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Lorsque le document est trop grand pour 6tre reprodult en un seu* cliche, il est film6 A partir da Tangle supArieur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de haut en bas, an prenant la nombre d'images nicessaire. Les diagrammes suivants iliustrarit la mithoda. errata I to t I pelure, on A D 32X I 2 3 r'* ■ ' t 3 4 6 J f r AIR LIE'S MISSION V if'm "^r ■A k'*) ► :5'-A/ « 1 FroHtispitC$, k'l z:3 • r> f 1^ 1^4;. ;:.i|r i AIRLIE'S MISSION BY ANNIE S. SWAN (Mrs BlRNK'n SMUH) AUTHOR OF "alder.^yue," "shkii.a," "st vkdas,' "MAITLAND UK LAfRIESTON," ETC, 8TC. "Of weakest vessels God ofitimes hath need, To wait Hi& time may be to :>crve indeed.' ILLUSTRATIONS BY LILIAN RUSSELL TORONTO, CANADA WILLIAJvI BRIGGS EDINBURGH and LONDON OLIPUANX. AXDKRSON :. AIRLIE'S MISSION I CHAPTER I. RE A LI. V wish those hoys would come down to breakfast when it is on the table. I am sick of their irre«^iilar hours, if your father had been alive, they w(nild not dare to be so careless. They are getting quite beyond nie altom-ther." It was a fretlui, peevish, complaininor voice, which (juite prepared one to see a discontented, worried expression of face. And yet it was a sweet, kind face, if rather undecided, the face of a woman without nuich streni^th of character, totalK unhttf'd to face the battle of life alone. Perhaps feeble he:dth had much to do with Mrs Keith's fretful disposition. She had long been partiall)' invalided, and there were lines of pain and weariness on her brow, and about her tlrooping mouth, which told their own tale. AIRIIKS MISSrOS. Sordid care Iiad never touched lier, it is true, l)ut then; were other troubles which had a^ed Iier before her time. She had been deprived of the love and care of a devoted and noble husbaiul, just when her children most needed the firmness of his ouidini' hand. To one of \\v.x nature, the desolation of widowhood was a peculiarly bitter experience, for she was totally unhtted to breast alone the tide of life. It was a pleasant, clu'erful. luxurious place, the mornin<^ room at Errol Loclye. A cheerful fire burned in the pretty iL^^'ate. and a brii^ht ruddy ^low danc(?d on the well-appointed breakfast table, and vied with the wintry sunbeams slantini; through the crimson cur- tains, and phuini^* oii the golden head of a young lady at the window, busy already with a daint)' piece of embroidery. Janet Keith was like a picture, in that bright setting; her fair. pale, refined face, crowned by the shin- in.^ plaits of Ik r -olden hair, she looked as if nothing could ever ruffie or disturb her com- I osure. ller dress was dainty and becoming, too. a warm crimson morninir i^own. fittin^f to perfection; the linen at throat and wrists was •t j/r^*r '•"• V. to I xn as s|>oilf!ss as the snow l)in)4 on the lawn; LViTX thin'' about ht;r was tasteful and har monious ; it was soiurthinj^ of a rest to look at her after seein^^^ the worn, fretful, unsettled look on her mother's faded face. Mrs Keith was siitiu!;^ very ne.ir to th^ \\n\ stoopin^,^ over it with her thin hands outsprtail to the I lieerful heat, her amph? wiiitt* wrap ^atherctl close about her bent shouKUrs, as if she suffered from the chilliness of the morninL; air. "Why don't you speak, Janet .^" she asked, querulously, when no response came to her. ''What shall I say, mamma?" inc^uired Janet, in her calm, co(;l, sweet voice. "You know my opinions reL^ardinq- Krrol and Jack. They have been too long left to the freedom of their own sweet wills, and are incorrigible now." *• That is cold enough comfort. Really, I wonder whv my sons should be so un- dutiful. Just look at George Maitland ; what a comfort he is to hi: mother. Me considers her in everything. " "George Maitland is an insuA'erable [jrig, 8 AIR LIES MISSION. I think, mamma. Our boys are gentlemen at any rate ; and it is natural they should wish to enjoy life. I think Marion requires a word as well as the boys. It is twenty minutes to nine, and a quarter past eight is supposed to be our breakfast hour. I have been down stairs since half past seven, and must confess I should like a cup of coffee now." "Well, why don't you have it? There is nothing to hinder you." ** No, but it is best to sit down as a family," said Janet, in her prim fashion. " Why, there is Marion coming up the avenue. She is reforming, surely, when she takes a consti- tutional 'nefore breakfast. She looks very sober, as if she had not greatly enjoyed it." In a few seconds the breakfast-room door opened, and Mrs Keith's second daughter entered the room, and going up to her mother's side, put her arm round her, and kissed lier atlectionately. "Oh, what a cold face, child; you make me shiver ! " exclaimed Mrs Keith, drawing back. •• Where have you been ? What a AIRl.IES MJSS/OISt. >> It. loor hter her and lake 4ng It a colour you have ! Quite like a milk-maid's, isn't it, Janet." *• Rather. It is not for complexion's sake you require a morning walk, Marion," said Janet Keith, lifting her cold, keen, blue eyes to her young sister's round, ruddy face. " I was saying to mamma you were surely turn- ing over a new leaf." Marion Keith pulled off her gloves, and turned her head quickly awa)'. A hasty retort was on her lips, but she repressed it, and again approaching her mother's chair, knelt down on the hearth. She was the youngest of the family, and the least spoiled. She was only seventeen, but looked young for her years, being still, as Janet often told her, an awkward school -Li'irl. But there was some- thing sweet and winning about her, and the deep brown e)e had an earnest, tender gleam, which betokened a warm and loving heart. " Child, your nose is as red as a carrot ! where have you been.'*" pursued Mrs Keith, looking not with approval on the offending feature. IC AIRLJES M/SSJOX. ■^ *• I was out, mamma," said Marion, vaouely. *' I met the postman in the Granite Road, and there is a letter for you." •' Where is it ? Who is it from ? " *'It is from Tahai ; a black ed^ed letter addressed in a stran^^e handvvritino-. What can be wrono^?" said Marion, drawing it slow!)' from her pocket. " Reach me my eyeo^lass," said Mrs Keith, stortin<)- up. *' 1 am afraid it will be bad news of your Uncle James. He was poorly last time Airlie wrote." Marion looked on eagerly while her mother adjusted her eyeglass, and broke the seal of the ominous-looking letter; even Janet sus- pended her work, and waited with some interest to hear the news. " It is just as I thought, girls ; your poor Uncle James has succumbed to that frightful climate at last," said ]\Irs Keith, running her eye over the brief communication. *' i'he letter is U\) n x\v- Rev. Mr Balfour, who lortunately hspijened to be at the station V i;en he died. 'Ihis is what he says: — AIR I. Hi's MISSION. ti )oor itful her rhe who tion *"MlS>^ION SlATION, TAHAI, f .IM M .s lOM A. '''October \\th, i8— . " * Madam. - It is with deep rei^ret I have to inform vou of the lamented death of Mr Keith, which took place this monnn,;- at daybreak. Some weeks ago he was seized with fever, and as this is his third attack, there was no hope entertained of him from the first. He became conscious towards the end, and added a word of happy conhnnation to the already ij^lorious and abiding testimony of his noble and unselfish life. He is an irreparable loss to the cause and to the poor creatures among whom he has so heroically laboured and for whom he has given up so much. He will be laid to rest beside Mrs Keith. Miss Keith is wonderfully sustained by a loving Lord, but is physically much pros- trated. As soon as arrangements can be made, she will sail for Europe. It is her only chance of restoration to health. Devo- tion to her father and to the cause both had so much at heart may cost her life also. With every expression of sympathy and regard, — Believe me, yours cordially, " * William D. Balfour. ti AIR LIE'S MISSIOI^. II " • Miss Keith will write as soon as she is able. Fuller particulars will follow. This is in haste to catch the mail."* " Poor Cousin Airlie!" said Marion through dropping^ tears. " How dreadful to be left alone in such a country ! " *' I don't think Airlie minds it at all," said Janet, quietly resuming- her work ; " I am quite sure that if it were not for her health she would insist on remaininir amonfr these frij^ht- ful heathen. She is that kind of girl. I suppose she will be coming straight here, mamma } " " Of course, though one invalid in a house is enough ; but, poor girl, we must try and be kind to her. I must not forget that her father was my John's only brother, and that he loved him ver\' much." " Oh, \ t;s, he did. How often I have heard him say he would like to o^o out to Tahai on a visit," said Marion, softly, with a far-away, regretful look in her eyes, which told that her thoughts were with the happy past, which had been Ijrigluened by the love of the father wr.om she had idolised. AIRLIES MISSION. '3 IS is ** It will be rather troublesome having her here just in the middle of the season," said Janet, in the same cool fashion. "Will it be incumbent upon us to refuse all invitations on her account ? " " Really, Janet, you are rather heartless," said Mrs Keith, in feeble remonstrance. "Of course we must g"o into deeper mourninq-, and live quietly for some months. Ah ! here are the boys at last." A scraj) of the tuneful Pinafore, sung in a deep musical voice, with the accompaniment ol a shrill whistle, indicatc-d the approach of *' the boys," as Mrs Keith still termed her tall sons. Both were students of medicine at Eldinburoh Universit)', preparing to follow their father's profession, only as yet they had not exhibited any of his noble, earnest, self denying spirit. Life was still play-time to them, study occu- pying a very minor place; and yet, as they entered the room tocjether, bijjf, broad- shouldered, muscular fellows, the)- looked a.^ if it were quite time they were doing some worthy work in the world. Th e\ were a hand some, pan', it was not easy 14 AIRF.TES MISSION. \ to know which to admire tht' more ; Errol with his dark, finely featured face, piercing dark eye, and heavy masses of dark-brown hair, or merry, fair-haired, laughing-eyed Jack, who turned everything and everybody into good- natured fun. Both were favourites wherever they went, and were much sought after by the gay sport-loving circle of students to whom the duties of their profession were things of very minor consideration. No jovial gathering, no night's fun or frolic was complete without the Keiths, and perhaps all their enjoyments were not c|uite so innoctMU as those who lo\'ed them could have desired. " Really, boys," began Mrs Keith, but in a moment she was interrupted by the incorrigible jack — '* Not a word, mother. We sprang when we heard the first bell. Didn't we, Krrol V " Which must have been the breakfast bell, rung half an hour ago," said Janet severely, as she folded up her work, and proceeded to take her place at the table. He arc not responsible for the omission of tlie rising bell, Miss," said Jack. " Ihilloa, m 4. if A AIRLIE'S MISSION. 15 we bell, ,-'>V"' ■ I- '■>■?! Min, been crying, eh!" he said, turning to Marion. *' You in the black books too ? Never mind, we're all chums." "Who's the letter from, mother?" asked Errol, who, without waiting for grace or anything else, was half through with his breakfast. " From Tahai. Your Uncle James is dead." "Have they eaten him at last."^ " asked the irrepressible. " Excuse the question, mother In the circumstances it is natural. But what did he die of.-* " " Fever. Tlu-re's the letter." *' Read you it, J. ck ; 1 haven't time ; I should be off. Minnie, you might watch for the car ; I'll be too late if I walk." •'Just as if you cared. How many times have you been locked out and rather enjoyed it, eh .-^ ' said Jack. "Mother, I'll read it after. Tell us about it. What's to become of that poor little girl Airlie } " "She's comino- here." "Here, oh thunder, won't that be jolly!" said Jack, glorying in Janet's disgusted look. Janet Keith could not tolerate the slang with i6 AIRLIES MISSION. which her brothers freely adorned their conversation, and on that vt;ry account she heard more of it ; they only liked to tease her. " There may be two opinions about the jollity," said Errol, jumping up. "From the style of her letters, I would imai^ine she would be rather too «^^oody-!L(oody for this lot." '* Speak for yourself, Errol, if you please," said Janet, stiffly. •' Oh, 1 did not include you. I shouldn't have presumed. Nevertheless, it is possible that even with thtj immaculate there may be room for improvement," said Errol, rather mockingly. " Really, children. I wish you wouldn't snap at each other like that. 1 am afraid Airlie Keith will find Edinburgh heathen worse to bear than African ones." " Especially the male portion of them," said Janet, expressively ; but there was no more said, for Marion shouted that the car was coming, and the boys tiew out. buttoning their overcoats as they went. Then tlie ladies drew into the table to enjoy th(*ir breakfast and discuss ill all its bearings the news the African mail had brought. CHAPTER II. »» said more was their drew and frican # w ELI who is to go to the station tc meet your cousin ? " So asked Mrs Keith at dinner one afternoon, looking round enquiringly upon her children. '•' I can't go," answered Jack, promptly. '• You must, Errol, you know I have Rodger's notes to get up. I'll need to stick in all night." " You always have a fit of study when any- thing is required which doesn't exactly suit you," said Errol, dryly. "Well, I supposes I'll need to go, mother. When does the trai;i arrive?" " About eio^ht. You must be down in ^roo i time, for it would be dreadful for the ynnjv ;^ii-I to arrive and find nobotl\- to wt'lcorm- lu:r." "One of the girls had better cor.ic w.tn inc., then. It's rather stupid for a fellow lu m-tt ■ in unkiiuw,! relation and do all the talk " ^'\,ci u]j go, mamma," pleaded Manuii 11 H !l t8 AlRl.lKS MISSIOS. earnestly, for somehow lier warm heart was very sore for the orphan who had travelled so many thousand miles in poor health to see her father's kindred, to whom sh was not so welcome as she mii^ht have been. "Won't you ^^^o, Janet?" asked Mrs Keith. " I think )ou should." " Oh, no ; if Marion wants, by all means let her go. I daresay she will know better how to speak to Airlie Keith than I. You all tell me I am too stiff with strangers." *' But Airlie is not a stranger," said Marion, quickly, " Why, we have known her all our lives by her letters." " Ah, but it will be a different thing to meet her face to face," said Janet, dryly. " You boys will need to be on your best behaviour," she added to her brothers, " in case Airlie thinks Edinburgh heathen worse than those she has left." "Who's going to make any difference for Airlie Keith } " exclaimed Jack, scornfully. " If she tries the goody-goody business here, she'll find she's made a mistake." "Shut up, Jack," said Errol, sharply, and ^ AIRLIES MISSION. 19 was \ so her ; so eith. IS let how 11 tell arion, II our meet You lour," Airlie those ice for nfully. here, y, and 1 € jack eyed him with instant amazement. But Errol's face was perfectly sober, his eyes i^rave and rebuking ; evidently he was in earnest. For a lonir time now Errc.l Keith had allowed himself to drift with the tide, content to enjoy life, and put away from him all thought of its higher meanings ; but of late some whisperings of dissatisfaction had come to him. He felt himself growing older, and making no headway. He saw others who had entered the lists with him already doing a good work in the world, and making name and position for themselves. At times Errol Keith writhed in very scorn of himself, but idle habits are not easily thrown off. It takes the hand of a giant to unbind the fetters which, with touch as light as a feather, we may have bound upon ourselves. Shordy before eight o'clock that evening, Errol and Marion Keith were pacing up and down the platform at the Waverley Station, awaiting the arrival of the London train. It was five-and-twenty minutes late, and when at last it steamed up to the platform, Marion began to tremble, and even Errol felt himself 20 AIRIJFS MISSION, V f \ ■ \ a trifle excited. There were a great number of passengers, none of whom answered to their idea of Airlie Keith. But at last, wh(;n the throng had somewhat dispersed, Ilrrol's eyes hghted on the small solitary figure of a girl standing at the far end of the platform, just before the luggage van, looking helpless and bewildered. *' There she is, Marion ; come on," said Errol, and in a moment the pair were in front of the solitary passenger. " Are you Airlie Keith ? " said Errol, and Marion wo.idered to hear the gentleness of his voice. The slight figure in its big fur wrap turned swifdy round, the small head was raised, and a pair of wonderful dark eyes uplifted them- selves to the speaker's face. •'lam Airlie Keith," she answered. "You are Errol; and this, I think, is Marion. Oh, I am so glad to see you." She eN tended her hand to Errol, but he out it aside, and putting one arm round her, bent his face to hers. So Errol's kiss, Errol's greeting, was the first Airlie Keith received, .^U/V /ES }f/SS/OiV. 9t inber their I the eyes , just I and said front , and f)f his urned and heni- (< You Oh, e DUt A. , bent LiTol's sived, m "Mow are )<>ii. Cousin Airhc?" said Marion, llu-ii. and they kiss(.'d (jach oth(!r ; and somehow in a moment ev(jry feehni^ of restramt was i^one. •'I wish I had come to me^et yon in Lond'H, Airhe." said Jirrol (luickly. for th<'se sweet eyes reproached him with his un- cousmly behaviour. "Oh, there was no need," said Airhe. h'^htly. '* I assure you I am a most inde- pendent younq^ woman, who does not even know the meanino^ of fear. I had a (h'h\:ht- ful journey. There was such a funny old lady in the compartment with me. If I could draw I would make a picture of her. She had such a horrified face when I told her how far I had come alone. But, there, we need not talk. Could you see after my belongings, Errol, please ? It ts so cold here." In a very short space of time Errol had everything out of the luggage-van, and the porter carried them over to the cab-stance. " Would you help me a little, Krrol, if you please," said Airlie, at the cab door. " I i 92 ArnUE'S MISSION. have not been very strong, you know, and I can scarcely step up alone. " " I beg your pardon, Airlie ; I was busy with the boxes, and did not think," said Errol, as he lifted her right into the cab. '• You see, our girls are so accustomed to help themselves" " Don't apologise. I am just a bundle of aches and pains, you know. I said to Mr Balfour I would be ashamed to show myself before you all," said Airlie ; and now that the excitement of the meeting was past, she sank back into her corner, and Errol saw that she was thoroughly exhausted. And it flashed upon him then, as it had never done before, what a terrible experience it must have been for this young, frail girl to make such a journey alone ; only her bright, brave, patient spirit had sustained her to its end. " \ was not sure whether it was a wise step to come to Scotland. I am afraid \ will be a burden on Aunt Marion and you all, but the longing to see you all con- quered, so I am here," said Airlie, presently. 'f- s^-^^i h>*-> i.m AIR LIE'S MISSION. n " And I was practically useless at Tahai. Perhaps that was the strongest plea urged upon me co leave. It was a terrible struggle to make up my mind at first." " It must have been," said Errol, quietly, and a sob broke from Marion's lips, and she reached out her hand and clasped Airlie's firm and close in token of her sym- pathy and love. It was well, perhaps, for Airlie Keith that these two were the first to meet and greet her; they were otri:ainly the warmest hearts in Errol Lodge. Airlie seemed to feel the jolting of the cab, for she breathed a sigh of relief when it turned into Palmerston Road and swept up the smooth gravelled approach to her new home. •* They told me on the way that there was snow on the ground, but it was so dark I could discern nothing," said Airlie. ** I have never seen snow. Ah ! there it is ! How beautiful, how unlike anything I have ever seen before." " You will see plenty of it here, I promise you, Airlie," said Errol^ grimly. "In the S!5', m H AIRLTES MISSION. meantime, let iiu^ take \oii into the house. Shall I carry )oii ? " "Oh no. in case Aunt Marion should be frii^htened out of her wits," said Airlie, iDcrrii)-. hut she I'.w^cd heavily enoui^h on tl;e strono- arm ofu red to her; and so they entered the lujuse. Marion followinijf behind. As they stepped into the hall the dinino-- room door ojjened, and Mrs Keith, with her wraps ai)out her head and shoulders, came out, followed by Janet. "Aunt Marion!" exclaimed Airlie, in a o'j.ick, ea^vr whisper, and her eyes Hashed one wistful, seekin^^- glance upon her aunt's pale face. "How are you, Airlie? You are welcome to Edinl)ii!('h," said Mrs Keith, and takine the u^irl in her arms, she kissed her kindly, enough, but ;\irl:e felt that there was some- thing lacking. Then Janet— stately, beautiful, and calm - oftere'i her a welcoming hand, and present!)' Jack came bounding downstairs, two steps at a tinu . and gave her hand a hearty, bo\ ish squeeze ; and so the greetings were c.ll over. I Ji/Rrrrs .^//-s^roj^r. 25 tn one swift, keen, comprehensive fiance, Janet Keith had taken in h(,*r cousin's whole appearance, and had passed her mental verdict, which was not Mattering to the stranger. " The girls will take you up to \ our room, my dear," said Mrs Keith. "J am a sad invalid, laiti up with every breath of cold. I hope you will tind everything nice. Tea is waiting, whenever you are ready." "Very well, Aunt Marion," said Airlie, ([uietly, and then she turned to Errol once iriore, as if seeking his sympathy and help. " Come, Cousin Airlie, and I will take you to your room," said Janet, stepping forward. " Will you excuse me if I ask Errol to help me .'* " said Airlie, with her swift, pathetic smile. ** I am a poor, useless thing, Cousin Janet. My back has failed me, and I cannot climb upstairs alone." So Airlie ascended the lonor stair, slowlv and heavily, leaning on her cousin's arm, and when she reached the landing her face was quite flushed, but they did not know that it was wdth pain. •* Thank you, Errol. Now, Cousin Janet, AlRLlE'S MISSION. I am ready," she said, and they entered the room together. It was a cheerful, cosy corner, with a bright fire burning in the grate. Airlie looked round her with a sigh of content. '* I shall be at home here, I think," she said brightly. *' I will just sit down one moment, Janet, to get my breath. Oh dear, how weak and weary I am." She sank into a low chair, and leaning back, closed her eyes. The colour receded quickly enouLrh from her face, and left it so ashen hued that Janet Keith feared to look upon it. '* Cousin Airlie, I am afraid you are very ill." ** I have been. I am on furlough on that account," said Airlie, and again that sweet, bright smile sent a gleam upon her face. " I am all right now. Do you think I could go down to tea as I am ? " " Surely. Let me help you," said Janet and with unusual kindness she quickly un- fastened her cousin's wraps and laid them aside, then stooping down, took off her boots. " I could sponge your face and hands if you like, Airlie. That always refreshes one." n airlif:s mission. 27 i< I Oh, thanks, I can do that myself," said Airli Thank C( Y anet. Then with a childish frankness she added : ** How lovely you are. You are just like a picture." "Oh, nonsense, Airlie ! " laughed Janet, but a pleased colour stole into her fair cheek, telling that the unstudied compliment was not unappreciated. Somewhat refreshed with the cold water, but still very pale and worn, Airlie was ready to go to the dining-room. They were all waiting for her there, and when she entered, leaning heavily on Janet's arm, they were struck by the great and almost painful con- trast between them. They were almost of an age, but Janet's tall, straight, graceful figure, and clear, healthy-hued, beautiful face, made Airlie's shrinking figure and thin, sallow face, with its pathetic eyes and frame of short dark curls, look like those of a much older woman. " Have I kept you waiting long, Aunt Marion } How very cold it is here," said Airlie, approaching the fire with unmistakable I ^1 (H 1 28 A/R/ if:s M/SSIOI^. c ;iL;ciness. t J ,.\ n " I teel as if I could shrink into m)S('lt." " Take a chair, AirHe," said Jack with ready kindness. piilHng a low basket lounge right up U) the tiled hearth " Thank \ ou ; but aren't you waiting for me ? " she said, with a olance at the table. "Suppose you sit here, and I'll wait on you," said Errol, kindly. " You look as if you were starvnior, i> '* So I ani, but remember, I have been accustomed all my life to the thermometer at ioo°," said Airlie, laughing. " May I sit here, as Errol suggests, Aunt Marion ? " "Surely, my dear; you look frightfully ill, now that I see you," said Mrs Keith, hardly yet recovered from the shock of the girl's fragile appearance. " \\ hy, there is very little of you to look at. What a morsel you are." " There was more of me when I left Tahai, I believe," said Airlie. " But if you had been jolted in a bullock -waggon as I was, over seven hundred miles of rocky ground, where there is 110 road, and scarcely a track, you might Ai:U TES MISSION. 29 »> h ve diminished too. Oh, it was a frightful journey." "Jolly frightful, I should say," assented jack with energy. *' But they were so kind to me ; they saved me as much as possible," said Airlie, softly. " Who, my dear ? " asked Mrs Keith. " The natives, fathers children. Half a dozen of them came all the way to the coast with me ; and sometimes, when I was very tired with the rough riding, they carried me in their arms. That was such a rest." " They must be good creatures. I didn't think these sort of heathens had so much feelinix," said Mrs Keith. A little tremulous smile touched Airlie's lips, but the)' saw her eyes grow dim. " I will tell you about them some day, Aunt Marion," she said. " I don't think anybody w'll ever love me as they did ; at least not with such utter unselfishness. It nearly broke m)' heart to see their grief, first over fathers death, and then over my leaving them. And there is no one left behind to comlort the;ii or to kee') lli n tic li' ht wav y Th ere is 30 AIRIWS MISSION. \ fi U nobody to take up the work for which papa laid down his hfc." " Don't fret about it, AirHe." said Mrs Keith, fussily. ** I daresay some of the missionary societies will look after that. They ought to, an)way, for they get a great deal of money for such purposes. Janet, is tea in ^ " " Yes, mamma," said Janet. So they gathered about the table, all except Airlie, who was glad to sit still and be waited on by Errol, who seemed to like the task. And the shadow lifted from her heart a little, and she had a happy laugh and a gay jest for them all, and somehow managed to make herself the chief centre of attraction in the room. And though Jack had been too studiously inclined to go to the station, he seemed to find time to listen to Airlie's account of her voyage, and to laugh over her irresistible descriptions of its more comical aspects. Not again that night did Airlie allude to Tahai or anything connected with it. It seemed PS if she could not bear to talk about it yet M. |ii, I I 31 f if, •If li. W"; CHAPTER III. " "^ ^"^ ^ H A T are you making, Cousin anet ? " " An antimacassar for the bazaar next month. I have so much to do for bazaars I never have any time to sew for myself," said Janet Keith, a trifle impatiently. " You ought to lend a hand, Airlie, seeing it is for the Zenana Missions?" "Is it? What zenanas ? " " Oh, I don't know. I do work and ask no questions. I believe it is somewhere in India. I think it is to provide medically trained nurses for the zenanas, to try and convert the women in them. I don't see much good in it myself. They must be quite used to their way of life, and I believe will be happier as they are. There are many things in missions I don't approve of, Airlie. I think all this education for the masses at home and abroad only ttinds 3» i 3« AIRIJE'S MISS/ON, :. I li to make them discontented with their station and circumstances in which it has pleased God to place them." Janet Keith delivered her statement with a kind of quiet triumph, and looked at her cousin as she spoke as if desirous to see what effect it would have on her. They were alone together in the drawing-room at Errol Lodge one grey March afternoon, Airlie lying on a couch midway between the fire and the oriel window, from which she could see the green slopes of the Braid Hills, and the still snow- capped peaks of the Pentlands standing out clearly against a dark and lowering sky. "Do you think so, Cousin Janet?" was all Airlie said just then, and Janet saw from the exprt^ssion of her face that she was thinking of something else. It was a sweet, true, winning face in its repose, pathetic a little in its paleness and wornness, for Airlie Keith \. ;is not yet making much progress towards heal ill. "If I were able, Janet, I would argue the (juestion with \ou," she said at length. " 1 rjiink I could prove that you are mistaken, I i\ ation God ith a her what alone .odge on a oriel crreen snow- g out as all m the inking true, ttle in Keith )wards lue the jtaken, Janet sitting by Airlie's couch. '! I I, Hi l|! } M A 1 RUES MISSION, 35 If you had any idea of what thti women of India sufter in the zenanas, you would not speak so heartlessly. I only wish I had health." " What would you do ? " " Go through the necessary training for zenana work. Perhaps, if I had my choice, I would prefer work like father's, but a woman single-handed would be of no use in Tahai. It re([uires a man with decision and force of character to deal with the natives there. They need some one whom they can stand in awe of as well as love." " Would you really rather do that than live here, Airlie? If you were only well, we would show you how very pleasant we in Edinburo^h can make life." " I don't doubt that, Cousin Janet. I am very happy here with you all, but if 1 were well I should not dare to sit .:.till in pleasant idleness when there is so much to do and so few to do it." " If these are your views, what must you think of us — me, for instance.'*" asked Janet, dryly. IH 30 AIRLIES MISSION. m '''-Hiil ;i * A painful flush rose to Airlie's pale cheek. *' That is hardly fair, Cousin Janet." " All is fair in war, and we are opposed at present," said Janet, with a laugh. " Were I ever so willing, I could not leave home just now. You know how necessary I am to mamma. What do you suppose would become of the housekeeping of Errol Lodge if I were to rush off seeking work in mission fields ? Is there not a charity which begins at home, Airlie?" " Cousin Janet, have I ever hinted that I thought you failed in any duty } " " No, but you make me feel often as if I were a hardened, idle sinner," answered Janet, speaking with warmth, for she felt on the subject. " I am sure I do my duty. Few girls of my age do so much. You know what charge I have here, and all I have to do for these boys. Then I teach in the Sunday School, and collect for church purposes, and work for chanty bazaars, and I know not what else." *' Janet, Janet, hush! you hurt me!" said Airlie, quickly, and her lip quivered, for her cousin's tone cut her to the heart. % ill:! AIRLIES MISSION. 37 " I don't mean to, Airlie," said Janet, quiedy, and then there was a little painful silence. ** There is Erwjl's step on the gravel, Janet," said Airlie, suddenly. " Is it? Then I must ^^o and see what Susan is after in the kitchen," said Janet, folding up her work. "What a sharp eai; you have, child ! I have lived beside the boys all my life, and I could not distinguish Errol's step from Jack's yet." Airlie smiled, for Janet's voice was kind and pleasant again ; her fair face smooth and tranquil as was its wont. *' Airlie, dear, I did not mean to speak un- kindly. Can't you see that you, in your sweet unselfishness, are shaming us out of selfish ease?" said Janet quickly, and stooping down, she pressed her lips to her cousin's cheek, and hastily left the room. Before Airlie had recovered from her astonishment, Errol was at her side. What- ever room in the house held Airlie was a magnet to the boys. "Where's Airlie?" was their first question wiicii t!ie\- cinie in, so hud t 38 AIRLTES MISSION. Ill if the cousin from over the seas wound licrself about all their hearts. Yet none coiilJ have told what her charm was, only it was iek in no small decree. • " Well, Airlit;, how are xoii to-dav ? " 4( Better, thank y ou, H rro th. Q"! rl answered, with her sweet, bright smile. Even in her keenest pain, and she did suffer some- times, no word of complaint or murmuring hc^d ever been heard to pass tlie liixs of Airlic Keith. She did not talk much about her relioion. Init lived it, which is a much rarer and more potent iniluence than any talk, how- ever eloquent. " I thought you looked very sober when I came in. Have you and Janet been fallino- out, eh ^ I met her on the stairs with a very red face." " Not exactly, but we've been having some words on a certain subject," answered Airlie, soberly. " Won't )ou tell me about it, Airlie?" *' Yes, it wa^ about mission work -the need for medical nurses for the zenanas ; that was all. I think jan.et is comiit ;" round, Errol." AIRLIE'S J//.S'^/(9.V. 39 "We're all corning round, Airlie," answered Eri-ol. abruptly. " You have opened our eyes to a ijood many things since you came." A-iJ!'' was silent, and her face wore a very curious expression. ''I low are the studies trettinor on, Errol?" was all she asked. " Very well ; I think I should oet throuoh in July. " "And then.?" "Oh, then to work, I suppose. In what way 1 have not yet decided on. I believe 1 could L^et the best part of my father's practice vf-t. if I were so minded. " ''Thai would be a i^ood thing-," said Airlie. *' And what about Jack ? " "That's what bothers, Airlie. If I step into father's shoes Jack will need to * hnd for himsel',' as Susan would s:r/. As I a::i the elder, I should turn my face to li:e weathtr and leave the lLu'n!)urgh opeiiiiij- for Jack. Uon't you think so .'^ " 1 1 Y es. Airlie spoke quite quietly, and witli.jut f!' m ji< I the slightest hesitation, as if there cue 1 ) 40 AIRLIKS MISSION. be no doubt about the course to be pursued. Errol Keith bit his lips. It had cost him sometliintr to brinir himself to sav such a thintr, and the calm matter-of fact wa)' in which his cousin received it was n.ib.rr provoking. Sometimes Airlie was intensely ag-gravating, and yet it was impossible to be vexed with her longer than a moment. Y ou seem to think it a very small matter, Airlie," he s.iid quickly. ** I assure you I do not think it so unimj):)rLant." ** I did not say I thought it small, Errol. I think \o\\ misundfM-stand me often. " " What do )'ou mean by that brief, curt monosyllable, then, and the indifferent look which accompanied It ? " *' Do you know what I was thinking, Errol ? " " \o." •'What a blessed thing it must be to know OIK'S dut)', and to be willin;^ to do it," said Airlie, almost passionately. "Oh, Rrrol. if you only knew what it is to me to lie here doing nothii:g, when all my Ai/a //-'s .i7>v\\\v: 41 -«=> 11 beino;- cries out for action. If I am never to be strono- again, I could almost pray that 1 might not be spared very long." "Airlie, though you may not have been ver)' active, you have done a great, good work in this house," said Errol, quickly, and his strong hand touched for a moment his cousin's dark curls. "Why, what mean- ing had duty for me before you came .■^ I had neither aim nor object in life except to make the time pass pleasantly. " '• How can I have done so much, Errol ? I have not preached, have I ? Don't you remember Jack warning me of the con- sequences if I attempted such a thing?" " You haven't preached in words, perhaps, but then you are a living sermon," said Hrn \ with flushed cheek and kindling eye. Airlie's head bent lower on her breast till her face was hidden, perhaps to hide the glad light in her eyes, or the motion of her lips in silent thanksgiving. " I think I am stronger than I was. Errol," she said after a little. " I can come upstairs alone now, and that is a great 43 AIRLIES MISSION. Wr tliinf^^ I^o you think I shall ever be well ? " She looked up wistfully into the kind dark face ; that look went straight to Errol's heart. " I don't know, Airlie ; I hope so. If you would let me bring Laurence, or some of them to see you, perhaps there might be something done. I have feared to speak of it, Airlie, but I am afraid sometimes of your back \\\v\w I see ' ju walking. Won't you k.: ' "^e ;,;'t some advice other than old Ciiis' i "-? It is of o:reat moment to me, Airb' ." " If )o; M'e so nv':!!^ Errol, do wi-'ntever seems best to you. I'erhaps you are rignt. I ought not to have been so ol:)Stinate before." *' It is onl\' wliere yourself is concerned you are careless, Airlie. You have such constant thouglit for otliers, you forget )'Ourselt ; that is the e\| '^.ration of what )0u are pleased to call )'Our obstinacy. Supposing you were to grow strong. Airlie, what would you do ? " Airlie lifted her head, and fixed her eyes full on his face. A J RUES MISSION. ^% be " Can you ask, Krrol ? All I love is bordered by the green hills of 'laliai. I would ask no greater J03 than to he permitted to live and die among those who loved and tended nie from my birth." " All you love. Airlie ? Then we ar^ only strangers to you Mu ? " " Oh. no ; 1 spoke without thinking. Strangers ! after :i;i -our love and care. Oh, Errol Keith ! you kiunv J did not mean that Here comes Jack in his usual hurricane fashion." " Hulloa, Airlie. old girl ! " called out the irrepressible in his usual boisterous way. " Not up )et. eh. I'm afraid it's a poor lookout for that waltz you promised me on Chr'stmas Eve. rij have something under the mistletoe instead ! " " All right. Jack ; anything to pk:ase you," lauohed Airlie. looking with real pleasure on Jack's ruddy, smiling face. " Any prospect of skating ^ et ? " '' Isn't there just ? Why, it's perfectly freezing outside. But it's a jolly waste of time. I tell you ; and I honestly mean to grind hard ■lli , n 44 A/RJJE'S M/SSJOX. 1! \Ui I ' till Christmas, but when there's oood ice, and all the jolliest people you know on it, I tell you, Airlie, it's hard enoui;h lines to stick in the house. Needs courai^e, )ou bet ; as much as to march up to the cannon's mouth. Oh, Airlie Keith, if you'd only rise for one little hour, and let me take you to Duddin^ston when the ice is <^ood, I'd die happy. It beats these I ahai lakes. I tell )ou, all to sticks, in spite of the alligators and other interesting- reptiles to be studied there." " I only wish I could, Jack. I'm as willing to go as you are to take me, I assure you." " But you are getting well, aren't you, Airlie ? " " I'm not very sure. I hope so, Jack," said Airlie, quietly, and Errol suddenly walked away out of the room. '* Because if you aren't, you know, it's a shame. You're such a jolly little girl." " Not too relii^ious," lauohed Airlie. " Oh, well. sometiuKis : only you don't j)U.sh it clown a fellow's tliroat. if you'll ewcuse nn plain speech," sait'i j.ick. bluntly. ** And \oure ahva\s here when I want you, and you I s h se u AIRI.IE'S MISSION. 45 know ever) tliiniL^, which few ii^irls do. Aiul so, you ki^ow. wc can't do without }ou. AiHic." " 1 am very (i^lad I am so much to )ou. Jack. It ahnost reconciles me to lying still." " And }ou've made me turn over a new leaf, 1 can tell )ou, though perhaps you don't think it. 1 never drink now, Airlie, and I used to olien, )ou know, for company's sake, mo/e than was good for me ; and I'm honestly trying to stick in and get through soon. It's a shame the way we've idled our time and lived off our good-natured mother. But we'ri going to be better boys now. Errol's gri.iding no end. So that's what you've done, old girl. Don't call it nothing. There's the bell, and I'm off, for I tell you I'm as hungry as a hawk." So saying, with a nod and a smile. Jack wall zed out of the room. Left alone, Airlie lay still for a long time with her eyes closed, her face wearing a look of exquisite peace. She had had her reward for her year's patient bearing of her cross of and she found pai passi CHAPTER IV. p.! 1 F she were your own daughter, Professor I. aureuce, wou Id you n sk tl le opera- tion " Most assuredly I should," returned the professor, without a moment's hesitation. It was Frrol KfMth wlio asked the question in the lihre^r)' at LmtoI Lodj^e one sunny May morning', vIumi all the world seemcxl waking to the I)('iU!i:)' and fulness of the early sumnier. His fin.; face wore a L^rave, concerned look, as if he felt the subject under discussion to ue oi the utmost moment to him. *' 1 win explain it to you, Mr Keith," said the prolcssor in his gravely kind manner. " Unless the operation be risked, your cousin must resign herse^^ to th(^ certainty of becom- ing a conhrmed invalid, and her life, however lung or short, will be full of suffering. On the { *iur hand. if. she consents to undergo this 46 rolessor opera- eel the [UL'stion py May waking .iininer. 1 look, si on to ," said lanner. cousin Lecom- |)wcver i)n the lO this Errol and Professor Laurence, I ; AIR LIES MISS /OX. 49 oprration, there arc; niiK; chanctis out of Kin that she will be n'sto'.'cd to jx rTcct hcaUli. 1) o Null hiin k it won 1.1 b c wise; to 1 U'sitatc on account (»!" \]\v. one slcmlcr chance; of tailnrc ?" "CtTl.iinly not, Professor Laurence. If my cousin consents, will )-ou undertake- the o[^era- lion ph>- W'iiliiv^ly, in conjunction with your own sician." returned the professor. " I ) re- al me Mrs Keitii will inform the youni^ lady ol our decision, and let us know Iier o[)Inion." " S( ine one will tell .Airlie," lu'rol answered. " It will not be difficult, Professor Laurence ; her brave bri;.^ht patience has often astonished me. " She seems of a remarkabl\ sweet, cheerful disposition, which doubly ensures our success. When you come into practice, Mr Keith, \ou will speedily learn how much de[)en(ls on the patients themselves. These despond- ins^- folks are the most troublesome to deal with." " I believe )ou. Well, we will discuss this matter, and let \(ki know the result." When are \ou to l;e read\' lo t'lll \ our )■ 1 1 5^ AIRIIES MISSION. % father's shoes, Mr Keith?" asked the pro- fessor, with one of his kindly searchino^ orlances. *' It seems to me that you ought to have been in practice long ago. Forgive my candour." "So I ought. Professor Laurence, so I ougl't:" returned Errol, quickly. ''I dare- say you can guess pretty correctly at the true state of the case. It is six years since I entered the University first, and there was not the shadow of a reason why 1 should not have graduated at least eighteen months ago. I have shamefully idled my time and wasted my opportunities." "Ah, well, if you are awaking to the serious- ness of life, there may be no great harm done," said the professor, kindly. " Has this little girl from the wilds of Africa taught her tall cousins a lesson in life, I wonder } " Errol smiled, but did not deny it. It was impossible to resent what his professor said. He was an old man who had known and loved his father, with whom he had sat on the same bench at school and college, and who yet re- tained a kindly interest in the children of his (Vi'l Iriend. After the professor took his leave, I AIRLIES MISSION . SI . Errol returned to the drawino-room to his mother. *' Dear me, you have had quite a consul- tation, surely? "she said, rather querulously. *' Wluit lias it been all about ? What does the professor say about Airlie ? I ought to have come down. I suppose, but really my nerves are hardly equal to the trial." "Airlie is seriously ill, mother," answt^red Errol. " Professor Laurence urges the advisa- bility of an immediate operation ; it is her only chance of restoration to health." " An operation, here in this house ! " ex- claimed Mrs Keith. " Why, the anxiety and the worry of it would kill me." "And what about Airlie, then.'*" asked Errol, with a slight bitterness, impatient of his mother's selfish fears. " Really, Errol, you put her before us all," said Mrs Keith, sharply. " Of course I am verv^ sorrv for her, and if Laurence advises the operation, I suppose it must take place. But there must be a nurse got, for I am not tit to wait upcjn her." " Of course there will be a nurse got. AIRLIES MISSION. ,«f Everything will be done to save you anxiety or trouble, mother," answered Errol. *' But Airlie must be attended to. She has no one but us to look to. You would not think of sending her to the infirmary, surely ? " '• No, no, that would never do. It would look so wretch' "lly bad. How can you suggest such a thing.-* Isn't it only poor, low kind of people who go there.-* Really, Errol, you are very aggravating." Errol was silent a moment. He knew his mother must be feeling weaker than usual, and he was glad to attribute her heai tiessness to the state of her health. Time was when he would not have put such a strong curb on his impatience. Errol Keith had not alvva)s been mindful of his filial duty to his u idovved mother ; and she had borne a greai deal, with a patience surprising in a woman of her character. But she had always made idols of her boys. "Will )ou tell Airlie this, then, mother.-*" he asked presently. " Dear me. no. How could I .-* It would make me quite ill for ever so long. You or AiRrjE's rrrssmy. 53 Janet must tell her. Tell her I'm very, very sorry for her, and I'll come and see her when I am able." "Where is Janet, mother?" "With Airlie, probably. Everybody waits hand and foot on Airlie. I don't complain, only it shows the difference between an old woman's suffering and that of a youn^r ; irl. We kno\.' who gets the sympathy." "Dear m.other, don't speak like that!' said Errol in distress, for his mother had begun to cry, and he could not bear the si^ht of a woman's tears. "Aren't you going to your classes to-day.^ Jack i.. away long ago." " No, mother, I'm not going out to-day," answered Errol, and leaving the room he went upstairs, and knocked lightl\- at the door of the little sitting-ioom where Airlie now spent the most cA tier time. She- !iad not been downstairs sii-:- the Lci-iiiniMO- of spring. **Come in," said Janet's voice, and -■ !u^ entered she was sitting !:/ Airk ^3 ..jfa, •'"ihlnc^- th- -oor, not h.-.: \wth eau de I'! I1 54 aJKLIES M/SSIOiV. 3 cologne. She looked round quickly, as if seeking to gather from her brother's face the verdict of the professor. Airlie opened her eyes and smiled in her peaceful, happy way ; and there was nothing to indicate that she had been excited or troubled at all by the ordeal she had just undergone. " Well, Errol, what does he say ^ " she asked, cheerfully ; " you look so sober, I am afraid he thinks me as useless as I do myself Don't be afraid to tell me. It matters little to me either way." " He is not hopeless, Airlie," said Errol, quickly ; for, not of his seeking, the task of telling her the verdict had fallen upon him. " There is one chance. He is very anxious that you should take advantage of it. Are you strong enough to bear it } " " I am quite calm, Errol. What is it.'* " " An operation, Airlie," said Errol, m a choking voice. " He says, if you were his own daughter he would go on with it," lie continued, eagerly, now that the worst was oyer- "Think, Airlie. He says it is sure AIR LIE'S. MISSION. 55 to be successful, and that you will be com- plete))^ restored to health." Airlie had winced a little at his first words, but she grew calm and bright again, and only answered quietly, "Whatever you all think for the best, Errol, I am willing to do," she said, simply; -J could trust myself implicitly in the hands of Professor Laurence, though I never saw him till to-day." Errol Keith, almost overcome, walked away out of the room. Then Janet saw her cousin's thin face grow very white, and her lips quiver, and she laid her cool kind hand once more on the broad sweet brow. - "I am such a coward, Janet," said Airlie, opening her eyes, with a litde fluttering smile. "It is rather a trying thrught the surgeon's knife, isn't it.? It is good of you all to take so much trouble and interest in me." " Hush, Airlie dear; how can it be a trouble when you are so dear and good } " said Janet, quickly. •'I hope it w'-l! u^ very soon, for I should not like to have many days to think of it. U t I 6 AIRLTES MISS/ON. 8 .'lit, after all, Janet, what can it matter? Livini^ or dying, I am the Lord's, and He will not hurt His own." As Janet Keith listened to these words, uttered in a sweet, quiet voice, and saw rhp look of peace which accompanied J.cm, a sharp pnnL^ of envy shot through her heart. Airlie Keith had few indeed of what the \vorld terms precious things, but she possessed a happy secret altogether unknown to her. She pictured herself in Airlie's place, — could she face such an ordeal with that brave unflinching spirit.-* Could she thus let herself lie, as it were, in God's hand, knowing He would do all things well ? Ah. no ! Of late, many vague indescribable }earnings had rent the proud reticent soul of Janet Keith. She had begun to feel how paltry and unworthy were her aims in comparison with the sweet, holy, unselfish aspirings which were the main- spring of her cousin's life. "What are you thinking of, Janet.'* Tell me, dear. Don't vex )'ourself about me. Dun't ^(.)U see the fust natural pan-,'- is over, ■.\n(\ I am (juite at rest. As Errol sa) s, would AiRnr::s \rrssiox. 5/ ! It nnt he a .i^loi ions tlilncr to be perfectl)- well ? Do you know. I cannot recall a single clay when I was entirely free from pain." "Since you came to us, Alrlie?" *' Yes, and for very long before that. Janet. But you have not told me )'our sober thout^lits." "I was thinking, Alrlie, that if I had to chano-e plrxes with you now. wliat an cn\ful thing it would be for me." " I low awful } I think you would bear trouble nobly, Janet. You have such a fine spirit, you would never give up." Janet Keith shook her head, and her beautiful face deepened in the shadow. *'I have not your secret, Alrlie. If I had to give up the world, 1 have nothing to cling to," was all she said. Airlie turned round, with a quick, glad light in her solemn dark e^es. "But, Janet, you may lay hold of the Rock. Trust your- self with Him, He win lead you on.' He will give you a joy of which you can have no idea. But for that joy, Janet, how could I .iave been subtained through the trial and I I S8 AIR LIES MISSION. desolalion I have endured? How could I ha t>' and if I had Kinima not known who had need of them, and who would comfort me ? ' " Teach ine, AirHe ! show me the way," fell from Janet's lips, and she bowed her golden head upon her hands; "my life is empt) and purposeless, show me how and where it can be filled." So Airlie began to speak, in great gladness of heart, upon the golden theme she loved. Even in her hour of direst weakness and need the Master had work for her to do. She had bemi^aned herself as an empty ves- 1. and. lo, she- was to be filled with His order to supply the chalice of ;e >ve m other's need. I CHAPTER V, SNT it lovely here, Airlie?" "Oh, it is! that sea breeze, Janet, is the very elixir of life ! " So saying, Airlie Keith folded her arms behind her head, and drew in a long breath of the salt air coming up from the sea. They were sitting together in the fragrant old-fashioned garden of a remote farm-house on the western coast; the day was one of July's sunniest mood. Books and work lay on the rustic bench beside them, but both were too much occupied with the beauty of their surroundings to be inclined to work or read. . And yet the place was not quite new to them, for it was six weeks now since they had sought it as a summer retreat. Could that bright-looking maiden with the clear sparkling eyes, and the tinge of delicate colour in her rounding cheek, be the trail 59 6o ArRLir:s w/ss/on. invalid for wliosc lilV lii'ic had been such ie^ar two mntuh:; ai^^o at l^riol Locl'^'c? Ay, veril)' it was Airlic- Keilli. The operation had |»:-()\ed rininci^Js' successful, and now Airlie Keith w.is almost restoretl to |)(*rH^ct health. She ha' come to Kilcra''^;r mn- \alescent. to i/row sfon*' and vi-'onjus ui. I-t the indue! '.;•- of air and earth and sea. They ]:id cioiu; their work well. "VvliaL are you uatchiu'^- tor, Airlie.'*" asked Janet, with a smile, followini:)^ her cousin's look down the white road which led to the little h?in->let on rhe shore. " I am wonderln;.^ about the post, Janet. Isn't il time we heard sometliin^" ot" Errol now : " Yes. I believe it is. Poor boy, he has not h:u.l much of a hohvlav. We must make a i^rent deal of him hi the few days he will be with us Ivre." " Isn't that Jack and Marion coming;- up the slope. Janet ? "' " Yes. and I see letters in Jack's hand. Don't you sec :Tx vv?.v'ng- frantically to us? 1 beheve he h^as good news," A/A'/./rs JZ/SS/OAT. f)i usr "l.ct us ,t.ro and see." exclainied Airlie. and inmpiii- up. she ran off down tlu- -arcK'n. leaving; jaiu-t to follow more Icisurc^h'. ••Hurrah' three cheers for DocfM- l-.rrol ! " exclaimed j,i:k, directly ihr slim \v:iite-r()!)Lvl tiL^ure was within hearin- "He has pa.s.Hl with hrst-class honours. Hurrah! uood for the old l)oy, isn't it? He'll be down to-nioju --won't we o-ive him a jolly reception." "Oh! I am so -lad!" exclaimed Airlie, breathlessly. ''How proud and .-lad Aunt Ararion will be. And he will be iiere to- night .?»" "Yes; isn't it all splendid, Airlie .>" said Marion, in her grentle way, - Errol was so anxious. If he had not done well, I would have been afraid to meet him. And now we can have a real jolly fortnight here. Won't he be astonished to see you, Airlie ? " "Why, pussy.?" " Because you look quite different. Doesn't ' she, Jack ? " "Don't you just. Why. you look just stunning!" said Jack, looking with genume admiration at his cousin's bright, sweet face. 62 AJKI.IES MISSION, •* I l)c:t he'd hartlly reco<;nisc )oii. Hut I tell you I'm jolly glad the exam's passr 1 off so well. I only wish such luck will tail to me next Near." •• Deserve! it, Jack, and it will," said Airlie, in that earnest wa\' of hers. Jack nodded, and his eye shone with his high n*solve. Truly there was a change. Airlie Keith had awakened in these two young men a |)ercep- tion of life's more earnest meanings, and her quiet, sweet influence was already reaping its precious harvest. Krrol arrived by the steamer at sunset, and was met by his brother and sisters, Airlie remaining in the house beside her aunt ; for she had to be careful yet of the chill night airs, and never exposed herself to needless risks. No physician had (iver a more obedient and willing patient than Airlie Keith. " Errol will just step into his father's practice by and by, and it will be very pleasant." said Mrs Keith, in a self-satisfied soit of way, as Airlie and sh(? sat in the wide, low window ot the sitting-room, waiting for the party from the pier. "It is a ver)' good practice, you Errol anivcd by the steamer at sunset. rom )0U ,-r:l^ n r AIR I.IKS MJSSION 65 know ; among quite the best people.. I have no doubt KiTol will make a very fme position for himself in Edinburorh." " Errol would win a position for himself anywhere, Aunt Marion," said Airlie, quietly. " Oh, of course. But I hope he will be sensible, and not disappoint me. I have set my heart on seeing him follow in his father's footsteps." " But, Aunt Marion, suppose duty called him elsewhere," Airlie ventured to say. " My dear, a son's duty is to obey and consider his mother," said Mrs Keith, severely. " You liave great influence with your cousins, Airlie. If you see Errol inclined to wander, I hope you will use it for good, and urge his duty upon him." " I hope 1 shall always use what little influence I possess for good, Aunt Marion," said Airlie, meekly. " I don't doubt it in the least, Airlie. You have really been quite an acquisition to us. I don't know how it is, but the house seems a pleasanter place since you came. There is very little of that jarring and nagging among 6r, AJin.JES MISSION. liic Ci.iicii'cii vvliicii ui.c;l1 to be sr. :h :i trinl to my ne-rves. Hut I daresay, as they get older the)- are ;.>"atherin_i>' sense. I hear voices ; do \()Li see them comi'ni:^". AirHe?" " Yes, Aunt Marion, they are just at the iLjarden ,^"ate." " And how does that poor boy look, worn out after his ordeal ? " *' I can't see, Aunt Marion, it is so d.irk in tlie shadow of the trees," said Airlie, a tritle nervous])' ; for her heart was lluttering" ?X the thought of seeing- Errol a^ain. Ah, surely it required something more than cousinly regard to account for that strange, sweet thrill of joy with which she heard his deep pleasant voice ringing through the sweet July dusk. Presently the happy party entered the house, and then there was such a babel of e'reetinq;, and corgnitulations, and joyous talk. Airlie did not sa'.' much, but the fervour with which she ret'iriied Errols close hand-clasp told him something of what was in her heart. Wlien the l;'n:n was brought in and be saw the preat an J. l.;ijjp)' change in his cousin's appearance, hib ci.p of joy was full. AIR LIES MISSION. 67 to der do "Airlie, I cannot tell what it is to mc to see )'or. like this," he said in a low voice. " It is the crownincr touch to this haoov day." She smiled and nodded, and there was no time to say more, for tea was in, and Jack clamouring- for them to lu'in. He had a dozen questions to ask about the dii'Terent students who had lam^; up for examination along with Rrrol. And b.is face grew rather sober wlien he heard some of the questions ; and he shook his head dolefully and said it would be a poor lookout for him next \ear if the papers were as difficult. Errol did not appear to be outwardly elated with his success, but none knew better than Airlie how significant was the dee])' cuiet lio'ht of satisfaction in his fine e) e. Mrs Keith seemed much inclined to discuss the future, but Errol skilfully changed the subject ever^• time she broached it. It was evident, be th to Airlie and Janet, that he did not wish it to be settled in any way }'et. " D o \ou know anMiiino- of Krrol's nhv^-^ ' m1 asivoti. tnal n"'':u were a! ^nc in t!u; renin \\\-y siiaiv.. n : ! i s i > ■■ J I 68 A i RUES MISSION. '* No, Jant't ; he has not confided tlieni to mc except in a vai^i:e fashion. But I know that he will make an eanu'sl ^ood use of whatever sphere and opportunities are i^iven him," Airlie answered. "Oh, I am sure of that, Airlie. When mamma was speaking" so much about him be- ginniuLi^ practice beside us, I fancied he lookcnl troubled. Do you know, I should not be at all suri)rised though Errol were to do some- thini;, we don't e.xpect. " What kind of thin:^^ Janet ?" Janet brushed out her long' fair hair, and did not at once reply. " Don't you know where his chief interests. ai)art from his studies, have been centring of laic, Airlie?" she asked. "I would not grudge one ot my brothers to the mission- held." ller voice in the last sentence was rather unstead)'. and when she brushed aside the golden waves of hair, Airlie saw her eyes wet with tears. " That is a great deal for you to sa}', Janet." '* You have made: It easy for me to say it. hrrul \\'ill do a great good work an) where, but ^d thcni to mc I know ihat e of whatcv(^r n him," Airlie \irlie. When about him be^ :ied he look