CONTENTS
TheCourtingofT’nowhead’sBellJ。M。Barrie\"TheHeatherLintie\"S。R。CrockettADoctoroftheOldSchoolIanMaclarenWanderingWillie’sTaleSirWalterScottTheGlenmutchkinRailwayProfessorAytounThrawnJanetR。L。StevensonTHECOURTINGOFT’NOWHEAD’SBELL
BY
J。M。BARRIE
FortwoyearsithadbeennotoriousinthesquarethatSam’lDickiewasthinkingofcourtingT’nowhead’sBell，andthatifLittleSandersElshioner（whichistheThrumspronunciationofAlexanderAlexander）
wentinforher，hemightproveaformidablerival。Sam’lwasaweaverinthetenements，andSandersacoal-carter，whosetrade-markwasabellonhishorse’sneckthattoldwhencoalwascoming。Beingsomethingofapublicman，Sandershadnot，perhaps，sohighasocialpositionasSam’l，buthehadsucceededhisfatheronthecoal-cart，whiletheweaverhadalreadytriedseveraltrades。IthadalwaysbeenagainstSam’l，too，thatoncewhenthekirkwasvacanthehadadvisedtheselectionofthethirdministerwhopreachedforitonthegroundthatitbecameexpensivetopayalargenumberofcandidates。Thescandalofthethingwashushedup，outofrespectforhisfather，whowasaGod-fearingman，butSam’lwasknownbyitinLangTammas’scircle。Thecoal-carterwascalledLittleSanderstodistinguishhimfromhisfather，whowasnotmuchmorethanhalfhissize。Hehadgrownupwiththename，anditsinapplicabilitynowcamehometonobody。Sam’l’smotherhadbeenmorefar-seeingthanSanders’s。HermanhadbeencalledSammyallhislifebecauseitwasthenamehegotasaboy，sowhentheireldestsonwasbornshespokeofhimasSam’lwhilestillinthecradle。Theneighboursimitatedher，andthustheyoungmanhadabetterstartinlifethanhadbeengrantedtoSammy，hisfather。
ItwasSaturdayevening——thenightintheweekwhenAuldLichtyoungmenfellinlove。Sam’lDickie，wearingablueglengarrybonnetwitharedballonthetop，cametothedooroftheone-storyhouseinthetenements，andstoodtherewriggling，forhewasinasuitoftweedforthefirsttimethatweek，anddidnotfeelatonewiththem。Whenhisfeelingofbeingastrangertohimselfworeoff，helookedupanddowntheroad，whichstragglesbetweenhousesandgardens，andthen，pickinghiswayoverthepuddles，crossedtohisfather’shen-houseandsatdownonit。Hewasnowonhiswaytothesquare。
EppieFarguswassittingonanadjoiningdykeknittingstockings，andSam’llookedatherforatime。
\"Is’tyersel’，Eppie？\"hesaidatlast。
\"It’sa’that，\"saidEppie。
\"Hoo’sa’wi’ye？\"askedSam’l。
\"We’rejuistaffan’on，\"repliedEppie，cautiously。
Therewasnotmuchmoretosay，butasSam’lsidledoffthehen-househemurmuredpolitely，\"Ay，ay。\"Inanotherminutehewouldhavebeenfairlystarted，butEppieresumedtheconversation。
\"Sam’l，\"shesaid，withatwinkleinhereye，\"yecantellLisbethFargusI’lllikelybedrappin’inonherabootMunundayorTeisday。\"
LisbethwassistertoEppie，andwifeofTammasMcQuhatty，betterknownasT’nowhead，whichwasthenameofhisfarm。ShewasthusBell’smistress。
Sam’lleanedagainstthehen-houseasifallhisdesiretodeparthadgone。
\"Hood’yekinI’llbeattheT’nowheadthenicht？\"heasked，grinninginanticipation。
\"Ou，I’sewarrantye’llbeafterBell，\"saidEppie。
\"Amnosaesureo’that，\"saidSam’l，tryingtoleer。Hewasenjoyinghimselfnow。
\"Amnosureo’that，\"herepeated，forEppieseemedlostinstitches。
\"Sam’l！\"
\"Ay。\"
\"Ye’llbespeerin’hersunenoo，Idinnadoot？\"
ThistookSam’l，whohadonlybeencourtingBellforayearortwo，alittleaback。
\"Hood’yemean，Eppie？\"heasked。
\"Maybeye’lldo’tthenicht。\"
\"Na，there’snaehurry，\"saidSam’l。
\"Weel，we’rea’coontin’on’t，Sam’l。\"
\"Gae’wa’wi’ye。\"
\"Whatforno？\"
\"Gae’wa’wi’ye，\"saidSam’lagain。
\"Bell’sgeian’fondo’ye，Sam’l。\"
\"Ay，\"saidSam’l。
\"Butamdootin’ye’reafellbillywi’thelasses。\"
\"Ay，oh，Id’nakin;moderate，moderate，\"saidSam’l，inhighdelight。
\"Isawye，\"saidEppie，speakingwithawireinhermouth，\"gaein’onterr’blewi’MysyHaggartatthepumplastSaturday。\"
\"Wewasjuistamoosin’oorsel’s，\"saidSam’l。
\"It’llbenaeamoosementtoMysy，\"saidEppie，\"ginyebrakherheart。\"
\"Losh，Eppie，\"saidSam’l，\"Ididnathinko’that。\"
\"Yemaunkinweel，Sam’l，’atthere’smonyalasswidjumpatye。\"
\"Ou，weel，\"saidSam’l，implyingthatamanmusttakethesethingsastheycome。
\"Forye’readaintychieldtolookat，Sam’l。\"
\"Doyethinkso，Eppie？Ay，ay;oh，Id’nakinamonythingbytheordinar。\"
\"Yemaynabe，\"saidEppie，\"butlassesdoesnadotobeower-
partikler。\"
Sam’lresentedthis，andpreparedtodepartagain。
\"Ye’llnotellBellthat？\"heasked，anxiously。
\"Tellherwhat？\"
\"Abootmean’Mysy。\"
\"We’llseehooyebehaveyersel’，Sam’l。\"
\"No’atIcare，Eppie;yecantellherginyelike。Iwidnathinktwiceo’tellin’hermysel’。\"
\"TheLordforgieyeforleein’，Sam’l，\"saidEppie，ashedisappeareddownTammyTosh’sclose。HerehecameuponHendersWebster。
\"Ye’relate，Sam’l，\"saidHenders。
\"Whatfor？\"
\"Ou，Iwasthinkin’yewidbegaenthelengtho’T’nowheadthenicht，an’IsawSandersElshionermakkin’’swytherean’oorsyne。\"
\"Didye？\"criedSam’l，addingcraftily，\"butit’snaethingtome。\"
\"Tod，lad，\"saidHenders，\"ginyedinnabuckleto，Sanders’llbecarryin’heroff。\"
Sam’lflungbackhisheadandpassedon。
\"Sam’l！\"criedHendersafterhim。
\"Ay，\"saidSam’l，wheelinground。
\"GieBellakissfraeme。\"
Thefullforceofthisjokestruckneitherallatonce。Sam’lbegantosmileatitasheturneddowntheschool-wynd，anditcameuponHenderswhilehewasinhisgardenfeedinghisferret。Thenheslappedhislegsgleefully，andexplainedtheconceittoWill’umByars，whowentintothehouseandthoughtitover。
Thereweretwelveortwentylittlegroupsofmeninthesquare，whichwaslitbyaflareofoilsuspendedoveracadger’scart。Nowandagainastaidyoungwomanpassedthroughthesquarewithabasketonherarm，andifshehadlingeredlongenoughtogivethemtime，someoftheidlerswouldhaveaddressedher。Asitwas，theygazedafterher，andthengrinnedtoeachother。
\"Ay，Sam’l，\"saidtwoorthreeyoungmen，asSam’ljoinedthembeneaththetownclock。
\"Ay，Davit，\"repliedSam’l。
ThisgroupwascomposedofsomeofthesharpestwitsinThrums，anditwasnottobeexpectedthattheywouldletthisopportunitypass。
PerhapswhenSam’ljoinedthemheknewwhatwasinstoreforhim。
\"Wasyelookin’forT’nowhead’sBell，Sam’l？\"askedone。
\"Ormebbeyewaswantin’theminister？\"suggestedanother，thesamewhohadwalkedouttwicewithChirstyDuffandnotmarriedherafterall。
Sam’lcouldnotthinkofagoodreplyatthemoment，sohelaughedgood-naturedly。
\"Ondootedlyshe’sasnodbitcrittur，\"saidDavit，archly。
\"An’michtycleverwi’herfingers，\"addedJamieDeuchars。
\"Man，I’vethochto’makkin’uptoBellmysel’，\"saidPeteOgle。\"Widtherebeonychance，thinkye，Sam’l？\"
\"I’mthinkin’shewidnahaeyeforherfirst，Pete，\"repliedSam’l，inoneofthosehappyflashesthatcometosomemen，\"butthere’snaesayin’butwhatshemichttak’yetofinishupwi’。\"
Theunexpectednessofthissallystartledeveryone。ThoughSam’ldidnotsetupforawit，however，likeDavit，itwasnotoriousthathecouldsayacuttingthingonceinaway。
\"DidyeeverseeBellreddin’up？\"askedPete，recoveringfromhisoverthrow。Hewasamanwhoborenomalice。
\"It’sasicht，\"saidSam’l，solemnly。
\"Hoowillthatbe？\"askedJamieDeuchars。
\"It’sweelworthyerwhile，\"saidPete，\"togingatowertotheT’nowheadan’see。Ye’llmindtheclosed-inbedsi’thekitchen？Ay，weel，they’reafellspoiledcrew，T’nowhead’slitlins，an’nothataisytomanage。Th’itherlassesLisbeth’shaenhadamichtytroublewi’them。Whentheywari’themiddleo’theirreddin’upthebairnswidcometum’lin’abootthefloor，but，sal，Iassureye，Belldidnafashlangwi’them。Didshe，Sam’l？\"
\"Shedidnot，\"saidSam’l，droppingintoafinemodeofspeechtoaddemphasistohisremark。
\"I’lltellyewhatshedid，\"saidPetetotheothers。\"Shejuistliftedupthelitlins，twaatatime，an’flungthemintothecoffin-
beds。Syneshesnibbitthedoorsonthem，an’keepitthemtheretillthefloorwasdry。\"
\"Ay，man，didsheso？\"saidDavit，admiringly。
\"I’veseenherdo’tmysel’，\"saidSam’l。
\"There’snoalassiemak’sbetterbannocksthissideo’FetterLums，\"
continuedPete。
\"Hermithertochtherthat，\"saidSam’l;\"shewasagran’han’atthebakin’，KittyOgilvy。\"
\"I’veheardsay，\"remarkedJamie，puttingitthiswaysoasnottotiehimselfdowntoanything，\"’atBell’ssconesisequaltoMagLunan’s。\"
\"Sotheyare，\"saidSam’l，almostfiercely。
\"Ikinshe’saneathan’atsingein’ahen，\"saidPete。
\"An’wi’’ta’，\"saidDavit，\"she’sasnod，cantybitstockyinherSabbathclaes。\"
\"Ifonything，thickinthewaist，\"suggestedJamie。
\"Idinnaseethat，\"saidSam’l。
\"Id’nacareforherhair，either，\"continuedJamie，whowasveryniceinhistastes;\"somethingmairyallowchywidbeanimprovement。\"
\"A’bodykins，\"growledSam’l，\"’atblackhair’sthebonniest。\"
Theotherschuckled。
\"PuirSam’l！\"Petesaid。
Sam’l，notbeingcertainwhetherthisshouldbereceivedwithasmileorafrown，openedhismouthwideasakindofcompromise。Thiswaspositiononewithhimforthinkingthingsover。
FewAuldLichts，asIhavesaid，wentthelengthofchoosingahelpmateforthemselves。Onedayayoungman’sfriendswouldseehimmendingthewashing-tubofamaiden’smother。TheykeptthejokeuntilSaturdaynight，andthenhelearnedfromthemwhathehadbeenafter。
Itdazedhimforatime，butinayearorsohegrewaccustomedtotheidea，andtheywerethenmarried。Withalittlehelphefellinlovejustlikeotherpeople。
Sam’lwasgoingthewayoftheothers，buthefounditdifficulttocometothepoint。Heonlywentcourtingonceaweek，andhecouldnevertakeuptherunningattheplacewhereheleftofftheSaturdaybefore。Thushehadnot，sofar，madegreatheadway。HismethodofmakinguptoBellhadbeentodropinatT’nowheadonSaturdaynightsandtalkwiththefarmerabouttherinderpest。
ThefarmkitchenwasBell’stestimonial。Itschairs，tables，andstoolswerescouredbyhertothewhitenessofRobAngus’ssawmillboards，andthemuslinblindonthewindowwasstarchedlikeachild’spinafore。Bellwasbrave，too，aswellasenergetic。OnceThrumshadbeenoverrunwiththieves。Itisnowthoughtthattheremayhavebeenonlyone，buthehadthewickedclevernessofagang。Suchwashisreputethattherewereweaverswhospokeoflockingtheirdoorswhentheywentfromhome。Hewasnotveryskilful，however，beinggenerallycaught，andwhentheysaidtheyknewhewasarobber，hegavethemtheirthingsbackandwentaway。Iftheyhadgivenhimtimethereisnodoubtthathewouldhavegoneoffwithhisplunder。OnenighthewenttoT’nowhead，andBell，whosleptinthekitchen，wasawakenedbythenoise。Sheknewwhoitwouldbe，sosheroseanddressedherself，andwenttolookforhimwithacandle。Thethiefhadnotknownwhattodowhenhegotin，andasitwasverylonelyhewasgladtoseeBell。Shetoldhimheoughttobeashamedofhimself，andwouldnotlethimoutbythedooruntilhehadtakenoffhisbootssoasnottosoilthecarpet。
OnthisSaturdayeveningSam’lstoodhisgroundinthesquare，untilby-and-byhefoundhimselfalone。Therewereothergroupstherestill，buthiscirclehadmeltedaway。Theywentseparately，andnoonesaidgood-night。Eachtookhimselfoffslowly，backingoutofthegroupuntilhewasfairlystarted。
Sam’llookedabouthim，andthen，seeingthattheothershadgone，walkedroundthetown-houseintothedarknessofthebraethatleadsdownandthenuptothefarmofT’nowhead。
TogetintothegoodgracesofLisbethFargusyouhadtoknowherwaysandhumourthem。Sam’l，whowasastudentofwomen，knewthis，andso，insteadofpushingthedooropenandwalkingin，hewentthroughtheratherridiculousceremonyofknocking。SandersElshionerwasalsoawareofthisweaknessofLisbeth’s，butthoughheoftenmadeuphismindtoknock，theabsurdityofthethingpreventedhisdoingsowhenhereachedthedoor。T’nowheadhimselfhadnevergotusedtohiswife’srefinednotions，andwhenanyoneknockedhealwaysstartedtohisfeet，thinkingtheremustbesomethingwrong。
Lisbethcametothedoor，herexpansivefigureblockingthewayin。
\"Sam’l，\"shesaid。
\"Lisbeth，\"saidSam’l。
Heshookhandswiththefarmer’swife，knowingthatshelikedit，butonlysaid，\"Ay，Bell，\"tohissweetheart，\"Ay，T’nowhead，\"toMcQuhatty，and\"It’syersel’，Sanders，\"tohisrival。
Theywereallsittingroundthefire;T’nowhead，withhisfeetontheribs，wonderingwhyhefeltsowarm;andBelldarnedastocking，whileLisbethkeptaneyeonagobletfullofpotatoes。
\"Sitintothefire，Sam’l，\"saidthefarmer，not，however，makingwayforhim。
\"Na，na，\"saidSam’l;\"I’mtobidenaetime。\"Thenhesatintothefire。HisfacewasturnedawayfromBell，andwhenshespokeheansweredherwithoutlookinground。Sam’lfeltalittleanxious。
SandersElshioner，whohadonelegshorterthantheother，butlookedwellwhensitting，seemedsuspiciouslyathome。HeaskedBellquestionsoutofhisownhead，whichwasbeyondSam’l，andoncehesaidsomethingtoherinsuchalowvoicethattheotherscouldnotcatchit。T’nowheadaskedcuriouslywhatitwas，andSandersexplainedthathehadonlysaid，\"Ay，Bell，themorn’stheSabbath。\"Therewasnothingstartlinginthis，butSam’ldidnotlikeit。Hebegantowonderifheweretoolate，andhadheseenhisopportunitywouldhavetoldBellofanastyrumourthatSandersintendedtogoovertotheFreeChurchiftheywouldmakehimkirkofficer。
Sam’lhadthegood-willofT’nowhead’swife，wholikedapoliteman。
Sandersdidhisbest，butfromwantofpracticeheconstantlymademistakes。To-night，forinstance，heworehishatinthehousebecausehedidnotliketoputuphishandandtakeitoff。T’nowheadhadnottakenhisoff，either，butthatwasbecausehemeanttogooutby-and-
byandlockthebyredoor。ItwasimpossibletosaywhichofherloversBellpreferred。ThepropercoursewithanAuldLichtlassiewastopreferthemanwhoproposedtoher。
\"Ye’llbideawee，an’haesomethingtoeat？\"LisbethaskedSam’l，withhereyesonthegoblet。
\"No，Ithankye，\"saidSam’l，withtruegentility。
\"Ye’llbetter。\"
\"Idinnathinkit。\"
\"Hootsaye，what’stohenderye？\"
\"Weel，sinceye’resaepressin’，I’llbide。\"
NooneaskedSanderstostay。Bellcouldnot，forshewasbuttheservant，andT’nowheadknewthatthekickhiswifehadgivenhimmeantthathewasnottodoso，either。Sanderswhistledtoshowthathewasnotuncomfortable。
\"Ay，then，I’llbestappin’owerthebrae，\"hesaidatlast。
Hedidnotgo，however。Therewassufficientprideinhimtogethimoffhischair，butonlyslowly，forhehadtogetaccustomedtothenotionofgoing。Atintervalsoftwoorthreeminutesheremarkedthathemustnowbegoing。InthesamecircumstancesSam’lwouldhaveactedsimilarly。ForaThrumsman，itisoneofthehardestthingsinlifetogetawayfromanywhere。
AtlastLisbethsawthatsomethingmustbedone。Thepotatoeswereburning，andT’nowheadhadaninvitationonhistongue。
\"Yes，I’llhaetobemovin’，\"saidSanders，hopelessly，forthefifthtime。
\"Guid-nichttoye，then，Sanders，\"saidLisbeth。\"Giethedoorafling-toahentye。\"
Sanders，withamightyeffort，pulledhimselftogether。HelookedboldlyatBell，andthentookoffhishatcarefully。Sam’lsawwithmisgivingsthattherewassomethinginitwhichwasnotahandkerchief。Itwasapaperbagglitteringwithgoldbraid，andcontainedsuchanassortmentofsweetsasladsboughtfortheirlassesontheMuckleFriday。
\"Hae，Bell，\"saidSanders，handingthebagtoBellinanoffhandwayasifitwerebutatrifle。Neverthelesshewasalittleexcited，forhewentoffwithoutsayinggood-night。
Noonespoke。Bell’sfacewascrimson。T’nowheadfidgetedonhischair，andLisbethlookedatSam’l。Theweaverwasstrangelycalmandcollected，thoughhewouldhavelikedtoknowwhetherthiswasaproposal。
\"Sitinbytothetable，Sam’l，\"saidLisbeth，tryingtolookasifthingswereastheyhadbeenbefore。
Sheputasaucerfulofbutter，salt，andpeppernearthefiretomelt，formeltedbutteristheshoeing-hornthathelpsoveramealofpotatoes。Sam’l，however，sawwhatthehourrequired，and，jumpingup，heseizedhisbonnet。
\"Hingthetattieshigherupthejoist，Lisbeth，\"hesaid，withdignity;\"I’sebebackintenmeenits。\"
Hehurriedoutofthehouse，leavingtheotherslookingateachother。
\"Whatdoyethink？\"askedLisbeth。
\"Id’nakin，\"falteredBell。
\"Thaetattiesislango’comin’totheboil，\"saidT’nowhead。
InsomecirclesaloverwhobehavedlikeSam’lwouldhavebeensuspectedofintentuponhisrival’slife，butneitherBellnorLisbethdidtheweaverthatinjustice。InacaseofthiskinditdoesnotmuchmatterwhatT’nowheadthought。
ThetenminuteshadbarelypassedwhenSam’lwasbackinthefarmkitchen。Hewastooflurriedtoknockthistime，and，indeed，Lisbethdidnotexpectitofhim。
\"Bell，hae！\"hecried，handinghissweetheartatinselbagtwicethesizeofSanders’sgift。
\"Loshpreserve’s！\"exclaimedLisbeth;\"I’sewarrantthere’sashillin’sworth。\"
\"There’sa’that，Lisbeth——an’mair，\"saidSam’l，firmly。
\"Ithankye，Sam’l，\"saidBell，feelinganunwontedelationasshegazedatthetwopaperbagsinherlap。
\"Ye’reower-extravegint，Sam’l，\"Lisbethsaid。
\"Notatall，\"saidSam’l;\"notatall。ButIwidnaadviseyetoeatthaeitheranes，Bell——they’resecondquality。\"
BelldrewbackastepfromSam’l。
\"Howdoyekin？\"askedthefarmer，shortly，forhelikedSanders。
\"Ispeeredi’theshop，\"saidSam’l。
Thegobletwasplacedonabrokenplateonthetable，withthesaucerbesideit，andSam’l，liketheothers，helpedhimself。Whathedidwastotakepotatoesfromthepotwithhisfingers，peelofftheircoats，andthendipthemintothebutter。Lisbethwouldhavelikedtoprovideknivesandforks，butsheknewthatbeyondacertainpointT’nowheadwasmasterinhisownhouse。AsforSam’l，hefeltvictoryinhishands，andbegantothinkthathehadgonetoofar。
InthemeantimeSanders，littlewittingthatSam’lhadtrumpedhistrick，wassaunteringalongthekirk-wyndwithhishatonthesideofhishead。Fortunatelyhedidnotmeettheminister。
ThecourtingofT’nowhead’sBellreacheditscrisisoneSabbathaboutamonthaftertheeventsaboverecorded。Theministerwasingreatforcethatday，butitisnopartofminetotellhowheborehimself。
Iwasthere，andamnotlikelytoforgetthescene。ItwasafatefulSabbathforT’nowhead’sBellandherswains，anddestinedtoberememberedforthepainfulscandalwhichtheyperpetratedintheirpassion。
Bellwasnotinthekirk。TherebeinganinfantofsixmonthsinthehouseitwasaquestionofeitherLisbethorthelassie’sstayingathomewithhim，andthoughLisbethwasunselfishinageneralway，shecouldnotresistthedelightofgoingtochurch。Shehadninechildrenbesidesthebaby，and，beingbutawoman，itwastheprideofherlifetomarchthemintotheT’nowheadpew，sowellwatchedthattheydarednotmisbehave，andsotightlypackedthattheycouldnotfall。Thecongregationlookedatthatpew，themothersenviously，whentheysangthelines：
\"JerusalemlikeacityisCompactlybuilttogether。\"
ThefirsthalfoftheservicehadbeengonethroughonthisparticularSundaywithoutanythingremarkablehappening。ItwasattheendofthepsalmwhichprecededthesermonthatSandersElshioner，whosatnearthedoor，loweredhisheaduntilitwasnohigherthanthepews，andinthatattitude，lookingalmostlikeafour-footedanimal，slippedoutofthechurch。Intheireagernesstobeatthesermonmanyofthecongregationdidnotnoticehim，andthosewhodidputthematterbyintheirmindsforfutureinvestigation。Sam’lhowever，couldnottakeitsocoolly。FromhisseatinthegalleryhesawSandersdisappear，andhismindmisgavehim。Withthetruelover’sinstinctheunderstooditall。SandershadbeenstruckbythefineturnoutintheT’nowheadpew。Bellwasaloneatthefarm。Whatanopportunitytoworkone’swayuptoaproposal！T’nowheadwassooverrunwithchildrenthatsuchachanceseldomoccurred，exceptonaSabbath。Sanders，doubtless，wasofftopropose，andhe，Sam’l，wasleftbehind。
Thesuspensewasterrible。Sam’landSandershadbothknownallalongthatBellwouldtakethefirstofthetwowhoaskedher。Eventhosewhothoughtherproudadmittedthatshewasmodest。Bitterlytheweaverrepentedhavingwaitedsolong。Nowitwastoolate。IntenminutesSanderswouldbeatT’nowhead;inanhourallwouldbeover。
Sam’lrosetohisfeetinadaze。Hismotherpulledhimdownbythecoat-tail，andhisfathershookhim，thinkinghewaswalkinginhissleep。Hetotteredpastthem，however，hurrieduptheaisle，whichwassonarrowthatDan’lRosscouldonlyreachhisseatbywalkingsideways，andwasgonebeforetheministercoulddomorethanstopinthemiddleofawhirlandgapeinhorrorafterhim。
Anumberofthecongregationfeltthatdaytheadvantageofsittingintheloft。Whatwasamysterytothosedownstairswasrevealedtothem。
Fromthegallerywindowstheyhadafineopenviewtothesouth;andasSam’ltookthecommon，whichwasashortcutthroughasteepascent，toT’nowhead，hewasneveroutoftheirlineofvision。
Sanderswasnottobeseen，buttheyguessedrightlythereasonwhy。
Thinkinghehadampletime，hehadgoneroundbythemainroadtosavehisboots——perhapsalittlescaredbywhatwascoming。Sam’l’sdesignwastoforestallhimbytakingtheshorterpathovertheburnandupthecommonty。
Itwasaraceforawife，andseveralonlookersinthegallerybravedtheminister’sdispleasuretoseewhowon。ThosewhofavouredSam’l’ssuitexultinglysawhimleapthestream，whilethefriendsofSandersfixedtheireyesonthetopofthecommonwhereitranintotheroad。
Sandersmustcomeintosightthere，andtheonewhoreachedthispointfirstwouldgetBell。
AsAuldLichtsdonotwalkabroadontheSabbath，Sanderswouldprobablynotbedelayed。Thechanceswereinhisfavour。HaditbeenanyotherdayintheweekSam’lmighthaverun。Sosomeofthecongregationinthegallerywerethinking，whensuddenlytheysawhimbendlowandthentaketohisheels。HehadcaughtsightofSanders’sheadbobbingoverthehedgethatseparatedtheroadfromthecommon，andfearedthatSandersmightseehim。Thecongregationwhocouldcranetheirneckssufficientlysawablackobject，whichtheyguessedtobethecarter’shat，crawlingalongthehedge-top。Foramomentitwasmotionless，andthenitshotahead。Therivalshadseeneachother。Itwasnowahotrace。Sam’ldissemblingnolonger，clatteredupthecommon，becomingsmallerandsmallertotheonlookersashenearedthetop。Morethanonepersoninthegalleryalmostrosetotheirfeetintheirexcitement。Sam’lhadit。No，Sanderswasinfront。Thenthetwofiguresdisappearedfromview。Theyseemedtorunintoeachotheratthetopofthebrae，andnoonecouldsaywhowasfirst。Thecongregationlookedatoneanother。Someofthemperspired。
Buttheministerheldonhiscourse。
Sam’lhadjustbeenintimetocutSandersout。Itwastheweaver’ssavingthatSanderssawthiswhenhisrivalturnedthecorner;forSam’lwassadlyblown。Sanderstookinthesituationandgaveinatonce。Thelasthundredyardsofthedistancehecoveredathisleisure，andwhenhearrivedathisdestinationhedidnotgoin。Itwasafineafternoonforthetimeofyear，andhewentroundtohavealookatthepig，aboutwhichT’nowheadwasalittlesinfullypuffedup。
\"Ay，\"saidSanders，digginghisfingerscriticallyintothegruntinganimal，\"quiteso。\"
\"Grumph，\"saidthepig，gettingreluctantlytohisfeet。
\"Ou，ay，yes，\"saidSandersthoughtfully。
Thenhesatdownontheedgeofthesty，andlookedlongandsilentlyatanemptybucket。ButwhetherhisthoughtswereofT’nowhead’sBell，whomhehadlostforever，orofthefoodthefarmerfedhispigon，isnotknown。
\"Lordpreserve’s！areyenoatthekirk？\"criedBell，nearlydroppingthebabyasSam’lbrokeintotheroom。
\"Bell！\"criedSam’l。
ThenT’nowhead’sBellknewthatherhourhadcome。
\"Sam’l，\"shefaltered。
\"Willyehae’s，Bell？\"demandedSam’l，glaringathersheepishly。
\"Ay，\"answeredBell。
Sam’lfellintoachair。
\"Bring’sadrinko’water，Bell，\"hesaid。ButBellthoughttheoccasionrequiredmilk，andtherewasnoneinthekitchen。Shewentouttothebyre，stillwiththebabyinherarms，andsawSandersElshionersittinggloomilyonthepigsty。
\"Weel，Bell，\"saidSanders。
\"Ithochtye’dbeenatthekirk，Sanders，\"saidBell。
Thentherewasasilencebetweenthem。
\"HasSam’lspeeredye，Bell？\"askedSanders，stolidly。
\"Ay，\"saidBellagain，andthistimetherewasatearinhereye。
Sanderswaslittlebetterthanan\"orraman，\"andSam’lwasaweaver，andyet——Butitwastoolatenow。Sandersgavethepigaviciouspokewithastick，andwhenithadceasedtogrunt，Bellwasbackinthekitchen。Shehadforgottenaboutthemilk，however，andSam’lonlygotwaterafterall。
Inafter-days，whenthestoryofBell’swooingwastold，thereweresomewhoheldthatthecircumstanceswouldhavealmostjustifiedthelassieingivingSam’lthego-by。Buttheseperhapsforgotthatherotherloverwasinthesamepredicamentastheacceptedone——thatofthetwo，indeed，hewasthemoretoblame，forhesetofftoT’nowheadontheSabbathofhisownaccord，whileSam’lonlyranafterhim。AndthenthereisnoonetosayforcertainwhetherBellheardofhersuitors’delinquenciesuntilLisbeth’sreturnfromthekirk。Sam’lcouldneverrememberwhetherhetoldher，andBellwasnotsurewhether，ifhedid，shetookitin。Sanderswasgreatlyindemandforweekstotellwhatheknewoftheaffair，butthoughhewastwiceaskedtoteatothemanseamongthetrees，andsubjectedthereaftertoministerialcross-examinations，thisisallhetold。HeremainedatthepigstyuntilSam’lleftthefarm，whenhejoinedhimatthetopofthebrae，andtheywenthometogether。
\"It’syersel’，Sanders，\"saidSam’l。
\"Itisso，Sam’l，\"saidSanders。
\"Verycauld，\"saidSam’l。
\"Blawy，\"assentedSanders。
Afterapause——
\"Sam’l，\"saidSanders。
\"Ay。\"
\"I’mhearingye’retobemairit。\"
\"Ay。\"
\"Weel，Sam’l，she’sasnodbitlassie。\"
\"Thankye，\"saidSam’l。
\"Ihadanceakino’notiono’Bellmysel’，\"continuedSanders。
\"Yehad？\"
\"Yes，Sam’l;butIthochtbettero’’t。\"
\"Hood’yemean？\"askedSam’l，alittleanxiously。
\"Weel，Sam’l，mairitchisaterribleresponsibeelity。\"
\"Itisso，\"saidSam’l，wincing。
\"An’nothethingtotak’upwithootconseederation。\"
\"Butit’sablessedandhonourablestate，Sanders;ye’veheardtheministeron’t。\"
\"Theysay，\"continuedtherelentlessSanders，\"’attheministerdoesnagetonsairwi’thewifehimsel’。\"
\"Sotheydo，\"criedSam’l，withasinkingattheheart。
\"I’vebeentelt，\"Sanderswenton，\"’atginyecangettheupperhan’
o’thewifeforawhileatfirst，there’sthemairchanceo’aharmoniousexeestence。\"
\"Bell’snothelassie，\"saidSam’l，appealingly，\"tothwartherman。\"
Sanderssmiled。
\"D’yethinksheis，Sanders？\"
\"Weel，Sam’l，Id’nawanttoflusterye，butshe’sbeenower-langwi’
LisbethFargusnotohaelearnedherways。An’a’bodykinswhatalifeT’nowheadhaswi’her。\"
\"Guidsake，Sanders，hoodidyenospeako’thisafore？\"
\"Ithochtyekento’’t，Sam’l。\"
Theyhadnowreachedthesquare，andtheU。P。kirkwascomingout。
TheAuldLichtkirkwouldbehalfanhouryet。
\"But，Sanders，\"saidSam’l，brighteningup，\"yewasonyerwytospeerheryersel’。\"
\"Iwas，Sam’l，\"saidSanders，\"andIcannabutbethankfu’yewasower-quickfor’s。\"
\"Gin’thadnabeenyou，\"saidSam’l，\"Iwidneverhaethochto’’t。\"
\"I’msayingnaethingaginBell，\"pursuedtheother，\"but，man，Sam’l，abodyshouldbemairdeleeberateinathingo’thekind。\"
\"Itwasmichtyhurried，\"saidSam’lwofully。
\"It’saseriousthingtospeeralassie，\"saidSanders。
\"It’sanawfu’thing，\"saidSam’l。
\"Butwe’llhopeforthebest，\"addedSanders，inahopelessvoice。
Theywereclosetothetenementsnow，andSam’llookedasifhewereonhiswaytobehanged。
\"Sam’l！\"
\"Ay，Sanders。\"
\"Didye——didyekissher，Sam’l？\"
\"Na。\"
\"Hoo？\"
\"There’swasvarralittletime，Sanders。\"
\"Halfan’oor，\"saidSanders。
\"Wasthere？ManSanders，totellyethetruth，Ineverthochto’’t。\"
ThenthesoulofSandersElshionerwasfilledwithcontemptforSam’lDickie。
Thescandalblewover。Atfirstitwasexpectedthattheministerwouldinterferetopreventtheunion，butbeyondintimatingfromthepulpitthatthesoulsofSabbath-breakerswerebeyondprayingfor，andthenprayingforSam’landSandersatgreatlength，withawordthrowninforBell，heletthingstaketheircourse。Somesaiditwasbecausehewasalwaysfrightenedlesthisyoungmenshouldintermarrywithotherdenominations，butSandersexplaineditdifferentlytoSam’l。
\"Ihav’naawordtosayagin’theminister，\"hesaid;\"they’regran’
prayers;but，Sam’l，he’samairitmanhimsel’。\"
\"He’sa’thebetterforthat，Sanders，isnahe？\"
\"Doyenosee，\"askedSanders，compassionately，\"’athe’stryingtomak’thebesto’’t？\"
\"OSanders，man！\"saidSam’l。
\"Cheerup，Sam’l，\"saidSanders;\"it’llsunebeower。\"
Theirhavingbeenrivalsuitorshadnotinterferedwiththeirfriendship。Onthecontrary，whiletheyhadhithertobeenmereacquaintances，theybecameinseparablesasthewedding-daydrewnear。
Itwasnoticedthattheyhadmuchtosaytoeachother，andthatwhentheycouldnotgetaroomtothemselvestheywanderedabouttogetherinthechurchyard。WhenSam’lhadanythingtotellBellhesentSanderstotellit，andSandersdidashewasbid。TherewasnothingthathewouldnothavedoneforSam’l。
ThemoreobligingSanderswas，however，thesadderSam’lgrew。HeneverlaughednowonSaturdays，andsometimeshisloomwassilenthalftheday。Sam’lfeltthatSanders’swasthekindnessofafriendforadyingman。
Itwastobeapennywedding，andLisbethFargussaiditwasthedelicacythatmadeSam’lsuperintendthefittingupofthebarnbydeputy。Oncehecametoseeitinperson，buthelookedsoillthatSandershadtoseehimhome。ThiswasontheThursdayafternoon，andtheweddingwasfixedforFriday。
\"Sanders，Sanders，\"saidSam’l，inavoicestrangelyunlikehisown，\"it’lla’beowerbythistimethemorn。\"
\"Itwill，\"saidSanders。
\"IfIhadonlykentherlanger，\"continuedSam’l。
\"Itwidhaebeensafer，\"saidSanders。
\"DidyeseetheyallowfloorinBell’sbonnet？\"askedtheacceptedswain。
\"Ay，\"saidSanders，reluctantly。
\"I’mdootin’——I’msairdootin’she’sbutaflichty，light-heartedcritturaftera’。\"
\"Ihadayemysuspeecionso’’t，\"saidSanders。
\"Yehaekentherlangerthanme，\"saidSam’l。
\"Yes，\"saidSanders，\"butthere’snaegetting’atthehearto’women。
ManSam’l，they’redesperatecunnin’。\"
\"I’mdootin’’t;I’msairdootin’’t。\"
\"It’llbeawarnin’toye，Sam’l，notobeinsicahurryi’thefutur’，\"saidSanders。
Sam’lgroaned。
\"Ye’llbegaein’uptothemansetoarrangewi’theministerthemorn’smornin’，\"continuedSanders，inasubduedvoice。
Sam’llookedwistfullyathisfriend。
\"Icannado’t，Sanders，\"hesaid;\"Icannado’t。\"
\"Yemaun，\"saidSanders。
\"It’saisytospeak，\"retortedSam’l，bitterly。
\"Wehavea’oortroubles，Sam’l，\"saidSanders，soothingly，\"an’everymanmaunbearhisainburdens。JohnnyDavie’swife’sdead，an’he’snorepinin’。\"
\"Ay，\"saidSam’l，\"butadeath’snoamairitch。Wehaehaendeathsinourfamilytoo。\"
\"Itmaya’beforthebest，\"addedSanders，\"an’therewidbeamichtytalki’thehalecountry-sideginyedidnagingtotheministerlikeaman。\"
\"Imaunhaelangertothinko’’t，\"saidSam’l。
\"Bell’smairitchisthemorn，\"saidSanders，decisively。
Sam’lglancedupwithawildlookinhiseyes。
\"Sanders！\"hecried。
\"Sam’l！\"
\"Yehaebeenaguidfriendtome，Sanders，inthissairaffliction。\"
\"Nothingava，\"saidSanders;\"doun’tmention’d。\"
\"But，Sanders，yecannadenybutwhatyourrinnin’ooto’thekirkthatawfu’daywasatthebottomo’’da’。\"
\"Itwasso，\"saidSanders，bravely。
\"An’yeusedtobefondo’Bell，Sanders。\"
\"Idinnadeny’t。\"
\"Sanders，laddie，\"saidSam’l，bendingforwardandspeakinginawheedlingvoice，\"Iayethochtitwasyoushelikit。\"
\"Ihadsomesicideamysel’，\"saidSanders。
\"Sanders，Icannathinktopairttwafowksaeweelsuitedtoaneanitherasyouan’Bell。\"
\"Cannaye，Sam’l？\"
\"Shewidmak’yeaguidwife，Sanders。Ihaestudiedherweel，andshe’sathrifty，douce，cleverlassie。Sanders，there’snothelikeo’
her。Monyatime，Sanders，Ihaesaidtomysel’，’There’salassonymanmichtbeproodtotak’。’A’bodysaysthesame，Sanders。There’snaeriskava，man——nanetospeako’。Tak’her，laddie;tak’her，Sanders;it’sagran’chance，Sanders。She’syoursforthespeerin’。
I’llgieherup，Sanders。\"
\"Willye，though？\"saidSanders。
\"Whatd’yethink？\"askedSam’l。
\"Ifyewidrayther，\"saidSanders，politely。
\"There’smyhan’on’t，\"saidSam’l。\"Blessye，Sanders;ye’vebeenatruefrien’tome。\"
Thentheyshookhandsforthefirsttimeintheirlives，andsoonafterwardSandersstruckupthebraetoT’nowhead。
NextmorningSandersElshioner，whohadbeenverybusythenightbefore，putonhisSabbathclothesandstrolleduptothemanse。
\"But——butwhereisSam’l？\"askedtheminister;\"Imustseehimself。\"
\"It’sanewarrangement，\"saidSanders。
\"Whatdoyoumean，Sanders？\"
\"Bell’stomarryme，\"explainedSanders。
\"But——butwhatdoesSam’lsay？\"
\"He’swillin’，\"saidSanders。
\"AndBell？\"
\"She’swillin’too。Sheprefers’t。\"
\"Itisunusual，\"saidtheminister。
\"It’sa’richt，\"saidSanders。
\"Well，youknowbest，\"saidtheminister。
\"Youseethehoosewastaen，atonyrate，\"continuedSanders，\"an’
I’lljuistgingintil’tinsteado’Sam’l。\"
\"Quiteso。\"
\"An’Icudnathinktodisappointthelassie。\"
\"Yoursentimentsdoyoucredit，Sanders，\"saidtheminister;\"butI
hopeyoudonotenterupontheblessedstateofmatrimonywithoutfullconsiderationofitsresponsibilities。Itisaseriousbusiness，marriage。\"
\"It’sa’that，\"saidSanders，\"butI’mwillin’tostan’therisk。\"
So，assoonasitcouldbedone，SandersElshionertooktowifeT’nowhead’sBell，andIrememberseeingSam’lDickietryingtodanceatthepennywedding。
YearsafterwarditwassaidinThrumsthatSam’lhadtreatedBellbadly，buthewasneversureaboutithimself。
\"Itwasanearthing——amichtynearthing，\"headmittedinthesquare。
\"Theysay，\"someotherweaverwouldremark，\"’atitwasyouBelllikedbest。\"
\"Id’nakin，\"Sam’lwouldreply;\"butthere’snaedootthelassiewasfellfondo’me;ou，amerepassin’fancy，’syemichtsay。\"
\"THEHEATHERLINTIE\"
BY
S。R。CROCKETT
JanetBalchrystielivedinalittlecottageatthebackoftheLongWoodofBarbrax。Shehadbeenahard-workingwomanallherdays，forhermotherdiedwhenshewasbutyoung，andshehadlivedon，keepingherfather’shousebythesideofthesingle-trackrailway-line。GavinBalchrystiewasaforemanplate-layerontheP。P。R。，andwithtwomenunderhim，hadchargeofasectionofthreemiles。Helivedjustwherethatdistinguishedbutimpecuniouslineplungesintoamoss-coveredgranitewildernessofmoorandbog，wherethereisnotmorethanashepherd’shuttothehalf-dozenmiles，andwherethepassageofatrainistheoccasionofcommotionamongscatteredgroupsofblack-
facedsheep。GavinBalchrystie’sthreemilesofP。P。R。metalsgavehimlittlework，butagooddealofhealthyexercise。Theblack-facedsheepbreakingdownthefencesandstrayingonthelineside，andthetorrentscomingdownthegranitegullies，foamingwhiteafterawater-
spout，andtearingintohisembankments，undermininghischairsandplates，weretheonlytroublesofhislife。Therewas，however，alittlepublic-houseatTheHuts，whichintheolddaysofconstructionhadhadthelicense，andwhichhadlingeredalone，licenseandall，whenitsimmediatepurposeinlifehadbeenfulfilled，becausetherewasnobodybutthewhaupsandtherailwayofficialsonthepassingtrainstoobjecttoitscontinuance。Nowitiscoldandblowyonthewest-landmoors，andneitherwhaupsnordark-blueuniformsobjecttoalittlerefreshmentupthere。ThemischiefwasthatGavinBalchrystiedidnot，liketheguardsandengine-drivers，goonwiththepassingtrain。Hewasalwaysonthespot，andthepaththroughBarbraxWoodtotheRailwayInnwasaswelltroddenasthatwhichledoverthebogmoss，wherethewhaupsbuilt，tothegreatwhiteviaductofLochMerrick，wherehisthreemilesofparallelgleamingresponsibilitybegan。
Whenhiswifewasbutnewlydead，andhisJanetjustasmartelf-
lockedlassierunningtoandfromtheschool，Gavingottoomuchinthewayof\"slippin’doonby。\"WhenJanetgrewtobewomanmuckle，Gavinkeptthehabit，andJanethardlyknewthatitwasnottheuseandwontofallfatherstosidledowntoacontiguousRailwayArms，andreturnsomehourslaterwithuncertainstep，andfaceprickedoutwithbrightpin-pointsofred——thesuremarkoftheconfirmeddrinkerofwhiskyneat。
TheywerelongdaysinthecottageatthebackofBarbraxLongWood。
Thelittle\"butan’ben\"waswhitewashedtillitdazzledtheeyesasyoucameoverthebraetoitandfounditsetagainstthesolemndepthsofdark-greenfirwood。Fromearlymorn，whenshesawherfatheroff，tilltheduskoftheday，whenhewouldreturnforhissupper，JanetBalchrystiesawnohumanbeing。Sheheardthemuffledroarofthetrainsthroughthedeepcuttingatthebackofthewood，butsheherselfwasentirelyoutofsightofthecarriagefulsoftravellerswhiskingpastwithinhalfamileofhersolitudeandmeditation。
Janetwaswhatiscalleda\"through-gaunlass，\"andherworkforthedaywasoftenoverbyeighto’clockinthemorning。Janetgrewtowomanhoodwithoutasweetheart。Shewasplain，andshelookedplainerthanshewasinthedresseswhichshemadeforherselfbythelightofnatureandwhatshecouldrememberofthecurrentfashionsatMerrickKirk，towhichshewenteveryalternateSunday。Herfatherandshetookdayabout。Wetorshine，shetrampedtoMerrickKirk，evenwhentherainblatteredandthewindravedandbleatedalternatelyamongthepinesoftheLongWoodofBarbrax。Herfatherhadasimplerwayofspendinghisdayout。HewentdowntotheRailwayInnanddrank\"ginger-beer\"alldaywiththelandlord。Ginger-beerisanunsteadyingbeveragewhentakenthedaybythelength。Alsothemanwhodrinksitsteadilyandquietlyneverentersonanyinheritanceoflengthofdays。
SoitcametopassthatonenightGavinBalchrystiedidnotcomehomeatall——atleast，nottillhewasbroughtlyingcomfortablyonthedoorofadisusedthird-classcarriage，whichwasnowseeingoutitscareeranchoredunderthebankatLochMerrick，whereGavinhaduseditasashelter。Thedriverofthe\"six-fiftyup\"trainhadseenhimwalkingsoberlyalongtowardTheHuts（andtheRailwayInn），lettinghislongsurface-man’shammerfallagainsttherail-keysoccasionallyashewalked。Hesawhimbendonce，asthoughhiskeeneardetectedafalseringinalooselengthbetweentwoplates。Thiswasthelastthatwasseenofhimtillthedriverofthe\"nine-thirty-sevendown\"
express——the\"boat-train，\"astheemployeesoftheP。P。R。callit，withatouchofrespectintheirvoices——passedGavinfallenforwardonhisfacejustwhenhewasflyingdowngradeunderafullheadofsteam。Itwasduskilyclear，withagreatlakeofcrimsonlightdyingintopurpleoverthehillsofmidsummerheather。ThedriverwasJohnPlatt，theEnglishmanfromCrewe，whohadbeenbroughtfromthegreatLondonandNorthwesternRailway，locallyknownas\"TheEll-nen-
doubleyou。\"Intheseremoterailwaycirclesthetalkisasexclusivelyofmattersofthefour-footwayasinCreweorDerby。Thereisaninspectoroftraffic，whoseportlypresencenowgracesCarlisleStation，wholefttheP。P。R。inthesesaddaysofamalgamation，becausehecouldnotenduretoseesomany\"Sou’west\"waggonspassingoverthesacredmetalsoftheP。P。R。permanentway。Fromhisyouthhehadbeentrainedinacreedoftwoarticles：\"ToswearbytheP。P。R。
throughthickandthin，andhatetheapplegreenofthe’Sou’west。’\"
Itwasasmuchashecoulddotoputupwiththesightoftheabominations;tohavetohuntfortheirtruckswhentheygotastraywasmorethanmortalcouldstand，sohefledtheland。
SowhentheystoppedtheexpressforGavinBalchrystie，everymanonthelinefeltthatitwasanhonourtothedead。JohnPlattsenta\"gurring\"thrillthroughthetrainasheputhisbrakesharddownandwhistledfortheguard。He，thinkingthattheMerrickViaductwasdownatleast，twirledhisbraketosuchpurposethattherearcarprogressedalongthemetalsbyaseriesofconvulsivebounds。Thentheysoftlyranback，andtherelayGavinfallenforwardonhisknees，asthoughhehadbeentryingtorise，orhadkneltdowntopray。Lethimhave\"thebenefitofthedoubt\"inthisworld。Inthenext，ifalltalesbetrue，thereisnosuchthing。
SoJanetBalchrystiedweltaloneinthewhite\"butan’ben\"atthebackoftheLongWoodofBarbrax。Thefactorgavehernotice，butthelaird，whowasnotaccountedbyhisneighbourstobeverywise，becausehedidneedlesslykindthings，toldthefactortoletthelassiebide，anddeliveredtoherselfwithhisownhandwritingtotheeffectthatJanetBalchrystie，inconsiderationofherlonelycondition，wastobeallowedthehouseforherlifetime，acow’sgrass，andthirtypoundsterlingintheyearasachargeontheestate。Hedrovedownthecowhimself，andhavingstalleditinthebyre，heinformedherofthefactovertheyarddykebywordofmouth，forhenevercouldbeinducedtoenterherdoor。Hewasaccountedtobe\"geyan’queer，\"savebythosewhohadtriedmakingabargainwithhim。Buthisfarmerslikedhim，knowinghimtobeaneasymanwiththosewhohadbeenreallyunfortunate，forheknewtowhattheyear’scropsofeachhadamounted，toasinglechalderandheadofnowt。