florence observed a twinkling mote far aloft against the lonely infinitude of the northern skv. "An eagle," explained her companion, on '..^ attention being drawn to it. Then he noticed there were two. "A brace of eagles," he said " 'soaring to their aery towers.' Mark how true they are to the line. They aim high and go straight. And," he a'' ied, turning his eyes from the heaven above to the heaven of the face beside him, "they keep close together." She moved roind with an odd sensation, and looked down upon the eastc-n side. From the ccsy bosom of the wood Granvorlich Lodge sent up its blue coils like a lazy smoker. Below those peacJul chimneys her mother was busy with charities. Dear mother, so good, so little sus- pecting! The eye went round in a circle, and lo! Loch Dliu was putting on its nightly gloom. "Oh! see," cried Florence sharply, "how the shadows stretch on the loch, I must get back at once." She swung about, took a step forward, then paused, looking over the beetling edge. "What shall we do?" she asked, turning to Evan with something of real alarm in voice and ma.iaer. "How arr we to get down?" Evan peered over the giddy brink reckr ning the hazards. "Trapped!" was his one word of comment. "Oh! you must not say that," sh? cried, with a swift expression of terror. "Would you lose heart if you were told that you are a prisoner upon an enchanted tower?" "Please do not mock," she pleaded. "Say how are we to get down?" "I will answer question with question. A yc angry with me for bringing you up?' "I can be an.^ry with no one but myself. The proposition was mine— I v^as the fool." "Suppose I prove an ogre, and tell you that since I am master of the situation you must obey me absolutely." "Obey is a hard word," she responded, smiling fairtly: what would my ogre have?" "A promise never in word or thought to reproach the fool who brought you here.'* The Oracle of Fate ^tJs''Z'uZ'"!^V'mt't\ ^" '°/ "'^ •''-^"'- The to the rock like a Hmn^f j ''^'P "" <'°""- I W'" stick "I wTl St ck to vT" ^h y°''-y°" ««' ^'ick to me.- -r. to stit'HiS Sr Z^' ^t^-^^^ kinalir^Vcekf"'" '^' "^''"^ <'"'^«i'' 'h""?" with re- his'^^^f °,' ''rH;?H:ro^ „?„k^- r.! "L-'t "°'^''- '- s^a^"^ "jfonfthrij'^rTl'^"" ^ ^Sh?^:rrf and s?me clanmte to ci ' ' c,T f\V'°u ^''^"-'^'•ed hands for he would nS hear L," f .''■^, '=h^':g'= safe to earth, account. "' ""^ '"' °f y accident, i^ising ways I gusty day of crashing t upon toss- Dhu wore an impres- to read; at It the wind. ," returned sp back the : the green- is the most /hose looks >ted, laugh- ^angham is to him." k curtsy, e observed, displeasure tied by the ig into her before her trepidation. lU?" self. "You I a woman. , Conquest, :he dearest d to a Red la^ipier she her mood, The Oracle of Fate 265 wTi hnfufn ^^ ^^^^' *°- "'«"" °' P'-^t^^t' «^«ce She would augh both logic and sentiment out of court. So he made a fair pretence of agreement. ^ "The authority is indisputable." he replied. "Yet it is as well to be accurate in these high matters. Ought you not to have said vanity rather than heart?" ^ *A lawyer must of course be a metaDhvsician " ^°" Zlo^gZ "w^U^lt caged bird wliy it does not sing in the tree-tops." me JIfa'5' ' ' ^""^ '^"•^ ^^ ^^'^ ^^^^ P'^^^^'-e? Tell "I came with fear and trembling, sir," and a roe-uish smile parted her lips. "Is it a light filing to break haff the Commandments at a stroke?" c^k nan me ^'« answer^" ^^'rlXlL:%T'.t\V^^^^^^ ^'t ^^"? «^ -r interview muzzle of a blunderbus . ^LaLh.'"^f 'J !j ^«"^- ^^om uTe eloquence, I believe; dd The Hm^ ^^"^^^^ ^'^h surprising- again with moving vari^dons. S I ^^\^?>^ '^"^^"ess ove? how he cherishes trousers "mff Z\^'' ^"^^^ (^O" know m a word, himself and alUh^at S ^"''' ^eart, fortune-!^ of hope: and by way of comfo t r.v ^, °"^^ord, one ray M 'P A»^ eet, wheeled about and L^E^^' ^"^^'"'"^ ^^"^ *« Mrs. Dudley found him PrL f ^ ^'"^ ^^ his prayers self. Mother and daTghter were .T'"? 'J^^ ^^^"^^ ^^r 3^-" long tragic hour. Mrs Durlll .^^°'^^^^ ^^^^^her for one dmon, called her husbarS ^o?e 1^ Y^ ^\' ^"^P^^^ ^^«- ence over his daughter. It faiLd »'.».— " """^ ^'^ ^"A"" ^he was granite FmHit, " ^" *^'s instance—uttprlv on authority, l'sist^d"on\-Sl"^'*^?.^^^"' ^e feffi one else. 'My father has a S" o T^'^^f' ^^^'^ ^^s any IS some one else,' and named-!!!' ° ^'"°^' ^^^^ ^^^^ 'there Whom.?" cried P^ror, i , .. "Faith, a ver> lar frLd"n^-'° ,^°"^^°I himself. "Pray have a look at m t/h"''"f ' '^P^'^^ ^r. Quintoa ened her mother fafnt ed tl^ ^'itlat^" "l^^ ^^the? threap. was feared with suicidal nteft hn A "^''^"^ ^''^^^^' as it ound m his own room sippb " ked 'h ' ^^' subsequently fever. And to make a loni sforv"^ champagne to allay his asked Evan, his L:n';ie robbint as if r "^^^'°"-' -?" That depends very much nn^ r^-^^'^^' ^^uld split. greatly shocked, as you may fancy ^'N^'"^- ^^^^ ^^^^ ^11 not believe such a thin^ ' nnW = ^"r ^^''^'' suspected, could witl! ril!,?^-''.y°V. ™e question " ,,»M P,,,- .■_ _ . ,„,. -— -i, ,o„ were i„ his-pIacTWha? Sd'^ou way^to .nfatuation. I. is pe^ impS^e'.o™,^ td 2/2 The Minister of State hi "Thank you," returned Evan. "The wisdom of years and indifference is priceless. I foresee what you would advise. But do me the goodness to remember the nature of your request. Mark the heroic character of the surrender. On the one hand a gently-bred young lady holds out against all odds; on the other, the partner in her rebellion, nay, the very cause and instigator of her crime, taking counsel of a dastardly prudence, slinks out of sight at the first sound of alarm. I tell you, sir, there was a time in this country when a man would have made his sword ring before discussing such conditions in connection with such a stake." He leaped up with glowing eyes and face, and strode stormily about the room. Mr. Quinton watched him for a moment before remarking, "And be dirked or hanged in chains for his devotion." "At least he would be saved from the disgrace of cow- ardice," retorted Evan. "I am perfectly aware what is be- hind all this, and will spare you an unpleasant task by stat- ing the objections to Miss Dudley's choice. I — pardon me for being egotistical — I lack riches. My tailor is a man of no reputation; no banker bows double before me, at any rate on my own account. A lean purse, that is the head and front of my offending. It is a fault, as I have learned from those about me, that may be mended. Wealth, I have heard, fluctuates, changes hands. Were all those who vaunt the purple to-day born in it? Have they an inalienable right to continue in it? I will not speak to you, sir, of the vicissi- tudes of fortune ; but I do not distrust my star. And if Miss Dudley has faith in me, may this right hand wither the mo- ment she finds her faith misplaced." "If you heard such heroics in court, I think you would set Bench and Bar in a roar over them," observed Mr. Quinton. "I take it we are talking as men, not as lawyers," returned Evan. "And to bring our business to an issue, I do not know that I convict myself of the unpardonable sin in lifting eyes to Miss Dudley. "To say the truth," he remarked presently, re-emerging from the haze, "I hinted something of the sort to Dudley — spoke of your abilities, prospects, character, and so forth; but he was deaf, deaf and inexorable. You know him when he takes a thing into his head." The Oracle of Fate 273 thefnL'e?^^"^^^^°" ''' -^ ^-te takrihat for.," was if thl";h:i^ha"^^^^^^^^^^ ^"f"d'" -id Evan, as a great deal; and of Mr bud^ev'f ""^'V*^*"?""^ ^^^^^-^ speak. Do not imalmeihttlF ' P^^^^^s I need not grateful. When you ret"- ^- ^° '' °' ^^^^ ^ ^"^ """ that. But were mv ?ndPhw ^l"" T^" '^^"^ ^'^^r as to is my response SVojllfqt^fand^ ^^^^ ^* same." -^ request and his would still be the ;;i am sorry to hear that," said Mr. Ouinton dally rke'e^'r^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^'\^^ '^^^^'^ want espe- me less thaTa man ^TwinTn?"' ''"'/P" ^°"'^ "«* make '-'^S^J^' Vta\ irm7:nst1^^° ^-""- -- "Unalterable." Mr Quinton rose and shook himself. coun4Ss y^?refbse"L'"="v'%' "^r" ""''• ''^ ^°" Precisely the answer I expected Itl «"""»« deceive you. £oTei\etSnet;o"ni£ H^^^^^ .- roon,, fnd h- d^-r Xt P^L^ce'-K-^ ^ ^i j^^'Mr. Dudley has never asked for me in vain," replied heip'^ufam-'"" "■■" ""■ 2"'"'-- -locking the door, "God "P CHAPTER XIV Within half-an-hour Mr Diidl<»v ^r,A w face to face. Save ZvTsi^f^r^A ^ ^-^ ^f^^^^^^ ^^oC usual pallor and a nnnvtoS * ^°°''.'" *^^ ^>'e- an ;.a- neithe^gave ou;l:rd%ro^eSr"^^ 1,^!^? --^- his habitual courtesy of manner E^.n'^H^"'^^"^ ^°''*^ PunctUious; yet a b/nd parTtr^ouirha^el^The^^^^^ xmr * 274 The Minister of State ' -a I. » Si-' '•« m sophistry," rejoined Mr. -;:nt as one practical man c, be desperate. A little the full of the moon we determination with which both men came to the encounter. It was the first clash of imperious wills; and the older man no less than the younger knew he had got his antagonist. Mr. Dudley motioned Evan to a chair, at the same time taking one himself. Then without prelude he plunged into the business which had brought tli m together. "I have heard with the greatest regret, Mr. Kinloch," he began, "your answer to Mr. Quinton in the matter in which he had the kindness to represent me this evening. I had hoped for a different reply, told myself you would recognise the absurdity" — "of your pretensions" he was going to say — "of the present situation" he actually said. "I am pained to find myself mistaken." "Diversity of interest, sir, easily leads to diversity of senti- ment," said Evan. "I know you will spare me Dudley. "Let us talk for a v; to another. This affair caniiU infatuation; some hallucinatio?. „. will say; nothing that cannot be got over without injury to either side. I am getting old: experience, I trust, has not made me a cynic, but I have no fear of broken hearts. You catch my meaning?" ;]Exactly, sir, I think," said Evan. "That is well. I knew you would. Sentimental people sigh and shed tears over blighted afifection. Well! I am of opinion that the blight is commonly in the imagination: a night of distress, some troubled dreams, morning sunlight, recovery, wonder, and forgetfulness— that's the usual course of the disease. Now I desire to say at the outset that I appreciate your position. There is no need of rhetoric and poetry to assure me that my daughter is one of the very best girls living. I am proud of her — in every way. You see I am a lover myself, I own it is perfectly natural you should like her — for her own sake." "I hope, sir, you do not imagine " Evan struck in sharply; but Mr. Dudley interrupted. "I imagine nothing whatever dishonourable," he said. "You were in love. I repeat, it is natural you should like Florence. I will make yet another admission : it is not un- natural that Florence should like you." Evan bowed, quivering from head to foot. "Permit me to put in a personal word," Mr. Dudley went The Oracle of Fate 27^ long felt. C/character nnd i'^r '^'^^ "'^^ ''^'^' ^ ^ave studied both You have amb inn h"'- ^'^"P^ °"^'- I have of will, health. address-Xi I ' r?'"''- ^"^^"ments. force ableamanto'ma4Ta7rnt^;^^^^^^^^^^ «hort, which en- est doubt that you are on the^hrel.L 7 "°* *^' '^'g^^*' Meanwhile you^^ help to^l^^Ys InTalSa^?/ ^ ^"^^ ^^^^- onfdTnThL^rde'"of rr'l;^::.^"^^^ "^^ ^^^ -^ -^- The adversary who striW ^""^ '* '"^^ disconcerting, stroke, but how ^revn,,^'f^t°",^^" "^^^^ ^'th counter- weapons aside pfes^ vou with '"""-^^^^ '"^^"^ '^^^"sive sincere? ^ ^ " "^'^^ P''^^^^ that is absolutely as any sensible mj ^oniT.ZeT^.l^^Z-'ITn^^'"'^, freely admit. Why, the,,, you will ask " an Mn2 .? -'"S-^ Jo^Z [rTca"^'h1^SEf F- ' S-t tSl hold mysel laredv to hlir^^f .F-^'' ?" *^"^^^ P^^^^^s. I "Yo/tat bS^thouTcausV ^i^^ ""n-H^^ ^'^l^^^ "" very short and quick. ' ' '^'"^ ^^^"' breathing "It's a case of self-conviction," reolied Mr n„^i^ »t was remiss in mv duties as father %r.l ^^P^^^^V- I joyed an unlimited privflege-I think ?n.?' '^!"^ l°" ^"- associating with mv daiH^&pr t ^^^ "^^^ '^ that— of has no brfther,\nd' I'SedVou"" '^"^^"^'^ ^"^^^ ^he in E?an titr^ fiTrXh"""''^ ''"" °^ ^"^^^' ^^^^" ^^^^ sin^at^s!'^ rponld^M^^r '^^1? T"^l^ ^^ -" sufficient to sav that hJ T , . 7',. , .*'" Perhaps be to be the pattern of ym,l R ,. ,1, f '!?"''' '"'^ ^'' honour I ought .o'have fo?esS?ha.^h d'v nt^ShJ^Ltrt" ?"• pr.s.b^ young people to imagi„e\he™!elUr|P5.rab'?; ch'el™ "■'" *"' ™"" "s'-tly, sir," said Evan with a tight M^D^dTey' "'^Zs7:irl''''" '"■'""' '"-=•" '-^"'^i u-ey. I assure you I regret it with all ray heart. If ■(>■ m IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) k A {/ ^ ^ /. f/j 1.0 I.I 150 ^ us 1^ IIM 1^ 12.2 IL25 i 1.4 2.0 1.8 1.6 Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 \ ^V •1>^ :\ \ V '0^\^„ 4lf^.^^ 6^ %^4i. ,^ ^°^%'' K 1 1] 276 The Minister of State Still, pausing and looking keenly at his secretary, "I do not regard it as hopeless. It is yet possible, I think, to go on as if this had never been." "That is to say," cried Evan tingling insupportably, "you wish me to renounce what all men at all times have held dearest." "I wish particularly to avoid a scandal, Mr. Kinloch," was the response. "The word scandal, sir, jars on that honour of which you were good enough to speak," said Evan with a flash which the other did not fail to note. "You will do me the justice to remember that I am not alone in this matter, and since Miss Dudley is so closely concerned, might I suggest, sir. that she be consulted?" ss > , "We will lay that proposition on one side, if you please," was the austere reply. "Miss Dudley's father will in this mstance undertake to think and decide for her— and his decision is to be taken as final." Evan found it necessary to clap a tight curb on the rising spirit. "I am at a disadvantage," he said. "When the Jew in- sisted on having his pound of flesh he met entreaties and expostulations with the answer, 'It is my humour.' A mind made up is as a chamber with a barred door." "A very happy illustration," said Mr. Dudley, hardening perceptibly about the mouth. "If I have misconstrued, sir, I am sorry," said Evan. "But It seems I am denied appeal. Caesar judging in Caesar's cause may have prepossessions." "But Caesar's lieutenant in like case would be above them." Evan had it in the face and it made him wince. Nothing but a sense of its perfect fairness kept back the hot retort that leaped to his lips. "I am glad, however," Mr. Dudley proceeded, weighing his words with maddening deliberation, "I am glad we both perceive the futility of argument. It was not to argue— a contest in which, indeed, I should be no match for the rising hope of the English Bar— that 1 sought this interview, I hoped you would see the impossibility of what in a moment of infatuation you seem to have set your heart on. I even went so far as to flattr: iayself you might strain a point to oblige me ." The Oracle of Fate 277 of yours? I charged MrOuintl ^m/^'P^'V^^" ^ ^'«h ciate your goodness " ^"'"*°" ^^ tell you how I appre- "f wm^nnfT'"'^ faithfully," said Mr. Dudley sued e1 '.?u";r:m SI ^'^ :^^^ ^° y°- ^-e," pur- can come can deXv or arerTvT^^^ 'f '^^' nothing that ever happens, let me no? h.?.^ sense of obligation. What- is the black;st vke in ^L T^i °^ ingratitude. That attribute." " '" ^^^ calendar, the devil's worst "tehfnk"'si? iZ ^^^^'",-PJ'ed Mr. Dudley. slipping in the'inten^it'^o^f:eHng"o^£'°'" ^T'^^"' chair. "You spoke this min,? l^f^ J . ""^""^ ^^§^^ °f his reproach and ridicule Tf^K • r '"^^^"ation, a word of about one's mi'id as abotl on ' '"^^f^^t^O" to be as clear sense and faS agreed 1 keL' ''^''i'",''' *° ^^^^ ^very am infatuated I wfsh to LvoiH if 'H' *^^" '"^eed I are as water to a rock But— '^ '^°'^' ^^^"^ *° y°" loch!^purin^'^*r!)ity\t?n?"\^^^^^'"^^^ M- Kin- secretary's emotion^I'-lLTnornrwill^ Tain^^^^ ^'^ That in the words of a favourite aiT/hnroP^ ^^ '^^^^*^- merely feeding the wind and fonvTu'^ ^'?""' "^""^^ ^^ absolute simplicity I am not , nr^ ^^u^ P°?i*'°" '' ^ne of ter's sake, fJr my own for ZTT^^'- ^?' "^^ ^^"g^" willing, nay, I avow riy self "^anxour toT^.^K^^'^' ^ ^"^ bygones." ■'^ anxious, to let bygones be "If I thought Miss Dudley wished it " -c beginning. But Mr niiHi^,r "^^^"^^ ," Evan was listen. ^ ^'- ^"^^^y ^^s no longer in a mood to inJrupteT' ''Mr\"|^,o\\XT"'-"f ^'^^ ^"^^^y^" ^e tionofthelawtouchtfaf.Vhb ^'uf ^' "^^^^ "« ^Wi" I ParHeularly , JJ^^^^^tl^s rights^.^ ,,^^^^^^^ ^^^s^lJhT^^rro^^amf • ^^^^^ ^' -orted Evan, "Sin^ri amrcerto«idriT • ^^'^ ^^^ ^"^^^y- niy daughter to cease and detem/ne." ' ^^^^ '"'"''°"^ ^° i%A.. : 278 The Minister of State The arbitrary tone, so long repressed, but out at last, was to Evan as the flick of a whip on the cheek. "Then, sir," he cried, leaping up, "my answer is given in a word. Until I hear from Miss Dudley's lips that your mind is hers also, I am true to her in spite of laws and millionaires." ]That is final?" asked Mr. Dudley. "As final as will of man can make it," replied Evan. "Then of course you perceive it makes a continuance of our relations impossible," said Mr. Dudley with the cold- ness of fate. "I believe, sir, I am neither blind nor a fool," rejoined Evan. "Very well. Since you will desire to make immediate ar- rangements for leaving, a horse and trap are at your dis- posal as soon as you are ready. For the future I wish you all prosperity, and as to the past accept my thanks." "You can scarcely wish me happiness, sir," said Evan, struggling with a multitude of seeting feelings. "You can never be happier than I wish you," r^^oonded Mr. Dudley, his tone softening to a sudden tender "Be- lieve me I shall watch your career with unabatt. xterest. And now I must say good-bye." He held out his hand, Evan took it instinctively, wrung it, and without a word hurried from the room. CHAPTER XV Evan came to the interview determined at all costs to see Florence before quitting the house; he retired feeling that nothing short of actual violence would enable him to carry out his resolution. And even that might fail. For aught he knew she might be a prisoner under bolts and bars, as safe beyond his reach as if she lay in castle dungeon. In an}' case, as he was too well aware, her father was not the man to be thwarted in a project on which he had set his heart, a project, moreover, in which he had instant and absolute power. The thought that tyranny denied him that parting word was to the lover as a burning acid. By the eternal At at last, was er is given in ips that your of laws and d Evan, jntinuance of rith the cold- )ol," rejoined mmediate ar- at your dis- •e I wish you inks." " said Evan, >°* I," r'»-oonded ler "Be- att iterest. ;ively, wrung costs to see I feeling that him to carry For aught he bars, as safe 2on. In an}' not the man set his heart, and absolute that parting y the eternal The Oracle of Fate 270 powers, he would malr<^ th^r>. n • , fiercely planned a sTege the'^ "" l""^P ^^'i ^' y^^' ^nd as he ;Tlorence!" he said to hTmseT hf f"'^^ *'P ^' ^he door. For the sake of privacy Chad lnr^.Tl ''.'"^'"^ «*"'• was stiflF, and in his desperation li^"^ the door; the lock wrenched it oflF. When at las h. °^'!J S"''^''^ ^^ ""^^'^y holding his breathXre stc^^d-Mrn ''^!^ and looked out, nised him in the dim h>h7 vt^"'"^""' Evan recog- disappointment. '^^' ''''^^' ^ «"dden sickness of one d's'e.' ' 'C^'me'^^'itl?;/^'^ '^.^ 'T' ^^ -P-ted some Then recovering hi'msel "^elH'r ° hV^); '° ,^r^ ^° "^^ '' c^ef stick this time. Ymi see wh.; n. ^^^'^^^^ "^ in a He laughed a dry, bitter laLh Tr^^^P'^fyn^Ption brings." my tent in a cypj^ss "rove atd set^^n '"^ ^""'^^"^''^ '^ P'^ch my motto shall be clrchc'fafTmm! ^^Or ^^^.'^P^^^' ^"^ Absque argento omnia vaua^ MrZ [ "^^^^ '^^ ^O" ^o Eh, God, there's a great field " ^ ""^^'^^ ^'^^ ""'^'^ SO. M^Q^inTon." °' ''^^^^ ^^''" ^"^ -veet again," observed -eTL^^e?' r'tuTned^^^^^^ ^%^^^ Tfles will brine may be withonf c^u 1 ^', ^''' °"^ of these davs syllogism^bouTa gamt'on "of ba.n'"" '^"^P^°°f ^''^e thirst. The world changes a? it tT '^"^."^'^'"^ ^ man's no teacher like experienS ill ^'P'''\''^''^' and there is "Another lessonr^nqSLd Mr n^"'' ^''? .^° ''^^^^'" ness^he was far from feeling ^"'"*°"' ^"'^"''"^ ^ "ght- straightTthJSth:" jr.^"'hie^^^"-, y-^ Possnmus "I am sorry that all ^ over'"^safd Mr o'"".^ ''"^J''' his gay manner. ' ^'^ ^"^^ Q^^ton, dropping haZn^t TeLd'that allTover^Th""'' [^P"^^ ^van. "I hasty. We'll give ^e whie ".no^f conclusion is perhaps comes up. F.|«, /a Mr.rVorh n'/ /.."'" """^ '"' ^^^^ a cavalier wooef. So in tt wo^r^ "rthl^oTd so'ng^^^^ "'^^ tinisingTc'SmSt^^^^^ Turit^ ^^- ^"-^-' -- nothing rash." ' ''"^ ^ ^^P^ "^v ^iend will do 28o The Minister of State "Rash!" echoed Evan. "Is a man stretched on the bed of Procustes for nothing? I am resolved, sir, to make an idol of prudence. You see it is pack and skedaddle. Could anything be more prudent than that?" He began to collect his belongings, crifshing clothes, books, ornaments pell-mell into trunk and portmanteau. "Poor Tom's a-cold," he remarked. "It's a chilly thing, sir, to be out of favour." And when the operation of pack- ing was finished, "I have a kindness to ask of you. Mr. Dudley had the goodness to place a horse and trap at my disposal for the flitting. For myself Adam's grey mare will serve excellently. But one cannot very well turn oneself into a packman. There is the address: will you as my friend see that these trifles are sent after me when daylight comes?" "After you?" said Mr. Quinton. "You surely intend to wait for daylight yourself." "That were to make a child of utter darkness out of har- mony with his condition," replied Evan. "I will go into my native night" He stepped to the window and drew aside the blind. "Black as Erebus," he observed. "Not a star, not a blink of light anywhere for the reprobate, not so much as the outline of a mountain. How appropriate Heaven can be!" "You had better wait a little," said Mr. Quinton. "One would fancy, sir, you scented danger," laughed Evan. "Trust a son of the moors in disgrace among peat bogs even in the dark. If bogles and evil spirits turn up, why, they will be company. Once upon a time a country- man of mine taking a midnight airing among the hills en- countered the devil, and found him a gentleman. Such luck may be repeated. I must be off, sir, while yet it is dark- enough. In going thus, I do not break bonds with you?" "I hope the bonds will draw closer," responded Mr. Quin- ton with a sensation very unusual to him. "Thank you, sir: that is heartening going into the waste. I shall be waiting for you at Philippi. Meantime," button- ing his coat, "we bow before the omnipotence of fate and fathers, suffer ourselves as gracefully as may be to be sacri- ficed on the altar of Moloch. The house is asleep: you will see me out?" The door was quietly opened, the two passed softly along a corridor, through another door, and so into the night The Oracle of Fate f?"™'!'!'^ '""^ = ""'"'- trying to distinguish heaven' rely intend to ito the waste. ime," button- CHAPTER XVI w/thThf fS^ t° un^ttlr ^'^ ^" ^ --^ 'o consort heart. Nothing, irseemed fe.l vengeance strained at his the globe and Ihe fen Ta^sfic on n'; T^^' ^'"^^^^"^ «f scattered fragments conM I!!^ u?^ dancing among the the fury of bfffled stre„gfh'Sor J^e ^ f .-^^ wrong^For , .Happily a present nefess^v h5^ 5 .^'*'^**"'*^ "P^" him. his wrath." Outside GraS'-^^t'^ ? ^^^*^ *^^ ^'"^ o^ and the forest beslLs brg'blacfef tha^^^^^ i" *'^ '^^^^^' jungle of spikes and briars In fh.fi.^ Acheron was a chance and a headlong raS drnvl v ^'f ^^^ "^^""^^^ »"'«- thicket, in which he nea^L iTv'"" ^'^"^ ^^^ '"oad into a good half-mile he groped hke^he'hl'^f-K T^^"^^ ^^^ ^ crooked, hands stretched as ^"-h! ^ f' ^^^^ ^"^ ^^n^es ;n a kind of grinding Tmpofe„^^^^^ 'rh'^l' '"''l ^l^"^^^^ he edge of the wood but h^ wo!' ^* brought him to by the sudden ra?efyinl of th/.f "^^V^ *^" ^^^' '•^ther lightening of the ebon^n?iht 5^"^?^?^^^^ than by any tell the world might never h;v. ^^' ^! *'^^ ^y^ ^ould blackness. ^ "^"^^"^ ^^^^ emerged from primeval hi/'flermi^Ttti^^Cl'/^'^' *°.'^^" b^^^^h- However flung „phisTead"oncf^%:iSS^^^^^^^^^ ^",^,' -^ "^ funate stag escaped from th" chase R- """' ''^" ^" ^"■ he knew by instinct even Jf »^! il ^is surroundings « ght. From the valley "n which r"^ "°' ^,^^1^^" ^^^"^ by r>dge or top he was to criss thlr. ^'•^"^o^'lSb lay. to the 282 The Minister of State •'*i :. i-^Ak at half that length through the boggy heath; the corner of the wood marked the point at which the acclivity began in a humour to despise if not actually to seek perils, he struck out at a venture into the dropsical waste, and was soon trippmg and floundering among the tufty mounds, the sloughs and oozy channels in which the moor abounded sometimes he came incontinently to his knees, again he c utched at the heath and came out of a hole on all fours like a ducked spaniel. A very little time served to mire him to the middle. At the icy, treacherous clasp of the bog he could not help gasping a little now and then, but he carried netheH^° h °^ ^° ^^ ^°°^^^ ^^ ^"^ process of drenching the In a pause over a sudden shaking of the quagmire his eye caught a kind of quivering pallor in the east. While he watched a gleaming shaft cleft the black vault halfway to the zenith, leaving a hazy trail of grey, and he perceived that the world had still a horizon. In the same instant he became aware of mysterious stirrings all about, the stretch- ings and breathings it might be, of an innumerable multi- tude awakening from deep sleep, and a thrilling awe pos- sessed him. For It is a weird experience, thus in darkness and alone to have the hush of death broken by the sudden restoration to life of millions of God's creatures In the east the pallid heavens seemed to shiver as in cold Ihere was a vague twilight as if day and night hung in suspense at the parting. Then the milky suflfusion spread. Presently hill-tops, at times singly, at times in groups, be- gan to rise dimly out of the darkness, like the heads of resting swimmers from an inky sea. Another minute, and they were flashing as if silver gilt. A flush of orange played about the fount of light; extending, it turned to rofe, blazed m scarlet edges and plumes of cloud. Then there appeared a great triumphal arch, red as with the reflection of a mighty conflagation, and l°"K"Sr^'^ "P through night's wall, dense and dark, H-mbattled crags and douds outbroke the sun. The solitary watcher hailed it with a pagan thrill of exalt- ation. A mystic bond united him to the burning orb. Each o them faced the world alone, and there was a moral, stim- ulating at once to heart and soul, in all this glory bursting upon outer darkness. ^ The Oracle of Fate 283 clung^ofhe^oS^ofth^ though night still right, glimmering reflectk.ns frn^^ -^.^ '^°?f ^' *° ^ ^irth- fo mark the more promben^^^^^^ ^^y^" ^^P^ se'-ved ings, he found himself Cn the brntnf''' 1^^^^"^ ^^<^^«"- wall, at the bottom of which he "„M ^ '^'^'^"^' crumbling gleam of the black water Annfh f ^"'^ ''^^^^t the sullen over his head. Wit^a sho^k nf '^'P ^?^ ^^ ^^^ been in pit as one he had 1 fmself heled t^o^H-''-^'/^^^^"^ ^'^^ by Looking down, it came back n h'^T ^^"^ ^°"^ he had done his little best in .^ J^ ^'1" ^°w eagerly sun on the hil'-face above hoV?eol'"f "^u' T^*^ *° '^^ sffite Ills?? --^s- - gather bring. TheTde of itht fln 'i^'''" conspiring to- undation. The shadows aluLiHv"^ 7T'- ^ ^"""^ in- were vanishing with ghostly cefer tv 'th ^^'"^'^"^ ''''' swam in grey seas of mist an ffh. u^ mo"ntams still mer with tangles of clinging ^o samer'^f 7!t,^'''^ ^-^^'"^■ stirnng to the aid of thf s^n^nrtTi' ^"^J^^ ^^"^^ were ' whTn'tvfn^^ ^e tro?'th^rsi dt;"s ^'^^ ^'^ ^^p-- goS"dafhTd fXlmf ^S,-„^J ^— lich hill the well-beloved ^y/fn^^hi h wTtHucL dlut h V^'^ ^^^"' fished for pearls— glanced in pnH^Mf ^ ^^ ^^^ «« often meadows and patches of broodTnt ""/.^"'^"^ ^°°^« ^^^ see westward to its source amo"i'!u'*', "^''*- ^^^ ^ould Breadalbane. and eastward ThThV^f ^'^""^^^ ^1^"^ of of foam, to the plains bdownT^nfi J '\ P?""^^' ^ torrent example of the mannerin wh?ch fel ^V"*""'^^^^ "° ^ad m the habit of descending^non th' V "*'"^'""" "^^'^ ^"ce of them would descend a^n ' """'"'"'• ^nd some iieyond the river north an'^i array of domes. It wL hard "ven ?'' '''"'^^^^ ^ ^^^^""g ;ts proper name, burfrom out tlp ^ Tl'""^ *° ^'^^ each [^,?,.««vereign tops of Ben Vrac^e an^R ^' '^f ^ ^'"^^^^ hallion and Ben Lawers bv the t?n ? .^""^-^^o^' Schie- ctwers, Dy the kmgly lustre of their blaz- i:,'' ^^^ eternity." Evan passionately ° "''^' *^^"^ ^"^^^^ for it," returned The dominie made the circuit of the room You will undo that oath" /.« 1 S ^ , again. "It's traeic snni vf^t ^ Pleaded, facing Evan you must undo ! S^m= ^'"^ ^^^'""'"^ ^he prickl. Yes tines at the cost of his own"ifr%'''-f- ^ 2" '^' P^i^i^- i?^dtf-u^,f" -rj VtrLT?: ?-L-sij^i ''B^^yoTjS^ ^^^^^^^^^^ -Joined the dominie. CHAPTER XVIII though {hf/ame^" oSi'thf °^f°"^^>' P^-^ the bellows of Mrs. Proudfoot as L^ Porndge-pot licked the fingS she asked him to dL st but h'. h^'^'°"?^ '^''^- TwL from one who.was tTfo b 'c^s'obetd^^^ '" ^"^^^"^^'^"^ r^'^^^^^^^^^^ turned, her fur- "rtively wiping hfr hnn^ 0^' 'fn/'" '""^^T.'' ^^'^' there you are," she rnVH o„3 "^^,^Pfon. "Ah! hinnv but for fear of ZeZf^Tm :-TJT T^^^^-^ ^^".' merely took his two hands ^i W ^^^'- A' 't was she hard, looking wistfully in\'i^ Jace ''''Th'"^ ^'''''^ '^'^ eha.r as if he were a prince she ?n;„-^/".'^"'"^ ^''^ a 290 The Minister of State ^'^11 with a glance at the pot for her homely fare, hoped cities had not perverted his palate, and, almost weeping for glad- ness declared herself "perticularly" happy iS having him ms.de her door. To her, indeed, he was little less than a saviour, and many a time when her son openly admired she secretly worshipped. If the prayers of a grateful mother and widow availed, Evan had been blessed above any in the land. "I thought I put on the kettle, Mrs. P.," observed the dommie, with a look at the bubbling pot ^ "So you did dearie, so you did," owned his mother. But I just set It down a wee thinking maybe Mr. Kinloch would as soon begin wi' the drappie porridge in the old way. The cup of tea will come after." "I am glad you have done that, Mrs. Proudfoot," re- marked Evan. .^7u^'^' "^ ''^" ""'i^^ *^^ °^^ '^^y' straightening her back and beaming in pleasure. "I'm a great believer in the porridge What is it Burns says? The halesome parritch chief of Scotia's food.' Robbie must have liked it " Ihey wrang him sair or there were things Robbie hked a heap better nor porridge," put in Lauchie with a knowing wag of the head. dominie!^" ^°" ^ *^'"^ ^^ ^^^^^ ^'^^ P°''°"'" '^'^ *^^ ''What was that?" asked Lauchie. Bletherers," replied the dominie resn^n;.^"''R "^'^^ ^■?l^ °', ^^^^^'''' ^^^ ^^^ unabashed Man, I d like fine till have kent him. Kindred speerits. as the sa^m is; ay, faith, speerits an' kindred in mair ways nor aiie. When I was younger than I am noo-time slips S-^W^ '^ "" "'' mem,'' grinnmg upon Mrs. Proud- toot, that same was ane o' the sorrows o' David, am telt T m!l ^s a. wheen years younger an' fit for the thing, I made what the heathen ca' a pilgrimage, that's another name for worshippin' o' idols an' strange g)ds, fiddlhi' mv way sooth frae Edinbury just for the pride o' getthi' fou l^cf"J'n' ?w V !^^''^^ '' ^^' ''"^"'' ^"t I can feel the taste o that whisky in my mouth yet. They're erand drmkers m Dumfries but as touchin'lthe poetr/ o' Bourns they ken as muckle o't an' care as muckle for't as my auld e, hoped cities eping for glad- in having him tie less than a penly admired of a grateful blessed above observed the d his mother. e Mr. Kinloch Ige in the old roudfoot," re- tting her back eliever in the ;ome parritch, ked it." hings Robbie auchie with a on," said the ^le unabashed s health ance. dred speerits. in mair ways >o — time slips Mrs. Proud- avid, am telt. "or the thing, hat's another s, fiddlin' my o' gettin' fou can feel the hey're grand try o' Burns, 't as my auld The Oracle of Fate 291 ''Ye W 'IL IhTAf'l ^'■^^^^^ ^^^ dominie. Lauchirsweetly '' ''"' '^' ''""'^ ^^^^ay, mem," said Prl'ukTL!SV::i ^Ih mtTa'nTl!"! ''° ^^" ^^^ pressing him to eat an ^^^ i- ^,^^ ^^^^ ^^ » mother; tween thiles askTn/ nueTttn ^ ^T'^^ ^^ ^^'"e' and be- whichisgreate?thTlRT, °"' ^r?°"' "^^^ "^'^hty city mair fowl Z t than aftv Z ST^' f'" *°'d' ^"^ ^'^ ticularly wished to knmv ? ^^^- ^^o^^and." She par- judges were kept very bus; LrT^' P^^i^^^nen, Ini "ay fu"; and on beiL f/rn,she7 ' ^' ^•^". ''J^^^^'' ^^'^ sighed plaintively thar ''thTs 1^ . 7u "•'7''"^^ ^^^^'^^'^s judgment which Lauchienromntw" T^^^ ^°^^d'" ^ ofthemorningwalkanLcP.n i^ ^r''^"^^"'"^^- I" spite the bakm' as ever, mem. No a las?1n *u ^' ^°°'^. ^* comes near ve " Ht<; tnn,r» , ^" *"^ countrys de may be said^of a member ^"hicrn ^°°^^^^°?' ^^ «o ^uch to be bound. Genial wfth ^nL ,° ""^^ ^^^ ^ve'' ^nowh rebukes and sarcasm Ts a £.? f^7' ^'^ *°°^ ^he host's But he carefully treasured thl'' ^°' '^°""dless merriment, another time, for Lai'chl rlr^ 1 '!!T°7 °^ ^^^"^ against , The domim-e wa moodv al ^u ^S'''?' ^^ '^^'^Se. little, sat with a dark bTow a^nrf . . ^^^^-^t^^O'-bed. He Ite save when he explodedlike a fSSF"""'''^ T°"?' ^'^^"^ Lauchie. His mother Hanr^rl .f v "P°" ^^^ babbling there was troubl? What 1 1' sh"^ "-'' '^"''^' ^^' ''"'^ durst not ask, but his face I^ffn!, """u'"^ T^* §^"^«S' and He seemed lo;t in a kind of w "^^V^t of its existence, others talked, his eyes woumI.? '^^'"^■- Suddenly, while Evan, then a sudden ydron Ind'^ '"/" '"^"^^ ^^'^ ^P^n [ull of pain and pity A lern'on oT.!" '''t!° ^' ''^^'^ ^^^^'» him from the pas?, a'nd as hTrr^ed w^h \V"?H^' "P°" bciore hnn that horrible blackne^rfho! "" ^I'V'^ ''"^^ ferno, which still had oower f^ ' ^^ ""speakable In- shudder to his marrow. ^ Great Gr'^tl fll ^^'"^"^ '"an bHndlyupo^th^----f-^ 292 The Minister of State ,'-H-, %■ ! the arch-fiend himself lies in wait. He leaned im hnf ..n^ quivenng all over; then discovering what'he' ifad it pr"e BreaH^r''^ ^°K ^^"^^^^'"g^ ^'^'ch was not in the room. Breakfast over he convoyed his favourite to Pitweem In token of good fellowship Lauchie avowed his intentTonTo "it' 0.^r^'".^ ' ^' '^'' ^°"^'"'^ P'-^^^^ discourteous, ihe yueen s highway is an open road," he said "Trot after"'?,. wV.^"' ^°" '^^^" ''''^'^ ^o before us or foHow fn^.W V^'!u "'' "°* ^ ^'^P'" And Lauchie being coni^ • he'l'nterta^^^ t"^'^^^^ ^^"^^^^ ^^^^"d' ^^^-S^ at long range ^ ^'"^ "^ ^ ^"''"^^" °^ '■^"^^''ks a J^^ ^timely appearance of the visitors set Pitweem agog Has ening to the front as general in command ' Ussoeth h?iTl '° "" ^''''^'^'y ^^^^^h included Ten and &se of X^. ''Pr'"^^ ^' ^^'""^^ ^' '^'^'^Sh of dav oecause ot the man whose charity burned in his nose hn ^rfeJ'""' T "^'"^r^?""^! their ''muckle esp ckT voTng i^A t .^^".l^^-'ng I'ke "a mitherless peewit" on the moor and forthwith took him to the dominie's as Venra?est haven of refuge and port of supply. Twice he reoeatec urnedon h^n 7, beginning again when the dominie ^Iam- ' ^^^^^ *"^ pounce of the angry lion on the meddhng cur; yet Lauchie was not visibly put out .«/ dominie got oot o' bed owre early this morning awav '^He^r""? Sf'C ^'' ^"'^^^^^^ di^screetir/dging away. He 11 get the better o't, though We'll sp? In hfrplTor "'"^ ^°°*''' '^ "°^^^^ ^ff'^iy to Evan%nd and iTh^ toZlifn.'^' ^°°' ^''' ^^^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ -- iJhJri'f^'^ ^"^ ^^ "? clyping," he said almost fiercely to the ortun? or'^trfohl'^f ff-' ?'°"^ "^P'^^^'^ had the mi - mind";ou: mui^lVrwoid "^"^^ "^' '^^^^^'^ ^-"^^^- ^"^ grg widT they SS."^ ''' °^" ^^^^'•^' ^^ ^ ^^« ^yes Dudley?" he asked. "Yes, Miss Dudley. Neil whistled in sheer admiration. high flier'. "' ' *''" ^°^''" ^' '^'"^ ""''^^ ^ "^""^^^- "He s the ed up hot and had done pre- )t in the room, i to Pitweem. lis intention to iscourteous. lie said. "Trot us or follow e being com- ehind, though de of remarks set Pitweem in command, ided Neil and kreigh of day his nose — he peckit young on the moor, 1 the nearest he repeated rtist loves to the dominie y lion on the out. lis morning, eetly edging Ve 11 see ye 3 Evan, and * by the arm ;rcely to the lad the mic- rouble. But as his eyes "He's the The Oracle of Fate 93 ca.^£&o s I"-: r;- -,tf ?^e' ;^^! heaveJ'anf falld d"fn Z'' l^ '^"^ P^°P'= =^' '=>"'- what that means?" °"'"' P'""' ^"^ "nderstand ;;l think so," answered Neil dubiously. said\hrdomi„Ye.'°.^eirr Sette™ '"'" =" "■^"''■" tween Mr Dudlev J/^' ^^^':^ ^ been an encounter be- me,!?tacC "^d^^e "^.B^u"t' T' ^"1, f ,"'='' i-a^out added quickly "Oh av Fvl^ "■?, u'^ u''' ^" >■«'•" >>e will get things as if the JA.m ""■" '"'' ^^^ That laddie "You e-reS hit K,- °'^ ™'^ ',"^' ™de for himself." "how°s"hf go n^'i hTe hlTolV''^^""""'! '^^'^^-^'y- ficht enuy H?,,. .° y°" '<"°«' what it is to and trf°J to t?row itTBlTi="'-f '"°"'=>' ">- '"e throa" laddie's hea°d; asTu^e's v^o'^Vel' k rrid''er'n& " f' H sf -d ^nfo^i y?.narnl£f V ^^V^^ be ennticrf, f,^ foil ^-1 aamned nods and winks. There'll rje enough to talk without you. Deaf hlinrl ^,i«,k ki i i ^::^^ c^oi^;=Stl"pi^'>tiu uVTa'r; 'o^K 'X^heiifrr^^^^^^^^^^ father and son wenf^/,™"eft°er' "" "^^""^'^ °'-«'"- called afte°rthem'°and'he7„'" ""e evening," the dominie Tu^~ i-nem, and he too went his wav Wm oTh"rs"ecr:f P Shetal'-'; ',?*, ^^" /^'^^ ^^ P'*ed tions, ^""^ "^' '"" °f wonder and exclama- ^X wi'tt «,1''dS!rsEva^';[;;°b"^''^ ?/ "•.\"?' asses like David and Sotomon »d"o 1'%'? ' n^en' tha? ^vlli make foo s of themselvpc A«, T t , ^" '^"^^ what for God will mak? pXa.t" ll " ' "" "°' ''"°" ni Jd'^s 7o7e,rpe°r;iS:dt' h^ff"''." «-P-.ing,y. stead of trying to acrnnnf 7 ! ^°"* '''^""■"' •"« ■"- matters whicl Is t ore"dl'^L':'lf,°he prblX^o^'S •h .1 . I c 294 The Minister of State ?t^reTrS^^S^:S/Th?^ ^f^ ^- enlightenment, brother's confidence The IkH.•,,'^ ""' ^" ^^"'^^ her wroth with Mr. Dudley hooeHh^c^^'"^'' "^^^ exceeding good, that this was not the snrfnf T"'J '^^"'^ ^° ^'^^ fall, and, with flailing eve and L/ f!:''''.*''^^ ^^"^ before a he would be sorry yet ^ She wJ f r'^P"'' P'""^'^^^^ with the rejected because he d?H "°^^ httle wroth also condemnation. ^ "^'"^ ""^^ ^ven join in the if I^wTsn't^ ylf sL7er "jr^'TlK ^^ '^'^ ^^-^ "and anything toT wh you ^' thin ^if ''n^ ly^"^^"'* have after all. You'll nevl L [ T^ ^'- ^"^'^^ ^^s right next minute she was bTgg^^'/h.^ t T' '' ''^^? ''''" The there were as good fish fn the .?n ^^^ "P ^'^ ^^^'^' ^ince "Yes," said Evan 'WK "^ P ^''^'" ^^me out of it. they'll be landed In shoals " °"'^ '° '^^* °"^'« "^^ ^nd littfe' a?te"r dusk'\rdThr; '''' '^'"'"'^ ^^"^^ for Evan a of the sombJf Cds Thr^rr of"^ ^^°"^ '^ ^^^ ^^^' was in the sky the balm«^f . °^ "^^'""^ autumn stars ripe corn, of apple and br.n^M"'"";,"r°t"'"« °f hazel and still air, and thrfa"ofr nni^c of^ ^'"^^^^^^-were on the enchanted hush. ForT wh P.h ""-^"^ ^^^^'' "^ade an without speech. Hal?'an-hour fh^ f "" ^^""^ ^^^P ^""^ step then, all at once in the b.Vh. /''""* communion lasted; tion, where none could snv^unon.h ^^'"^l^'^^^ ^' Planta- «P fronting his companion^ T l^T'.*^^ ^^"''"•e drew zled face, softening its Z^ednnH'''^'^^'il^ °" ^'' g"^" mistily bright. Itished^^^n ^"thart'h ^'^ '''' ^''' of age in the grey fio-ure and hjf) 1^* f^^^^ ^^""e signs energy characteristic" of thrH-^-'^'* '"^^*'^- ^he fierce said Mr. Proudfoot bre" Wnl t^ *.*"" *■'' h'PPened." laddie, laddie! 'tt.n^t^yVr^^r 1''°"'''''- >"' the preacher .o.l.^'^.'Z^r^Zl '^S^^'^^t^ ".i?!-.',''. '-i'l'.^^T'i^Szt^^^;^ enlightenment. be denied her was exceeding would do him it went before a olour, predicted ttle vvroth also en join in the old him, "and wouldn't have dley was right lis rate." The his heart, since me out of it. one's net and !d for Evan a e by the edge autumn stars 5 of hazel and —were on the ters made an step for step lunion lasted; ig fir planta- iominie drew I on his griz- lis eyes were re were signs • The fierce to have died d to imagine Ig hand was I form, winter even- ne of him?" happened." ►lights, "and n not going become me. that's what .^ery chance The Oracle of Fate 295 ''H; tried '' r.'l T'J^y^'-'' ^"^"^ ^"d counsellor." tie tried, said the domin e "he triprl R.,f u^'c you as my own soul? We soeak hp«f r^f are nameless trifles-children's gauds and battles Th^ t. You remember what I wrote at our first oartinJ "t^ u;."l°Ts"alf I'a:,!''.?^'-""' """^ °' "- mas.e^r^;rhLaI° it was wT"' "™'' "''"■ "8'"^'' 'he master's face, and burning r^ht hand ^"^ "'"""" ^ ''"■•'' ^van gave a END OF BOOK III. i BOOK IV. THE BOOK OF JUDGMENT Anthony and Cleopatra. The Wisdom, infinitely wise lliat gives to human destinies 1 heir foreordained necessity Thaiwhe'.r '"^ ""^'^ fixed below 1 Jian the alternate ebb and ilow Of fortune and Adversity. CHAPTER I ^^r^uTlrfXl^^^^^^^^ was to .as- kicking his heels alnV Idle or 'h'.TP''V^f^^^^^""y while waiting the nod of^trona^e &^'^ .J""^^^« grain and the reverse of ]urroi?^ lu ^^°"&h against the sionally amusing For in"^Il^^^'/^^/^ercise ^«« occa- the brilliant Unbriefed mad/i ,-° M ^'^^^^^nt of pence, by devouring huge quantlfie, Jf -'^^ ^^"^' twitting Fate gaily appointing themTelve to^l^^^ .P"^^^"^ and formality or esfentiaT training ^ n °^''' ^'*^°"* ^^^'^^' held firmly to one card^nLl ar'^icle ^^S^ S"^^^/ ^^^^ ^^^ ing contempt for all seniors from fv! •/, ' *? ^^*' ^ ^^ath- the Woolsack to the K ' rernH '""^^"°"s beadle on outsider admitted o their rnJfii"'^^'" ""^P *°°k silk. An how, in an enlTgh ened '^^^^^^^ that all desirablf posts Ve?e held CT^f^ '' '^"^^ '^ P^" -St with brazen f^ces Zl P^lU^i^c^of ^^^^^^^^^^ MENT ? stand atra. w was to mas- of gracefully 'yed juniors against the e was occa- it of pence, ntting Fate udding and lout tedious d, they yet 'it, a scath- 3 beadle on ^ silk. An : marvelled ne to pass idmothers, f law, who, The Book of Judgment 297 sTerHn^'i"''' 'T'''^^ ^fP'" *^° ^o ten thousand pounds d /tl undlr's and^'^Th"^ unintelligibly about wh?t they myste?^X the dtn J ''' T' ^"' °"^ ^°^»t^°n ^^ the ' WaffV' / 1 . • ^'^P'^nsers of patronage were fools. releZntW 'Lt^'^'u ''^'^''cd another, somewhat ir- can t he kick away the bushel and reveal his liX like anv ui uieeaing, and none of your fine screwed-uo snout<; W^ i|Sf^pnMJf^ trw-|°L«H liberty to blow our own horns " ' commemer "^io'""'"^ ^°"" ' ""^ ' ^'-" -* "e by," It \yas a sore trial to many a Cicero anH PJff ^f tt • e r Mn«"f5," ""'' "^«»»"i«s of the profession Z the varying °h'e IskTvX,'""?'^"' '°. 'A'^' and dawdle Quintor?emember"d hta ma?ke^d 'wS, . "ffj^^- '^'■ vincible ardour and patie"ceT„^rvim * .?S ' '^ fd^^and '"fe 298 The Minister of State It' f I,! illi * i III .0 se, foot in fieW?a™?y t:;'ofXl."r ^n^H'T"'''.''^" England's Palladium-the Press ThJ n"'?'"^"*^ ''""''"' which as yet meant r,Jhil„^,!i 4"^ Oxford reputation, here. His Record DasserifrL \?"' '"""^ ''™ ^ «"le who could teach Hebrews 7A°"'\"'."'°""'' """l editors a double-first on thdr staff M A^ "= ''"""^'^ »' •'='ving of Balliol hastened to thm, • lu .2""'°" ™<1 'he Master copious CMitributions to t'hV^""' '."""'""^ y<=' ''« "•=' «"'' '"i' Streef'^at"t"he'"haggar"tw; Tctu'^'T''"'' "'«■ F'-' fellowship with SslVntt^rat^ s-orrofraJt^ The Book of Judgment 299 iSISl ".'S- ■*= ~E newspaper offic rlt li e'""L'°°" ' "= '''».!Pl"'"ies of a acce|aLe of th% Tbfe Xor's^l^ri JKr^ilsTneSrof eSLmined ht sel J h ^":?^'-«"%"^°°ds Evan sometimes publisher. The TmLent ulru^^"'^"^ •'* ^° ^" ^"^^"^nt reviews TnJ'Snv^ed .Tons h'? ^"""'d^'o-cating written a book ^"'"O"*- " was something to have "In'^wTek" ■'' ' '"' '°^ ^" ''"^-''" he ventured to ask. Ioole7g"ravf " ""' ""^ ^"'"'^ °' "'= «"S"= '"gether and giveins'Vuc°i'o,s'tosSa DoinT "TfT"^ ''T ^ »"' weeks from to-day-betweerf Tr^T V''.!'T, *^''''' ""-ee the afternoon." "''"een three and half-past four in clililSg to'lcceM'^fftorfM;?' '° 'T.' *' =P^" >»■ de- dose of the wet blanket ' '"'°"''^''' '° administer a fin'^r^to^hi: S'i;i^i„— ^lr?S t'h'^ demand for novels esnppi'aihr k ^u • S^^^^'^' that the novels, especially by beginners, was never 300 The M»nister of State ■I so; bad as it is to-day. I cannot make out, I am sure what Ihe novice s cue vyas to regret this unhappy state of affairs but instead he fatuously observed that fiction seemed to be pretty well represemed in publishers' Sts and. as if that were not madness cnough^uggesIed hat' every novelist, even the most brilliant Snd pEr mus at some time have made a start. Ah! possibly. ^C paTron of genius rolled his eyes as if to indicate how cha?min^ he found innocence in a sophisticated world, rose sm7ing^ and so accomplished the process of bowing out Sfs fiTlfoViratuTe/^^^ '' ' ''''' -^-"- upon^the^ gU?u': tMr^^n'^"^"^ ^^ *^,^- ^""^ °^ ^^'■^'^ ^^^^' the neophyte re- turned, to receive his manuscript and a note declining the ^T '^-^P"^^''^'"^ '^' ^^^"^ the hands of a haughty y^outh with a h.gh manner and a pimply face, whose office ifwas to dispose of the unlucky aiuateur. Thereafter the master- piece went up and down "The Row' to be kicked in rota ion by the conscript fathers. When, by reason of dh-t and atters. It became unfit to wander in decency^ went head u^uT/ ^'""^ ^"^ ^^« P'-^sently forgotten But tiW which had ever a trick of malice, one day brought i forth again Many things had come and gone in the interval but he eminent publisher still sat in his room pStlv awaiting a chance to encourage genius, and nS^icingtha^ fame was beginning to concern herself with a certain name Mr'"l?[nIoch ' Vr' '''''\' ^° P"b^^«h ''so "thrn^by Mr Kinloch So the novel, after passing Lu.'r.4 the hands of a clerkly copyist, was sent to hir l? -a" charmed with it thought it could not miss la.ka.g a hft and was profusely glad to be the means of givin- such a work to the world. The response made the good man lay the sin of cursing on his soul. "■^ir^'"".' °^'"'°" °^ ""^ '1°'^ ^' curious," wrote the author, >".. ; f? "ou may remember, you once declined the book a :^%r. ^;^^- ^-^ J^flbeen added or ahi!^'^ can ..c- e , aave imo-oved by mere process of time, your flattci^ea are puzzling, 1 am inclined to thmk you- fr't nothing would induce me to publish." And this Johnsonian hrust delivered, the novel went back among dVsty papers to be rewritten should Heaven ever grant suffiS iSe ;e I am sure, what to read fiction." nhappy state of 'ed that fiction publishers' lists; suggested that 1 popular, must bly. The patron how charming d, rose smiling, ving out. His on the glorious le neophyte re- :e declining the haughty youth ise office it was ter the master- kicked in rota- son of dirt and f it went head- en. But time, rough t it forth n the interval; oom patiently 1 noticing that certain name, om -thing" by • Luro'.i'ji'i the ^- -i^v vas J.idkuig a hit, giving such a be good man te the author, ;d the book as iltered, and it of time, your nk your first consideration is Johnsonian dusty papers, icient leisure. The Book of Judgment For the present, however, there was no demand for nnv els written ,n the heart's blood of a novice, and^ournalisHr a ly . was sore grinding in the Philistine' SveT^^^^^^^^^^^ ous as were pence, it was more by way of experiment th;.,, for the nugnificent guinea a week tU heTcTpted U^e "loer^Lf''?.^ sub-editor on The //ar^mV. a^ week v ii^^ exa?trnS ^'1^'°"' '^'^"^^' ^''' ^"d lite;ature '' I,^ knees nth??" ^' ""'.^ '"^^ ^^°«e touch with the free lances of the profession. No later than the evening- on which he took office he had the honour to receive a visi^ reyra%hufflrn.%Pai?';F""^ ''^""l^' ' gentSr ^it^h^a' reu eye, a snutHing gait, the raven throat of chronic alrohnl ism, manifold odours, mostly stale, and apS that was ragically eloquent of better days. Though the man ^n tcred smiling broadly, he had for greeting a g un^ and a I'l^tT ^T '^S ^''' sub-editor, who^knew him and a b ank stare from the second, to whom he was a s Sn^er T2I mZt' '^P'"^' \^^"'^^ impre:ation'on7eo: stairs and rP,io^''^j;-' "^ ^^''^^ ^'^^^^ ^^ abominable hid f; on 1' ^T y'"^ ^'' f "'^^' "^P'^s« silk from his head 'V w°sh t^o rn/'P' M^'^'-^^'^^ '^' sub-editorial hand.' 1 wish to God you'd mind where you lay vour hat Bertram," growled the senior sub-editor,^ffing?n^g It a IHm ton niee""nh '"''"' ^'.^ to improve the condifion of nw irom tne Moor. My dear Smith, you need a tonir T R^ poetry and etceteras that need not now be mentiined Ynu r' tvtwet ^'?;™™'.'n Coleridge, who abolds in these may so express myieIfr„t,'st^ai;Tvste oT'n^o r^r'Ss / W r",""! '^■•"'- ,*>■«■•«• "ay I ask, do o„r.Ut mate" »°P« ''«?^ Among the stars, those 'patincs of brieht eold ' as the subhme William has it. 'Twinkle, t3e ^htt sta„ ah me! sweet memories of childhood. The perfumed I . i '.if Ml I i] ill; ■ * ( f ' 302 The Minister of State Tnd thfrr "^y ^^^.^J^' I ^^^"^ to smell the honeysuckle and the rose. Forgive me, gentlemen, for being poetic in the presence of sub-editors. The point is that" /wept ^hnffl?' "'#^t through at the thought of young Dombey ^^^^^f- f'^ "'°'''^- '°'l- ^^^^^"^ k"^^ how to tap the cistern by Jove, sir, in drawing water he could knock fjp?%;;°^ '"'° ^ ^^'^'^^^ h^^ tl^'« the best patent squeeze-the-sponge ever invented. No' many tears left sir when he's done with you. He jusl turns^he spigo and there you are-flowing, helplessly flowing." ^ ^ You wept? said Smith contemptuously. ^1 am not ashamed to own it," answered Mr. Bertram My eyes vyere wells, springs, fountains, streams, rivulets," what you Ike, and my nose, sir, was not unlike a spout L?/tf ffv ^ ''^'''?^'^' •'^°' ^' >^°" ^°"'d be, Smith, if^you were to take a week's airing among the girls on Brighton beach-prettiest girl I ever saw was on Brighton befcli- golden hair, dark eyelashes, blue eyes, pouting mouth pTa'c^ wTh'^ie'ai"ui!^e^^^^^^ " ^- ^' ^'^ ^^^ "^^ ;;pare say," muttered Smith, without lifting his head 1 have not learned your friend's name yet," said Mr Bertram, bowing to Evan. Smi^h""^ ^^\ S't^/^^^\ should you learn it?" demanded bmith. But It's Kinloch. Fire ahead." You have sometimes an abominably offensive way with you Smith," retorted Mr. Bertram. ''Come to leave your foo print|^ on the everlasting flint?" he inquired, lurS back to Evan "Well, there's no God in Fleet Street and d httle style. Jot that down on the tablets of vour memory; ,t'll save you from wasting your afTectbn' on . "Dry up!" broke in the senior sub-editor, who was vic- iously scoring an archbishop's speech h.-ZS'/^^' y°H>Jnsulting," said Mr. Bertram drawing? to Evln ^'V ^' ' ^'^"'l^- nH"?^ y°"' s'^'" he went on And?.; J°"/u?'"^ C^od forbid I should malign you. ' And yet when I bring in a par— a linelv written thino-^cV kliot'wfth"'rTi satire, huniour, style and "all tha?' the Idiot with the blue pencil knocks all the sense out of it. What do you say to that?" editln^* '*' ^'""^ ^°' ^""^ *° ^""^ P"^ •" the senior sub- Ue 1 the honeysuckle for being poetic nt is that I wept f young Dombey ew how to tap the he could knock the best patent many tears left, turns the spigot, wing." •ed Mr, Bertram, streams, rivulets, t unlike a spout, be, Smith, if you firls on Brighton Brighton beach- pouting mouth, go I'll take your ting his head. e yet," said Mr. I it?" demanded Pensive way with ne to leave your iquired, turning ^leet Street, and tablets of your ur affection on r, who was vic- ^rtram drawing •," he went on uld malign you. "itten thing, sir, id all that, the sense out of it. the senior sub- The Book of Judgment 303 ; Jk "^J^T^^""^' "^^"^ ""^t"'" i-esponded Mr. Bertram beseech- mgly. 1 have brought you just a trifle. Do look over it, and pass it on to the chief. I'm as hard up as a curate with a dozen of a family; if you'll excuse the word, bust- that s about the size of it." He took out a threepenny bit, and twirled it on the table. Ihe whole bank account," he said apologetically. "If three gentlemen can get a brandy and soda each out of that, pubs are places of dreams. May I presume so far as to be indebted to you?" bending towards Evan. His eyes g earned ravenously like a beast's as he picked up a two-shillmg piece. A "P*"!/' ^^ .'^'■'^^- "I J^"ow just the place to go to " And as the invitation was declined, "Well, I must be tod- H n"c?; ;l^°"'" ^^^^ PP'^'J smashes me up," he added, nod- ding to the second sub-editor, "I'll cut your liver out. Ta l^th al^ar^ noT; of sonS "" ^^^"^""^ '°"" ^^^ ^^^'" CHAPTER II One busy evening at The Harbinger office Smith tossed a bundle of papers, consisting chiefly of delicately perfumed notes, across the table to his colleague "Some more society rot," he said in the tone of chronic irritation peculiar to the sub-editor who has long struggled with the vanity and verbosity of his race. "Lick it into oter U°"J '"1 ^°"'* ^/ ^^'^'^ t° ^""^'^ the stuffing out of It. We haven't room for a tenth part of that gas " H-van set to with great heartiness to knock the "stuffin-" out, working havoc with many an eager hope "of seTf- mlrrT.r''"' V^' ?r°"^^- ^^^ was proceedfng at his ZIT Tk '^^^\^l ^^ °"^^' ^^ P^^sed with a sound that was half gasp, hal groan of pain. Smith, bristles all on end looked up quickly, and the vicious blue pencil dropped from his startled hand. ^ S''' ■ hi, !. ■' 1 prospect of a rise of half a crown— it makes me dizzy. I cannot endure it; I want to breathe." "And what do you intend to do?" asked the practical omith. *^ "For one thing, trust in Providence— that's orthodox, l^or another, try to keep my powder dry. If a caravan were startmg for the desert to-morrow I'd ask leave to join It. As It is I will presently follow the illustrious Sam- uel s example and take a walk down Fleet Street. Smith It s the most wonderful street in the world; its very stones are sacred to truth and genius. The street of jocund spirits and the flowing bowl. My good Smith, you'll select a sub- stitute and successor in the great office I relinquish. I dare say you 1 find candidates thicker than autumn leaves in the brooks of Vallombrosa. Let the lucky one have the guinea and his predecessor's blessing. And apologise to our revered proprietor for this unconstitutional mode of severing our connection. I'll remember him. When you in the exercise of your discretion let him in for libel I'll to the rescue. If any of my belongings lie in the office, add another score to the debt I have already incurred by send- mg them to me. -^ "Are you not going to look back again?" asked Smith, ?< A ^'^'■i^ed than ever for his friend's head. * As I'm a living, rational man, never, Smith. Nothing would induce me to enter that famous portal again. The Harbinger is too much for me; I discovered that to-night Ihe blue pencil is for stronger hands than mine " m..Ti V ^2^ ^/^''^^^J laughing, but there was no merri- ment at his heart. Kinloch, of all men in the world, to be foSurBedTam.^ " '''^ ^^h'— ^^-^ could be nothing SfrT;';; ^^7u^^^ • ^^ banqueting-haH the Strand and Fleet Street had fallen into the lull which comes to the tumult- uous City for a little once in twenty-four hours. The sky was bright with stars, the moon glistened on im- memorial roofs, and the dome of the great cathedral, Eng- land s chief treasure in stone, loomed in the arch of ni-lft solemnly a^/alting the sun. The gas lamps had effects that were partly weird and partly farcical; the tramping policemen ^vere ludicrously out of place. But the spell ol m Hazier'''''''' "" "°^ "P°" ^^^ ^"^-^''-^ te kes me dizzy. I ^ ^' J^^^icej drilling an obstrepSms scholar to !'"" «^'^o?l"?aster was ' He, a Jack-in-the-borbarSr .,'^"'' °^ ^'^ ^^^^rts. to his 'name, to be hftiW h f ' ^'^\ ''l'"" ^ ^^^P^nce Leonard Dudley, fi^ancef and M? ^ %l ^^"^^t^'" ^^ cackled sardonically at he nrl 1 ^?^ ^^''^^ ^ates the man, Langham^of the nornrPu^^V ^angham was of his father, a^milHona re Wei?' sit' i^'"^'^" *'^ T maidens who live for ever ^f«^ ? ' honour to the created in jest, wha? mattered i? ho t^" ""^ '^''^ ^^^« Divesting himself of^hnf In 1 "^ *^^ P^PP^^^ danced? determined^to driye away the^hrTl^" '^^ ^°^" a&^i". and that dire ParagraX tool ,1 '^w thou|hts in letters a thSdToM'magSd 'lis7n'"- "^"''^ ^'^^ quakmg horror, he be^an nr^r.Z \ ^'"^ ^" ^ sort of . ':Mr.^Kinloch,''%eTaid°?rirs"l Xd '"'. '^^^^ • sitting on your nerves; look out t" ' '"""^ °"^ '^ all monaf nis° bI^ wtnTe''^ '^^ ^" ^'^'^^ ^^ ^-^et hot aching eves as it p eked ou^^tl"^- . ^1 ^'^^^^^ ^'^h chaos of chiL'meypots SL the steeples, smote the over leagues of huddled roofs Hr\'-' ^^f^"^^"^ ^'•'■°ws ably squalid the richest ckv in ^K ^^^f?' '^°^ inconceiy- relentless lightl ctd^ GoT/"mfn^r In^TL^ i^.^! The Book of Judgment 309 Hs^rmund?'' ^'^'°"r ^"^ ^°"W presently ^!Lhu ,"^"."^^1' and go forth to plunder every man his neighbour in order to munch the more. Achi it was enouth to give one the disgust of Gulliver with his kind °"^^ ^t. Jr^aul s alone had some degree of congruitv T^ r^^r.A ?J.T,'",^ sing-song voice old wives" aWes about *; ?°.Zfdoi°Zf *' '■°°' °f •="' ^"'- And the mo e he secured of that same root wh ch he denounced with Ir. brojf:;;a\tr,^,°;;;rge;^?e^/r' '"' ^^""' '^^^ --" drf^;XanXtX'^d°L^o^hi°n'/lta^nf^^^^^^^^^^ tt '^e^f^'es's-S t ^"? '■^^<' ™J-^'^" "-™-^ o-rLn f i! .u , ^'"ds a"<^ running waters the fra fXrTco?de"d't"d'" 'T"'^°^ ^^^ hor^^^'but'was' fai h- he cron. th. =.^ "."^"^r ^"'^''' "^^^ ^°"^ t° the weather ver eyi'e mthfh^ °^ ''''^^?"' *^^ ^^" ^^ health, and whaT: Wpr IT ^1^ • ^"^ sVPP°^^d to interest her corresoondent STow^To F^'''' ""l "^^^ ^^^ °^ ^ certain deacon w"i tormenTs " S'.h""' ''"'''• •>"' ^ ''"°" ™™"" "f «-" luiinents, was the comment - Ijod bless my dear brother," wrote Tessie "r =.t „• 1,. after our father prayed for you (he'XeTLt go'lo^'bt. 3 1 o The Minister of State a night without asking God to take care of you), I just went and said a word all by myself, and I think God heard me Father wants you to read the third chapter of Proverbs" We are always thinking of you, and send our love'' blurred. " ^"^ ^^^ "^'""^^"^ ^""^ ^°""^ ^^^ ^'^^ suddenly "My poor Jessie," he said. "My dear good Tessie God help you m your guilelessness." ^ ^ ' "^ A second letter was from the editor of Tfie Mid-dav Dtspatch, askmg for something certain for next day^Tssu^ something topical, if possible," it was added. Evan's heart' gave a bound The editor should have something ex 'S^ Bl sS'^ ?n'" ^"?^°Ph^"i- -^«ay was writtfn on ine Blessings of Disappointment." "I have out it in" Ss'' WW H-f '^°^' "'"^ ^ ^^P^^^ ^ storm'lmThe pietists. Where did you get your epigrams and your sol- emn ^paradoxes, and above all, whert did you get your maS'E;?n"to"fmfelf '^"^^"^^ °^ disappointment," re- thP/rf;?/^°'-ri"°^ disappointed. Orthodoxy was upon f Voltifrl' Ta *^' '""J^P, °^ ^" ^^gl^' demanding to know CHAPTER IV ^n'^'JLT". *^!"& t^^e cast-out lover had resolved, namely weaaing bells. The resolution was taken with the fixpH mind of the moth to resist the fascination of the flame So when the time came, he found himself outside a faTh- lonable west-end church, in the midst of the motlev ?hronl He'was'noTaulte"'"^ by spying upon ItTt tL^'dta"? allusions to the ordeal of getting married. you), I just went c God heard me. ter of Proverbs, our love." le view suddenly :ood Jessie, God of TJie Mid-day next day's issue, d. Evan's heart something ex- was written on lave put it in," storm from the s and your sol- l you get your ipointment," re- doxy was upon mding to know 's beliefs. The : sensation, ur- leclined to stir The Book of Judgment 3 1 olved, namely, the sound of with the fixed of the flame. >utside a fash- motley throng at the altar. : there beyond ks upon bride ith humorous n ?i^,^J^u^^^ J^^* *" ^'^^ *° ^sar the dying strains of the Bridal Chorus from "Lohengrin"; but though too late to see the weddmg party pass in, he had but to keep his ears open to receive a vivid impression of its appearance. The bride was naturally the focus of attention. "Poor thing she did look dre'ful trembly and no mis- take, observed a gigantic dame close beside him "You'll get over that, pretty missy, says I. The time will come, says I, when you won't be trembly." ^^^^he^masterful dame gurgled with the heavings of an rnlw?"T"M*!i^"'^!^,^^".'"^ 'P^^^^^' ^^s yo"' Missus Colter? chuckled a little witch with a wizened face "A mind It was Colter as had the tremors that day " He were sober ennyway. Missus Pike," retorted Mrs. Colter without an atom of resentment. "You mind 'ow my man had to give Pike an arm. They said as 'ow you had him drugged to come to the scratch." And again the leviathan shook and laughed huskily. "But Lor! wot's the hodds? Man were made for woman, my dear, made fust 00 to see he were made proper, though there's a screw loose in the critter yet. No call to be afeard of 'im, my dear, and missy'll learn to abide 'im likewise " Evan edged round to another part of the crowd, the superior well-dressed part that was critical of style and bearing; and there he learned how the bride and brides- maids were dressed, and how beautiful the bride reallv 7Z t^'^^T"^ ^?^ ,^°"" }^' ^°'-^^- He also learned that the church was fairly packed with notabilities of vari- ous kinds and degrees. Several "real, live" lords, it ao- fhf, 'iT'^^^'^"''''"^]^.^ ^y'""^ °f the nuptial knot, and the worlds of politics and finance sent distinguished repre- sentatives. Three actual millionaires had beln seen goTng Sh V^^f \T'^ "T-^^r "T^^ ^^'■^ described as immensely rich. But what particularly interested a group of talkative young ladies, whose mouths watered as they spoke was that It would be perfect folly on the bride's part t^o hope to get through a tithe of her wealth. ^ "Fancy," cried one blushing maiden, "having more money than you know what to do with " bpon this clatter of voices there suddenly broke the first bars of Mendelssohn's "Wedding March," and with a shout the crowd closed in about the door. Chancing To be on the 312 The Minister of State II' i I! V ill ' inner side, Evan was caught by the human wave, carried m.r'^'"^'^''"'V"i° ^^' ^'-^^ °f a" elephantin; police fh.^^ • ^- ^' *^^. ^"estion was put the bride came out to Land'sTm "S."""'''' ^'' ^/"^, ^'.^^'^y '■^^^^"g °" her hus f... 1 '^' Eva", s gaze fixed itself incontinently on her face, which was without speck or vestige of colom. He eyes when he first caught sight of her were cast s^raigh down; but as she emerged into daylight she lifted them the; met hfJ ^^^^^^^'"^ °' ^'T ^"^licable magnetism! ^Zi Zt TU ' ^°"^' unwinking, unflinching look she gave him. Ihere was no surprise in it; rather it seemed to say she expected him, and he thought he detected 7n the deathly white face both pity and appeal. AH a once hi her vir^TK^^"''^' ^'' ^^^"^ ^^^^ «" fi'-^- He woSm have fn Jh Vol u-'^ swept upon him a mighty impulse to leap wonM J. ^n r" ^i^'^'i ^^" assemi.ied multitude. He would have called out but his tongue refused its office, and as he struggled for breath and utterance Langham bent lovingly towards Florence. ^ ear'^^^A^i'"^^"' "^^^5^'" ^^ '^'^ ^°"^ ^"°"&h for Evan's ears. Are you cold? a^Z°' ^f""^^'! '^^ answered, looking upon the ground l^A.i ^ ".^""^ moment the pair were in their carriage and the crowd was exploding in cheers Evan turned with a cold sweat on his brow and crushed his way to the back. In the commotion of happfness she alone of the party had seen him. A seething busde o flunkeys, carriages, and spectators ensued; but Evan was ^one'TnH'?h ' ""^ '^' l""'-"^*" ^^^" '^' '^st carriage was fnl%w ^ "u"^"^' ^^r"".^ '^*^^^^^ curiosity, had melted to nothingness, he stood alone. A friendly policeman ac- costed him, the constable into whose back he had been so unceremoniously thrown handsom: IIp''"^' "^'" ""^^'^^ ^^^ "^^"' ^^PP^ --- ^ "Yes," answered Evan, "a very fine wedding.— A very gay funeral," he added, laughing bitterlv, and turned aw- ing afTeTwm." ^^'^^^^'' ^^^^'^^^^^^ the policeman, gaz-' frn^''^'"^^ hours later, as he made at a prodigious pace lOugh for Evan's upon the ground n, happy over a The Book of Judgment 3 1 3 at s?ch a'me"'°''^' "^^^^^ ^^^ '^'''''^"^ ^""^ ^°" ''°""'^ ^°'" He swung on his heel with a dry laugh. I m not sure." he replied. 'To hell. I think." Well! you needn t be in such a devil of a hurry over it " remarked the other. ^ ' "It's the devil that makes the hurry," sai'^ Evan and laughed agam. The other laughed also^' Like vinloch'he was an expectant member of the Bar; but, unlike Kinloch, he could aflford to consult his private tastes while waiting "I'nH • ''IC' '^°''- ^^" ^^'^ ^ ^^ther with a bank account^ uir d '^ ^'"^ ^ programme for this evening?" he in- Ki.'lw"^'" "^^"''"^^ Evan. "None whatever. That s left blank for my pleasure. "Have you dined?" ^jZ'"^"^- A^fv' ^ '''°"'^ *'""^ so-dined and made a discovery. Addington. my boy, this is a d fine world l^th^Zt /o '"if'^iV^' ^'^J ^^ ""y S'^^'-ter Catechism' "?>u.,"^^ *° ^^y- ^^est beyond redemption." 1 hilosophic," said Addington, linking his arm in his nends and turnmg with him eastward. "What of the hver o Id man?" As he spoke Big Ben began to clang bight, he observed. "Well! what's it to be?" Anything," answered Kinloch. "I have "a fancy for hearing the chimes at midnight. And, Addington, as you love sport, cakes and ale while it is called to-dly." ^ Iheatre to begin with," suggested Addington. The porch to the big furnace," said Kinloch. "Whv "'^A^^^- '■^"''"g^ tragedy, a weeping farce, as you like." Addington ran over the list of available pieces. What say you to The Merchant of Venice?' " he asked T.wV q^"f ^?*'P^^^' ^'}^^ Kinloch, "save us from the knTfe nn^ f°l- ' K°° ^r '"''^^- } '^°"'^ ^^"^ ^O take the knite out of his bungling hand and do that little bit of surgery. Not Shylock, Addington." ^ °* I know then," rejoined Addington confidently. And they turned into a Strand theatre criSSlid'' "•'• "^^^-^^ for to-night. I want to i- I 3H The Minister of State .^'i p' '111 :!f jj f CHAPTER V On looking into his mirror next morning Evan found it expedient to sit down quietly on the edge of his bed and make a reckonmg with himself. The proceedings of the previous afternoon and evening hung mistily in the mem- ory and needed placing in clearer lights. There was the wedding with its grinning clamorous multitude— and the one poignant look of the bride, which smote like a white flame. But let that pass. What of the evening? Takinji a heavy forehead in his hand he tried to think, to recall precisely what had happened. The retrospect was very dim, as It is apt to be in certain momentous crises. He must question Addington; Addington knew all about the ginger that is hot in the mouth; the lucky Addington rich and riot rejected, whole heart and full pocket. Assuredly the arch-satinst played cruelly with men's lots. SfrJ^^^^ ? *"''" ^^°"* *^^ '■°°"^ ^" half-whimsical debate VVliats It to be Kinloch, my boy?" he asked as if ad- dressing some one else. "Buckle to or not buckle to, steer or drift, keep her nose to the wind or turn tail and scud^" Perhaps the unshipping of a rudder was no great matter after all. If Fortune brings in boats that are not steered why not ours as well as another? And if not— well' let the winds do their worst, let them sweep from their caves and make sport of the splitting barque. At least there would be the mad glee of going down among dancing With the reflection came remembrance of good counsel from Balliol, from Burnside, and above all from Pitweem Cottage. 'The third chapter of Proverbs," he said to himself JJear, simple, single-minded father! I'm to read the third chapter of Proverbs." It seemed purely ironical in the situation; but he would obey love's dictate— in heart he always obeyed his father— and see what came of it Solo- rtion was a wise man. With his seven hundred wives, not to speak of hangers-on, his strivings, his glories and humi lations he could hardly help picking up his bits of useful knowledge, as the practical Lauchie would say ate The Book of Judgment ng Evan found it ge of his bed and roccedings of the istily in the meni- i. There was the ultitude — and the mote like a white evening? Taking think, to recall rospect was very itous crises. He lew all about the r Addington, rich )cket. Assuredly lots. whimsical debate, e asked as if ad- it buckle to, steer n tail and scud?" no great matter are not steered, lot — well! let the rom their caves At least there among dancing of good counsel 11 from Pitweem said to himself, to read the third ironical in the ite — in heart lie me of it. Solo- hundred wives, his glories and 1 up his bits of hie would say. f^mous's"o^;Ln^* "^" ^''' '''''' ^"^ ^-^^--' '^^ - the ramp *t!! lu'""^ °^ ^''^''^ cogitations the morning letters came, to change, a second time, the current of thought '^5?enT'' Tlow ""u- R\""!-- 'hieroglyphic hand mark j urgent. How absurd! Mr. Quinton, of all men outrht to know that nothing in this w^rld is really ur'ent ha cageriyThfsra"t^,r°'"'"'^ '' "" '°'"'- E™" '-^«> Tmie for a dip," he said to himself; and the next min ute^e was blowing in the hixury of a cdd 1 ah It proved lo'od cowrie w^h"^ ,' -f' l""'' "°^"'"^- '' "-' "he cleared ^hefnJ^K''-''^^'''^"'^ 'P^^^' ^"^ warmth; it breakfast tI/F ^'^'"J '^ ".^"" ^^^^ ^" ^PP^tite for Preciselv at h.U '""'. '^fg'""'"?^ to gild the clouds. Oidnton ^Th ^'^^^-P^'^ *^" ^^^" ^^'^^ed in upon Mr. yumton The greetmg was that of friends over whose ^.endship no shadow has fallen. Noting the brightness of ZrVT'' 'u' ^''^' ^^^y^' &°t to business wid out so much as an allusion to the past wunoui so 'T am for the defendants in this case of Snowden ver^uv Pomfrey," he explained. "Libel, you know arrs"nrout of company promoting. That's the rock England^ wH Sn'ess' n'^hicl?"? '"'S^^^S' ^" ^"^^^^"^ c^mptaTed a e hkelv to^pf hi '"" ^^'^'^' T"^" ^"^"^'^' reputations it's as dark pf th^ r". "P?",: ^K^^'^ "^°"^^"t I confess t s as dark as the Cretan labyrinth, darker, bv Tove for \ uft "°^'r" tlie skein of thread But D V S ^et !'&^tj)y-a"d-by. The point now is purely personaT Find shLk'};i?\' "h' ^'^'^^f' ^ J""^°^ I proposed you |^t"e; shook his head-you know how confoundedlv stubborn fiv ^an be when ne likes— spoke of your extreme vouVh' your inexperience, and all the rest of it. Therrupo^n mv proposition became a sim qua mn, and with tha? Sv ^'"YouTre^'"^'°"^'^^ ^?^-,d in. Yiu acce7 the b ie^?" kini? • J^'/ ^''°^' ^''' «^id Evan, the spirit of strife kmdling m his bosom. "I thank you with all my heart " m 3i6 The Minister of State J I ^^^^^H ^^^Hi bH ^^^H •'^'IhI n^^^l ^^HLlli|^ ^^^^^H 'ft ^iB ^B'S ^B ^^^Ky ' km ^ "Very well. And to begin with you'll oblige me by blow- ing to smoke this pestilent superstition about the incapacity of youth. You re ready for the spring: take it." Evan bowed, smiling. "Who is on the other side?" he "Faith, the other side's formidable. The Attorney-Gen- era leads, and with him are Bicker and Pragg. You must look out for some hacking and hewing." ''Three against two," remarked Evaii. 'Three against two," repeated Mr. Quinton. "And all venerable sinners but yourself. Well, cheer up. Cline to the virtues and you'll get cured of youth. I am going to hand Kitter and his papers over to you— absolutely. We have about six weeks to get ready: for at least four I'll rely on you not to mention Snowden v. Pomfrey in my hearing My poor head has as much as it can well contain. That murder trial comes on next week— a black affair from all I can make out. If the fellow's not put to bed by the hang- man he 11 be lucky. There's also that interminable case be- tore the Lords cropping up again— and in short you'll spare me Jnowden against Pomfrey for one clear month at least, lo-day 1 have that wretched divorce case— it's marvellous how respectable people will drag themselves in the mud— and, glancing at his watch, "I'm due in court." When the interview ended the junior found that the sun shone again; that the spheres had resumed their music tor the next month he was buried almost out of sight in bnowden z; Pomfrey. Addington one day got a glimpse of him rated him for a lucky dog, supposed he had got fortune fairly by the tail this time, hoped old Quinton would not prove too peppery, and went off regretting the loss of a promising comrade about town. Assuredly Evan had no present time or mind to range bno\yden v. Pomfrey was a maze of darkness on which for a while it seemed impossible to get a ray of real light. More- over, Kitter was troublesome. The fact is Mr Kitter smarted under a slight. He had especially desired Quinton to give this important and perplexing case his personal at- tention, and lo! here it was, delivered cavalierly into the hands of a beardless youth, along with the name and fame of the great firm of Kitter and Kitter. It was too bad of guinton, too bad. Poh ! it was preposterous. Quinton car- ried altogether too high a nose. And Mr. Thomas Kitter y^s-v**. te blige me by blow- 3ut the incapacity s almost a one accepted the rumour as truth said ''C jt"^' may shout denial on the house-top," he nfmn.^ll ^"""^ Kinloch of old, and a man must have a strong back to march foot by foot with him. Let me tell batd TtfZeT" Fl^ ^'^^ "^'"^ ^^^ -^-- fiy for cbse battle It s time to look out. He carries heavier euns than any he has yet brought into action; the Lord pu/those on whom he turns his batteries. Quinton believe in h^m as S?and K^>r K^r Q""?.ton himself, and whaHs mire the" man " ""' "^' '" ^^"^^ ^'°" "^^'^ "^^' ^inloch's falluT'''^^ *^^ ^'f^^ ^'■"^ °^ ^i"«^ ^nd Kitter, solicitors half the peers and most of the millionaires of Endand was, indeed, more than to please Quinton, more for the E r^C%r "^ °'^^^ ^^^^ f ^^"-"- or the Prim Minister. Mr. Thomas Kitter no longer frowned when a case was handed over to "young Kinloch." Quinton.^ *" ^'^^g^'^se," he declared one day to Mr. iike^fm "^wiffhil'rP''^ ^' ''""°* ^^""^ ^ ^^^ "^ore devils iiKc mm, was the response. 'He takes tortuosities of evidence as a ferret exolores a i'l^'' ^?r7"'' «^id Mr. Kitter, who was anTmL^nF^Zt- 11 i It ■"?-4; ' s 320 The Minister of State CHAPTER VII And, indeed, the progress had now the exhilarating velocity of the flying leap. Solicitors, grown suddenly appreciative, besieged with briefs; for it was as natural as the breaking of the dawn that where Kitter and Kitter led a compettive throng should press behind. Envy too was stirred into ac- tivity—unquestionable evidence of success. In the courts swelling jealousy gratified its malice by girding at meteoric phenomena and the judicial laxity that tolerated sensations in the very halls of justice. Such as were nursing places not yet vacant had fits of unhappiness at thought of an ambi- tion for which circumstance itself helped to make an easy path, an ambition that might at any moment spring, God alone knew where or at what. The Midland Circuit satis- hed by tests of its own, frankly accepted the rising star; and Beltingham, moved by the memory of old times and present achievements, feted him, the mayor and corporation pour- ing streams of oil on the anointed head. Mr. Dudley also though unable to attend the banquet, gracefully remem- bered his old secretary. More significant still, judges, rec- ognising that Mr. Kinloch was not of the aspiring bores who might be snubbed with impunity, were studiously civil Ihe momentary forgetfulness of one of them on this head (a lapse due to the inflaming influence of gout on a ferocious temper) furnished legal history with a savoury anecdote It was a case involving points of some subtlety, and in the interests of his client Mr. Kinloch showed a nice concern for the intelligence of the jury. The Court, red-nosed and grumpy, found frequent excuse for interrupting. Counsel however, kept the bridle-rein tight, meekly taking the goad- ing as part of the business in hand. In course of argument he chanced to observe that no competent judge could pos- sibly doubt the validity of the evidence he was submitting. 10 the Bench the opportunity was too good ^o be missed "But I doubt it," resounded in a growl through the cham- ber. It was the last straw. Counsel paused a moment looking straight at the bent brows of his lordship. "I said no competent judge, my lord," he remarked quietly. ^■xMummmamm* .^mM; te The Book of Judgment :larating velocity nly appreciative, as the breaking ed a compettive i stirred into ac- In the courts ling at meteoric rated sensations irsing places not ?ht of an ambi- 3 make an easy mt spring, God d Circuit, satis- rising star; and nes and present rporation pour- [r. Dudley also, cefully remem- :ill, judges, rec- aspiring bores studiously civil, m on this head t on a ferocious ry anecdote. It 2ty, and in the a nice concern red-nosed and ting. Counsel, iking the goad- se of argument dge could pos- /as submitting. :o be missed, •ugh the cham- ht at the bent marked quietly. twitter at dinner tables and ,!,„ ■ Ju "''"^^"°" '^^"■ssd a Pbee in the "eTotded Vc tte' oVth filr"";:!?" P °"°.r '' wMet'couw „trl:aT;'ro^boasr'd"'''" ?p™ -"^''• risinjr s^ar Thev w,^„H u^ i J"eople spoke of a known that his chieT rP^l..^'^' ^''" astonished had they shops fof presents that wnnM l"""' *° -' -^^ ^°"^°" Highland Xith M ^? ^ ^^ acceptable in a lonely ll !!it:: m 1 'li^: i.;iil;' i :i' 322 The Minister of State man; and, as the countryside knew, even Laiichie Duff was not forgotten. "He's not of the kind that rise and kick away the ladder," Mr, Proudfoot declared a hundred times. "Am persuaded o' that," said Lauchie once. "Just cock yer eye over the new rig-out I've gotten. An' what's mair, a bit siller in the pooch forbye. The laddie's hert's in the richt place yet." "The richt place!" cried the dominie. "The richt place! you ungrateful old reprobate, is that your best word? What need has he to mind you or me, or anybody like us?" "Guid sake," responded Lauchie, "was ever sic a man for pickin' a quarrel? Doon to yer knees; am ready to worship. The laddie's a guid laddie, an' a clever laddie. Could amaist lick yersel, dominie, at yer Greek an' Hebrew trash. Aye just ae regret — that I didna learn him the fiddle. It micht console him whiles when he's lonesome in Lunnon just to play an auld tune to himsel." "Ay," snorted the dominie. "You're a man of real dis- cernment. London's a lonesome place, and no doubt Mr, Kinloch would derive great comfort from scraping as you suggest." Lauchie's brows arched maliciously. ■'Oh, ho!" he cried. "So it's Mister Kinloch now, is it? What's come o' oor freend Evan, then? Man, it's a grand thing to be gettin' up in the world." He whipped up the black fiddle, and with a satiric flourish struck a few bars of "Och, Hey Johnnie Lad." But he discreetly kept his distance from the dominie. CHAPTER VIII In the very opening of his career, while he was yet dream- ing of briefs, Kinloch had studied the straightest course to fortune and found it ran through the House of Commons. That way, example told him, preferment lay. "Only," Mr. Quinton warned him, "remember that the path is slippery beyond belief, and that a fall is commonly fatal. Stumble in the law courts and you may cover your aiichie Duff was way the ladder," The Book of Judgment 323 mistake, but blunder before the country and from that mo- ment you are lost to grace. We owe that to a free Press^ came th'ItT/n "^'^^^ S"'"""^ ^""^*^°"' *« ^^t, how it Ln^L V? • Q"'nton's distmguished abilities had never landed him among the law officers of the Crown. Rumour gave various reasons; but one day while the two were in a confidentia mood Evan ventured to ask if theTe hTd neve? been ambition for office. 'T^/a^/^'A'"^?' ^ ^^""^ ^^y' ^las occurred to many people " replied Mr Quinton. "Well. I suppose that ever/ one who wa'not odrri Y ^^^^°"? °^-^°^>'- I" that^espe^t I S)ablv rltp n "^ my castles in Spain like the rest, and fhn=l { "^^r^"" ^''^"^^ possession than nine-tenths of those who remain for ever outside. It was a tight squeeze once for the Solicitor-Generalship; but hey-SayMn dashed the dark horse and the dream vanished-to ^le for ever among the wreckage of youth. If the Prime Minister wire to invite me to the Woolsack to-morrow I would answer baubr SC"" H "^' \^' ' ^"^ ^°"^ °"^ ^' ^°'" wfth hSd of thP S. ' tT^"' '"'^ ^' ^°"^^ ^^ke to sit near the head of the table I keep my seat in the House," Mr Ouin- motfves 'Bu't'f ' """''T ' "'^ 'l^-'^''^ from' profesSl motives. But I am no longer ambitious for office. By the way, do you believe in luck.?" ^ ;;A hard matter to answer," laughed Evan, star?""^ put it in another way, then. You believe in your ''Yes, I think I believe in my star." It IS inevitable you should be in the House," said Mr Quinton slowly. ''V/ell, go ahead. But don't forget you are to vou^r W^M^^" '^'- "^"^ ^^°^^ ^" ^^y th'« truth close LL -f ^^^^t-there IS no gratitude in governments. Use them if you can; for they will certainly use you if they can- "yorprrrtZem!"' ''"" ^°" ^"^^ ^^'^ ^ ^"^^^^ --^^' for'^Srrh?1.t^"'^'°°"'':u^^"7'^'^"*^^^P^ted. The Member ^.1. . 5 l"^^',^^*^^'^"^ somewhat suddenly to his fathers; and after a hasty consultation with the party man- agers, brought about by Mr. Quinton, Evan weSt dowT"o ?.? • ' ,^J^"^t'^^ ,^°""ty- The party had another candi- sent .n nr '^''' rf ^ ^^"'°^^ "^"^* ^^ "^"^^^ So they hl^ f^ O'y'^P'an Under-Secretary of State to take care of nim, for the constituency was important. Xi "'•# 324 The Minister of State i 1 . i& In at least part of Logieburn, man, woman, and child were with the young candidate. The dominie girded his oms for the great battle of his life; Red Sandy, following the example of his friend Pitweem, not only made publi? profession of his faith and intentions, but put his jrig his horses, and carts at the service of the election agenti and Lauchie, sniffing provender in the wind, chivalrously in- sisted on aiding. ^ Aberfourie was hotly divided. Dr. Forbes, with as many clansmen as would answer summons, hoisted the Kinloch colours; but the Rev. Murdoch Macnair, blowing a terrific blast on the clerical horn, took the field in opposition. Mr Macnair desired to be told what enlightened electors were asked to do. Was it supposed they had lost their senses? or were they expected to insult the dignity of Parliament by perpetrating a c umsy joke? His reverence wished to be perfectly fair, but he had to confess that the acme of the ridiculous had been reached. Presumption could go no nro iV h ^T'""'^' snorting like a curbed war-horse, prayed God for the opportunity of meeting some one on a dark night — and alone. As a preliminary to action he closed school, an act of contumacy for which Mr. Macnair intimated an intention of having him dismissed. The dominie, looking doubly gri^, retorted he awaited dismissal and promised fun for the occasion In giving his scholars a holiday he meant to fol- low his hero about the county, were it only to applaud; but on consideration he was content to read the speeches in the :^cotsjnan and the Dundee Advertiser, to demonstrate to Neil ten times a day the unspeakable blessing of such a nephew, to preach political doctrine to backsliders, to congratulate the pleased and puzzled David, and reserve his strength for the mass meeting at Aberfourie. ^ Jhat meeting is remembered among Logieburn politi- cians to this day. An Earl took the chair, and the Under- secretary of State, mindful that the eyes of Downing Street were upon him rose gallantly to the occasion. Fired by his ^nfi.""-"?? ' *''" ^^J^^ 5-^^"" ^'^"'^^^ *° "^^^^ it hot for the enemy. It was to be do or die and no quarter. So the bonnets went up with a rousing "hooch" and the air san? merrily with hostile weapons. ^ thfnJlf?"'^ ^\ 1°^'"^^ ^1^ ?^^ ^^"^y ^^"Pted seats on the platform; but David, slipping in as if attendance at his The Book of Judgment 325 f^r'" ^T''?\^Y^ ^" indictable oflfence, hid with Tessie in the midst of the densely packed audience. ^ " 1 can see and watch better here," he told her- but his lnr^i:l7Z'^> y'\'. -" ^-^ ^-s chan'rifteing ^i!l "^^ll^^^S me. Lauchie occupied a conspicuous oosi- nZV:S,7:nZr.r -'-'^ -■"'■^ — ' """^hTar foi / ^^ ^^u?'* ^" ^^'^ °" t^^ Caddie this monv a year " he told a n^e^hbour confidentially, "an' am no' gin' tr?o;sak: In his opening speech the Earl did the handsome thmo- by the government and the candidate; and in h's^urnSf MlrTl^lT^'y-""^ ^'""'^ fi'-^t Pl^yf"ly impaled the Rev Murdoch Macnair on an epigram, and then gave Mr kL: lersity rtoTd fndl'-"'?"^'^' ^^1^^"^ °" his^rilliant un"- versity record and his doings at the Bar. 1 understand," said the orator, "that this verv remark able career, a career which as ye is but in its be^fn^w" opened in your own local academy" Whereupon^he a?' to'"t'.nr'^ one vociferous accord called upon Mr sLcla"r" to ,tand up and let them see him; also to inform them how many more barristers and Members of PariarnentT i,o^ ProuXf "^"^-'^'"^ '''' ^"-^^' abated N^rrlnl Mr' K SecrX'v "P°r''''^ '" ^''''^ ^'^^^^^^'°" behindVhe unaer-becretary. Pitweem was pushing the dominie for ''MiTv,^ ' P "^""T''' ^^^ ^"^"^y but fdly reSdng Misther Proudfoot, sir," said the perspiring- Neif turn- Ztl^Z^£^^ "P '' ^^^ 01ymp^ian,^"he^'iss the mTn the'dominre"^'' ''^' ^°^^ ^°"' *°"^"^' P'*^^^"^'" Pleaded "H^s'slhe maL^tTdif"' '' ^"^^^ ^^"^'" P^^*^^ Neil. ma« o. u- f • 1 tI^.*', . ^^" tnere was for havine such a man as his friend Kmloch in Parliament ^ He sat down cool, suave, self-collected where most were treaming and wild with excitement. Evan took h^spface vnfon 'tT'^ '^' '"^^T ^"'•"^^"^ "^"«t un?oof the pa-' vihon. They were proud of him. He was so clever dfd such wonderful things away in the boastfulSornhNnd 326 The Minister of State withai was so boyish; it was but the other day that he ran the streets with his chubby face and the satchel of books from which he had extracted so much. And here he was. God bless him! goincf to be a Member of Parliament The hurricane raged yet higher. Behind, Lauchie struck up Auld Lang Syne, and or ever thev knew it they were roar- ing furiously about "paidling in the burn," about "braid seas, trusty freres,;' 'pint-stoups," and "cups o' kindness." David sat ;yith Jessie's hand tightly clasped in his. and his eyes glistening. What was this thrt had come upon him? 1 he singers exhausted themselves, and then for the first time the presence of tne enemy was discovered. Evan pro- ceeded in a fusillade of interruptions and contradictions. Presently a personal taunt was flung from the back The speaker passed on unheeding, but the dominie sprang from tlie platform and made for the door, an uglv look in his face The speaker stopped. The audience, rising unconsciously! turned their eyes on the figure passing swiftly down the centre, and there fell a dead hush. What was going to hap- pen? Ihe question was answered almost before it could be asked. Clutching a man with the grip of a vice, the dominie dragged him sprawling from among his fellows I know who sent you here. Peter McCulloch." said the master from between his teeth. "And you'll just go back with my compliments and say there's no room " .n''^-l^ 1 *^?"^?-" retorted Peter, struggling to get into an attitude of defence. oo o & "Indeed will you, Peter." rejoined the dominie, "if you were thrice as good a man as you are." And the next mo- ment Peter was breathing curses outside, for the spirit of his athletic days was upon Mr. Proudfoot. Slipping back, he invited Peter s friends to follow into the fresh air. and half- ur^^^ ?'^"*^ ^^^* constrained to take the hint and go. They re better out." observed Mr. Proudfoot to the fat village constable, who had bustled upon the scene when all was over. "If they think of coming back just whistle to Thereupon he returned to the platform, apologising for the interruption, and for two deafening minutes he was a public hero. With a humorous allusion to absent friends. Evan re- sumed amid increased enthusiasm. Some one reminded him ot 1 xr nan bmnn nan gleann's nan gaisgaich, and he gave the ng to get into The Book of Judgment 327 appropriate response in their mother tongue, turning their ardour to a frenzy The Olympian from Downing Street whispered in the Earl's ear his ignorance of the flct that Kinloch knew Hebrew. "Older than Hebrew," laughed the Earl, who was a good h"ups'p:^ch;'''^ ^'^"^'^ ^°"^"^' ''^ Gaelic-nobl4 of "Ah," remarked the Olympian, afraid of his ear-drums. It must be noble indeed to produce such a pandemonium." i-^psmg into the Saxon tongue, the candidate went on hnskly, raking his opponents so effectually that the dominie could scarce keep his seat for joy. As for David, he sat en- tranced and bewiMered, now thrilling with rapture, now asking himsel whether this could really be his EvaA who was hurling the thunderbolts and eliciting the volleys of applause. And as his mind swayed and swirled there came to him thoughts of one who was not there. What would she say If she saw her boy now? But she did see him, for God wou d not deny her this sweet sight. Once Jessie looked at her father with a remark on her tongue, and at the sight of his face turned away without speaking, her vision all at once become uncertain. Evan concluded to salvos that made the Under-Secretarv hastily cover his ears, and Lauchie, with the instinct of an ?[,,« ;;j'n°^^- '" y»th "Dainty Davie." But for once Mr. Uuff fiddled in vain. For the electors, pressing uproariously about their candidate, were far above music In a partial lul the essential resolutions were passed; then the candi- date and his particular friends were borne off to the Inver w'iJf/or. ^ ^il G°^^^"n?ent envoy might taste Highland PrSi y- J^? I"^'i' '"^^"^"^ ^^^^d ^"d Neil and Mr. Proudfoot, Red Sandy, Dr. Forbes, and Mr. Sinclair Lauchie too was there, "for," said he oracularly, "fowk that feast maun hae music." ^ CHAPTER IX The Clan Kinloch fought Titanically, but the Macnair le- gions, plenteously furnished with heavy ordnance and muni- tions of gold, were not to be beaten. So that the Rev. Mur- (toch, planting himself fast on the Scriptures, the practical and pious man, was able to give a triumphant illustr.tion 61 lis 328 The Minister of State If in IK I of the apothegm about a prophet's honour in his own coun- try and among his own people. Neil swore truculently over the thing, vowing to change his religion forthwith; and the dominie, whose thoughts were chiefly secular, indulged in language which to Lauchie's delicate nostrils suggested brimstone. David, with most cause of disappointment, was most resigned. "God is wise and not negligent in the affairs of men," was his comment. If he wants Evan in Parliament, Evan will be in Parliament. Don't you trouble, Neil " "Don't you trouble!" cried Neil indignantly. "Gott tarn me, lavit! but I will wonder to hear you speaking I will pay steepind and sustentation and sorees with the daft made antern things tancing like teffles on the walls, ay, and more too whatever and my own meenister that iss paid for prav- ing and preaching crowing like a bantam cock because Evan iss hcked. Fuich, fuich, I will not listen at all too " Red Sandy, who witnessed the outburst, noted it was the only occasion on which he had ever heard the dominie ap- plaud a sentiment of Neil's, heart and soul, without reservation. Meanwhile, Evan had hurried back to London, his pas- sion for politics rather inflamed than damped by rejection He wooed again and was luckv. Scarcely had the excite- ment at Pitweem and Aberfourie died out when tidings hlm^ ton^ ^^' i-eturned for the Et glish borough of Rock- ^J^^, pascal!" cried the dominie, "and never a word From that moment Pitweem, which had wavered, thought well of the Sassenach. ^ "The podies will haf some sense in their noddles after all," observed Neil, epitomising the general opinion. Whereupon he began to smile so contentedly that he clean forgot to change his religion; and the Rev. Murdoch Macnair preached in peace. • "■"°°/°^^ '^^,"^ "°° ^^^"1" Lauchie inquired, looking 1«.?"tu'p ^l"o"°AxPV„ ,'"'*^'' ^^"""^ Honiruble Evan Kin- ^^br ok" ft- ^' " t ^.'"'" '^'^^^' o' ^^avers in the paper aboot him like ither braw and michty fowk. It'll be Miste, Km loch on this an' Mister Kinloch on that, an' the Member for— what is't— Cockrampton?-says this, an' thinks the -.ther thing. God, hoo some fowk flee up' I The Book of Judgment never a word avered, thought ;'I would." said the dominie. Ay, said Lauchie, doubtfullv "An' mo„K« dae the same versel VpVI k« i ^" .t ^^yoe yc micht like the rest o'^us Me and vnn^ r^ ^l'" ^""'.^ ^ "^^ ^^^^ ceesely in the "ame^'momt^rw'' Gre"^^ pys just as weel as fiddlin' by a°appTa;ance h^^^ '^"^ d a hair better Rr^^ i '^I^P^^'^ance, just as weel, an' your acqua'mance! doming' -''^ ''" ' '''" '"^ P''=»^"« »' Lauchi^e's head ZStXI-T'lt' "" "'^ '"^^'^"•" .ied°^«;;"HW' afrt1-,o?ai%Tfi^;:"at^j,,^4- ''-" Cofkran,pto„.'?' "^ ^""'-'"'"^ ''^'-^ «>e Member for domt^e. " '" ""'P' " """'' "= "-^ fi"t «me," said the "'•'(Vh'';'. Mf '?..<"' ,"- ^"t o" hir 5t"" ^'^^" ^ " ''"'" What s that?" ..sked the dominie. side ditches, but I aye keepit"oot o^fte-^ooSse" TW Erm"!:'gSm7ta\reW„Z™^^^ 1 1 could jouk them again?" ^''^ " y« 'hmk, dommie, "Itmight be arranged," said the dominie. Isake"' what\"p^s^' Y^Tch'/'^t d^^nie-just for the jdeein'." -^ ^^^'- ^"^ ^^1" "ever sure o' He paused smiling as if a bright idea had struck him. 330 The Minister of State I ,fc II "Man, dominie," he explained, "a droll thing cam owre me the ither nicht. There was a bit text my old schulemaister used to tell us — he was a man wi' a grand grey head an' routh o' Greek an' Hebrew like yersel — he used to tell us laddies and lassies a bit text, an' the ither nicht, when I was sae fashed an' forfoughten I couldna sleep, the thing kept runnin' in my head. I mind the words fine. They shall come from the East and from the West and from the North and from the South, and shall sit down in the Kingdom of God.' Of every colour and kindred and tongue, mark you; wanderers a' comin' hame. Man, it'll be a great sicht. An' i they'll hae music there by a' accoonts, maybe fiddles, wha kens? I canna think what put it in my head." "You're fey," suggested the dominie. An expression of mingled terror and horror came into Lauchie's face. "Ye dinna think am deein'?" he asked, the sudden dread making his voice shrill. "As sure's am a leevin' man ye gie me the cauld grue." "A chilly thing," said the dominie with an indifference he was far from feeling. "Well! there's a sheep's head in the| pot, and we'll expect you at dinner-time." "D'ye mean it?" cried Lauchie in his natural tones, the| love of eating proving too strong for the fear of death. "Forgie a' hard an' thochtless words. Sheep's head! The Lord make us truly thankfu'! next to haggis the best thing in a' the world. An', dominie, ye'll maybe hae something to drink oor freend's health in." "I wouldn't wonder," replied the dominie; "you and I owe him that." "It's God Almichtv's truth," declared Lauchie with unc- tion. "It's God Almichty's truth." CHAPTER X The Member for Rockingham took his place inconspicu- ously a few benches behind Mr. Dudley and Mr. Quinton, who sat side by side. The latter averred that since Burke had brought the wonders of universal knowledge and the elo- quence of imperial genius within the four walls of the Coin- The Book of Judgment lorror came into 33' I^^w "°i 'V,""' •"''" "'='" Kinloch ever entered that as sembly of illustrious intellects. He was in no ha^i L™ ever to make his fulness known Sing the kdsladve d%en«toZdvtie''l"' ''™^^" with^hfcSm ;; terfS^n'i^etStV :rrSL;™VToSre^''''l:f r„°eX He'^drdTotfeize' Tfor",'"h"^""'^ ^' T''™'"^ *e florid, thunder aqiSren?b°;„? n'o^tZ^.^ 'p^.S ^^I'^i^^,' persuasiveness, his utterances wire ever o- ?o f'ho' ii..! S^d--^5J^^f--£.H^^^ SS";^-rst^,rrien„1n^-^^^^^^^^^ »Ti ^ ?";\?' '■^'^^'■■teMe compass and^slertness were et-rySg-'bS't^/uT"""^"'- " "^ -'' °' "'>" *" heT2 l^aXrTl^r^^^^^^^ t ^n^'r'u?" ^^° understood the use end rrsoTrces of t^i-^ tf ?-f.^re' '^cc^r F'^ pSVofTw"' '^ "^j^"''^ ''=^^"^'i the temp" and d^ existen? f^H ''''^ f^gressxye they had to own, but plainly existent, and wondered about his doriUtv jn the -v-^ A^- -^ a^party crisis. They could but bepolite, and hope 'for ^the Ga?ten ^thi'p'"';'' ^^^^u "^^'^^ ^^"^ ^" ^"entive eye, Mr Mr nicf^- ^?P^-^ ' ?'>""^' ^o^ example, and the bri liant hln;/^ *i"i'^' *'^''/ ^'•'"^ Minister, and though of afen blood and despised race, the glory o aristocrarEngland 332 The Minister of State These men being in almost equal degree the idols of the House, their smallest nod of approval had an exhilarating sweetness. To the political novice (often to the political veteran) their serious notice was fair intoxication; for did they not hold the party loaves and fishes? Both were judges of men as well as of oratory, and the need of fighting lieu- tenants made them quick to detect ability. Mr. Distoire had perhaps the keener eye and the readier sympathy for merit struggling uphill. He had himself stormed the fortress in the teeth of fierce hostilities. But he had long since per- fected the subjugation of his party; and now his dictates were gospel. Unhappily his flag flew over the wrong camp; yet that did not prevent him from being gracious to the young Member for Rockhampton when the two chanced to meet at the dinner-table of a millionaire who cultivated notabilities. "You are not Saxon?" said the great man in the course of a conversation. "On the contrary, sir, I have the misfortune to be of their enemies the Celts," answered Evan. "Ah! not Saxon I knew," pursued Mr. Distoire. "I am greatly interested in racial questions. I love to observe the effects of blood and temperament on the fortunes of gov- ernments and political parties. The world, you know, Ukes to delude itself with little fictions, and one of those little fic- tions relates to what men call the science of politics. Now science, as I understand it, implies undeviating methods. The popular imagination would make us all mere wheels and cogs in a machine operated by natural laws. Is the political machine so operated, think you? In a sense per- haps it is — dodging is natural to the fox, but we should not wish to see the suggestion followed out. I don't trouble myself very much about machines, but I avow myself a stu- dent of men. The man, I tell you, is everything. I study him in all moods. Sometimes when I am exposed to a with- ering fire from my friends on the other side, I amuse myself by watching the skill, analysing the motives and impulses of those who attack." The words were spoken with a whimsicality which made it difficult to comment. Perhaps the great man saw this, for he immediately went on: "Officially I have been compelled to study the Celts of Ireland— a fascinating people; but the Celts of Scotland are ;5»»««WW." an in the course me to be of their The Book of Judgment 333 less in the public eye." And with that he began to pour out questions concerning the Highlanders, their ways, their characteristics, their language, their history. There are two wonderful races leavening our civilisation \xruF' ^ observed presently. "The Jews and the Celts. Whatever we have of the spiritual or inspirational we de- rive trom those two sources. Some day our philosophers u ,P,^?^?^ discover that. Well! go on. Personally I should be interested in seeing the Celtic race give a great law officer to the Crown." ^ And smiling enigmatically, the great man turned to a ncble lord who -■ r'med his attention. Some evenit ter while the Member for Rockhamp- ton was doin^ ,ale sharpshooting, Mr. Distoire, look- ing across the House, remarked with a little sigh in the ^^^u T ^ ^^lleague scarcely renowned for brilliancy, "I wish I had him to keep the country squires in amusement by giving them something to talk about." Mr. Gasten too was complimentary on the occasion. But the courts still did most alike for purse and reputa- lon. Briefs were plentiful, fees went up, and the bigger they grew the more widely and warmly Mr. Kinloch's services were appreciated. So fast his income increased that he sometimes doubted whether it was quite fair to take so much. Mr. Quinton salved his conscience on the point. "You hardly seem to realise," he said, "that Mr. Kin- loch is rapidly pushing into the very front rank of his profession He owes that profession something. He can best discharge the debt by keeping up his fees Pray do not forget that the world is disposed to take a man, particularly a successful man, at his own valuation: and on broader grounds than the purely personal he must not make himself too cheap." Mr. Kinloch bowed to the dictum. Professional and social popularity went together. Am- bitious hostesses "discovered" the brilliant barrister and mmg Member of Parliament, and he made a figure at ainner-tables and receptions. These honours also came I as a flood, for when Mother London opens her opulent arms, her profusion is without stint or limit. His gene- alogy being obscure. Society complaisantly provided him with a pedigree. People whispered rapturously of a ceri ain 334 The Minister of State h ' iill iiife clan Kinloch which had covered itself with lurid glories in times when heroes acted on The good old rule . . . the simple plan That they should take who have the power, And they should keep who can. Tht doings of this clan were so desperately fascinating that they must be mentioned with bated breath, and this trenching on the forbidden brought delicious tinglings of sensibility. It appeared that in the dark ages, when Bonnie Prince Charlie, of sentimental memory, held court in craggy grottoes among the rude heather with the beauti- ful Lady Flora,; barefooted, unwashed, unkempt, by his side, the Kinlochs performed fearful acts of spoliation and] valour, such as quaffing the blood of enemies as if it were wine, burning churches over the heads of trapped con- gregations, carrying of? lonely damsels at dead of night, and other deeds too delightfully horrible to be mentioned. Pondering these things, romantic beauty wondered dreamily how Mr. Kinloch would sustain the fame of his ancestors in capturing lovely maidens; and to many the fact that the blood of a long line of intrepid lawbreakers ran in his veins was at once a source of picturesque in- 1 terest and a cause of speculation. The more worldly spoke of his high prospects. "Mon- strously clever, my dear," a dame of fashion once said, eyeing him critically through her gold-rimmed lorgnette. "Mr. Distoire, you know, goes out of his way to be agree- able to the young man, and Mr. Gasten's special study is to conciliate him. As for the law, he's a perfect prodigy they tell me — sure of the Chancellorship or something of that kind." So well dames of fashion understand these obscure and difficult matters. The main thing was that he was accepted and caressed. But, though the situation suited his sociable disposition, vanity could not have him by beckoning; for his pride had a weazel alertness, and more than once he offended in high quarters by declining to twitch the dragon's tail. In a word, he was more independent than diplomatic, a defect of his race. With these opportunities of mingling with the shining ones of earth he found his keenest pleas- ure in the circle of familiar friendship, and in maintaining touch with his old university and so with European thought. He was often at Oxford to meet foreign nota- J>*>V..N?tf?*^^'', te ith lurid glories plan power, •ately fascinating breath, and this licious tinglings lark ages, when mory, held court • with the beauti- mkempt, by his of spoliation and nies as if it were of trapped con- t dead of night, to be mentioned. ;auty wondered the fame of his nd to many the ^pid lawbreakers : picturesque in- rospects. "Mon- shion once said, immed lorgnette. »vay to be agree- I's special study I perfect prodigy p or something | jnderstand these ed and caressed, able disposition, g; for his pride nee he offended he dragon's tail. than diplomatic, ities of mingling is keenest pleas- 1 in maintaining with European et foreign nota- The Book of Judgment bilities. A master of many tongues, he liked to talk tr^ distingmshed foreigners; but most of all he loved to drop n mformahy upon Mr. Quinton in the privacy o° Paface Gardens to discuss things pertaining neither to law nor to politics. In that cultivated home he found a dife^aWe resting-place for soul and heart. The bright traveHed innocently gay household, with its suggStion of the SS in^dlectl\T"f °'-^^^-^^^ ^"^ ''''' itsTnte?eV?„' tnings intellectual, Ks viv^acity, sincerity, and unfailintr good sense gave him precisely what he most relished d^ruT^^ ^r ^"^-'"^^to make bis welcome cofl lon, i.i..t}., that the young man found amusement in bowling over the governor" upon difficult poinds anS at such times the prostrate governor would loSk un smil nig and remark,;! see Mr. Khiloch has been coaching you '"' Be ,t remenmered also that the all-knowing KaW inlZ''^^'"''"?, ''''f''' blithesome Graces hfnS"ur- ngly between girlhood and womanhood, with honest FnJ- hsh roses m their cheeks, brave lights in their eves and Q"nton'td'?he'"f'^ ^\^°[! ''''''' Vera" a/d'kthel Hir t- 1 ^ .^^^^^ wh'-^ comes of freshness in- e r^hortt n'£7^':'l^^"P^^'^^°°^ ^-^«' g-" tern- got' ThhUof Mr tJ- ^T^°7- °^ '"^"^ ^"^ body. They got a nint of Mr. Kinloch's history on the tender siHp and secretly would have rejoiced in binding up h's wounds' And there were moments when it «eemed hp v^, T ?! received such charity at such hand wkh a fSg con' siderably warmer than gratitude. Whence it came To pass that Mrs. Quinton revolved certain problems con cerning a young lady's chief end in life. For a wSe th.^ vv^re kept to herself; but presently her husband^ aid was invoked in solving them. Mr. Kinloch and Vera seemed very good friends-shc was on the verge of llentv ^rk KhUl -iss their chances, and in a I'ord, Ta^oTi:?!! Once for all?" echoed Mrs. Quinton "That's all vo„ know of men. Once for all, indeedr'He' lb married witlnn a year; and why shouldn't he^'' '^"^ A 5l°i "? r^^^°" '" the worid, my dear excent tlipf T don t think he will," was the answer ^ ^^ ^ 33^ The Minister of State ff:] CHAPTER XI Mr. Quinton proved the better prophet. A year passed without seeing Mr. Kinloch married, though he attended a wedding, and it was Vera's Not long after he attended another, and this time it was Ethel's. Yet he continued to visit Palace Gardens, an ever-welcome guest in spite of the disappointment of fervent hopes. Mrs. Quinton, re- garding him with a wistful motherly eye, sometimes thought what a son-in-law was lost. Other mothers imbued with pity were at some pains to secure his happiness. But the lure of charming, well-dowered daughters failed. One lady, several years a grandmother and therefore void of ambiguous motives, rated him soundly for disloyalty to the sex. "Fancy what it would be," she cried, coquetti^hly shak- ing clusters of silver ringlets at him. "Fancy what it would be if all the eligible young men followed your ex- ample. Vvhat a plight England would be in! The poor girls breaking their hearts and never a chance to coo. Think shame of yourself, sir." "Is it not solacing, madam, to think that eligible young men pay no heed whatever to my example?" he answered, smiling. "I think you and I may divest our minds of all anxiety about the extinction of the race." "You heathen!" laughed the old lady, shaking her ring- lets yet more menacingly. "Congratulate yourself that the stake has gone out of fashion. — 'Poor thing," she re- marked in relating the conversation, "I'm sure he is Tead- fully lonely. I think our girls are without art to let such a prize go. Well, my dear, I'm seventy, but if I were fifty years younger you would see something happening." The girls are not to be blamed. He had plenty of soft looks from under drooping eyelashes; sighs swelled fair bosoms on his account; and there were smouldering fires which his slightest breath would have fanned into a blaze. Gossip frequently piqued curiosity with reports that at last he was caught. A rumour which reached the ears of Mrs. Godfrey Langham assigned him a noted belle whose dowry, it was said, would enable him to realise his utmost ■■■'^'"W^B^^^PllWa* ji,i!^ The Book of Judgment 337 political ambition. He was to make his fortune by mar- riage, after the way of the world. Florence could say little but m her heart was a commotion of joy and jealousy— joy at the prospect of his swift elevation, and jealousy at his danng to replace or be happy without her. She l^Ti ''l''n'"/°f ^^^ ^^^^^"^ ^vent; and presently learned that the belle had bestowed hand and dowry on some one else, llie incident and the tattle it occasioned had scarce the dignity of a ripple on a restless sea, and were for- gotten the moment they were past— by all save one. In l^lorence they revived thoughts and memories which had to be kept secret as the grave; for with all her splendours she had not one poor soul with whom she could share a conhdence. A past rising thus in a woman's imagination may lead to tragedy. Jf rebellious thoughts haunted Flor- ence she had the sense and force of will to smother them. But It was a hard thmg to crush the secrets of the heart- an impossible thing to keep from doubtful musing when pleasure and social grandeur left her a quiet moment. One day, in the height of the season, as her carriage made part of the flood of equipages in the vicinity of Hyde i^ark Corner, she gave a convulsive little start upon catching the swift passing glance of a man on horseback. IL7M T iT^r^- ^? ?y °"^ ^° *^'^ 'ady by her side that that was Mr. Kmloch of whom people talked; but She had just self-command enough to shut her mouth tight • and her companion, who was talkative, could not under- stand why she all at once became so silent As time passed, she heard more and more of Evan- saw his name, with increasing frequency, in the news- papers; and she gathered that he was heaping success upon success, both in the courts and in the House of Commons. "He's on the high road for ofifice," she had heard her father say; and she asked herself if there breathed one who understood as well as she his fitness for any office England had to bestow. What people were heginnincr to fo"i^"' """^ f'u ^^d known long ago. She knew'him- to the core Ah, well! it had been her dream to soar with him; for she believed with all her heart in the aristocracy of intellect. Moreover, like all true women, she was a hero-worshipper. Perhaps it was to give the instinct play that she got Pfi ■>: i *i "■P \U%: 338 The Minister of State her husband into Parliament. Got him in — the statement is to be taken literally. It was she who spurred him to the effort, it was she who cajoled doubtful voters, making them forswear their vows. When he was declared victor she clapped her hands and kissed him rapturously; and when, after much painful c gitation, his maiden speech was ready, she went down to the House to hear it. The occasion was a debate on one of the endless measures touching the regeneration of Ireland. "You have studied the Irish question on the spot, dear," she said, encouragingly, "and of course have the advantage of the majority." "Of course," absented her husband, dubiously. In a certain calendar that evening was destined to be for ever memorable. A fierce battle was fought, in which Mr. Distoire himself led a magnificently delivered assault. In a manner which some called flippant, and most owned was brilliant, he poured in a deadly fire of sarcasm, and, having satisfied himself with havoc, strolled complacently out in a hubbub of excitement, leaving the enemy to bind his wounds. A member of the Opposition followed, and upon his heels came one who nearly accomplished the feat of emptying the House. He sat down, and Mr. Lang- ham rose, palpitating, and big with the bigness of a first speech. In the same instant Mr. Kinloch sprang up, without, it was believed, noticing tlv^ other. There was a momentary pause. The Member for Rockhampton caught the Speaker's eye, and Mr. Langham fell back, with a helpless look at the ladies' gallery. Kinloch began with the electric quiet which presages a storm. As he disdained small game, he had already, on more than one occasion, given Mr. Distoire a taste of his mettle. The famous leader was at first amused, then loftily ironic. ., passing by degrees to replies and open compliments. From this, his friends knew he had been struck in the joints of the harness. And here the enemy was at him full tilt again. It flew round the lobbies that Kinloch was up and giving it hot and strong to Distoire. Members, eager for entertainment, trooped back to their places to find the House chuckling. As the barbed darts flew thicker there were tumultuous cheers and laughter, not always confined to one side. The speaker congrat- ulated the House on possessing a member of so high and ^•MtHtttBKK^^..,. -■jn..^^ «t -tw-tM.-;..^K-Ei'*f"'i-/- , -.- — the statement spurred him to voters, making declared victor Lpturously; and maiden speech 3 hear it. The dless measures the spot, dear," ; the advantage ously, destined to be >ught, in which iHvered assault, id most owned : sarcasm, and, J complacently enemy to bind I followed, and romplished the and Mr. Lang- jness of a first :h sprang up, T. There was Rockhampton lam fell back, /hich presages lad already, on ; a taste of his amused, then lies and open ' he had been ere the enemy le lobbies that ig to Distoire. back to their e barbed darts and laughter, ;aker congrat- )f so high and The Book of Judgment 339 disinterested a spirit, a spirit so far above the weakness of ordinary humanity, that he was able to recreate himself with pleasantries upon the woes of millions of his fellow- subjects. ''I am sure," pursued the orator, "we must all envy that light and equable disposition which gaily accepts the calamities of his kind as providential means of gratifying a personal taste for amusement. Philosophy, sir, has been aptly defined as the enchanting science which enables us to bear up under the afflictions of others. The Right Hon gentleman is the sprightliest philosopher who ever con- verted public misery to private pastime since Heaven was pleased to damp the gaiety of nations by quenching the merriment of Voltaire. The Roman poet found probity praised and kicked out of doors. In our day inscrutable Wisdom reserves that fate for political fidelity. The Right Hon. gentleman, the First Lord of the Treasury, was not always the model of political insensibility which, to-day makes him the shining avatar of a legion of mimetic scof- fers. History which delights in satire, relates that, in his unguided— I had almost said his intemperate— youth not only did he pose as the friend of the human race, incredible as It may seem, but indulged in impassioned flirtations with the sorrowful lady of the Shamrock. What fervent nothings the lover whispered in a greedy ear need not now be considered. Enough that the lady smiled and dried her tears. It seemed that, after endless falsities, her true cav- alier had come at last, and the romantic spoke of the re- vival of chivalry. They forgot, sir, the fickle-:ess of politi- cal affection. The favours granted and the fit of wooing past, the gallant grew cold, talked vaguely of platonic riendship and the necessity of avoiding a scandal. In vain the lady s minstrel sang of wooers who never forget The poet could not have been aware of the happy convenience of some memories. The Right Hon. gentleman did forget. And now, when the discarded flame cries out in her dis- tress, imploring him, by the memory of former vows, for J I replies, mockingly, with chains and a gag " In the midst of a thunderous explosion, Mr. Distoire who had been told what was going on, re-entered the House, ogling the orator mischievously with his eyeglass A palpitating istener in the ladies' gallery strove ineffect- ually to hide her emotion, and the Speaker had gravely :• ( 340 The Minister of State fi''i to call hon. members to order. Mr. Distoire sat down with an amused smile, settling into the listless attitude he affected when profoundly interested. In deepening excitement the Member for Rockhampton went on to describe the political perfidies of the Prime Minister, and to tell how, for "domestic and other reasons," the Right Hon. gentleman, ignoring pledges and turning his back upon sentiment, made love to metaphysics. "So successful have his later devotions been," observed Mr. Kinloch scornfully, "he is now in a position to an- nounce to an anxious world that Hamlet was undoubtedly compos mentis and beyond all question right when he de- clared 'there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so!' Sir, this assurance from the mouth of a re- sponsible Minister of State cannot fail to soothe and com- fort men and women groaning in the yoke or bleeding under the lash of fate. Like all great discoveries, the panacea is magical in its simplicity. The wretched and starving have but to imagine themselves happy, contented, free, prosperous, and presto! the hut is a palace, famine turns to plenty, hunger is appeased, rags are regal purple, aches and pangs delicious titillations, thraldom becomes liberty, and the desolate land flows with milk and honey. So the nurse furnishes the fretful child with a rattle, telling it to play itself and its fancied ills will vanish. I ask, sir, who would not purchase happiness at so cheap a rate?" Mr. Distoire bent towards his nearest colleague, re- marking, "Confound the fellow, he has broken into my armoury and stolen my weapons." The orator swept on, the House, now hanging eagerly on his lips, fell into a tense silence, listening with all its senses save when it broke into applause. A swift change came over his manner, as, passing from the personal and abandoning invective, he came to deal with the details of the measure before them. Though he spoke with a studied restraint, as if afraid to give his feelings rein, there was a ring in his voice as he clinched argument after argument that thrilled like a bugle call. Mr. Gasten fairly turned un his seat that he might not miss a word or a gesture, and Mr. Quinton and Mr. Dudley followed his example. Even Mr. Langham forgot he had in his pocket a maiden speech which could never be delivered. Mrs. Langham bent for- ward in her place in the gallery, fascinated and on fire. ^■'^ ''J^'^iil^Af'i..1i^-';:f The Book of Judgment 341 The peroration, throbbing with passion, swelled in a note of denunciation that made hostile listeners tingle while holding them captive. He referred to the ideals of statesmanship, quoted aphorisms from Burke about little minds and great empires going ill together, and precepts from Bacon about laws; and when, with a sweeping, and dramatic gesture, he called upon the House to fling the disjecta membra of this iniquitous Bill in the faces of those who dared thus to insult a whole people, the effect was to make many start from their seats. "By God, that's oratory," said Mr. Distoire, carried out of himself. And as he spoke a tumult of acclamation con- firmed the opinion. Driving home a little later, Mr. and Mrs. Langham dis- cussed the speech. Asked what she really thought of it, Florence replied, "I would give a thousand pounds that it had been delivered by my husband." In next morning's Times it was reported in the first person, besides being honoured with a trenchant leader, and Evan Kinloch was famous. CHAPTER XII Honours, like troubles, come not single spies but in bat- talions. While the country still rang with the sensation of the assault on Mr. Distoire and the prophets of the Press were hotly disputing over ultimate results, the man most concerned was quietly taking breath for a long leap in another arena. It was a time of public discords, or con- vulsions, rashness, despair, and Crown prosecutions, of fear and trembling in high places, and dire uncertainty every- where. ^ Men began to talk dolefully of the horrors of a revolution and to picture streets running with blood. Hap- pily England has a standing army, and the sight of gleam- ing bayonets and gun muzzles kept Demos from the worst. But from out the seething chaos there crystallised charges involving, not only the honour of a political leader, but the existence of a political party. In this new sensation all other sensations were swallowed up. The accusers 342 The Minister of State \n-, , . ,1 were powerful and pertinacious; the accused fierce and full of denials; the nation, thrown into excitement and per- plexity, demanded investigation. Thus obliged to do something, the Government resolved upon a public inquiry, and a Special Court was constituted. Mr. Quinton led for the defence, Mr. Kinloch and another being joined with him. Against them were the full forces of the Government, and a prejudice more formidable still, for at a fancied defect of loyalty honest J^ hn bristles, mak- ing judgment jump with suspicion. Obeying an instinct for sport. Society took the proceedings under its patron- age, crowding the court day after day with quickened zest, despite the clreary mass of technical detail which had to be sifted. At the end of a fortnight it got its first delect- able thrill. Mr. Kinloch had cross-examined one of the principal witnesses without damaging his opponents. The Court adjourned for luncheon, and while the three friends were snatching a hasty meal tc-)gether the leader remarked a little wearily to Kinloch : "You will cross-examine the next witness." Had Kinloch been struck in the face he could not have been more startled. "But, sir," he protested, "remember he is the most im- portant witness in the case. Surely you will do the cross- examination yourself?" "No," said Mr. Quinton. "No. I do not feel very well. You must do it." Kinloch's appetite forsook him, and he returned to court with the ugly conviction that he was about to wreck his reputation. The witness he was to tackle, a man of knowl- edge and experience, was so well known for his shrewd- ness, that it was whispered he was likely to prove more than a match for the ablest cross-examiner in London. Besides, there was absolutely no material to go on, a want which rendered the situation doubly difficult. When the crucial moment came Kinloch rose with a dry mouth and an ominous feeling of emptiness. It was only by a vig- orous effort of will he saved himself from imagining the whole fabric of the case collapsing about his head. The manner iri which the duel opened made Mr. Quin- ton hot and anxious. The witness, it seemed, was going to justify the hopes of his friends. Self-possessed, laconic, te ;used fierce and itement and per- irnment resolved was constituted, och and another re the full forces formidable still, in bristles, mak- y'lng an instinct nder its patron- with quickened letail which had )t its first deleci- of the principal Its. The Court "ee friends were Jer remarked a s. could not have is the most ini- ill do the cross- >t feel very well, ^turned to court ut to wreck his L man of knowl- for his shrewd- to prove more ler in London. 3 go on, a want ult. When the dry mouth and only by a vig- imagining the bis head, lade Mr. Quin- ned, was going isessed, laconic, The Book of Judgment 343 deft in parrying and ever ready to fall back on the privt1qg« of non mi ricordo, he held his own. His manner had even something of the contempt of Goliath for the stripling David. Uncc when he loftily advised counsel to shake some other oak it appeared he was carrying the war into the enemy's country. All at once, -u.-l while he was in the cock-a-hoop mood, a chance 'iiot Ul;.'. Kinloch put a question over which the too coni;d';nt wiliess blundered. Quick as lightning another, arisi )f,^ >ut o the first, was upon him, and he blundered again. \ thir i made matters worse, "Kinloch's got him," some one whispered excitedly. "He's got him, he's got him." Assuredly Kinloch had him. Step by step the broken and unhappy witness was led by ways which he knew not to a place that was thorny and stilling and very dark. There he was dissected, himself incontinently holding the light. When he faltered or protested, as in the chagrin of self-committal he sometimes did, the tormentor was ruth- lessly upon him. "Come, come, sir, pull yourself together; the court is waiting for your answer." And he would meekly bring forth another damning secret. The spectators sometimes tittered, sometimes listened in a breathless stillness. Mr. Quinton vowed he had never before seen such a process of annihilation in a court, while the rest of the Bar smiled, nodded, and whispered meaningly— all save counsel for tlie prosecution, who sat with faces lens^thening by the ell. When at last, with a kind of cooing sweetness" more omi- nous than the sternest words and looks, Kinloch remarked, 'Thank you, that is all I wish to know," every competent judge present knew that the case for the other side was shattered. "You've done it," was Mr. Quinton's jovous comment in his associate's ear. "Well, thank God 1 did not cross- examine." As for Mr. Thomas Kitter, he yearned like a mother to pre.ss the young man to a bosom throbbing with admira- tion. So the day closed in a buzz of excitement over the fall of Goliath and the triumph of the stripling David. Next morning, as Kinloch awoke after a four hours' sleep, he received two pieces of news that caused him both gladness and regret— one that Mr. Quinton was too ill mk I I i 344 The Minister of State to attend court; the other that the dominie was forthwith to visit him. Mrs. Proudfoot had died suddenly; and wrote her son. "As soon as I lay her to rest in Duncairn Kirk- yard against the great awakening, I am going to see the mighty Babylon and my best pupil. In the first shock o( my loss, which is greater than I can tell, I cannot stay here alone, and you are the only one I have to go to. You see how a poor old rustic takes it for granted he will be wel- come in London." And welcome and doubly welcome he was, as he was promptly informed by telegraph. The message despatched Evan sent an agent to hire a furnished West-end flat, that he might entertain his guest becomingly and be near his leader; and hastened to Palace Gardens, to find that leader in the throes of gout. There was nothing for it, Mr. Kin loch thought, but to have the proceedings adjourned. But the other would not listen to such a proposition. "What!" he cried almost angrily, "let delays dispel yes- terday's good impression"' Not a word of that, please. You will go on, and I will bear my torture and get well as fast as the devil and the doctors will permit me. I intend to husband my resources for the big speech. You see, I do not forget the occasion is likely to be historic." The case accordingly proceeded, Kinloch working like ten Trojans, yet contriving to entertain his guest and visit his chief daily. In these visits the dominie usually accom- panied him, bringing, as Mr. Quinton said, blue skies and an atmosphere of Homer. Great was Mr. Proudfoot's sat- isfaction in the talk .f old and young alike, but greater sti his surprise w'hen the two men of business discussed their affairs. "And God gave it to me to help in the training of that intellect that divides like a keen steel instrument," he would say to himself gazing at Evan. 'It was almost more than k coulu believe. The time for the great speech came, but alas ! the speaker was not ready. Kinloch urged an adjournment; Kitter, a triiie nervous over the prospect, considered the proposa! unquestionably wise; but a man smarting under gout and the malice of Fortune is not to be argued with. Kitter was sent packing w'th the intimation that he was losing his judgment, while Kinloch was informed he was sorely dis- appointing his chief. Mr. Proudfoot, who chanced to be ,te nie was forthwith Idenly ; and wrote I Duncairn Kirk going to see the the first shock oi '. cannot stay here ) go to. You see d he will be wel- : was, as he was ssage despatched, /est-end flat, that and be near hi o find that leader f for it, Mr. Kin adjourned. But Dsition. delays dispel yes- that, please. You d get well as fast me. I intend to . You see, I do )ric." )ch working like is guest and visit ie usually accom d, blue skies and , Proudfoot's sat I, but greater still is discussed their ; training of that iment," he would ost more than he alas! the speaker urnment; Kitter, ;red the proposa! under gout and with. Kitter was e was losing his e was sorely dis- o chanced to be The Book of Judgment 345 present, stole away under pretence of verifying a quotation in the library ; but on the way home he ventured to ask what the decision was. "Why, nothing," replied Evan: "we were both thrawn, thanks to gout and natural obstinacy. Mr. Quinton v 'U come to reason to-morrow morning. The idea that I should take his place is too absurd to be discussed. He must de- liver the speech. He is the first orator at the Bar to-day; his influence is immense; this is perhaps the greatest occa- sion of his life — and in short, if the delay should be six months he will speak, or our side is dumb — and I tola him so." "I will not presume to advise," said the dominie after a moment's silence. "But I have been studying the situation a little and comparing men — an old weakness of mine — and do you know my conclusion?" "What is it, sir?" "Why, just this, that you ought to thank God for this particular instance of His favour." "In thrusting a responsibility on me, for which I am not fit?" "Precisely." "Think what failure would mean, sir." "Think what success would mean. I have known Evan Kinloch to be in trying circumstances, and never heard that he failed.;' "Ah! sir, this is not an examination paper. Besides, the greater my success the greater the injustice to Mr. Quinton. The occasion is his, not mine. No, no, sir, he must deliver the speech, and he will deliver it, if I carry him to court on my back." Gout and the doctors, however, held fast to their victim, and Mr. Quinton was immovable. An adjournment he affirmed for the twentieth time would ruin all by dissipating the good results obtained at such a cost and with so much skill. "No general in his senses would think of postponing a battle," he told them, "because an old soldier happened to be hors de combat." "The case is altered, sir, when the old soldier is the gen- eral himself," responded Evan. "Tut, tut!" cried Mr. Quinton impatiently. "The best of us is not indispensable. We grow old and infirm, or err, *?!'' lift: L ' > 1 H J MS -^1 ? .11 J J i ill 1 346 The Minister of State and are superseded. Hercules was doubtless a very useful fellow in his day, but we contrive to do without him. The world must move: enthusiastic courts must be kept warm above all, breaches must be kept open if we are to hold what we have won. Audcntcs fortuna juzKit. Strike the iron while It is hot. If my friend Kinloch loves me he will talk no more of adjournment." Thus silenced, made, willy-nilly, to bear the onus probandl of vmdication, there was nothing for it but to prepare one'^ shoulders for the burden. It was appalling enough even for a scion of the House of Atlas. But he was not one to quail. When he protested, it was not from dread of failure but because he recoiled from the idea of robbing a friend of a great opportunity. He was well aware how his leader regarded the speech; the importance that was attached to It, the glory that was expected to accrue from it. But thrust into the breach one's duty is to fight, simply and solely to fight, not to reason about private feelings. The mere preparation would have unnerved and ex- hausted most men of his experience; to Kinloch it meant a redder heat in the furnace, a little more steam. The dom- inie, who was as faithful to him as his shadow, vowed he had never dll then known what mental toil meant. "Ay, ay," he would say, "we thought we worked at Burn- side and Aberfourie. But Lord! we only played. At Edin- burgh and Oxford it was just play also. This is tremendous; but God-sake take care. I did not come up to nurse you through a brain-fever." On the eve of the momentous event Evan dined at Palace Gardens t- rehearse his points, his pupil and Mr. Proudfoot being of the company. In the eagerness of listening, com- menting, and confirming Mr. Quinton forgot his gout He remembered it suddenly with a gasp and a contorted count- enance when in his absorption the bandaged foot was brought to down to emphasise a remark. Forthwith the entire medical profession was hurled to perdition as a portentous system of idiocy. ..cience, he cried, "we are deafened about the progress of science. Good God, of what use is their science when It cannot even allay the tortures of a fiery toe?" And then immediately, "Capital, Kinloch, capital. Just one word- do not encumber yourself with detail. You have supped so hugely on facts that you might be inclined to be alto- „*i*8is«#«s;»?--i'> . te less a very usefu 'ithout him. The St be kept warm; i are to hold what Strike the iron :s me he will talk the onus proband\ : to prepare one's ng enough even e was not one to I dread of failure, robbing a friend ■e how his leader was attached to Dm it. But thrust 3ly and solely to nerved and ex- nloch it meant a earn. The dom adow, vowed he il meant, worked at Burn- layed. At Edin- s is tremendous; up to nurse you I dined at Palace i Mr. Proudfoot : listening, cora- 3t his gout. He :ontorted count- laged foot was Forthwith the perdition as a )ut the progress ir science when :oe?" And thon st one word: do bave supped so led to be alto- I The Book of Judgment 347 gether pedestrian. Pray don't forget the wings. In really effective speeches there must be something better than de- tail. But there, there," he added with a smiling glance at Mr. Proudfoot, "we old fellows are too fond of teaching fish to swim." "I came for direction and advice," said iivan. "Well, well! my advice is to take your own course, and may Heaven aid brain and tongue, for Heaven and our friend Kitter alone know how much hangs on the issue. To what extent have you been burning the candle at both ends?" "You will understand, sir," put in. Mr. Proudfoot, "when I tell you that for two whole ..ights his bed has not known him." "That," observed Mr. Quinton severely, "is extremely foolish. Well ! promise to spare the candle to-night." And the transgressor promised, Mr. Proudfoot under- taking to see that the promise should be kept. On the morrow, long before the hour of opening, the court was thronged with an auditory made splendid by rank and intellect and jewelled beauty. Mr. Gasten laid aside the cares of Opposition to watch a more exciting game. Mr. Distoire could not attend, but he was represented by two members ofjiis Cabinet and all his law officers; Lords and Commons jostled cheerily while commenting on the drama they had come to witness, and bishops and great dames comforted each other in a crush that was soon stifling. Mrs. Langham was there with her husband and father, and Mr. Proudfoot occupied a favoured seat. When Evan entered and took his place beside a table loaded with stacks of books, papers, and legal documents, he was startled to find Mr. Quinton waiting for him. "Oh, yes, I have come to see the fun," said the maimed leader. "Pray remember the doctor's nursling. You never know the tenderness of flesh till you've got a gouty toe to look after. Well! for the sake of a wounded comrade —courage." "Sursmn corda, we will try," said Evan. The Bar trooped in sm.i'ling and expectant, many nod- ding familiarly to Kinloch. and some asking him how he felt. Mr. Kitter sat in anxious colloquy with his client, who had to be assured and encouraged because of his cham- pion's youth. Then all at once there was a rustle and fiut- WHk 1 i S m 1 ,|b| ^^m '' '''"^ ^^B' 'i ] ^^B' ')skm ^mm < -mm ^^Ik.^^H^H hI Hil^^H HHHKi)tl"'^i^HBii jM ^^Ri''iiti ^^^^^M«! ^fiff ^ S 348 The Minister of State li .V;,rl ter, and with more than the customary pomp the judges entered. A little later counsel for the defence rose in a court craning and quivering in tense, almost painful, ex- pectancy. Every eye was upon him. He appeared so young, so slight, that most ladies and many men thought it cruel ^kF ^ to pit him against the rubicund, expansive giants who lolled indifferently while awaiting his attack. The Bench, ad- justing its triple spectacles, looked down sympathetically. Mr. Kitter trembled a little in spite of himself; Florence tingled in a surging turmoil of feeling; and as for the dom- inie, he sat with eyes fixed on his hero, asking himself if this could really be his Evan, i.^ iittle scholar of Burnside, pleading in this great cause before these great judges and an assembly' composed of the best in the land. Surely, surely Heaven v^ as bringing strange things to pass. The speaker had not proceeded five mmutes when Mr. Quinton hastily scribbled a note in pencil and passed it to Mr. Kitter. "What he wrote was, "Opening exactly right, Kinloch already made his pace, and is absolutely himself, Have no tear." Solicitor and client read the note together, beamed, and nodded an r knowledgment. Kinloch was himself, ^Ai~ assessed and perfectly con- scious of the arduous work ahead. Beginning, as was his wont, in that tone of familiar conversation in which so much of his power lay, he called the attention of their lordships to the complicated character of the case, the nature and gravity of the charges, and the spirit in v/hich they were made. He seemed to be less arguing than telling a tale ot wonderful if sometimes horrible fascination. Technical difficulties melted like snow on the swift stream of narra- tive. Nothing seemed easier, clearer, plainer, or more atro- cious than the story of baseless accusations and trumped- up infamy which it was his painful duty to lay before their lordships for condemnation. At times he rose to a note of passionate indignation, as, for instance, in describing the methods of the prosecution. "It is the glory," he said, drawing himself up, "I will not say of the English law. but of those who serve it in the in- dispensable if sometimes equivocal capacity of accusers . and prosecutors, that what are essentially criminal trials are generally conducted with scrupulous fairness towards the accused, and a desire that nothing come out which is not strictly relevant and strictly evidence in the case. My ■ . ,« i0mtm>,mu. -^ .e pomp the judges efence rose in a nost painful, ex- ipeared so young, thought it cruel giants who lolled The Bench, ad- sympathetically. limself; Florence i as for the dom- ing himself if this liar of Burnside, great judges and 2 land. Surely, :s to pass, mutes when Mr, and passed it to ng exactly right, jsolutely himself, he note together, id perfectly con- ming, as was his in which so mucli jf their lordships , the nature and v/hich they were 1 telling a tale oi .tion. Technical stream of narra- ler, or more atro- ns and trumped- ) lay before their rose to a note of n describing the ;lf up, 'T will not ierye it in the in- .city of accusers y criminal trials fairness towards me out which is in the case. My The Book of Judgment 349 lords, I submit that in this instance the prosecution pro- ceeds on precisely the reverse principle; and I am glad that the Attorney-General, whose countenance will, I fear, be re- garded by foreign critics as giving official sanction to such a course, I say I am glad that her Majesty's Attorney-Gen- eral is present to hear the statement. My lords, this is persecution, not prosecution." A rippling sensation ran round the court, but it instantly subsided as the pellucid narrative went on. The analysis of evidence Mr. Quinton pronounced masterly, so lightly and brilliantly it was done, so unerringly the weak and rot- ten spots were revealed. There were many stoppages, but at each fresh start the eagerness grew as if the constantly overflowing court could not afiford to miss a word. Towards the close the interest developed to a kind of fever. Braced by the demands upon him, the orator rose to an eloquence which made people accustomed to such displays uncon- sciously sit forward, and those who were not hold the breath m awe. Among the latter was Mr. Proudfoot, who sometimes could not tell whether he was awake or dream- ing Assuredly Heaven was bringing strange things to pass. Counsel recalled Milton's vision of England, the "noble and puissant nation" selected by God to do battle for free- dom and truth; he dwelt upon the probity of her states- men, the "exemplars in patriotism and public virtue to the civilised world;" he pictured the British Parliament legislat- ing for hundreds of millions of people in every quarter of the globe; he described the essential qualities of its mem- bers; and then, turning abruptly and fiercely, denounced the spirit which would asperse their good name on n bet- ter evidence than that furnished by a duped, deranged, or malignant imagination. "Justice, my lords," he cried, with flashing eye? "is neither lame nor blind, and England certainly will not tol- erate unclean hands in her public men. If you find the accused guilty in respect to the accusations upon which they appear before you, then I charge vour lordships to award the utmost penalty of the law. 'l for one will rejoice to see guiit tracked and punished. But if on the contrary, as I believe the evidence proves, 'the purest spring is not so tree from mud' as are my clients from aught that is either discreditable or disloyal, then the verdict shall be a trium- phant acquittal " i « if'* I; 350 The Minister of State He sat dawn, and the breathless Court found reliel in a sigh which instantly broke into a murmur of apnlause. The President bowed gravely. "A great speech worthy of a treat occasion," he said. i A. And in the midst of the hand- wringing which followed, ! Mr. Quinton remarked there was no longer any doub? who was the first man at the Bar. Tlie domink stood by with ;5hining eyes, unable, for the firs; tuiie in his life, to speak a word. CHAPTER XHI With the unfeigned delight of a schoolboy exchanging tasks for games and frolic, Kinloch turned irom the intox- ications of triumph to direct his old dominie'-^ steps among the wonders of the metropolis. Innumerable historic spots they visited together, ransacking history for events and re- calling the gloriou: lead from their graves. At literary shrines Mr. Proudfoot lingered with a particular fondness. "And this is where the oaken-hearted Samuel wrote his Dictionary and sent patronage for ever to its father the devil," he would exclaim in threading the crumbling courts of old London. Or "The myriad-minded Shakespeare actually went along these streets — nobody recognising his divinity. Come, take me to Eastcheap and the Boar's Head and Mermaid Taverns; we must sup with Dame Quickly and drink with Sir John, and hear the wits talk, and the wise fools and foolish philosophers." Many an hour was spent in Westminster Abbey, in Poets' Corner or among the royal tombs. 'After life's fitful fever their majesties sleep well," the snuflf. Ach! >i savoury. I dominie observed. "I notice," he added sn dust of kings and queens makes but indifTe the taste of defunct royalties is the rever think I'd h- '^ the place ventilated/ The livin lared attention equall ^ . went often to the House of Commona ,. ^ ^ the Law Courts to study notabilities at close quarters :r ' refresh his soul with new ideas; peradventure even to car ) ,vay the last word of philosophy. Sometimes he was ; • ased; at other the dead. He m^ '"■v.'^^iikli .I'Sr^tK.'*^ ^'•■aei^'*';?'^,^ . Mmmmm S: ■:'■!' 3U!id reliel in a f apnlause. The Dti," he said, kvhich followed, y:er any doub? minie stood by e in his life, to oy exchanging irom the intox- i'fi Steps among e historic spots • events and re- js. At literary icular fondness, muel wrote his ) its father the umbling courts :d Shakespeare recognising his he Boar's Head Dame Quickly s talk, and the ^Lbbey, in Poets' ileep well," the ?ving, "that the 'Ht snuflf. Ach! ji savoury. I the dead. He he Law Courts refresh his soul V sway the last •ased; at other The Book of Judgment 351 times mountains laboured and brought forth mice, and then his criticism was apt to become irreverent. Again when he found sophistry doing duty for honesty he would alk with Figaro, "Who is being diddled here?" The eloquencrof Mr. Gasten and Mr. Distoire he tasted with the crUica smack of the connoisseur. cnucai "Masters both, and popular," was his verdict. "Well!" lifting his eyebrows with a world of meaning, "I observe the House fills for some one else as quickly ^as for either of To Evan's surprise Mr. Proudfoot evinced rather more luxury and tolly. Take me in hand," he said to his host after a tentative peep or two into their native haunts "S TksZntS' 1 '"'^°",-" ^"^ ^'''^ a consistency dress whT.'f^l-?'^'^'^ '°""'^^ '" '"^^ "^i"o^ "tatters as of manners ^^ """^ '^"''^ ^" '^' momentous aflfair viv^croustdvT.h^' West-end gathering that he met the vivacious lady of the silver ringlets, who getting him into Clani[nlo7h.' '"' '""'' '" °'*^'" inforifation^Eom The "We hear so many versions of their history," she ex- ttn"h;otheTThVP°" '" captive, "each mor'e romance is right/' *^^t ^^ ^^e really at a loss to make out which ous^mne"'"?^'"'" 'fi'^I'V^' ^T^"^^' ^^th an ambigu- ous smile, I cannot help being of Voltaire's mind that whoever serves his country well has no need of^ncestors IfJ^ ^t^«^hing the Kinlochs, I have not heard they eve^ turned their backs on God or the King, and you know madam, what a temptation there sometim;s is toT both"' home?"\t.^V^^ *• ^* hyperborean bear is when he's at he hL il .h f ^ ;"'""i^ ^^^"'' ^^*h a disdainful Ljb of tne head at the retreating dominie. I forget," answered the person qupstiQn''d "Oh—'-- M III! 352 The Minister of State Nowise scathed by this stroke in the rear, the unwitting in- fidelTen? his way, taking critical note of this and that hon of fhe d^aw ng-room with whose fame the newspapers chanced to have made him acquainted. In the press and buzz and solendour of metropolitan gatherings it was his good for- Sne to be ablTto preserve a cool head and an open mind. He was neither awed nor dazzled. The social product- SodTdous complex, confused, infinitely rich in suggestion, Td SaHmpa^ting, in its glow and variety, a vivid ^^^^^^^^ nf the fullest life lived anywhere on earth— this glittering unexampled thing was excellent game for the analytical snirk The dominie was as a naturaUst in a new world, but a naturalist prone to scepticism and with a weather eye always wTde ooen It was easy to mistake his naivete. Exquisites grinning at hi^ antique manners whispered about Don Oulxote come to life again, all unaware they were at that Someit parsing under the scalpel.. His judgments made Sr distinctions, and were refreshing by reason of their "^"iTwn^M^ leonem," he would remark dryly to his host "T noticed our friend the ubiquitous Cagliostro in the cJowdTo!nighl brazen and admired and fortunat^ as eve^^^ What smiles and fat geese are his! Trul> a wondertui ^'"rgreat experience came when on the invitation of the Mastir of Balliol, he visited Oxford ^ih Evan and Mr Ouinton. He was exceedingly curious about Oxford, tor Sad felt the spell of its grey quadrangles and classic asso- ciations from afar. About the Master he was doubly cur- ous ^nd be it said that despite the diflference between Bal- Sol knd Burnside between high heaven and a cranny among the rocks the Master was curious about him, for Evan had not conce'a ed his opinion of Mr. Proudfoot's scholarship The meedng was that of men a trifle uncertain of how th would Uke ea?h other-two gladiators. Perhaps, who had be vigilantly on guard. Before an hour Pas^^f^ ^heyj^^ as brothers; and it was over the favourite pupil o oth thej ''^Whrsir? saM ihe Master of Balliol, in reply to some thing from the Master of Burnside, "he is my very best stu dent • and you know how Oxford is proud of him. "After that, sir, it is trivial to say that Burnside worship: him." le unwitting in- and that lion of jpapers chanced s and buzz and s his good for- l an open mind, ocial product — h in suggestion, ty, a vivid sense —this glittering, r the analytical lew world, but a ather eye always uete. Exquisites red about Don ley were at that judgments made reason of their ryly to his host, agliostro in the ortunate as ever, ul> a wonderful invitation of the 1 Evan and Mr, bout Oxford, for i and classic asso- was doubly curi- nee between Bal- 1 a cranny among lim, for Evan had Dt's scholarship, ertain of how they rhaps, who had to passed they wer« pupil o' oth thej in reply to some- my very best stU' i of him." Burnside worship The Book of Judgment 353 "I have never thought it trivial, sir," was the response, intdlecl.''" ^ '^ ''°'^ °^ *^^ ^'■'^^°'"' ^ ^^^^t ''But you have many brilliant scholars in Oxford." Accordir.g to our calendar, many, very many. But, sir. It unfortunately happens that our scholars are seldom men and our men seldom scholars. The truth is we deal in ex- renies. One side is all for brawn; the other all for text- npSt';.-. Tt^^^/n*'^ we produce athletes and pedants in perfection. The full, round man of Plato is among our rar- est productions. I need not name one of the shining ex- ceptions. In his biography, sir, let us both hope for hon- ourable mention." ^ The dominie observed that Oxford seemed not only ready but eager to do her son homage. "Why yes, sir," said the Master of Balliol, "we all love him; he has irresistible attractions. Doubtless alsosome of us are shrewd enough to foresee that he will one of these days be dispensing the loaves and fishes of State patronage. Le vrai Amphitryon est celui oil Von dine. Oxford is not, sir without wisdom and provident foresight in the affairs of this world, however she may shrug her shoulders about the next By the way, have you noticed how infallibly our n Inl^o". .1?' "^^uf ^'' '''''"*'^- ^^'""^ of Q"»nton falling II just at the right moment in that great ca^e. I ask, sir IS there a divinity in these things? Was Napoleon right in ascribing miraculous virtues to his star?" foliwu-f ^» only answer sir, that the dice of Zeus always tall luckily," said the dominie. Thus they talked by themselves. With others the con- versation ran on high questions of statesmanship, scholar- h?;.l'l;-^'^*';'ri '"^*;?''' ^'^^ ^"^"^"^ °f universities, and the mysteries of life. Greece was dominant, and presently there appeared m the foreground two great figures. Homer nS? ??' °^^ /^amplons immediately engaged each other with extraoror ry spirit. Despite their afdour. how- . il'cf It ''S.^^f a"' \ "ever lost grace or good temper. When tl *^^- ^^'*"' °f ?alHol affirmed "There is nothing the human mind is capable of that is not to be found in Plato," the dominie responded blithely, "Nothing whatever, sir enl:?intuUe!C '^ '°""' ^" ^^"^^^'" '"^ *^^ ^^^^^ "You have a very nice apprehension of Hr -er, sir," re- 354 The Minister of State markca one of the company, and his name was Matthew Arnold. "I wish you would give us a new translation " "One holds one's breath at sacrilege," recurned the dom- inie. 'Besides, the tr ' .... ,,,o great save by special inspiration of the gods. ' "Well! well! when you do," said Mr. Arnold, "see you give us the grand old style, the style of Homer. And look out for the pitfalls of the English hexameter. You love Homer too well to raise the cloud of more than Egyptian darkness that most translators set up betv;een themselves and the poet. 'A very pretty poem, Mr. Pope, but you must not call It Homer' applies unfortunately to all our English renderings. Let me see the reproach taken away, sir. be- fore I die." The dominie bade farevell to Oxford in a kind of bound- ing elation, "What did I once tell you, sir?" asked Evan laughing, bomething I did not believe at the time," replied Mr Proudfoot. "Well! there's no use disguising it, I've got the Oxford fever— if a high pulse of pleasure be the symptom. 1 he rose-red city half as old as time'— I have tasted her en- chantments. And I have grasped the Master's hand. Of him I may truly ^ay with her Majesty of Sheba, that the half was not told me. I mnv have met better Greek scholars m my day and Homer's 1 ain would furnish the heads of a regiment Plates; but uiO Master's a man every inch of him, and who would not prefer a man to a lexicon?" So the dominie whirled in his new orbit till time, the enemy of p', .asc:re, warned him to tuin his face homeward. Ihe last evening in London Evan and he re«f^rved to them- selves; for there was much ^ talk of, many m^^mories to rehearse, that none cou'd sli^ie with them. "I have rare tales tell when I get back," said Mr. Proudfoot. "Six mo . v n't suffice for the telling and you can imagine how ne . Iks will listen. I wonder what your father would say if he saw and heard 11 I have seen and heard." "I have done my best to induce him to come to London," said Evan. "But I think he's afraid of the big city." Tir'^Cf "°* ^^°"^ '^^^ °^ ^°^^' anA way, he declines," returned Mr. Proudfoot. "Well! I'll tell him things that will make his ears ring, though it's not likely I can make him quite understand them. T am not sure I understand them myself. The Book of Judgment I kind of bound- ^'^'^^o':^^^^^^^^^^ r-^ out, and I hat! you a scholar-to give yet, a Htt .'t^^^^ ^' ^^'^'^^^ ^^ make some niathematics^and a or n ^"^ ^""'' ^'•^^^^' me blush to think o our pr sumotinn' '"""'?^- ^' "^^^^'^« the airs of directing powers wi"nw '" P^'^^ ourselves ments. Did one of us drean^nf ^ ^"^^'^ "^ ^''"'^ '"^t'""- see the look on you^ face yet trl ^'' r°"^? ^° P^^^? ^ said I, and the puzzled face /nr . "^ ^ \"^ ^^^'"^l yo"/ look. Laddie, ladchc that loo "^ .'"''^ ^ Questioning I ^are to tell.' Wei i tve travelleT/'^' ?' °'*^"^'- '^^^ ^^^Mr. guinton has hlnVd^^^^^/H -^^-e I w'fte^I "out'h^^ than it needs. ,; •dominie's eyes widened. and'^httl do;^]e""i^i^1;,;'l" '"--"d .P°™ds 'as. year, thous: ..Jpour„lsayea adTk'A '" '^'.'•y'^nd? Twenty thousand, I « Itomvs'eff , "r"..''"""""'«™u<;. One And yet, why tr hP^U °,Vv" ""'/"e-bnt twentyl lime there is not in M th s worH ^ ™" °' *« 'housandih so wonderful as brain-brain w^h 7"""' ^" ™S''"«^ ''^If there are greater th L. thi,^ Z "'""Pow" driving. And to you in1l,e Hou 'eff Col o,,""™?'- Y"^" ' ''^"="ed I thanked God in n,v hearTZ 11?^'" "'^^* ^o ts An^any and many „ .in,e's,!°Vh'!, ^l^^^^^ '^" you a mL^e'i"?'" A^v're5rIl^"^,; '' P="-- "' »«' passing my mother's room at dead o7 'l!"''^''"? I "^^ voice and thinkine- she m;„l„ i! ■ "'S'"- Hearing her opened the door as^softyTstaUr^ads and f TT"""^' ' thnre was the old body on her In. ?. j' '^l""^ '"• And fe.d was_ your name.' ShetdlTtn!!:? li^L «"' *-? I ^.a: ucarn iier. What- fr>Hr>,>r^^ t ~ -"••-r tHat .;.-;> cartlily da) if we a^e not a ^2^ h i'""°- ''1' >^°" "o^- Some known, and then Evan Kinl^iT '" ^^^^^'' ^" will be to some of us/' ^^^ '^'" understand what he is ^^"ckTn hTstroat!' "''^ ^°"^ '^'^^^^ but the words 1 I h ,> -I" 356 The Minister of State "What a I you going to do in the autumn?" asked the dominie, breaking a trying silence. "I am going home, sir," answered Evan. "I had thought of joining some friends on the Continent. But I'll go home. The Continent will remain. Fathers and mothers grow old and leave us. So I'll go home, and try to renew old times. I want to smell the heather and the ripe corn and gather hazel-nuts in woods I often see, and watch the Tay running past. Yes, I'll go home. Meanwhile, I have a particular favour to ask of you, sir." "And that is?" said the dominie. "That you make your home at Pitweem till I go north. My uncle, 1 know, will make you welcome." "He has said so," replied the dominie. "God bless his big heart, he has said so." "Then for his sake and mine you will not disappoint him." "I own I have little heart for opening the old door again," admitted the dominie. Once or twice in the course of conversation he seemed on the point of touching some subject, from which, how- ever, he would suddenly swerve as if in doubt or fear. At last the question came, and it was about the Dudleys. "I see Mr. Dudley at Westminster of course," answered Evan. "Otherwise I know little of them. They continue very great and very rich people. Mrs. Langham has all that money can buy, and I hear is very happy." "H'm," said the dominie, shutting his mouth tight. CHAPTER XIV While Mr. Proudfoot was still in the thick of his tales of wonder Evan himself took Pitweem by surprise, setting, as the dominie expressed it, the House of David demented with joy. But one at least soon recovered his gift of medi- tative silence, i^illed with devout gratitude and musing on all that had come to pass, David marvelled why God had chosen him for such signal honours, so much happiness; and seeing no worthiness in himself strove to be humble in his prosperity. It was no difficult feat to one endowed with a double skare of the peculiar virtue of Moses. Limn?" asked the The Book of Judgment 3S7 Law Courts and iudJJs ?mi ^fl ' ."' ' ^'■'■^■"''"t and topics. Neil liuno- idm^ri,;„? k""^.- ^'""e« ""d that^po,itica.X7nceT'i!,o^fc ': rr:iro"w' s^^o""^---' rerdTistsfioirat'rf''T^'"^-«' ^"P^ that their TO. ngfiendtlr'' ""■' •" "'■''^P^'' P"'«'=ly pounds a ySr Mr Ma,nll h"^H "'I 'r"'^ """''""•I .-de his e^es star,' ftonf his'lie'ad ' '''°''' ^"'^'^ ™^^'>- featI°e"of his^face""" "' '''"' ^™^^"'™' ^^tten in every of whatV°ay ■' frld TeToTded''^- Fr"'"?'' "^"'^ P--^ prising things stm if he cared P- ™."^ ''"' """■" '""■ news ran coitantly irirrtere'^iTe-Sd '"""""^ '"' with^^'e o'^en'toSrisTe s™d^ {"h"^' '" "'^ '^ '-"1 death. He was grieved to Lr„th^ P°"^" °' '"'« ^""l were harsh at the exnense nf nn^7 sometimes ested and them; and it wnmg hfs hea« to^^» People coming before sionaily helped outVweak case hv n" "'^' ''^"'^'f* ««' unfortunate He neveT^,,«S^f by pourmg ridicule on the ridicule his son had scarceTpeer ' '" "" '""' "' <" path^riLi;Xrn'gte'r''^Ss l^LZ^' S^^r ?' ^'^^ cannot be pleased with such thfng?" ^^^ •'"'^Se of all the old dispensation rh^Lf' ^''P^'^^ ^^^^^^ "That's bids the sSo? bloS^ /tf ^f"' ? ,"1^ °"^' ^"^ 't for- a fellow-creatu?e°s 1 fe ev/n \ ^^^'J^'^J^^'^S to take away God who gav^ralone h^thf right' tot t'lJlt' ?"^^'^' you were a judffe Evan anrl n rnPi "^*; Suppose what would you dor ' "^"'"^lerer came before you, I'i 358 The Minister of State "If he were proved guilt; hang him, father," and the an- swer made David's marrow cold. thll^f"^?^' ^'°^'^^«.^' these grim subjects were avoided. ] 1 ! ,?^ conversation being studiously cheerful. Much of the talk took place while the inseparable three, David Evan, and the dominie, sunned themselves on a great rustic seat m he garden, and feasted on the fat lush gooseberrS bage-leaf. There David was most at home; there if anv- where he was subject to little visitations of vanity. When the others wished to see his eyes sparkle with pride thev had but to refer to his forty perches of flowers anKit en^ compassed by the bulging moss-grown wall, the mere sight of which warmed one with a feeling of cosy antiquity. In Evan s early years the garden had been a luxuriating place o weeds; but with better times the skill, taste, and affection of a born gardener made it, as the dominie poetically ob- served, bloom like a little Eden among the hills. More in bve with his vocation than Adam, David was in his ele" nient when discoursing on the predatory habits of slugs and caterpillars and weevils and the best methods of destroy- ing the pests, on the mysteries of grafting, on seeds and soils and seasons He beamed like a boy when Evan asked questions (as indeed, Evan had frequently to do) and even assumed something of a professorial dignity in explaining how fruits were modified and developed by the gardener'! art. ."^y^^l^^'on'm practice," was his son's remark. "Father that IS the ruling law of the universe." But to that David had nothing to say. The law of ^he universe was much too big a thing for him. There were delicious wanderings by hill and wood; though in these Mr. Proudfoot and Evan usually went alone for David found himself stiff and scant of breath at the climbing. Evan watched the corn-stacks rise, too, under Neil s capped knee; and once at a challenge from his uncle took a turn with the fork, a trial in the old way which cost him a pair of blistered hands. ^ "Ha, hai" laughed Neil as they were held up to him. Look now at the price of being a fine gentleman." We ve seen th. day, uncle, when half an hour's forking wouldn't have uone that," sai ' Evan. But the chief events were Evan's frequent trips to Ab»-- . '■ ■ ■ WMB Maiar -« B» "' " ■ _■• '■-■ '■; " r," and the an- The Book of Judgment 359 held someSLy s^ecret it^^^^^^^^^ "' " *ey out. When f ™s dLco^red 1,' F ' """ ™°"''/' '° ""^ Mr MacHnn-iM .1,. y"'™^<^'^etl tliat Evan was often with Sure ran hth It ''''"''•='■ ^"dlawyer of Aberfourie, con sp Ir werf s«n to .V.'tti''t^ "''^'1 °"' <'''>' ">e col^- net-maker", »n 1 „^ i ^ ''"^^^ight from the bank to a cabi- tu^e" Wtat were' heyXt'° tV^ examination of fu?ni- ™orni„g when D^virsiJlfng^dow^^oSfr found T '\ta?^'Si^!;^e?k°'/??""''^'^" -^ deld"" Havfyou t;r„tr?;-lf "'"^'^- "S"gg-'= «"- o^?hl;^^iTCiS5«a'S^^r.o. intoVfifi/£,ghrer° ~"''' ~"'^'" '■^"^" "° '°"g-. '-°ko tallfotr'Rtd^read ""^^'" "^^ """S'" >-°" ^ h""- "There " ahe^^lf ,Z , ■•■ "'^= "" " contained. har..i "The e whll di I t"i " ""P '"='' '""-"'^ "''^'"''lins gotten ITS? &e " spreadinVn ,/°" '""^ "f?-. """^ '"^ <°^- not read because SslhT^as'bK '^t'f ^'^ Tf,''' When thev couW frnc^ .t^ ^l' """ '^^' ^^ ^''^nt as he. .| ■ JryJ;r.:nX%"eSs- 1 £i£^.~^^-Sdtz^^j-v--rr enofSi^YesTewilnr''-,!"™'^!'' P^"''' """d 'hat's wnuf,. hi^-i SncI-." 'r„d";tll^o^- Vl-t\^^^^^^^ 360 The Minister of State '■' f' m im' y i n u lii P'"^ , m self partly to overwhelm the dominie with glad tidings he hurried away. The dominie was with Neil among the corn-stalks. So David took them both aside. "What do you think?" he cried, quite lifted out of his customary sobriety of manner. "Evan has bought a house in Aberfoune, one of the grand houses beside the river, and he wants you, Mr. Proudfoot, to live in it with us. Come and see him. Come you too, Neil." By the way he explained in broken phrases that he had never suspected Evan's intentions till the papers were actu- ally in his hand. Evan and Jessie were out watching, and no sooner did the dominie spy them than he began to make fiercely threatening gestures. "What's this I hear of you?" he shouted, while still a long distance oflf. "Buying houses and making arrange- ments for other people without so much as by your leave' I tell you this is clean ridiculous," he added, on coming up in of^?^' P^'"^^''*^^ ridiculous. What can you be think- "Of my sins a little, of my debts more, and most of mv own gratification," was the response. They went inside, where a battle royal ensued. The dominie fell tooth and nail upon Evan for daring to be absurd and Neil, laughing boisterously, fell upon the dom- inie Even David was active for his son, while Jessie, wild ^'^.A^fn^' ?^^pPed her hands and spurred her brother on Well, sir, said Evan, as a final stroke, "I have manv a time done my best to please you, and when the chance comes you won t budge a finger's breadth to humour me. 1 call that hard. "Hard!" repeated the dominif "Hard! Listen to him. Man ahve, have you any idea v at I would do to humour "J'ldging by your present conduct, not much, sir," said Evan, laughing. "No inteet, dominie," put in Neil, "and you will just hold your tongue too, and not be daft. We will just drive to Aberfourie this fery day and see the braw house." xiiat ended it. Within an hour they were off, and this time Eisspeth made one of the company. "Now, Maggie, my lass," said Neil to the old grey mare at starting, 'just show folk you can use your feet No sloochin the day, you lazy grey teffle." :h glad tidings, Neil among the e. ifted out of his bought a house le the river, and with us. Come ses that he had pers were actu- : watching, and began to make d, while still a aking arrange- by your leave! on coming up you be th ink- id most of my ensued. The ■ daring to be upon the dom- lile Jessie, wild • brother on. E have many a en the chance o humour me. Listen to him. do to humour uch, sir," said will just hold just drive to ? ott, and this aid grey mare 3ur feet. No The Book of Judgment 361 ^e^eXltTZV:'f^^^^^^^^ -'f Yr^^ -- Pit. neighbourly cracirfloJri hZ' M ' l"-'*^^^ ^^ stopping for a herently in the passing '' "^^'P ^"^ ^^"^^ o"t inco- "An^it^colld^^'tte forthV!loc/^^^"^^^^^ -^^ one. and they were a' wed pleased n- Tu '\^l'^^^^ was fu' gey red face." ^ ^"^ ^'^'^' *^o"gh the wife had a strIti:e^1ome ^ool^en f^^' .r"°"? '^^''T' ^^^ ^^-on- exclamations about its JrandX''''T'r -^"^ ^^^ ^^^^ '" quent over its advantages fro" .^""^u^'^'P"*^ ^^^w elc- view. But David InHf? /'^om the housewife's point of hasty examSatTon two roor'"'' ^^'' !^"^^- '^ '^e fir^ thought of ask?nrwhrCnr/''If ?""""^' ^"^ "o one and, finding it locked .„" £1 , *'^ ^'"'P'^^ ^ried a door, answer was^ounbckk Passlnl'I^h'" ^^P^?"^*^"- Evan's selves in a bedroom iLeS*^'?"^^^ ^^^^ fo""^ them- indeed, luxunou?ry-/,^?i:he^^^ handsomely- door, they passed to ano^W 1 u ' ^^/ communicating a library, furnished wi^hpnJ°T ^'^°."^' ^"^ ^o! this wa! cases containing ne^c^tion?,^^ TuTl^''^''^'^ '1^ ^^°^- A look'came fntoThe 2°" ''"^ ^^^'" ^^"^ HoSer." others save E^an "urn and stT^Jrf' ^u '^''' "^^^^ ^^^ ^^e "Whaf t-« fLIl ^"'^".ana steal from the room. choiing ™1ce ^°" ''"™ <'°"^-" "^"'^d *- master in a cept it for my sate^Yor:, noTsaV'N^'-^''^' ^?,f^'^- deny me tliis little ffralifiraH,.„ " 5^ „?' ^°" *'" "ot and a cheque-book from hi. ' .^""l P»"'"g a bank-book dominie. 'thVo^gh tea's vvhr-"i °5-J'' ^"''' "^"^^ured the "But this cannot be Evan th!.'/^'n "°* ""^"^P^ ^^ ^^eck. ,JThen you will^en^r- tc^f^^ ^^^^^ _ "I would not do that; no, not if I could help it." 362 The P/Tinister of State ;i If) ' 1 The dominie bent over his old pupil's hand, his own shak- ing violently; then turned quickly and looked out. Beneath his study window was the garden, and at the foot of the garden was the Tay, running clear and strong over its pebbles. There were yet many things to arrange, not all of them equally pleasant. Old stakes are not pulled up without a wrench ; old people do not always leave old homes for new ones with bhthe hearts. When the pinch came David would fain have remained in the place which had sheltered him so long. For him it was castle enough. It was hallowed too by many joys and many griefs, the latter now more sacred than the former. Above all, it was full of memories (sprung all at once into ^disquieting vividness) of her who had left them before Evan, the revolutionising Evan, could well lisp her name. David would gladly have awaited the end with- out flitting, content to close his eyes for the last time where she had closed hers. It almost seemed a species of disloyalty to move into other or liner quarters. Neil likewise was reminiscent and disposed to moralise. Even Lisspeth displayed an unsuspected turn for senti- mentality. Pitweem would not be Pitweem without David and Jessie, and to take the dominie away was like depriving the landscape of its most conspicuous feature. This senti- ment was confirmed by Red Sandy and Lauchie. Nor was Mr. Proudfoot himself without regrets at the thought of going. "Burnside has proved no Paradise to me," he said. "But I came to it young, and I am leaving it old. You do not turn your back on forty years of life without a sharp pang in the inmost part of your being. The shabby, crumbling schoolhouse, the battered ink-stained desks and benches, the blackboard, the bits of maps, the rat-gnawed floor— they are poor enough, God knows, but they've been part of my existence for twoscore years." He dallied long over his resignation, but one day he suddenly plucked up courage, wrote it, and sent it ofT. Then a grand farewell fete was organised for the scholars, and on the great day Evan was master. Instead of lessons there were games and sports, and a singular thing was that all who competed received prizes. With the assistance of Jes- sie, and under the superintendence of Lauchie, he regaled the children on cake and fruit and lemonade to an extent S" wW^B^^BEhJI^SSM** The Book of Judgment 363 whole company Crushed info fhf^t!°',^^f memorable, the old walls asunder to hear fn.n '''?°°^' ^^"^°'^ ^"^«t^"& its the beginning manv of , J ^^^"'^"'^°" ^^^ dominie In iously,^the sp^eaker U o coC"^bufh ^'"f l^' l^^^^^^" very still, and before the end ha^dk.r^i • /'^"^'^^ ^^'^^ ^^^ of most of his older hearers ^^^^^^""^''^^^ ^f ^e at the eyes and goings, of n^eetinls .n"ri i^°^^^^" ^Po^e of comings the dominie's CgwSkamon^^^^^^ and particularly If ended. ^ ^"'°"S: them— which was now ^^^^^y^^:^::^^^^^ a pathetic to Mr. Proudfoot; I desnSr^of eSJ K° '"'^ur >^°"'' ^^^ts mine. As you know TcrS 1 ^'^ ^f '"8^ ^^'^ to reckon places tried thei?h^nds^onnTp'"-;r'J'''^ ^^"^^ ^" ^^"°"« never such another as the m-/. Tp' °"i'^^'^ '"'"^^^' but and mothers, furtive ywinfnfH-^"'"'^^'-" ^"^ ^^'hers was very true, for therTSd nn. T'' '^'\ "^^^^^ ^^at learned a man. They knew i^h.T.." anywhere else so They discovered also fh/ffl' u ^^^^ "ot often said so? him,'noonecou&^^^h/3p?a?e "°^'"* "'^'^ ^"^^^^ speech"" rXLl't wheVLaucr^"'?, T."'^ ^^^^ ^ «- assembly br^ok^^J intotehem'en cheer '?" "f"^^^^"^ *^^ head and held his face down Asthev llT^^ '5°^^^ ^'' he stood bv the dnnr =i,ni • u , ^^ "'^d out, however his life. David fe.sie Ne.T^T ^^"^!,^^ ^hey passed-ou o Clair, and Whi' remained ^^offu^ ^f ^^l^^' ^'' Sin- they also went, an5 MrProudfoot and ?'' ^"' ^' ^?^^^ f'or a minute the dominie "tmvli^^l- ^""^V ^'^''^ alone, room. uommie otood lookmg round the deserted over^'TLe'CsJonT?/' '']^ ^"^'' ', ^^ '^''' ^"^'-Jy- "It's all mycholars arrgone-LfeveT" ^"^"^' ^"^ -P-^^^' and '•Co^e'^ndlillwn"''?^^^ ^"' °^ ^"^ --^^ ^»-n back again. onH^tro" IhTeJe o^Ef/ '^",^^^* ^'^^^ ^'-v had sat nature was "ncLnlerbL^t^^^t^v^lJ^^T^^^^^ I i 1' [1 i'T 1 [111 .'j WW' 364 The Minister of State busy at his task and had brought them to this point. In the dusk they rose to go. Suddenly the dominie turned, ran back to the rickety three-legged desk whence he had so often made stupidity tremble, and leaning over it pressed his lips against the black, worm-eaten wood. Then, without a word or a backward glance, he marched out, leaving Evan to close and lock the door. I CHAPTER XV From the peace of Pitweem, and the starched old-maid re- serve of Aberfourie, Evan passed at a bound to the whirling excitements of a general election. There had been high jinks and midnight sensations at Westminster, varied by votes of censure to add piquancy. Determined to crush the hydra at a blow, Mr. Distoire one fine morning "appealed to the country" without warning, and every fighting man available was drawn for war. Wise men at times mistake the unmistakable. When the new House assembled, Mr. Distoire found the sheep in the place of the goats, to wit, on the left-hand side. He was not the man to quarrel with fate. "Another time," he said, smiling cynically ; and settled down to harass the Government. In bringing about the change of position none had done more effective service than the Member for Rockhampton, who not only increased his own majority, but gave Her- culean aid to his friends, and particularly to Mr. Quinton, whose seat was a trifle shaky. When, however, it came to rewards he held aloof. In allotting offices the Press was very kind to him. More practically on Mr. Gasten's behalf he was delicately sounded regarding his expectations. The response was characteristic. "Thank the Prime Minister for me," he said laughingly *'"-^ diplomatic agent, "and tell him that I find myself lilC «ll to among the blessed, whom it is impossible to disappoint, inasmuch as they expect nothing" — a piece of intelligence which much relieved Mr. Chasten in his despair of being able to repeat the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Already The Book of Judgment ^65 l^sTul^^X^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^"^^^^"^ *^ '"^'"'^ "P «^ty tin.es vatdv"^" Xelf'' embarrass him," Kinloch explained pri- vToulLccfp I'andSeTe^rrnof^""/" ^"^ ^^^^ ^'^'"^ instead of office Mr KinL.^ ! T ?//^ *° outsiders." So faster than plZ^^lt^Ltt,^' ^"' ^"^^^ «--^ norSt. 'N?gL'a"nrda?he i^.^n^.^K^^^^ ^^^ Government able spots were many tC Onn' ^ -^^T'f "^ ^' '^'^ •"•"^r- ing that doubtJunV as S Sf W^^ '""T' ^"^" remarked, no man in the Hn.F' "^^^^'^ ^"^ ^'^^out ward as Mr Soch A f i/°°K'° ^°"S^ ^ stride for- ffovernments ht nfcr.! ^ •^^""''^.^ °^ incalculable value to debTToSpled wluf a^i-T r^,!^"%P^^^^'^*^°"-P°wer o^ temper. It was obseJLtW disciplined forensic and The House of r ' ^^"^ ^T '"^""^^'^' the from one to the other at w 11 .T"""-?' ^"^. '^^^ ^^^ P^^^^d vers in anv pi^ hi u ' f ^^^nsition of which few law- }ers m any age have shown themselves canahlp ruZ the rock on which his fri^nri r» . ^^^^^ capaoie. ihat was split. As he never hi f„ lR-""^°"' ^"^ ^^^^^ ^^le men, |ntage,. he/waTa^i^^rfarSe^^Ithn^^^^ ^r,se^^\t no bounds ' Commons properly roused knows asudd^rent'^BSde^lhTnr^-^'^^'i^ P^^— *« the tide at the flood and Ir^^i^' "'^^'' .^^- ^^^^en caught crest of a gJeat wte f H^^ °"'^ triumphantly on the campaign was ov^ aAd t£ P^"'? "''J^"'^'- ^^^^^ the tnb.ldn| favour^'one^rvetg'^EvTn'ca"^^^^^ dens to discuss the situation Mr n S^"^^, at Palace Gar- tccted in his manner omethin^unus^iar.T 1 '^'''^ .^y^ .^^- l^e of suppressed exciternent? aX £ .^ 'T"^ 1^ ^"Srht pointed ambition came rturalKT^n°"^^ ^^ ^'^^P" to legal appointments and the SancesVfl-f'"'^^ '''.''1'' :nXS^ftb£~--"=wS ^.^ And whom would you name the dark horse in this race, M,. :i l: ! 366 The Minister of State "I think," replied Mr. Quinton, looking closely at his friend, "I think I should name him Evan Kinloch," Thereupon Evan put his hand in his pocket and drew forth a letter marked "confidential" on the outside. "Read that," he said quietly. Taking the letter Mr. Quinton glanced at the heading and the signature; then, hardly able to breathe for excite- ment, read as follows: — "Downing Street, Tuesday. "Dear Mr. Kinloch, — I have recommended you to the Queen for the office of Solicitor-General, and trust to hear as early as convenient that acceptance is compatible with your views and engagements. — With cordial esteem, obedi- ently and faithfully, E. Gasten." Mr. Quinton made a spring at his friend, catching and wringing his hand with a grip that nearly made blood spout from the finger-tips. "My dear fellow," he cried, every fibre in his body danc- ing with delight, "how can I congratulate you? That's handsome of Gasten, very handsome, though of course it's only your due and what we all knew was coming. No need to talk of good wishes. Have you let the folks at home know?" "I came straight to you," was the answer. "You are the only one to whom I have told the news." "Good God, how monstrously unkind of you!" rejoined Mr. Quinton, opening the door. "Come." And they made for the nearest telegraph office. There in breathless haste the message was written, Evan standing by as if he were not concerned in the matter. "Kinloch, Tayside, Aberfourie. — In the nevvr Govern- ment Solicitor-General's name is Evan Kinloch. Tell Mr. Proudfoot and all friends. Heartiest congratulations. — Quinton." "There will be no delay in sending that, I hope," he said, in handing in the form. "It will go at once, sir," answered the girl, lifting her head when she had read it and glancing at the two. On the j younger her eye lingered, for his face seemed to tell tales. "That will be a bomb," said Mr. Quinton, turning back his body danc- e you? That's folks at home "You are the hope," he said, turning' back The Book of Judgment '^(.j fS/t^SSoS ""^'^^ ^'^ ^' ^^- ^'^^-t bomb that ever the flimsy o^his desk cs'^.f,'"'^ speecldess, and laid behind. Whe he rei^ t Mr P ""^.^'"'^ ^^^"^"^i"& eyes chair with a hoarse crv thnt tf ^V^'^^'''^^ '"^P^^ ^'-o'" h»s pain or excessive joy ^ "''^''* ^^"^" ^'^nified unbearable Kinloch, her ilaieL'7?S T ^ ''>' /^o^-J^s ! Sir Evan Clair, and Dr. P^rbes an^l M^ "^'';'''^'- ^ "^"^^ tell Sin- And with that he rushofrn^ /,'''""• ^ '""'^ *^^" everybody." Jessie to get over the si oc°^ '°T' '^^/"^^ ^^^''^^ -"^ . Had th? belln^an been o,' tt'sooMo"- '''7 ""'i^^'' It could not have flown Lster AH Awf '''•''^,' ?'"^ ^^"^ as sauce for supper- and v hL V'V^berfoune had the news a blaze of tar barrels on h^l,?MK''' ¥' '^'^'^ ^^' ^"^^h Aberfourie Academy th^t th. f above the playground of if the town wore o7fi r I nH ""n^i^l" ^^^^^^ "^ to see tion next day Ird cursed 4 InH-', f •^''"''^ °^ *^^^ J^^ila- of tlie parish. ' ^"^^' '" ^^'"8^ ^^ the other end "And me and him sic fnVnric " <•„• i t , . . "Just to think I wasna here or H. i " "S'" '" ^^'^"^t. have added ''and for'Se^'ch^^c: ornSfand tin'J:"? "'^'^ men? °But ^V^e^^l ' f""^^ of la Joffi^^^^'^t'tHat mo- eral, and in'm^anS^er^^l^ "\",^Vifb:; '' ^^°°^ ^- cannot help giving surnrfse. ^Wu Y^ "''" "'*° ^^t'O" that acting upon delSe htn.= T? '' ?^^l^ '^"^^ to pass once made up hfs mindto r^H v.^'*^ Chancellor all at Attorney-General Tsife nnH /"^'' ^" "^^^^o"^' ^"^ the threescore and a fa^^w/""^ "°^ over-active gentlemari of the Woolsack t\T ^ connection, carried his dignities to becatlse eve^gover^^^^^^^^^^ expressly made fo.^Kinloc ' The art of uLl men ? X ' "?S'^°,'^ *° "^S'^^^t talent Since Adam ddved VnH F ^^* °^ ^^'^^^^^^ leadership, over the heads of Mc fiJi^^^'^^.^f " "« man ever st!:pped to a green tintre'^nri' Jr^ ? ''Vithout touchmg some eyes Kinlo^ch had "fsu tain the' v"^"? '° ''^", ^^^' ^^ P^^'^n. herantm their ^l^iiSns^^S^5rr-;SS>^^ 368 The Minister of State him songfully he was a jolly good lellow, and demonstra- tively packed him off to Windsor, with other bigwigs, to kiss hands and receive his title. And when (the ordeal of facing Majesty safely over) he returned Sir Evan, they in- dulged themselves with a public banquet in his honour. His old friend and leader Quinton presided, and Cabinet Min- isters mad( eulogistic speeches. The report of these things was the second bomb that made the heart of Aberfourie stand still. In office he amazed certain officials by his relish for work and his evident expectation that they should display a Hke taste. Though he was urbanity incarnate, he was often the terror of those whose duties brought them into close rela- tion with him when there was need of dispatch. He knew everything, remembered everything, actually loved detail, and believed in high pressure. Moreover, what an Arch- bishop ; Canterbury has happily called the sacred art of deleg;. > ame to him intuitively. In a word, subordinates discc.t i.; he understood administration almost as well as they urtficstood it themselves. It was hard to forgive that. Yet he .v;is not six months in ofifice when they named him with pride and swore by his shadow. CHAPTER XVI All the world's a stage, and the blazing forefront is the British House of Commons. Perhaps it was his doings in this realm of magic, rather than his achievements in law or scholarship (though the official cachet had indubitable value) that brought the Solicitor-General an enthusiastic petition to allow himself to be nominated for the Rectorship of his old university in Edinburgh. Almost for the first time in his life he had a moment's di"ziness. For a little the favours of governments were as nothing in comparison to that compliment : men of deathless fame had been proud , of the honour; but sweetest of all was the thought of being warmly remembered in old quarters. That was the point he dwelt on in his reply. His opponent was a Scottish nobleman, bearing a name illustrious in history, and pes- The Book of Judgment 369 Sueifce'" Pn! f'^^F' °^ ^"^^ '"''^'^''^-^^^ -"d political 4 JL )' ^^ f^^^''"^' "that I have live see this- to hear the Lord Rector's address V' ^ " ^° "^ ^'^^^^ '"'"^ 4^^'f f, God, T will," said David. his fob's "" ^°' '°°'" "'^'^^ J^^^'^^^- "I --"t to see Evan in hundred times l,e made Mr. ProudYoordescribe the „1^ dwd't"^^ ?h ",'{ -f '»■■,' ''^ «P-ted to take place Te" comlrb'adc di'!^ Th,^""- ^"' "— "-ias his b^ burgh ''he sald'to^ W-''"'""' "' '!/' S''""'' P™P'<= " Edln- heKv to them? •'t ' ='S=""/nd "gain. "I wonder what "You Ind T fUj "'" ■"■?. ^ ■™"""'' ^^'y anything." wW ??''^*^ preparations were made for the iournev h„f ater a sWh,''' "^'l^^' ^°"^P'^*^' ^^^^'^ rose o^ne morning after a sleepless n,ght, complaining of feeling shivery Lnd IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 14^ 1 2^ ^ m ^ us, 112.0 2.5 2.2 18 IL25 IIIIIJA ill 1.6 ^, //. ^. 7 Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 4. \ <^ ^^ 6^ Q ^- 370 The Minister of State gathered up. Dr. Forbes came, and promptly sent him back to bed. "Yes," said David submissively. "It'll be better to keep my bed to-day, so that I'll be able to go to Edinburgh." But a week passed, and he was still in bed. Then came a sore disappointment. The thing so longingly anticipated could never come to pass. Mr. Proudfoot andMr. Sinclair must go to Edinburgh alone. "Maybe I was too anxious to see him," he told them when they came to say good-bye. "Maybe I thought too much of the things of this world. But he has been a good, good laddie, for all his boyish faults." "Ay," put in the dominie, "he's been the best of laddies, and we'll not remiember his boyish faults." "I would like to see him among the big people," added David wistfully. "I have never seen him anywhere but at home; but God's will be done. Only I'm sorry to keep Jessie; she would like so much to see him too. You'll tell him how it is, and he'll understand; he was always quick at that." He paused an instant to take breath. "You'll bring him back with you, too — for fear — for fear what may happen. Life is short and very uncertain; and I would like to see him once again. I know he's very busy up in London there, but he'll spare the time to come and see us. Good-bye." He held out a thin, weak hand. "I'll think of it all, lying here." Dr. Forbes saw them into the train. "I would bring Sir Evan as quickly as possible," he said, with a grave face. The dominie turned on him angrily. "What is that you say?" he demanded. "Do you mean to tell us there is danger?" "1 only say bring Sir Evan as quickly as possible," re- peated the doctor. "Give him my love and congratulations. I'll take the best care of his father I can till he comes, but don't let him delay." Lying with the ripple of the Tay in his ears, and the sunlit mountains before his uplifted eyes, David indulged himself with pictures that were dim by sheer excess of brightness. "They'll be gathering in Edinburgh," he said, when the big time came. And again, "F-^ ,u will be at his speech. ^"^■i^^tfimmfmism The Book of Judgment Proudfoot looked forth unnn lu ^""'"l^ of enthusiasm Mr. at the array of eowned -S \'^^ oj ardent faces, then and tried to refhse what ^tP?" ^^T ^u''" °" '^^ P^"^'^^'^' in which he could not hi n "'^^"*' *^^^^ ^^^-^ moments delusions He sat be iSe Sif off f -"^.^^ T' '^' «P°^t of fessor of Humanitv and m.n. ^"T^ ^"^ "^^^' ^^e Pro- cant whispeX tL Lei^a^^^^^^^^ " °' "' "^"'■ lim1n1Ss'"1.iruTrtiSs"ofr ^ ^'^J *.^^l"- °^ P- enumerated in a dfn S S Le c^ruS ^l''^''- ^^1*^ ogres of the Senatus Academicus werf a^ed For n".f^! day, as a wit remark^rl ,i;c„;„r sacred. I'or on that pended animation' ''""P''"'= "^^ '" ^ «(»'<= of sus- HumTtyt th/domiSfe'^far"'!' •:, ''''J^' ^'"'^^"^ "' Mr. Proudfoo elan«d ' t P J '".i-n^dding empliatically "oy^ among thetrrlbirpL^s"'""^ '"°''""^- « """ rosV anV i^n'trXTd^ "sTr 'p"' ^r"! "'u" J^^""-' °' Arts Solicitor-cS and n„l „??u" ^'"^°<=^- her Majesty's of the unTvers '^' and the Prin'-'"?"K''''-''"S»'='''d »ns saluted him as Srd Recto? ^hlS^A' .""T^S elaborately, seats, and it se4,°e'^d%K t? ?atC Jth^r " 'l''^ cheers. And as the T nr^ Xf^Z ^[^ckmg with the peahng slightly at his'Uld-laced fob? ft Ton'mf' '"l^"^ into an ovation that wa« /nr„i„!, '"™"eed house burst the piercin? treble r,^ft,f Prolonged roll of thunder with dom^ie, witching Ith the «« Sf T'T" '^°'"-'- '^''^ ticed that the Reclor smiled af he wai ed for the?*'™.; "°- exhaust tself The Rerh.r in f,„. waited for the tornado to stration partly in ll'^Vn^'^pl'Xln'JJtfSf l"' "T.""" ingenuous enthusiasts sowel • hli t, ^IT "' ''"^" ""ese himself but a year o? t^o WoreP TVv''"" °"* °' *'"="' .earned and soVorant^'Sh'eXwIi'lT^Jhr^'or!^ v^ The Minister of State of books and so little of the world of men! God help some of them when they came to be caug'ht between the upper and the nether millstone. At length they signified it was their pleasure to listen; and he began to talk to them of "Yesterday and To-day," a subject, as he laughingly affirmed, high enough and deep enough, old enough and new enough, to embrace man and most of his interests on this globe. In five minutes he was on confidential terms with his audience: in fifteen the spell had set senses on the strain lest a word should be lost. He took them back to the dim dawn of things, startling the imagination as it were with pictures of Leviathan and the first sunrise that gleamed upon chaos. The shiver of that chill grey lAorning time, the birthtime of dragons, of myths and superstitions, was upon the air. There followed an awesome account of the interminable series of the gen- erations rushing pell-mell into eternity, while the world came spinning "down the ringing grooves of change." The vision of a poet inspired by scientific fact, it charmed levity and made sage heads nod in assent. He referred to the transitoriness and continuity of human society — fleet- ing as shadows, stable as the hills — quoting a noble pas- sage from Burke on the Divine Order. A stupendous wisdom has so moulded together "the great mysterious cor- porations of the human race that the whole at one time is never old or middle-aged or young, but in a condition of unchangeable constancy moves on through the varied tenor of perpetual decay full of renovation and progression." He glanced in the passing at Egypt, at Palestine, at Greece, at Rome, asking what these bequeathed us, and answering with the one word "Civilisation." That was Yesterday. Taking up To-day, he dwelt upon the glorious heritage of their country and the duties it im- posed. He spoke of national and personal ideals, touching upon success and failure, the heaven and hell of the modern world. Here he specially stirred the hearts of his audience. He was himself success incarnate, and ambition listened breathlessly for the invaluable secret. But it seemed all he had to give was a warning. "I did not come here," he told j them, "to preach any sordid gospel of success. Ask your own souls, and they will reply in language you will heed if you are wise, that there are failures nobler far than any worldly success, and successes that are ignoble failures. You tell :.*««««8i'3:. The Book of Judgment 373 my tifliam' Wenrk"-^/";,'' ^°"^T^"P^"^^^- ^ ^^" ^ut answer 7e 7ar\TJl?i ^t ^'^^"^^^ ^hat the foundations of uy siocK plans. A little later he owned it is natural tn man to love success. "It is a magical word imolvinor un o?hiissT^r":f H '"^r- ^^^^^ ^^^ weTltta"? teta^; ot Wiss? he asked, and every ear was craned "What rp ce,pt have worldly philosophers given us" So far as l" knovv, one and one only-a determination not to fail The ru e IS the essence of simplicity until one comes to applTi? t";^ in"the ;;"'To"""' 'T "^1"'^ ^'^"^ sudden?v sK up m the way. To proceed undismayed is the distinction of your Alexanders and Napoleons. But," he added after a ) ttle pause, "when ambition pricks to gigai^dc tWnl vou will always ask yourselves whether it is rfally worth^whHe wjnmng an empire to die miserably on an'isrand in" the ficfnt hTntT.?%*?i,'''"'P^'' ^^^ ""^' t^^re was the signi- fhTulT } '^ ^^,^. mountain did not come tr Mahome then Mahomet would do well to iro to thp mn„nfo;« rT i ' .. would be prudent to mind one°s^feeUn''theTotag""x„°S ■mt fcrtmagressus," said the orator, "The wis! err ifTht p;ry tllngs"""""^ "^ "°' '"''"'' '"^ ^"PPeriesrofall'lHp! On the pivot of the proverb he swung to scholarsWn S^^s;;^:^;5e^^?^'^j;-J:;i?|5 "Then let us pray that come it may As come it will for .1' that that sense and worth o'er a' the earth May bear the gree and a' that.'''''' l*or a that, and a' that, It s commg yet for a' that, mat man to man the warld o'er ishall brothers be and a' that " 374 The Minister of State II He sat down in a tempest of enthusiasm, such a tempest as only students frenzied with admiration can produce. While the din raged the great and learned crowded about the Lord Rector. "A perfect triumph," they shouted in hi, ear; but the best tribute rendered there was the silent hand- grip of the dominie. CHAPTER XVn On the day of installation a Lord Rector is everybody's property. Consequently it was late when Kinloch, escap- mg from the tumultuous fervours of his friends, accom- panied Mr. Proudfoot and Mr. Sinclair to their hotel. On entering the dominie was handed a telegram which he read with a troubled face. It was from Dr. Forbes, and con tained but two words: "Come quickly." "I am afraid your father is no better," he said, handing] the message to Evan. "But we cannot get to Aberfourie to-night." >.JP^^'^^ ^^^ ^^ "^^^ ^^ ^^ possible, sir," returned Evan, My engagements must be cancelled at once. Please God I shall see my father alive. Mr. Sinclair and yourself will perhaps help me to get ready." ^ They were off within an hour, and a little after mid- night they reached Perth. The Highland train did not start till half-past five, and there were still forty miles before u\ ^^-^^ ^^^ *° ^^ ^°"^^ ^ ^^^^y calculation showed that by hiring fast horses and changing at frequent stages three hours could be saved, three precious 'hours in what, as the dominie was forced to own, might prove to be a race with death. That was enough. In half-an-hour they were off again, startling the sleepy watchmen as they clattered into the blackness of the great north road. Thrice horses were changed by the way, but the bleared sky was glimmer ing with the dawn ere the last pair, drooping and foaffl covered, awoke the echoes in the main street of Aberfouriej At Tayside the travellers were admitted by Lisspetlij who greeted them in an awestruck whisper, which smotd upon Evan's heart. Immediately behind her as if waiting came n "I los doctor. Thou Univers "Too too late. ing the ( I am sui As he others ti grief in i her eyes, "Com( the hush David fill, as if : "Like [journey," that forti Ithanks." "I than With a 'helped hii "Itmin little chile Igood-nigl: I thought looked roi |t, David? itole over Evan's cc lere in a : with us.' " little sigl 'here was 'ver him j lid he go lay I have Mr. Proi The Book of Judgment 375 ^h^Eva^^eld „T';: ■''"'">■ ,P''y-ian's face toId a tale V?:^^:^s^^J^:^, ->- E- eVtea .He Too late!" he said with a auivenno- Uo "t„ i. i .00 late. I was hoping to se^mTfa hfr aKve '^T er„o& ing the evident pa n of the dorfrir "R„f ^.i :• i , "°"C" I am sure everything plsribte^s done " " """' '"'" ~"'- other, h,r'„''.°J'^ ■'""'^ ^.""^ "'"""'& downstairs, and the gjtjt-s x^5^i:t&?^;-:- - .heSXd^'ihambef"'' ^"^ "''' ^''"'P'^' ^^ '^l '"- 'o 1.551 ^Z^:^::i^ Sit -: — and peace. |io|e;," ^-^^M^IS ™-' -' ='- -°"^ I A righteous man gone," said Mr. Proudfoot "Onr^ jthat fortune's buffets and rewards has ta'en with eq^ual "I thank you, sir, for that," said Evan. It minded me of nothing so much," he told them "as a t David?" T 1! ^^ "^^^ expecting some one. 'What is nlp . u- ^r^^'^' f^"''"^ ^''^se to JiJm- With that there ^tol over his face the brightest smile I think I ever siw I'd he go to sleep more sweetly.^ When mv time rnnlf 'S ^ '^^'^^^ J"-^t s"ch another look " ^ ^ ""' ^°"''' Mr. Proudfoot glanced at Evan, signed to the others 17^ The Minister of State and they went out softly, leaving father and son alontl together for the last time. I Four days later David was laid in the eternal quiet dl Duncairn Kirkyard by the side of her whom he had sol greatly missed and so long mourned. For the visitor of tol day, coming casually upon that solitary resting-placel among the hills, the precise spot is marked by a modestl gravestone bearing words of deathless love. Such as pausJ a moment to read may learn that it was erected to tliJ memory of the sleepers below "by their children Evan andl Jessie." The grave is peculiar in frequently having fresi flowers upon it, though they generally wither unseen. The funeral was reckoned the largest that went out „, Aberfourie in many years. For David had been prosper] ous in his latter days; moreover he chanced to be the fatheil of a great and influential man. So the countryside, genf erously calling his virtues to mind, flocked about his coffia Arnong those who pressed closest to get a last glimpst of it in the going down was Lauchie Duff, for once withouj his fiddle, and washed, kempt, and respectable in a nenl suit of broadcloth, bought the dead man's son knew howl He stood bare-headed, and as the solemn words "Dust \ dust" were pronounced, he bowed himself with a moisturj of the eye that was not rheum. Many people was surprised? the thing was so unlike Lauchie. In leaving the church] yard some one referred to his respect for the departed. "I hae good reason," was Lauchie's response. "I Id good and suffeecient reason." And more was not to .,, got out of him. Only Jessie and himself knew that foj months together he had lived wholly on the bounty oj David. When this was told Evan, Lauchie's allowancj was not diminished, though Jessie was warned to deal i| out with discretion. ^^ "What my father began I will continue," said Evan "But I should be loth to jeopardise Lauchie's chances salvation." Jessie promised caution, and when the matter was mootej to Lauchie himself he promptly undertook to "jouk an Nick as bonnily as ony meenister in the land." Upa these terms another pensioner was added to the list. Mr. Macdonald, as David's "man of business," had no to transfer his services to Evan in administrating estate. ..jm^iiim;. "> i- '■^'«ai>-4W atiAi»- -. r and son alone The Book of Judgment J eternal quiet oi ^fliom he had so • the visitor of to- iry resting-place ked by a modest ;. Such as paust| LS erected to the lildren Evan andl itly having fresh her unseen, that went out ad been prosper d to be the fathq :ountryside, geii' about his coffin, t a last glimp: for once withou actable in a nei 5 son knew how, words "Dust ti with a moistun le was surprised zing the church le departed. ;sponse. "I hai e was not to If knew that fo 1 the bounty o| chie's allowano arned to deal i ue," said Evai^ hie's chances ^77 i. am afraid, Sir Evan, your father left no will." the bTl""H°"""^^ '^'°"^^ '^''^'^ the house and effects t f spi^k^t^hK r:^^^ri;: ;'.t l^^^ And I think he was right," returned Evan. "What's "" AkTi^\" 1 V '"• , Everything is my sister's." ' Absolutely? ' asked the man of business. ^^ As absolutely, sir, as you and the law of Scotland can r^Ma^doLM''' ^f- ^"^'^ ^»'••other, Sir Evan." observed invelo^e. ' ""^ ^ J°"^"g^ «" the back of an .^wtrtTo^w'n^^^ ^^^^-'" -^^ E-- "I ^cTJhe'sdi^it^r"' '" '^'^^^^ '''' ^°- -"--"," "If they had, sir, your occupation and mine would he rsuTt^i^lf^'-'-'' ^^^" 0^^^"°'«- We mustTofpra'; br'iix ^2S afte^df '"^^ '" ^^^ ^^^^^^^^'^ ^^-"^s ,er MTi?e3f cf°r ^"^V^'"^''," ^^ ^^^'^ ^^^"^^1^. "God! ler Maijesty s Solicitor-General knows just as well's the .est o' us which side his bread's buttered on Th^ winkle in his eye was worth seeing." twinkle Deeds and money were transferred to Jessie The dom- "otherTnrslt'erthT*"""^^^ ^"^"'^"'^^^ and between jroiner and s ster there was an understanding that the twn oms and a chair at table were his as long as he Hved to use them Before going Evan asked how Homer progressed [r. Proudfoot shook his head dolefully. P^^'Srossed. •ion "'he reo& i?"^,^tep between admiration and execu- ion, ne replied. We ve had a tentat ve bout or twn- K„f J^'tl MrArLold't'h r '''''' '" the En^rsVh:^ lators increa^ei.'^ '^^' ""^ '''^''' ^°^ P^^^^^tis trans- For company Jessie had two of her youn-er cousin.; iiose sorrow for the loss of an uncle was turlied to glee Idrnve .IP'^'-P'u^ °^ ^ ^°"§^ town holiday. But when NeH Idrove them in he was the excited one of the oartv for ll had surprising news to tell. ^ *^' ^°^ ^^ 37^ The Minister of State We are to haf a flitting," he announced at large. "Maybe you will mind, dominie, that Dugal has his eye this lonr- tmie on Dulnancan, west by here. Well, he has got it." " ^''I am sorry to hear that," said the dominie. And I cannot say I'm glad, uncle," added Evan. "You see, I cannot go back to Pitwcem any more." A look of disappointment came into Neil's face. "Dalnanean's a better place," he said, "and Dugal is gev and well pleased, but am not sure am not sorry too." To Evan the links with the past were dissolving like morning mist. CHAPTER XVIII Change, the savour of life, is the very breath of politics, The Country, grumpily smoking its pipe, became conscioiisl of a depressmg monotony. Trade, it was muttered, mightl be better, politicians a great deal more zealous in the inter-f ests of their masters, things in general could bear more spice and variety— in short, it was high time to call thel stewards to account. Accordingly one line night the divis-l ion bell startled loiterers in the library and lobbies at West- rninster, sending them scurrying to their posts. What in the name of wonder had happened? they asked. Nothing ?x7u°"l^^"^"'^^' '■eP'Jed the knowing ones. The Ministerial Whip had received the voting list with a confident smile, read with a changing face, glanced at a House becominj; strangely electric, read again: then bowing deeply, handed the paper to the Opposition Whip, and passed rearward to the left. The dice declared Mr. Gasten out. His rival was to ^lave another turn of the snuggeries of office, or in the sublime words of the rhetorician, to him were once more to be entrusted the destinies of this mighty empire. Tiiel bohcitor-General and his colleague therefore crossed the! floor from right to left, smiling as though glad to reposf for a while in the shade. When the new House assembled! several familiar faces were missed, among them that of thel late Member for Beltingham. Mr. Dudley puzzled hii friends by not seeking re-election, and the puzzle becamcl greater when it was found Mr. Langham was also voluntar-f u^ka&iMM^BK^' The Book of Judgment 379 the High Court of luS W?""" ' ^™'^'' °'"^'°" °' and his name was Sir Evan KMn/h t? °PP°''*^ ^^"^P' Chancellor, the official loo? i n fl^ ^^^ P^'^>'' ^"^ ^^e vigorously; Mr. D^toi e°l"efbla\T"'"lTl; '"^"^f in publ c life one i« aKio f^ ^-r "'^"'^ y- it IS so rare y whimsically trhiClSncd "^^^'" ^' '^^^ raise obstacles. You w^if"eme ^'°" ^^" "°' shortly have at len.J fwi ^^'"^"^oer, of course, we must ne i„^ Ch^%:J,;'?hVoZrT„"Di:^?e"f r„d°"pXf 7''- liveliest court in the lanri t ^i /, . P Probate — the .e-n keep toZXl'"Vt Tslart we'll H^'V'T' in our time." ^ *-ourt, at any rate ^rtTj!^mtla7T'''Z\^'"'*'^y- ^'- Distoire re- ™ *e astulf ,^?s'.oTe hl^te^dor' ^^ °' '"^'"'^^ *»' , And, to leave policv out of consideratJnn " I. a^ i you are worth no less' a nkrp T^l c i ' ■ ^^^^^' ^ou make the sacrifice?'' ^ ^ '°'^ "1"^^'*'°" '^ w'" F'.i 380 The Minister of State explained to Jessie, to Neil, to Red Sandy, to town and countryside all that the new elevation meant. Often he would lock himself in his study and pace the floor, full of thoughts he could not utter. Miracles were increasing. As for Jessie, she made no pretence of hiding her tears of gladness as she thought of all the master told her. "What would father say?" she asked herself a thousand times; and she could almost see him trembling with a fearful joy. What her brother found strangest in his new sphere was having his old leader plead before him; and it pleased Fate thai, his first summing up to a jury should be against the friend he loved above all men in London. The lady that lives for ever had more ironies in store, ironies which were to burn as fire: His new dignities were still fresh upon Mr. Justice Kin- loch when the country was thrilled by the news that the British and International Consolidated had fallen with a ruinous crash. Horror was added to amazement when the telegraph flashed that the directors, including Mr. Dud- ley and his son-in-law, were arrested and in Beltinghani Jail. "My poor Florence," were Evan's first words. "God help her." He lost not a moment in doing what he could to aid. As soon as he knew it was to be a government prosecution he went straight to Palace Gardens. "This is a fearful business," he said to Mr. Quinton. "I cannot tell you how my feelings are torn. It makes me shudder. Quinton, will you defend Dudley?" "Not to speak of other reasons, it would be sufficient if you wished it," replied Mr. Quinton. For two months the preliminary investigations went on; then, as the world expected, the defendants were committed for. trial on the charges of criminal fraud and conspiracy. Mr. Justice Kinloch watched as a man watches when his inmost feelings are engaged. Agonising visions hauntedl him. Dudley in the dock; Langham in convict dress Florence in distress — a horrible nightmare. His face had been pale of late; but one night he called aij Palace Gardens and it was like a death-sheet. \ .-11 without a word into the library where Mr. Quinton was i\ work he threw himself into a chair with a sigh that waJ almost a groan. Quin "M turne "I ha to try He ton fe "Th terribl intima and it "Ye of all 1 also th knows be inv( black a to me that, cc so eage you are "Beii Quintoi So th hold hij jail delii At the { so often waiting corted b; Those ai he was i for it; ar crossing- equipage friend. He wa civil cam( niurder c judge's d men to d( one ravin -Jfewwoiritej-ji*. ♦ ""»• --■ --m**^ ■*i-.'t-*g- f ^nd pern to consider theTr veXf ^^^ ^''^^' ^ ''"P^°''^^ r'Much has been •.--jTf \ ^'^^ Pe^'fect impprthUtv ^ou,"hetoMth?m,'C"airvoit"^'"^^; brought ' betr'e ;oti will dismiss frim your minds I^ T'^. i'^"'^'^ °"t«ide ff on any point you have the snf.llff'^ 't had never been. 're entitled to the benefit o?it '"'"""'* ^°"^^' ^he prisoners 384 The Minister of State It ,»: The jury retired and the prisoners were removed, but in an hour they were all in their places again, the jury nervous and downcast, the prisoners with an agonised look of sus- pense, an appeal to hasten the tragedy. As the clerk put the question "Guilty, or not guilty?" every man and woman there held the breath for the reply. And when in the death- like stillness there sounded as from an archangel's trumpet the dread word "Guilty," there rose a mighty sough as if the entire audience gasped in pain. Before it died the building rang with a piercing scream, a woman's scream, which pealed and sank and pealed again, breaking off at last into a gurgling cry of despair. Instead of looking to- wards the gallery whence it came the judge bowed low, so that his face was hidden, for even in its note of anguish he knew that voice. There were further questions and answers relating to the several prisoners, but they seemed to mean nothing; only those officially conceri ed heard them. For all eyes were on the staggering men in the dock, all hearts full to choking of horror and pity. In a constrained and quivering voice the judge thanked the jury for their attention to a painful and intricate case, intimating his complete concurrence in their verdict. They should be exempt from similar service for five years. Then he stated that the Court was adjourned until next morn- ing, and the tottering prisoners were helped from the dock. CHAPTER XIX That evening Mr. Justice Kinloch dined alone and ate nothing, a fact which greatly disturbed a very faithful valet. A single glass of wine he drank when the untouched dishes were removed, and fell to thinking. He could not tell how long he had sat in a black reverie when it was announced that three ladies wished to see him. Who were they? Tt ■ was impossible to find out. They would neither give their names nor take denial, and they were exceedingly strange in manner. The judge's heart sank; but they were admitted —rather, they admitted themselves, following the valet te removed, but in the jury nervous ised look of sus- \s the clerk put man and woman den in the death- hangel's trumpet e^hty sough as if fore it died the voman's scream, breaking off at id of looking to- dge bowed low, note of anguish :s relating to the m nothing; only or all eyes were :s full to choking e judge thanked id intricate case, ir verdict. They ive years. Then intil next morn- d from the dock. 1 alone and ate ;ry faithful valet, intouched dishes >uld not tell how was announced ) were they? Tt either give their ;edingly strange ;y were admitted )wing the valet The Book of Judgment 385 stmctively accepted as'Jliaid IJluend^n't ''''"^"' "'^ '"' facr:i?h°Tyett"aVs"eeme7to^ \^^^'^t^^' ^^-^'^-^ his giddy; som^ething clutched Tt l^.'l ^T '^'•?"^h- ^e felt the roots. Yet his first act w.^^.k'' ^' '^ /earing it by beg them to be seateH t;^ u ^° .^^"^ mechanically and sat^down, but vve":fnlmTy"up;;"r;K ^r/^^' ^hey mg gaze more piercing than before 'Mr J n ii^ question- first to find utterance ' ^"^^^y was the her face desperate" ith entreaty " "^ imp'oringly, o^^^f^^^:^,^^ ™a„a.ed .o ge. moIherT„'hf;'!frmf s^;^hf°^^ ""'''"■ ^'o^nce took her ^Mother, dear" she a d^with\™',f '^^^ " '""•' "^^M- wonderful, "the good God T,, k i^"-?°"'">and that was not blame Sir Evfn H^ uu '"'"' •?">' ='"'> help. Do Yoi, will! will yo", „6^" ^h" \"'r"''''': ^ ''"°" he will, the old vehemence "'"'"'■ ""'"'"« to him with cern^ta'af a" ' HeTa's'^.h^nV' ^1"^^^^ did no. con- and yet how bea.,tm,l whaM,» ^ "T ^^^"^'^ '^^ ^^' help Lr, to take Whand and saV'?^ 'k fri'^'I^H '""^u '° ever you wish " Anri ci,^ IT- ^' .^ °"' ^ W'" do what- out ^ith greater 1,?incv ^[^^h?^^'-"'"^. ^^^ sHence. cried than you must Thft w^l .? ^""^ '^'" "°^ ^^ harder us for coming perhaDs Ze^ifl ""^ ""'"?. *° ^'^- ^^'Si^e ourselves-w^e'aTe X women'' o"h^-hn^"l"' -^f^^ '''''^' nun and disgrace. Bu'tirwSi nS^ l°:f^C"^f' "'"^ 'corner thought you would remember that f^ifhlV ^' P""*' unkmd to you." ^"'cmoer tnat tather was once ;;She does me wrong," said the judge I^HI f 386 The Minister of State yourself, true to what I know you to be. Remember the poor suppliant's speech you once taught me— that nothing that belongs to great ones, the king's crown, the— my mind has no room for memory — but there's something about the judge's robe not sitting on him with half so good a grace as mercy. You used to teach me the speech." "And remember," burst in Mrs. Dudley frantically, "that there is a bar at which even judges must stand. As you hope for mercy be merciful." "Peace, mother, peace," said Florence gently, soothing again. "You do Sir Evan an injustice in thinking he needs to be reminded of that. We will go now," she went on, turning such a look on Evan as he should never forget were he to live to be a thousand. "It was good of you to see us; yes, very good. I shall perhaps sleep a little to-night. Come, mother. There, let me draw down your veil. Dear heart, how white your face is! Courage, and come away." The three black figures passed from the room. But scarcely had the door closed behind them when it opened again, and Florence, running back like a thing distracted, threw herself at the judge's feet. "Oh! Evan," she cried, clasping his knees with shudder- mg arms and looking up with a face that might have melted the very angel of doom, "for the sake of long ago, for my sake, for the sake of my innocent baby girl, have pity; have pity on my father and husband. God in heaven will reward you for kindness to one driven out of her wits. Evan, Evan! have mercy." He took her right hand and lifted her, turning as he did so to the maid who had also come back. "Take her away," he said hoarsely. "Take her away." Then in the maid's ear, "And for God's sake keep her out of court to-morrow." The valet gently interfered; the door closed once more, and the judge sank into a chair, the dews of Gethsemane on his brow. "What have I done that this thing should come upon me?" he groaned. "Florence, for whom I would give my soul, coming to me on such an errand, and sent avi-ay so. Father in heaven, give nie strength lest these things unman me altogether!" Presently he arose and went out into the night, if possible to cool his beating head, telling the valet it was uncertain when he should return. The gas lamps glimmered mistily Remember the le — that nothing 1, the — my mind jthing about the good a grace as Frantically, "that stand. As you gently, soothing inking he needs ," she went on, Id never forget good of you to a little to-night. rour veil. Dear id come away." he room. But when it opened hing distracted, s with shudder- ght have melted ng ago, for my have pity; have ven will reward s. Evan, Evan! rning as he did ake her away." ce keep her out sed once more, of Gethsemane is thing should • whom I would rrand, and sent iigth lest these ight, if possible : was uncertain mniered mistilv The Book of Judgment 387 prisoners or some who went free ThnV^ I. T^u^^^-' *^" the snnnH^f • ^•'^"?^^ suburban street he drew up at weird "^hatEnSl'V'T^"^' ^,?^°*^^ ^°'^^' plaintTve and rblllad 'of-f^^^^^^^^ -^h --'table pathos "°t'J'"le did my mither think, The day she cradled me, That I should dee sae far frae hame, Ur hang on the gallows-tree. "^If FvJ h'^' '^? ^ ^°'' "^'"^^^^s grave, If I ve hopes for eternity. So 1 11 pray that the faith o' the deein thief May be granted through grace unto me." He swung on his heel and strode back, the wail reoeatin^ by he'cSrni'of"o;r ^"; ^J" 'V' °"^^ it w"s dToS SLr^r.^ crashing of other strains, the strains of "Dies Ira" Stoppmg as If petrified, he recognised in the dinT Sht fhV looming contour of a Roman Catholic cathedral hf wh ch he had more than once listened to a great Card?na or^arh l^a^nsoort's ^f'^'^ *?' ''l^'f'"'' J"dgm^ent hymn hearT^ t^^^ h!^vK X- ° ^'""^ !" the days of Continental tutorship came SrtL^ml^j/^l'a^ -^ — ^-^- in the ZITcTsU "Dies irc-c, dies ilia, Solvet sjeclum in favilla." tr^^^TA^^^^ "^"'^ Judgment Day had come with its thun- ders and Its vengeance; and throughout the hours of dark ness the terrific cadence kept throbbing in his head 388 The Minister of State CHAPTER XX Next morning the doors were no sooner opened than a surging multitude filled the court. Punctually at half-past ten the judge took his place on the bench, and forthwith the prisoners were put in the dock for sentence. As for the first time he looked straight at them Mr. Justice Kinloch was exceedingly pale; but the mouth was firm, and the eyes seemed the more penetrating by reason of the pallor m the momentary pause a noise rose in the crowded court" swelled into a rustle like the wind among dry leaves, then fell suddenly, leaving a dead silence. The low clear tones ot the judge broke resonantly on the stillness, and the au- dience trembled eerily. Dudley, who stood with head sunk between shoulders, as if the physical frame were collapsing and eyes fast on the ground, started at the sound of his own name, turned a white drawn countenance to the bench and then, seeming to shrink together in pain, looked down ^^u' • J'^ °*''^^^ ^"'■^^ "°^ so much as lift their heads The judge was mercifully brief. In spite of the marble face he could hardly trust himself to speak at all, and for worlds he would not play the homilist. Yet every word was a dagger. "^ onH^n" n""^ Dudley," he said, addressing the chief prisoner, and Dudley glanced up again with a visible shudder. Leonard Dudley, after a long and patient trial vou have been found guilty of flagrant crimes. Let me sky that I think the prosecution has been conducted with a fairness and a humanity that do honour to English law. On the ^r\TJ^ ru7u ?°T -f, °^ ^,°"'. counsel's defence I need not dweh All that skill zeal, vigilance, eloquence, unrivalled knowledge could do has been done for vou. But incontro- vertible evidence is not to be set aside by any feat of advo- cacy. J aere is no alchemy known among men whereby wrong can be transmuted into right, guilt into innocence, crime into well-doing. I wish it were only a figure of speech t 1 Wi i was Kinl( pain. "My uncons( me do t heart in A bla glowed aspect h "Yes, voice, "^ quits at' This mu to expec me Cong- "Fori loch. "I "Ah," gloat. TI fied to th venge ? accomplis "You c ately. "I Dudley The Book of Judgment 391 a'idtLX'pediL '^^ -^-J of the bath, peared to cover the whole "7 .T' ^ ^^^"^^ ^^'«^'^ ^p- been alone together s^nce thlf -"'/^ '"^'"- ^^"^^^ ^^d not when the rejeSd s^c^Tt^a^ nTfc^tlfi ^°^^^ he waste, and things unutterp IT ^^'^ blackness and interval. Despite hifpS on \^^^^^ '°"'1 *° P^'' '" *^^ two. Fate iiad stru^^k a cruel H^ ^^ "^^^ '^ ""^^^^^ °^ ^'^^ over, leaving the calm of n "f- ^ •°'^' ^Vj the first agony was still suffered^ exqiSitelvireve '"^^"^'•^^''^r^^^^^^^^ ^^her nadir of human ?omne there come?'''' 'M ^^^^L"^- ^^ '^^ almost the virtue of Strength Tna'bles'Ph'e'^-^'^^-' ^^"^"^ measure to take an imnerc 1 '""^'^^^^ the victim m some fied by this blint's T Xusdroffe'7-" ^-*•- ley rose by degrees out of /hi •^^^'"^' *^^ ^^^ 1^"^- phc.nixinfhetr^agTsordidtss"ofalir^ '""* ^ ^^^^^'^ "I waTnTawTrri';!^: "'hk^ti^'?"^"^ ^^ '^-^^ ^orm. Kinloch's fingers entw?npHn ^^ ^'''"°"'" ^^ ^his visit." pain. ^ ' entwined and wrung as in a spasm of unco'J.^cSu^; talingTste; fn ""^J"^ ^J^^P^^ ^^"^^ -d me do this? Why d!d vou nST.t'"''' 7^^ ^"^^ ^^^^ "^^^e heart instead?" ^ ^ °^ ^''^ "'^ ^o ^"t out my living gbwe^in l's'tes"hTsratrc?"f ^' ^^^,^ ^ -^^- fi- aspe. had Horrf ^^^^^^ the whole voicI,V,Voi;tt'STt^ bitterness VLte in his low quits at last I hope vou Vrt «.V Wj°" ^^'"'^ ^^ are This must be a morfeSat c S ; \^V J°" ^"^'^t to be. to expect. I have aS hea d ZV>" '"'•" >^°" ^^^^^ me congratulate you on ^hetTnlss'o ^rrs^'^ '' ^^^'^^'^ ^^^ loch^'f dfd^^:^? itJlTS"-^ ''' V" -^-^^^ Kin. "Ah," returned the other "i "i / ^^ ^^^^"g^.". |loat Thetemptatio^mttbever;^^^^ "^^ ^P fied to the uttermost, what needtnZL ^"^ ^eing grati- venge? The chief thiZI .u-,-P ^^^^^ ^^^^^ about re- Diidley mterrupted with an ironical laugh. "Of your 7!i 392 The Minister of State continued regard," he retorted. "You will pardon me if I Sa^tionT ^"^ acknowledge such distinguished con- Jl " !f J"- \°" /'' J'^y ''■°"/ a"d wilful misconception aside, put m Kmloch earnestly. "Believe me, it was not to provoke such things I came." "Then, sir, I am totally at a loss to account for your visit " vyas the response. "My judges teach me to search for mo- tive in action. Intentions as well as deeds are to be taken into account. But we need not quibble; still less need we stand on ceremony. You have done your utmost. I del Znr'^v ""^ "^t^V "^'^X y°"-t° ^° "^o'-e than you have whlh ^°"7^."\^ have given me a life sentence if the law vour Z? administer so scrupulously had not set a limit to your zeal Blind justice was never better served." on h":c ^ -t ^^'*"'"^ ^^ '^ *^ P''°test' but Dudley went passion. ^''''' ""^ "'^'^ ^"^ "^^^^ ^'*h suppressed to"the° worM ^t" ^* '"'"'""'^ P^'"' *° P'^^^'aim my guilt to the world. To-morrow morning everybody will know what a monster of ^^^ckedness I have been, and how M Justice Kinloch reprobates dishonesty. Can they make oui Kat'th sis a H .f ""' ^l ^°" ^^'"^ ' ^^" they Lderstan have won? T ri ' ^T^ '^'^^'f" ^P" ^"^ "^^' and that you Dick TkiL ful^ ^.^." I"y daughter, and you send me to pick oakum. Thats tit for tat with a vengeance Will people guess these things?" - seduce, win "If they insinuated any such thing I would tell them promptly It was a lie," said Kinloch. the wor/of f^^i they would believe. Who would doubt the word of a judge? Yours is a great victory, sir When I said you were destined for great things I never suspected how good a prophet I was. ^Are you Lt sorry thaSl will rob you of your victim? You see, he grows old Do hfm suffeTrV^?" ''""°* K''^ '^^"^ y^""^ - "'del to see yiur grSesl'' ""''' ^ refinement of revenge worthy of '1 know the fearful bitterness which prompts such words " mtrel^Tv'^.- ;'^"* ^.^°"'d ^^'^ my%ht hand this minute that this had never happened. I would, I would It may be vain to tell you that, but it is true " roncL'f '!?-'^^*? ^ '°^ '" ^'' ^^i^^' b"t the other was only roused to direr hate. ^ "I wore and 1 you, do m as I forh "Y angui "I do "Y eyes. dragg a wh( Have ten ar have I those ' talk to "Th witnes save." For silence "Th( came tl to say ; I saw y it all; I reward. Heti dent We was imr "Sir,'^ am deni visitors goodnes I value Be satisl The jj to the vii said a w< of saying ill pardon me if I listinguished con- The Book of Judgment 393 Ful misconception ve me, it was not mt for your visit," to search for mo- s are to be taken still less need we ir utmost. I defy >re than you have intence if the law not set a limit to served." but Dudley went with suppressed roclaim my guilt ('body will know :n, and how Mr. n they make out they understand ne, and that you 1 you send me to engeance. Will A^ould tell them ho would doubt :ory, sir. When never suspected sorry that death grows old. Do in order to see enge v^^orthy of I )ts such words," right hand this lid, I would. It { other was only wojtTe %ti,:^: '?,^:rk"'^'v ?^ '\ '''"^ <" -" and tell you it is all in val„ 1 1 j ^ '"""'> '" y"""- face you, butVu have "r J^ d i^l^^tossW "iTf '"f'!?'"^ °' do not know where mv wif c , ^ ,f ^'>^ } was mistaken. I as I found yor ButTam noTT *^' \ ^\^ "°^ ^^^^e you for his own back " °^ ^^' ^''^ ^°°^ ^ho cut a rod « c!}^ :SL^ -l^^,r^^^^^ the iudge. the "I^do not think I have suffered feast" '^"*'^" '° ^'' ^°^^^' You suffered!" cried Diidlel tL e. ^ • eyes. "You suffered? h",^'^^^ ^'^ ^^^P'"S^ f'-om his dragged forth a spectacle forll^^' •"''" '^'^^^' «t"PPed, a wheel.? Have you los/ nn??^'"^r ^^"' ^"^ broken on Have you been forSei^H^asel^erll^^^^^ 1°°^ "«"^^? ten and every evil rpmr.;,K J ^^^^ kmdness been forgot- have you wifnLtdX'uir abS? '""f' ^°"* ^^ -"' those you should shield with you? verv^ Vv 'rretnevable, of talk to me of suffering " ^ ^^'^ ''^^- ^^ ^o" have, wiZlTd'thTr"uirytt\rl^^': i' ^^'J^^^^' "^- I h-e save." ^'^'^^^ ^^om I would give my life to ^.^For^half a second the other looked at him in incredulous cam?the rToLd"^. ^''BuXhM.l'^t"^^^^-^'^ --tch," to say anything, bo you know T Jf ^°"?"? ^'^ drained I saw you climbing ?he Iadde?To fl^fp ^"""'"^1^ g^^d when 't all; I think I evin did sZlfM . • u V^'^ >'°" deserved reward." "^'"^ somethmg to help-and this is my dem'wrt^tlLtlTft luS'toT"^^ \' '''■ ^'^ -- was imminent from the first '^ *^^ explosion that am de^iieS^hf t^^^^^^^^ ^^arply. ' T . "Harley Street, W. mv^elu?n to B'^''r^/V^''''l'^\^''' ^^^^^ "^^^^^^t since T^-^cf ; • T "" "", ^^" y°" th*t I am no longer a iud^e Last evemng I saw V> ^ord Chancellor, and by this time ^^eSr^^ ^o.„.atio. He argued waSlly^^S my decision, was .uocu er-uugh to ■• v he had read everv mucn, added things that need not be reoeated and utocH me to reconsider. But I have had enough'of judgLg it 'ti t:\ it 1 aii this/' whatever attempt 1 you to ac ness whi( England "As to the Britfsl a little to must not tempt to g probably out of e his old patron, t what was done iorrow, and that 5ast was remeni- ne of it concern- was hounded off icorned like one intended also to 1 others to boot- y step, and the ick of the bolts ernor, who was the cell, blandly The Book of Judgment would not re- sed along other into the blank te. As he was ion he chanced It a glimpse of class compart- ind Langham. Kinloch wrote to this history, Street, W. moment since )nger a judge. i by this time armly against id read every 1 cost us all so ;d, and urged jdging. I am ^y^il^^ltZ.^^^'^^ ^^ one oill! perhap^ bi abl to show f be S-^f^^^^ ^ ^^^^"Icl honour has been cr shl^ n.^^^T '^*'°"- ^« '* is the this composite, baZ"L J,/':;' strange and complex, rule is diubtless essenu'a ZSr^^u?''^ *^^ fortiterin re it my duty be as In 1? j.^ hl'rdesf ^N^'"^;, ^ T "l^ '"''^ that the hand tur., ,' to iron S f k ^°"^ ^^^ '^^^ ^ Prefer mine. After .: , .ne canno l.Hn K '■'''''' ?'^'' hand^than father. You wil no misinte ore ^ni^''".^ '^1' '°" °^ °"^'« are a freedom and a nelce nf mil? T- f" ^ '^^ ^^^^ there value above such dignities and duti^ "''' t "^'? '"^>' ^^" mine. ^ "^^ ^"" ^"ties as have lately been once m7"higLlt Vm'^bifbirr"'"^- ' ^•"' ^-"^-^ it was voluntarily abandonTng but i T''^^^ '^' ''^' ^ am now the Dead Sea fruit S his Lu J '^'^^?^^ °^ P^^^^^ing head and shudder before ?he !^M -^ '"^ '^^i^' ^ ^^^ 4 scoffers and sceptics trightt^i^/t'trZ^. K'''' ^^" '^' puppets in a game thev r^^L J'^"^ ^'^^^ "'^n are but I trust there ruTs a nohl. ""'' ""^.^^-stand? I hope not than our dim eyes cLdtc'rn'7^^^^^ '" f^?^^ °^ "-" gence has ends in view which 'l^'f^ ^\^^ ^ ^^"ifirn Intelli- ever ardently we may I,Is aT 'f.""°^>et perceive how- lesson, as BurL sayf aeain^ h^-'"'';^^^^'^"^^^'^^'-p about any of the objectlofordLr^"^K-°° '""^^ t^-o^Wi-d ate passage Keats Ss there "s'^A'"^'^^- J" ^ P^««'°"- >n a great enterprise. For on' ? ^^''^' ^^^ ^^^" ^^^ wrong. Success is sometimes a fierJ.r/"n I ^''^^ P^^^ is ^ cannot tell how -nuch lZ„M 17 ! ^'^ ' ''^" ^"^ failure. •n,tv.r reaching r"e Bench ^ *°""'^^* *° ^^^^ bailed a;; ^Jis:^ ^/^^Hi^J^^S^ !^;T?""^ ^- with whatever, except the Drivilro. S ^ , ■ ' ' ''*'"^ "o «xcuse attempt to ten'howSfva/ur.I "'"'"' "P- ^ «"" "°' you to accept a simple exoress"^ 1 Privilege, but I ask ness which I find ut^LeakabJe tI *^"i""* '°' ^ S""-*- England ^,3 been andChl^e ylT'"'' "= "° «"» '" theB iHy^;^"'^;:!.'">■ ?■=""= are the reverse of cl-ar t( a 'ittletothe Houl'^orcr,^"'^'' ""r"^' ^ "^^ '"-n for must not strainihe Plea of fri™r>f: I may-but there, I -Pt to go to sieep ^!J^^^ w^It Va^Uf ^ «; 396 The Minister of State Hl^' ■i H ■uk i,,ik and thanking you, however feebly and ineffectuallv fnr Der. tJeheve me, my dear Qumton, ever sincerely yours, "E. KiNLOCH." On receipt of this letter Mr. Quinton made post haste or Har ey Street full of protests and persuasions^ He had know-utter absolute folly, the only folly of which I have stc^^StlL^f^^^^^^ upon him. He was years older; there were tragic Hne about the mouth; the eyes appeared to look painfulfy out o shadows; for the moment the natural energy of expression was wanting. ^^ expression ;;it is like yourself to come," he said in a low voice UrL^M^ ^ '"l''^ on having this set right instantly," re- tmned Mr. Quinton. "I will go to the Lord ChanceUor at once. If you allow me and see that matters are set righ?" loch " Btrdo^T"^' '"f P^^ibly g^ood," responded Kin- Jaaaesta^ Wh^ '.T'^ ^^'"''"-^ *^" L^'"^ Chancellor. J acta est aim. What s done is done irrevocably " locn, smiiing faintly, "The chances of judicial fame of he ing a terror to evildoers. Well ! I have thought "all 1 at tot after S '1'" """Jf "'■°!, ""l ho"o-s. I. is no tony alter all, to ease the mind, though the fortunate ones who have never had to pluck a burnin| coal from the br™ appoint vou" n^^",'^'''^- ^^ °"^ ^^8^^' "that I dS eSe"£ faS '' ''^1^""' ^ beVefS^dl'fo '15 w-V ^"^ ^"'^^ ^"^"^ I am right " Tut, tut! You really must not go off in^o vagaries of "Bui "f "Try say "i; bility and ] nie a "It seen c one's ' "Pe might we mi^ and sc what n Thei purpose '"n a pie "Yoi The Book of Judgment tliat sort. Tliev dn v„„ii . 397 In actual life ZyllttTt T."'^ '"'Se or in novels stroy all the truits^of your sicce^?'^ ^™ "? °""= «™l ""dern si|nfficancT"TV''°'\""=^ '"''^nd rcapmg the fruits of temeritv m ?' "^ly be I am but strong a word, such aTJ u'ci^ed ^m™'""'''- ^^ " "'«' b" too tune may now rest in theTa'^fj T "^ P^'^bfe good for- Son^ one of them will m^r? worth!!;" fin 7' 'I! ^^^'™S. ^mpty I assure you th^ l„.i ^ "" *'^e shoes I leavp ,n n,e/' >^°" "^e lucky man will excite „o en;y in me. <<^, w-wviic no envy "Butfl.'.!"' ""' been trying," ,„„,„,, "P„ J „ ■^*^^'^' WJuinton. ''Trying i^„"o^,^;-j Kh.loch with sudden vehen^ence fay it crushed, lacerrterl , ^ '^ ^^^ harrowing- ho?HM. biHty uncovered ¥^5,^';°7,?very nerve, left e^v'e?y sen ' and I have drunk deen of nn*'''"/'l '" ''^^ worse than ^£^^1 "-a sickening senSnIoThint of w^ .^J-^'^'^' "t g?vt It has been sore upon us al " ° • f^^^ ^ ^^^^ ^^ad to do '' seen one of my besf fw^^ » ' /^^'<^ Mr. Quinton "T 1.0 o-pS worst en'en,"'b'Stf„:.tr"^ wouStardly e'n'd' . Perhaps not, perhaos Vmt" , °"' ''""^r to save him " ■"■ffht have been snared fhi ,'^^^P°nded Kinloch. ^Bu w. « might have spared our elvirr °' =™^"e h™ ther^' and so it was done- and thJ?' ™"''"<^'' b'^t so it fell out' 'vta might have been." "'' '""•'■°'- «=>-' "one the less for PfrpoTe! To'h?vSd ?auiTn°" IVT'^'^ ^'Mns from his '" a pleading tone! "''""""^'J' back, and presfnth said Vou will let me go to the Chancellor Kinloch." w 398 The Minister of State U ¥' \n An expression of pain came into Kinloch's face. ^^ "You have known me all these years, Quinton," he said, and yet imagme I could totter and swav in a decision like this; that I could plunge across my Rubicon like a mad- man, and like a madman try to plunge back again." "Not that," cried Mr. Quinton. "Not that. You must not put it like that. I was thinking of what you are sacri- ficing for a mere sentiment. Wc cannot save the world bv flingmg away great offices when our friends come to grief.'' "Unhappily we cannot," returned Kinloch. "But we can at least make an attempt to save ourselves. You see I am selfish; I who had pinned my colours to the mast of dutv have fallen back o?i the unheroic principle of self. You are disappomted; but, my dear Quinton, your disappointment is not the one-thousandth part of mine. Yet I would not make too much of it. What if I sit down among ruins, among broken hopes and discredited ideals? Better men have had to do that before to-day." He stopped, playing nervously with his watch-chain; then all at once bent forward, a look of pathetic wistfulness in his face. ^^ "Quinton," he said, gazing steadily in the other's eyes, you are my friend; tell me, am I a failure?" Quinton winked involuntarily. In the circumstances a man of the world could return but one answer to such a question. "I will not conceal," he replied, "that to many people this will bear the appearance of failure." "But you, Quinton, know and understand all: do you think me a failure?" He sat as if watching the answer form- ing on his friend's lips. "I know very well," was the response, "that failure is as we take it— that it must always be comparative, and that what may seem a disaster is only a providence in disguise, bpeakmg m a professional sense I know that Sir Evan Kin- loch could trample the possibilities of failure under foot." ^ It is kind of you to say so," rejoined Kinloch. "But since he chooses to provoke the sneers, and worse still, the pity of the worldly, is he a failure?" •He spoke with feverish, disconcerting eagerness. Quinton rose abruptly and looked out of the window. For a minute there was a silence in which the hearts of the two men might be heard beating. Then came again, and this "I body, terers foiled Jiarnej will. has nv gibe th forted In ej a week the tow bnllianl ing rem pear. ^ be pum course. While fbeir tall, ^nie in tl heart. } had been '""shed to the domir nieddle in "lan in Ei te :h's face. )uinton," he said, in a decision like icon like a mad- ick again." that. You must lat you are sacri- ave the world by ;s come to grief." :h. "But we can >. You see I am the mast of duty of self. You are • disappointment Yet I would not vn among ruins, Is? Better men •atch-chain; then kvistfulness in his :he other's eyes, circumstances a iswer to such a nany people this md all: do you, he answer form- hat failure is as rative, and that nee in disguise, t Sir Evan Kin-' I under foot." Kinloch. "Butl worse still, tliel erness. , le window. Fori iarts of the twof again, and thisj 399 Q";n;o„.a,U?£,-'?,.°' r..ea<,i„,. .He words "Te„ i' yumton wheeled ^vhu r ' couM not keep il^l ^^« «■'■-" =>" his professions, art /;o» ne cried. "AToI 17. ^^i^Zrz s'o-^^^^^^'StL'^LtroT'"^ '° ^- many thLL^ ?"y n° 'onger. I l„°"^'\' °/>'°""- sacri- 'hat can rl^'-.i"; T^' ^If so m uch I» tZ?"^ >'°" '"^ never donfany. -^'^'f ' "< I failu'e'liK t'h s'^VoST^^ to be allowed to seffh. r '° .'^''a-'acteristic. I as!. „„ '"^'^ SF'-nginff to wHeet kSo.?"""""^-" """' thol^'lZr" ''^ =^« fe ve°nt *™Tf '"^ '*"«'= hand. "larn^Sttrh'""^^"-*--" I^arness and lfv'!i' '' '' ^"^^^ ano LTi th nt ?' '^^"^ ^^ be will. Another^^ °T *^^^ «^ord and shieM '/° ^^'^^ ^^ ^^e has moretnie'l/d'.Tr^^ ^^ ^'i^en^ t^^^^^^^^^ ^^f ^ £ibe f hf>r« "'\ "elds than one Fr^r ♦! i'^"^- The world ing remJll u""^"^ Kinloch? AnI ft "^ ''°'"^ o^er the While ni,;.?« ^^^ varied . -vnd do vn., +1,;.,. r, jt-,.^ie . ^-vnd do you thini- r fhe dominie. ^ " wirt L h"' P''P""i'"& to find fault p" • ^ meddle in fiio X . ^*^ "^ aoes, he does Ro- ,^- ^"ed ".a„1„ ^' ' 5!■-^,o.' men. I ton v„,w, I'l^.''""" "ever 400 The Minister of State ' The more honour to hini," said Jessie. "Amen," said the dominie. Laucliie was the sole dissenter. ''God! I'd have hangit and herried them," he said with a determmed sh.ake of the head. "It's no eve;y day ane gets a chance o bemg upsides wi' the EngHsh fowk " ^ Ay, retorted the dominie, "you're as grand as ever at the boasting." And Lauchie collapsed Fv^nn"]J•T'1'/''^''' ^''^ ^""''°" 1^^P^'"« announced that Sir Evan Kinloch had gone abroad for an indefinite holiday CHAPTER XXIII Six months later he was in Jerusalem. A distinguished visitor, he received embarrassing attentions from th? Turk- sh Pasha who governs the City of David; but he was not theie to be entertained, and preferred to be alone with his own reflections. Many times he passed to and fro throuHi the seven gates, pondering their wondrous history. Lons"- \ong he meditated by the rubbish heaps of the Pool of Bethesda, the Ploly Sepulchre, and under the minaret which show the wandering Christian where once the Tem- ple of Solomon stood. He mused by the brook Kedron and went by moonlight and alone to Gethsemane, thrillinff wih thoughts of the cry of agony and the sweat of blood With feelings not to be named he traversed the Via Dolo- rosa from the Hall of Judgment to Calvary. He had a JhoZfJTlt '•''''"^ ^T^^' ^'°'" t'^^ P^-^^se"'^^ oi Pilate in n... rinl° f Vr'""^:S^'°,"^ ^"^ t'^^ Ro"i^" spears, and pa s along stumbling under the cross; and it came upon hin. \id e fiizzymg force how fearful a thing it is to vuyj'f'"' ^'; "^""'"^ "P^ ilf'P ^^'^'"^ '^"^^^elf, "what will fhlr. cf° 'r ^^'^ ^'?* ^^^'J ^"^ ^hile the question rose nf/.% u"£°u" *,^^ ^"^^^ imagination the thunders of the D4C6 /ra; which had turned him cold when he filled Pilate's t^.?i^ ^ u^^^'.^'^'^'f: ^ ^""^ "'^" at heart, a man anx- ousto do his duty and keep his conscience clean; but it fell to him to administer the law, and for portion he got eternal play lege; stor;y nnde Iowe( s trick came cance broug compl lookin it had before the So Some Meanw Absc ingtoj Jey and pending feeling t and no Jiad bec< and com He tO( litical inl Qninton, ^^T^^y anxi %ht." 1 roaring si .so comph ""='n-cl,e„ chide "8fT,°"S \^' n,i„s v S/^ "<=■■ ^1- Meanvvhife The hn'^'" ^''-^'^-'.-ife the essen?'!"' '"''='?=■ . Absorbed a"d":St:d^? -^''-'-ningX"' '"^P'"-^'-"- iefa'nVr-^^'r'- ''S J,,?!^;""' "'the dusk of even- feeling To thinlrTf -1 ,, '^^ ^^t down in h-^ ■ '^'«"'on was »nd n^o wSd of F '"■ ^"-Dudley and Sr.r""','°" °< had become of e^'^h^a;, ';°'"-' P""" fVo fnc'e™ ^Sf"" 'arly anxionc f i ^"^^lorised to c-av f I f ^' ^'"^te Mr. %ht " T? ° ^/^^^ 3'ou bad' CnX T ^'^""^y 3^*e particu- '•"".- slet'h.w''" -^^"^^^^^ 'with a" or d "'" '^ ^ '°"-ng .^0 co,Sp f;"f,7"^ty had almost i'eff!^'::, °^'^/° ^ ""agination ?^,at^ t °^ '"^^ '^^e" Ii4t L .hl'''7^'§^^-' ^ouch with t e ?i^. ^',''' ^" electric sho'^rk f i '"^''^'" of ^'-fightefm^a:;^,:^^' clamorous wolkl'of ' Ifti""^ ^"> ^enmteness ofPalcstino S^ ^"^'^^ ^all even in t In "^'^ '^tffoThiSS-^^-^^^^^^^^^^^^^ „„., '^'*" 'o '-., longer in pJlZ'^^/^^XZ 402 The Minister of State Within a month he was breathing- the tumult of London braced for the fray. The press, which discovers everything' noted that he was a frequent caller at Mr. Gasten's town residence, and, astutely putting two and two together brought out the sum at considerably more than four. These visits, the world was told, were scarcely to be taken as mere \^T! K7%^! r^f'^ ?' f"^"d«hiP- Men do not hasten back from he Holy Land simply to gratify themselves with fnendly calls P or a while the interviewers were baffled n their search for information and were therefore plenteous in theory. But at last an enterprising news-agencv circum- ventmg official wariness, was^ble ^ announce "^deSy tliat bir Lvan Kinloch meant to return to politics. Specu- lation was instantly agog. Lawyers fastened on the cinsti- Sr l^?^? u '",' ^^ '"*""" ^^°"^ the Bench, and poli- ticians hotly debated his prospective position in the party SS-est' "^^"^ ^° '^ """"^ pronounced the case unique in • l^.^^Au""'?^* ?^ ^^^"^ conjectures Kinloch paid a flyine u °,^ r^°'T^' ^""^ '^'"^^ ^^ "^^^ there the storm broke It needed but that to set the fighting spirit aflame, and in twelve hours his address was out. He had meant ti seek a constituency in England; but in their deeper wisdom the party managers arranged otherwise. "Your native county is wavering," they said "It needs a strong candidate. Take it for us '' He began with the memory of rejection at the hands of his own people sharp in his mind. But many things had H^hiri i^^T r"?^then. In particular the nameless Tn & f'^'t ^'^^ n''u°"]^ ^^'^°"^' h^d Proved himself intrepid, and, above all, had made a great sacrifice. That sacrifice and the motives which prompted it were not for- go ten in the day of battle. Multitudes have courage for the hght ; only a rare man here and there has the valour to sheathe sword and retire when his hand is on the spoil, Here was one. The other side fought bravely, but, as the dommie exultantly pointed out, Achilles was upon them in his might. Perhaps it was rather the fame of Achilles that was upon them. Be that as it may, Logieburn parish was with him to a man, and the wild enthusiasm there '^-citP'i swept the county like a hill fire before the wind Mr 'Mac- nair, now in the vale of years and a lukewarm politician, stayed at home, admitting freely that Evan the son of David So by h reached, none, nc Merest ali did the I oWjieno ment at h assembly tion. H, much;hi> aramatic, 3§"low. M mult of London, }vers everything, r. Gasten's town d two together, han four. These 3e taken as mere ?n do not hasten themselves with ers were baffled irefore plenteous •agency, circum- ounce definitely politics. Specu- d on the Consti- iench, and poli- on in the party. e case unique in h paid a flying he storm broke. : aflame, and in meant to seek a )er wisdom the said. "It needs at the hands of any things had r the nameless proved himself sacrifice. That t were not for- courage for the the valour to 3 on the spoil, sly, but, as the 5 upon them in )f Achilles that urn parish was 1 there excited nd. Mr. Mac- arm politician, e son of David The Book of Judgment was ordained of Heaven fr. ^^ Macnair voted tmorthocbx^cjl?.'"?^ ^Y^^^^^ ^r. Douglas His old schoolfellow haTheol?- ""^^ '?'^ "°^hing abouf it ning, and one way and an^^^ '''''''^'^^^ from The beein doctors. And when SiV Kv. '"''' ^" ^^''^^"^nt friend tn" Right Hon S r P ',"° *'"' l«s when a Unl r seal oScf'as^S Sl'Si'l?" ^•'""-t Sk'^r ,t £;van, my brave Evan " If " . f '^^''^ ^o murmur "Mv h's face was wet. ' ^' ''''' ^oo dark to perceiv^ that CHAPTER XXIV -ad'ed."^f^2,i Sr"^ ^-^^ ^'- front Treasurv , , ^^^^^^ ^"^^s he had passed 404 The Minister of State through, it was soon evident that he came back not merolv wi h sustained but with vastly augmented power A 1 til o d exquisite tact, urbanity, humour, consideration for osiers, still distinguished him. He had likewiS X o?d a ertness, and woe to the presumption that drew on itself his satire or invective. His weapon had lost not^in^ of fts keenness of edge; his stroke was as swift as lightniL aid generally as fatal. But those who observed clo er!-^"3 WI vn_iuiy 111 tne con dominating a party. He had work to do, and h it with all his might: that was all. The principl e did e was one of long mull Hon Offii possi that liad i could knew world he CO His id In I concei ffence, withoL which, red taf nent of lament( sinecur "Whj one vvh( who is ( ances, i Office w costermc were a p But ther a fellow, member The Hi and conv mission c while just flowing j; sentence passed an fair excuse Bering hai relations v black cas€ interfere. ack not merely power. All the isicleration for wise all the old drew on itself : nothing of its lightning and closely, knew 1 art in and for r in flourishing ommand of it; hostile ranks ! duel; for the hen provoked, X he knew the ilities of office ng him grave, re deeper rea- jften sounded, i out into the hat a Govern- e became the disquietude to ne Secretary, ution in com- perils upon a 3ch had given ut he was in- 'abinet afford "rankly proud of criticism, and Premier, le present he ing he might pire. So the lal. m," said Mr. "and he re- 2 long been the common 3, and he did e was one of The Book of Judgment long standing i„ his ca,P nt. ■ *^ tod at least a fair „ea ? f ' ", '''' ^"^=" °' ehei/b,w ^n the discharge of his m, ulf " ^"^ ^^^ ^ot of routine concerting habit^of goL J ^''^?"^ ^"t'^s he had a ^sJ "Whatar. ..„.„. ... . aa ceased to be one „,;,,—- '■""■«" ceased to be What are you to dn?" t , le vvlio works sixtsn!, 1, "* " ^ harassed secretin, « -.i. who is eternally reSjilTde ' *^ ^"^^ doesn't tS^ ha > !>"«s, inquiring i«o7hif ^''^r'."'™^''?^'* "& griev- .ngtit^^o-o-?,"- S «""?-; an^'j^vJ^ttf eri„'„^?-^= for deiivS^'f :;;" d tT, *=' -o^sSi": jenng. Iiand-shake of flT^ i.. ^ ^ ^v retch from the ^h^^A Jjtions with him knew fe'" t""^^' ^^^°^^ in intSe' Wack case indeed S Sir r°P'V""^^'"^^o°d ''t vvTs ^ interfere. "''^" ^'^ Evan Ki„ioch declined to u y 406 1,1 l?m The Minister of State "bn m J?i i" ^''' "''""'"S^ ^^"t to Palace Garck s The situation calls for rnnno-P » c^;^ /-> • ^ vehemently at a cigar ^°"'^^^^' ^^'^ Quinton, pulling ^S5i:5?} -?- r-^ ^^ 2: aft Jrpause ' 'I desTr^ Sr'f "• "'^' "P' °"'>''" h^ ^^ded „_„_^ .'. "^'^' 1 aesire for various reasons M'hich von v"!! rnrmL'^^if /ottV'r^' Y ^r^^^^^^ one dau|hter-la Sor/nr^ f.. Mrs Langham and her little diignter a 1 lorence too, I understand? It will be an- ere came before on of one of the It w?^ studied Upon one item vict to which it be medical offi- vvas dispatched n the case from V inches." This ith the Home Hkely to have h?" the doctor m; it is killing "Your report 's report home :ion with him- Gardans. 3 confidential," iton. n he had read ning eyes and ood, so good, decision," ob- Yes, precisely uflfered. The ind, Quinton, inton, pulling <^inloch, "hu- But no mat- ly," he added hich you will it. Now one nd her little : will be an- The Book of Judgment other service to us all a i i "^ 6'"^"^ 407 own counsel and mi;ie;" ""'''" >'°" ^"<^<-^eed, keep your compSSiioch^s S;;;;^."'' ''^ ^^'■^"'•- ^PP-red to f^ifeiac^^ ^mi^:;::.;"rr ^ ^^^- --^^^ -. heaviiy veiled, drovf p ^one of rT' '" "^^"'•ning and ons ri the south. The H v Zl v ^H ^""'S^'^ convict pris ";an Air. Quinton. h^S of naYsini''^^''r' ''^' ^^"^71 they were conducted by a p?i^'aL f T"" l^'"" P"'^''^ yard. Mr g„,nto„ got out -Lul entered S T-n-' '"'''- '^^^ere narrow door which opened ioIpiI. "'^'''"^ ^^""O"?'! a i^ifteen minutes passed t^i^n '^''^'l^^'^y at his approach he reappeared, supStinVilied^'Tf T'''^ again, and tered and clung tS hinXllst i^!^^^^^^ tot- &ave a sharp cry of n^in I T^,' ^^ ^^^ sight FlorenrP stretching out her arnfs pa'ssbn.J'^' "'^^ "^^^^"^ she wa^ bathe it with tear<5 t^^^"«^"y to press it to her lim ?L us,a„Z■rcat^n;;^'" "^ "'^^ ="""y. -Xhey are after 'o,foo"yr/4tVlI,'^^' '^^^■" -'" Florence, trying /ou don't understnnrl "' J, •• will catch me and Ishall h. '^^°t"^^ piteously. "Thev 'r -^"^ are safe." And Mr n„- \ P^S- ^ou are with 4o8 The Minister of State grcen-Lordcrcd roads until thev camp tr^ . u station, embosomed in u-Zr lu ^ ^° ? ^^^^^ waj/side on the sou herrcoa A ot /'■"'''''"'• " '°"'-''>' '"""" a garden so Ecic„-lik. Adam ^m" hale ken ^1o'"''' other , of ;;v^af.;^;lo\;:,e:::,rr;;iir;.1il:;!LT'' '''^• roo" a'n'^' come''°bacl/to me'i^^'.L^,"''""'''^ '" '"^ — you," ],e answered Ami wh^! , '"""« ^°°™ ^ «'" "^H him with inqTries he sakl '''" '■""™''' overwhelming wiH^rce^t'^i-^^ii^:^ ih!rsi'.v ^°- -"^^ ^^^^ ,., She caught hin, c|t,icldy by the arm. fathl,!?"'f,-end^'""'™' '°"-' '"" "'""■ "You were always He shook his head I wS"orfou,d'bey;irrtH"ed ^°"" "™=^ ™°^^ *- -- right.""? is sf llan^Srr"-'- ?'r'l^' "^ '"">'< y- -e belyour'accepTan^cT o"fS'hot™" ""^ "" *>""^'' "^ '» "O rod'; n ?■'';?'' i''"?"''"S a"'! deathly white ■mat''°s'h°?''My"tr'i;l'i'n^Ts".'!^-''^^'"'°*"^'^ "^- iviy poor bram is giving way at last. I ^EXT daj Cious yOLll Gardens, i to the his g'entleman small wayside 1 the songs of iMr. Quinton's ^i Iheinselves. IS and villages It them within steam wiiistle lonely hamlet ge took them ' village, with pt it: llower- e grinding of lerly and the ley had never ?r. In their wonder that longer to bo ^al'^'ing him a in his own m I will tell v'erwhelming u-e begs you The Book of j,dg,„^„^ id- v,M, ^'■"p- ^ playing ^ftj^ „ j .S3;? * * f ;:;t;;f V^^^^^^^ "r ca!,;o?i;;^Sv'o^:'.':r- ' ° "°' '^" ''^•" ^-' She mT:'tJ''' !f L" chTd"'' Y.r ^!''^"^^'" ^^"^^ ^^^^^ ^he you cry mama° Pnnr^' ^"^^^en ntimediately, "why do to you '' "''''''^' ^° "°^ ^^*>^ 3"d I will be dood h.d wTen'^a^o^'^ir^'f '"'1 her mother. 'There. Mama i-_a lor^otten auoui her friend. Mama forirets thintrs " iJZZ '^'' afterwards Kinloch himself wfn down The inteival was spent ,n a kind of dream. In a dreamX came sp.it ^- ior iVeveri "Bill," S^ent a-cr- The Book of r j and Went; in , J, JUagment 'Wng- dark V Jr'"' '''^ '••^•isaclerf / *" p'SS '■"".-£? -%-".• M aTd-.r ?'"-"S'' c-^e4K* "- . ter h'P'^''^> tried tS c.7.T ^""^« of those .^^'"^-PJaces ness n? '^"^ "o handsel? ^' ^ g-^'nipse of . n^'^-' °" a hint "The local . • ^ ^°°^' ^^ asked fn ^^"^ ^° ,p,, ;^'''« do not," " ™ get you , ""?,'■ Thank vo„ M '"'■ '"y^elV '^^P'"^' ^^ suspense oot on the staif, thei^the 1 7'"''^^^'' ^^ sound of a Jiall outside. He rose his ui i ? '.''°'"an's dress in the opened, and Florence w^.kS n Hi ^,''"^. ^^^""' ^he door breathless never-to-be-foro-nl" • '' ^'^^'^ stopped. For one pencied. The two lool °d ftfaci other ' >i 'f""^ ^^ «""- vvitiaout a word Florence advanced h^M ^^'^ ^^^^' ^^^"i bands He took them ea^erlv S "^'"'^ °"^ both her were his Queen's ^ ^' '^^"^^nS" over them as if they guuu oi you to allow me " wac fi.« They meant to say so mvrh Z '^ T . response, awake planning speec°ie for^h? °'^''''- ^^^^^ ^^^^ lairi when it came this was all tl?ev f^Pf^'^e moment, anc mmute they stood dumh V^^^ "'""^^ ^^^'"^^' of- For a fu' out being awi°°of'r'unc1^Tcl',:f' ?> ^^'^ ^^"^^ -^ change had conie over he? Shi '^ ^.]?'' "^^^^ what i iwably beautiful; bu the beautvL""'' f ''^ 1^" ^^^'' "^^on,- days. So an ancrel mio-ht in ' ^ 7/^ "°^ ^^^^ beauty of othe fresh delicatelv round d fa elldt' ^^^^^Stribulatfon. tQ very vyhite, the e3^es had cea ed t.T^ ^^"" ^"^^ ^°"? ^"^ pathetically large- and therff, ^^ fiance and had grown once had been fimples 'E.;V'"'li"r-°^ f ^^^"^^ -'-« Its lustre. Yet she was surnassin^l ? "^."/ l'^'' ^^^ losing] beauty than had oncelnr^ptZ^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^ ^^S^e' th ab: mh nius part niy( rapid sayin '% if they "No cannot grudge cause VI only yo ^o not i denied. about e\ Jnis and ] forgive n Her vc tfte iast w a face of I ^We to CO :ate "Pin' tip. I 'appen ilcl not escape the e he managed to se he had come to ^ant, who showed easant impression the door-handle, know he was her e/' he answered, d. t, the resounding A niinute passed; rony of suspense 't the sound of a ' an's dress in the! athril], the door stopped. For one! feeling was sus-J "^^e Book of r,,^ ale " sh . *^"%«ient .t'f' she said. "t. , "-j.-i^^u. xur onei feeling was sus-J fixed eyes; theni '§■ out both herl r them as if theyl is good of you J ^/'You are pale " . ""^ J^'^gmetit ^ehavehr^ ,' ^^e said "n , 4l? ''^ou n.i°^^^^^^^^ ^reat trouble un'^ ^^^"^^^ed you to ^-y th?;:^' «ot say that/'t^^Po^an our frSs!^, -me. ^'^o^t whet ^"""^ ^"^ J to hf„^i^' *^''«'" si^e sairf^K^^^ ^ap. "I will n^^^^'^^^oning it " h. ""^ ^^^ "n'y your nowr"""^ ""* you ^fl"B »v,Xj^u""'>i'>g denied. r V.„*''^- Quintoi, fort.ir "^"^ 'earned .^ "'d what 'jbout everwh"-'^ ^" from fc/f'",'?- A Woman T"-*'''''''?- 'ogive me::!'vor;^, ?u.r„^'^r;„7 ""^ ^-"'4"^f; ""fain hjniself, "' ""^ stooped over her h ^ ^^ ", i ir- --i-i *\'t. ■^h^ Minister of State Tears flooded thTly^^^ZT^ '4"ebli '°'^"'™ strane-er shp r»o„ *> "«^c a damask rosf^ a*. V , V' "Cr -.V' "ring ;,t.-."'' ■'"^ ^°^°-'y- -Hetes c?re. " ^,1? as sh^co'LTd find bSar ^B^',f "t'! "'^ "other as c„icMv In another minute she wafbaSf nr"t1,^^^ beyond hS'' pC'hL^Lfe''!'' «ertorCtyt''k™n"^^^^^^^^ dead and hf ™&„S?,-^ »"' the o,d wi„"prer^--« -hisp^'' ''iX^rb'^'^AeKr' •" "^ '»"' '"- in a thic. f pause, and Jookins afEi^ ^o^ent." And then after th's meeting tries me I a ' „„/^?" »?" "nther as quickly >eyond hearing •xcitedly as she ants of flowers >uld have fallen tor. Was this ce Napoleonic and Florence 5ower was not .^f fcen man if h, -^ """^ ""^ Judgment ?s»F'S?£S.t,'r».,w.::f in^ p -^ ^°°^ thanks Q-^y thins; n - '^^^^oning. iJ,; '"S a manp-/pri r ii ' -^n" Evar, f^' ^^ ^s hevm^rj ^y ^^'^ ^rindin? i^^","^-creature 4 °'" '^'^^in^lnH "^^^^s- , "W^d i been'?^^-" ""^ ^'^^P^esf ?roi'"'^°"^- ^^°"^d never hav" "^^^ Power to . ''"^"S- 'itU ; "°'^"'" ^^^^^^" va^hl^^ -^eels ^"^ sure ofTh.^""^ '^^' "ow," s^;. ,, ''^^>^ ^^le to -?po™ir "- ^^^^^^^^ '^■'"" " -^' «'™ r S"£P. t ti Pt^ '-' ^-. and Pl^; ."^ *ar, there " °P«^" a>V a--?. ^ >^°"'- shnu). P^°Cf ^ *r -WW/sh „,e„,.„ , "°"'- ^f^e'W 4i6 The Minister of State ' « ( ' l.~E«.,: With their going there fell on Evan and Florence an awfnl silence. It was a question which heart bearharrl^cf i it seemed that hothead lost the pLer'^of spe'ecS "'' '"' agedTo TayTle^r "^^' '' ''' ''''''''" ^^— — cllV^ ^"^'^ ^ should," said Evan vaguely. "I am sorrv to see the ravages trouble has made " ^ ^ ^^ ^^^^^ ^° of W°"f?f?f' k/^ ^^S'T^' '^^ t^ars gushing in spite of her, fate has blown hard upon him and his " ^ Keep courage and all will be well yet," returned Eva- drawmg a little nearer her reiurnea iiva.., him n,?f'^n{ ^ ^'^'^ -^^"^ ^° ^""P'" '^^ responded, regarding. he?f. w . 7'«immg eyes. "I once could hope ;Sth t ,e ask ;np P 1 ""^^ long ago. Yet I will hope again f you ask me Perhaps here is compensation to come If things are not somehow in some place redressed, thSi indeed "he old pagans were right, and we are the sport o the tods l?V/f K *f "^u" "''°"*- Sometimes I think we are It used to be thought when they sported with heir mo?S victims the sun was darkened. The sun is darkened sTui I ^I.,i;^t K wondered-poor foolish thing !-why there seemed to be no bloom on them, until I remembered thev will never bloom for me any more." "^'""erea tney "They must," he replied in a tense voice- "thev will Vnn are not to lose heart. You have still a future/' ^ ""^ n.J^!u .^^ ""^ ^."^^ *° "^o'^^ "^e. Oh, no! I d'-d no^ SS .In n ^''"/'' ^^^ ^ ^°^^^^ "myself- The only ffowe; that can bloom for me in perfection is the flower of vour goodness That will bloom and be sweet till mTdying day tl^nking loJ eve" '"'" ""' '" ''"' °' *'^"^ ^^" ' "^^ "Florence," he said, a tumult of passion in his tone "Flor- ence, we were once great friends." ' his fac?*' "C w!'"''''" '^' answered, looking eagerly in rtSriXly^o^^^"^ °"^ -"^-^ dreamsUTiris-S His head was dizzy; a burning impuse was upon him to ite at was the matter Florence an awful beat hardest, and speech. ■," Florence man- . "I am sorry to gushing in spite id his." " returned Evan, onded, regardint^ Id hope with tiie ope again if you come. If things then indeed the 3ort of the gods I think we are. vith their mortal larkened still. I tier voice plaint- ng! — why there ;membered they "they will. You ire." , no! I did not The only flower flower of your I my dying day, poor to pay my hem till I cease his tone, "Flor- ^ing eagerly in ends as we are re famous now; s; but it is not IS upon him to The Book of Judgment "TOW his arms abo„.K -'""g^ent ^ drumming and s^^^i"^ ™^' «>'ept over ),i„, • , • "Dono^tsay raf'"^; ™'^ '""'. I"s ears were "ssful. Lon/ao^f r " ''^P''«^d hoarselv "T prayed for it ,^ ^° ^ =<^ one thinir hltr,r ^ ^'" "ot sue- a.-eUa^s.-I.trVrd^Saif: T"'"' '"' ■'I cannot bear you to , , =■ *-*'"S hand on his "Yes ye"%V^''-'. "'''"*« ""ce wished where failure is „u '^'''^<''" ''= repeated "J u glowing as^hl r j">'-™'«s ?' ni' „ ' ¥^'= '^iled ™ce"fe"sk ddf. i,y""l,"^? "-" s"« bS %7^^ '"or V* t^ ^^'•"' '"^ ' °' ^"-^" *^'^ Past^l°^I ^ot impossiblp " u . , ^ ^ ^°^ possible." ^'"'"^'^^e' ^e cned brokenly "n. . "Yes, impossible T. ^« "ot say inl- and now it is Ton ?". ^^^'■^ ^as a time anri ,^ Jhen I ^tetfrou'^l'-"'" "e protested .feL^d:si?.^^t"p'.o=rvrtr.li^^^^ "owds there wdln/. """^ =>'"> and in 1' th ''.^ "■'" ^^^ -e, I want Xj^^f „;^-^hat is n^ro"u°I '^1 I'J 418 The Minister of State I will be yoUr slave if you like," she returned. "I will do anything, except destroy a glorious career. And if vou ove me Evan, do not ask again. I owe it to you to refuse for "iittle while."' ""''"' "^'' '^""^ "^^^^ ^" ^^^^^^- The light seemed to go from his eyes; he looked out on a blank world. ;;And this is the end," he said like one who has lost all. hi. ^M^'^r'^' f ^ ^o^ected quickly, lifting her face to his. Not the end. As often as you have time you will come to me, that I may show my gratitude by serving you in your own house. My prayers are yours for ever " .>y CHAPTER XXVI Very soon after his interview with Mrs. Langham, the SnThus^'"'"'^'''"^ '^'"°^'' ^ ^"^* "°*^ *'' ^'' ^"^""^ Quinton; it "A/r^ r, r^ "Home Office, Whitehall, Friday. My Dear QuiNTON,-In going through the roll of pros- pective honours to be submitted to the Queen on the occa- sion of the forthcoming birthday I was deeply gratified to find your name heading the list of baronets. Let me be the first to congratulate you on this well-deserved distinction 1 am particularly glad that it is proposed to make the title hereditary You have a talented son to carry forward the fortunes of the House of Quinton. May those fortunes be as great as happy, and as long-continued as I wish them. You will receive an official communication in course. Mean- time let me know that it accords with your sentiments to ac- cept the proposed token of the Royal favour.— And believe me, my dear Quinton, yours as ever, "E. KiNLOCH." fT.5j:,^"'S*'!" ^'^^ "° "^^^ *° speculate to whom he owed the title. But when he spoke of it to Kinloch, the smiling mf rig"t\IS^ '''' ■^"""''"' ' ''''^''' ^^^" P^^^ ^-- "Yes " said Mr Quinton in private, "Kinloch never for- gets a friend or a favour." eturned. "I will eer. And if you to you to refuse een in Paradise looked out on a lo has lost all. ting her face to e time you will by serving you for ever." Langham, the end Quinton; it :iALL, Friday. the roll of pros- en on the occa- ply gratified to Let me be the ved distinction. I make the title ■ry forward the ose fortunes be s I wish them, course. Mean- ntiments to ac- . — And believe . KiNLOCH." ^hom he owed :h, the smiling skill part from och never for- 'T'-e Book of Judg„,„^ Jirthdav^ . or withheld, a' Sr. f ^''P^'ed hitur?"vf ''^''"-"■robs "■e Home Secretarv t " "'^ "'«^p"perl\ZT ^"^"ed scenes with hi, t ■^. "^^ takino- a ff f- f ^"nomiced that 'rS"s-end mJ"X ^'' WQuinto^*o^?'rS «"iy 'zz nr ™ "^-rg^n £ft^°"'"?-"^tni's' - wit: gt?-- ^^^^^^^^^ ./'was a day of such ,°n ' "'"' '° ''S "'"^ ''" paused to InrX ^S beech-tree thl ■ ^ ^mloch wenf faiong-rS:^^i^--as.7heweret^^^^^^^^^ ^ ^a§-ical vividnes, 1 r^""' "^^ all atonrl ^"^^'"^ ^ays smiled as h hlS /"^ '"eality tL '"evived with far past. Thetsh ''^''" ^^^^ed'and s' f,^5"f ^'^vved !nd P^idsummer rLh^e^s^^JJ^^^^^ ^^^^ once at1n°[ ^'"^ '" '^^ bewitchine- vpIi!! ,'• "P^ard the hrrif ^ " "damasked in the dus/y^ci^;"^''"^ that had reS-L'^'"^^ts had th" purples, and th.S "°^^^ ^^e green i ^^^^g-^ation i„ -h^h to-day looTed?r.^^^i"f ^"^1?^'^? '"^° ^-" fields were dotted with lahn '^' ^^^"^ S ^t."'''J''^«' restful sunshine q!^ I T°0"i-ers who haSii "^"^ shining }^g hundreds of dmes' h"? ^^^" ^hem basttr^? ^" thf houses seemed asleen L '^f "• The tha?S ^"^ ^'"^^S" danced, massy whkT^i^'f hummed, burm^r'^' ^'•^"ching breath of summer vt^^^ '"ade the honV.f '"'"?"^^^ «nd sweet balms ofZ^J "^ ^ gently movin«^ " ^^"^' and the tree field itseU Z^S^ T^ ^'" ^n^ m^^^nser, givi„^ ^St hare armed and bare I ^'^f ^ ambrosiaJbT* v, *^f heech- hare legged, guddled^^^^,' ^te tu^yl'^ 420 The Minister of State A watchful collie called the boy's attention to the intruder, and he looked up with a challenge which hded to astonish- ment at sight of the stranger's elegance. He was not used to intruders of this sort. Loyalty to duty (with a little in- citement from curiosity) made him leave his guddling, and follow at a safe distance just to see what might take place. The unknown made straight for the bi^ beech-tree. Reach- ing it, he examined the carved trunk minutely, peering closely as if he were shortsighted, tracing imaginary lines with his fingers, and, between whiles, looking intently up as if expecting to spy some truant among the branches. Turning suddenly, he perceived the herd, and beckoned. The boy shuffled up, his head shyly on one side as if it were not his habit to encourage familiarity in strangers, even when they chanced to be tine gentlemen. His manner thawed as he was asked graciously about himself, his family, his dog, his cows, about guddling trout, poaching rabbits, and finally about the art of carving initials on beech-trees. His shrewdness, however, engendered a suspicion tha! somehow or other the gentleman knew more of the troubles and delights of a herd than was compatible with perfect in- nocence. A properly bred city person could never be so familiar with the hidden dangerous ways of the country. Turning the conversation abruptly, the stranger advanced to the brow of the bank, and looked down through the leafy tangle. "Thirty years ago," he said, "there was a fine clump of raspberries down there. Is it there yet?" "Yes, sir," answered the boy, finding his companion's knowledge more and more uncanny. "And if I looked after your cows, do you think you could go down and gather me some?" was the next question. "Yes, sir," came with alacrity. "But you'll have to take care they don't get into Braeside's turnips. He would kick up a stoor." With that he dropped down the bank and di appeared among the hazels. , "So Braeside's turnips are still a trouble to Pitwe herds," reflected Kinloch with a little sigh. When the boy returned with two big handfuls of lusc' rasps, the gentleman thanked him in Gaelic. "What ne,, thought the astonished herd, regarding the other witi, mystified look. It was with a slight qualm he sat dowri a root of the great beech to eat his share beside this ine'. I .,» *. , fine clump of s companion's e to Pitwe fc* *. i The Book of Judgment 421 olicable stranger. As he swallowed the berries whole, he keS eyeing this man of surprises, as if at any moment some- Sg unholy might happen. The gentleman seemed to be musfnp deeply, no doubt cogitating some fresh wonder. "Xhlre was once a herd boy," he said presently, who was so fond of fun and mischief, that he let his cows stray mtoh neighbour's corn and turnips, just as you mighty let yours into Braeside's-and his folly cost him very dear. <'Ay," said the boy quickly. '"Did they lick him? "Fm afraid they did. Do they ever lick you? ''Th^n'you are luckier than he was. Pray your luck may continue. What do you intend to be when you grow big "Oh " returned the boy with a wide sweep of the hand, to indicate the range of his intentions. "I'll go away south, Lnd b somethin^^ Wait, and I'll tell you," he went on, his eves alight with interest. "There was once a herd here, just in thfs very place, and his name was Evan Kinloch, sir, and "e w'JaL'y to' London and learned a lot pj things, and made soeeches that were put in the papers, I ve heard, and JTow heCs in a fine grand house, and has a kerndge and '''^^^::^r'^^S^ the boy for a moment '^'^^Z^^t;^^^^^^^ Kinloch has done?" "Yes sir, awful much," was the prompt response. "And if you were to ask him, do you think he'd advise you to go away south, and get all that he has got?^^ "I don't know, sir, but it's likely he would. "1 don't think he'd be so unkind " said the gentleman, m a tone of uncalled-for sadness. "No, I'm sure he wouldn t I think he would advise you to stay among the hiUs and woods and green fields, and work with the plough and the ^^^'Well! he didn't do that himself, sir," replied the boy, ith an astute shake of the head. , , ,, fi««.o« "Ah' but he may be wiser now," remarked the gentleman that" plaintive tone for which the boy could discover no son. "I feel sure he would tell you to reniain in the rhlands and be happy. People sleep soundly hereabouts, I know; in the south they don't always sleep so well. The rasps being now eaten, the gentleman wiped his .igers on a handkerchief, which, to the herd, was in itself .) M ■■l^^^^^ 422 The Minister of State i I, l^il 1 ^^^^^^^^^^^Bv ^ i 4 f 1 an irrefragable argument in favour of going south. As he reflected on the grandeur of folks with money, he received a shock which made him imagine that at last the sky was veritably falling. "Hold out your hand," said the gentleman suddenly. The boy complied, unable to imagine what was coming; and there were counted one by one into his grimy palm five half-crowns, five whole shining half-crowns. He looked up in dumb amazement. "That was once Evan Kinloch's wages for a whole year," said the gentleman in a low voice. "You have more, I am sure." "Yes, sir." "Well, you see, you are in many ways better ofi than he was. Keep to the green fields and the running waters. When you go home tell them you saw one who happens to know Evan Kinloch very well, and that he advises you not to go south and make speeches and have a carriage and horses." He rose hastily and took another long look into the oak wood stretching downward to the gleaming Tay. He could just hear the murmur of the river chafing in the rocky course he knew so well. "I thank you for the pleasant chat and for the rasps," he said, turning. "We'll go now." And together they walked back. At the road they parted, the boy silent with wonder. Then the gentleman re-entered the carriage, and the party were driven away, going upward by Burnside and Duncairn. The boy, his five half-crowns still clutched in his hand, stood gazing after them. On the crest of the little hill beside the school the carriage was poised for a moment in high relief, its wheels flashing in the sun, so that his eyes were dazzled. But he fancied he saw his strange friend ris- ing and looking back. Before he could make quite sure the carriage had disappeared, gone in that splendour of evening light. t-HE END. State * going south. As he money, he received at last the sky was tleman suddenly, e what was coming j • his grimy palm five wns. He looked up ;s for a whole year," ou have more, I am rs better off than he :he running waters, one who happens to t he advises you not lave a carriage and g look into the oak ling Tay. He could ^ in the rocky course id for the rasps," he Dgether they walked silent with wonder. carriage, and the d by Burnside and ms still c'utched in the crest of the little loised for a moment >un, so that his eyes s strange friend ris- make quite sure the plendour of evening i I