\"Nosupper，\"saidArchie。\"ItisimpossiblethatIshouldeat。\"
\"Notimpossible，\"saidthetalloldman，layinghishanduponhisshoulder，\"and，ifyouwillbelieveme，necessary。\"
\"Youknowwhatbringsme？\"saidArchie，assoonastheservanthadlefttheroom。
\"Ihaveaguess，Ihaveaguess，\"repliedGlenalmond。\"Wewilltalkofitpresently-whenCarstairshascomeandgone，andyouhavehadapieceofmygoodCheddarcheeseandapullattheportertankard：notbefore。\"
\"ItisimpossibleIshouldeat\"repeatedArchie。
\"Tut，tut！\"saidLordGlenalmond。\"Youhaveeatennothingto-day，andI
venturetoadd，nothingyesterday。Thereisnocasethatmaynotbemadeworse;thismaybeaverydisagreeablebusiness，butifyouweretofallsickanddie，itwouldbestillmoreso，andforallconcerned-
forallconcerned。\"
\"Iseeyoumustknowall，\"saidArchie。\"Wheredidyouhearit？\"
\"Inthemartofscandal，intheParliamentHouse，\"saidGlenalmond。\"Itrunsriotbelowamongthebarandthepublic，butitsiftsuptousuponthebench，andrumourhassomeofhervoiceseveninthedivisions。\"
Carstairsreturnedatthismoment，andrapidlylaidoutalittlesupper;
duringwhichLordGlenalmondspokeatlargeandalittlevaguelyonindifferentsubjects，sothatitmightberathersaidofhimthathemadeacheerfulnoise，thanthathecontributedtohumanconversation;
andArchiesatupontheotherside，notheedinghim，broodingoverhiswrongsanderrors。
Butsosoonastheservantwasgone，hebrokeforthagainatonce。\"Whotoldmyfather？Whodaredtotellhim？Couldithavebeenyou？\"
\"No，itwasnotme，\"saidtheJudge;\"although-tobequitefrankwithyou，andafterIhadseenandwarnedyou-itmighthavebeenme-I
believeitwasGlenkindie。\"
\"Thatshrimp！\"criedArchie。
\"Asyousay，thatshrimp，\"returnedmylord;\"althoughreallyitisscarceafittingmodeofexpressionforoneofthesenatorsoftheCollegeofJustice。Wewerehearingthepartiesinalong，crucialcase，beforethefifteen;Creechwasmovingatsomelengthforaninfeftment;whenIsawGlenkindieleanforwardtoHermistonwithhishandoverhismouthandmakehimasecretcommunication。Noonecouldhaveguesseditsnaturefromyourfather：fromGlenkindie，yes，hismalicesparkedoutofhimalittlegrossly。Butyourfather，no。Amanofgranite。ThenextmomenthepounceduponCreech。`Mr。Creech，’sayshe，`I’lltakealookofthatsasine，’andforthirtyminutesafter，\"
saidGlenalmond，withasmile，\"Messrs。CreechandCo。werefightingaprettyup-hillbattle，whichresulted，Ineedhardlyadd，intheirtotalrout。Thecasewasdismissed。No，IdoubtifeverIheardHermistonbetterinspired。HewasliterallyrejoicingINAPICIBUSJURIS。\"
Archiewasabletoendurenolonger。Hethrusthisplateawayandinterruptedthedeliberateandinsignificantstreamoftalk。\"Here，\"hesaid，\"Ihavemadeafoolofmyself，ifIhavenotmadesomethingworse。
Doyoujudgebetweenus-judgebetweenafatherandason。Icanspeaktoyou;itisnotlike……IwilltellyouwhatIfeelandwhatImeantodo;andyoushallbethejudge，\"herepeated。
\"Ideclinejurisdiction，\"saidGlenalmond，withextremeseriousness。
\"But，mydearboy，ifitwilldoyouanygoodtotalk，andifitwillinterestyouatalltohearwhatImaychoosetosaywhenIhaveheardyou，Iamquiteatyourcommand。Letanoldmansayit，foronce，andnotneedtoblush：Iloveyoulikeason。\"
TherecameasuddensharpsoundinArchie’sthroat。\"Ay，\"hecried，\"andthereitis！Love！Likeason！AndhowdoyouthinkIlovemyfather？\"
\"Quietly，quietly，\"saysmylord。
\"Iwillbeveryquiet，\"repliedArchie。\"AndIwillbebaldlyfrank。I
donotlovemyfather;IwondersometimesifIdonothatehim。There’smyshame;perhapsmysin;atleast，andinthesightofGod，notmyfault。HowwasItolovehim？Hehasneverspokentome，neversmileduponme;Idonotthinkheevertouchedme。Youknowthewayhetalks？
Youdonottalkso，yetyoucansitandhearhimwithoutshuddering，andIcannot。Mysoulissickwhenhebeginswithit;Icouldsmitehiminthemouth。Andallthat’snothing。IwasatthetrialofthisJopp。
Youwerenotthere，butyoumusthaveheardhimoften;theman’snotoriousforit，forbeing-lookatmyposition！he’smyfatherandthisishowIhavetospeakofhim-notoriousforbeingabruteandcruelandacoward。LordGlenalmond，Igiveyoumyword，whenIcameoutofthatCourt，Ilongedtodie-theshameofitwasbeyondmystrength：butI-I-\"herosefromhisseatandbegantopacetheroominadisorder。\"Well，whoamI？Aboy，whohaveneverbeentried，haveneverdoneanythingexceptthistwopennyimpotentfollywithmyfather。
ButItellyou，mylord，andIknowmyself，Iamatleastthatkindofaman-orthatkindofaboy，ifyoupreferit-thatIcoulddieintormentsratherthanthatanyoneshouldsufferasthatscoundrelsuffered。Well，andwhathaveIdone？Iseeitnow。Ihavemadeafoolofmyself，asIsaidinthebeginning;andIhavegoneback，andaskedmyfather’spardon，andplacedmyselfwhollyinhishands-andhehassentmetoHermiston，\"withawretchedsmile，\"forlife，Isuppose-
andwhatcanIsay？hestrikesmeashavingdonequiteright，andletmeoffbetterthanIhaddeserved。\"
\"Mypoor，dearboy！\"observedGlenalmond。\"Mypoordearand，ifyouwillallowmetosayso，veryfoolishboy！Youareonlydiscoveringwhereyouare;tooneofyourtemperament，orofmine，apainfuldiscovery。Theworldwasnotmadeforus;itwasmadefortenhundredmillionsofmen，alldifferentfromeachotherandfromus;there’snoroyalroadthere，wejusthavetosclamberandtumble。Don’tthinkthatIamatalldisposedtobesurprised;don’tsupposethatIeverthinkofblamingyou;indeedIratheradmire！Buttherefalltobeofferedoneortwoobservationsonthecasewhichoccurtomeandwhich（ifyouwilllistentothemdispassionately）maybethemeansofinducingyoutoviewthemattermorecalmly。Firstofall，Icannotacquityouofagooddealofwhatiscalledintolerance。Youseemtohavebeenverymuchoffendedbecauseyourfathertalksalittlesculdudderyafterdinner，whichitisperfectlylicitforhimtodo，andwhich（althoughIamnotveryfondofitmyself）appearstobeentirelyanaffairoftaste。Yourfather，Iscarcelyliketoremindyou，sinceitissotriteacommonplace，isolderthanyourself。Atleast，heisMAJORandSUI
JURIS，andmaypleasehimselfinthematterofhisconversation。And，doyouknow，Iwonderifhemightnothaveasgoodanansweragainstyouandme？WesaywesometimesfindhimCOARSE，butIsuspecthemightretortthathefindsusalwaysdull。Perhapsarelevantexception。\"
HebeamedonArchie，butnosmilecouldbeelicited。
\"Andnow，\"proceededtheJudge，\"for`ArchibaldonCapitalPunishment。’
Thisisaveryplausibleacademicopinion;ofcourseIdonotandI
cannotholdit;butthat’snottosaythatmanyableandexcellentpersonshavenotdonesointhepast。Possibly，inthepastalso，Imayhavealittledippedmyselfinthesameheresy。Mythirdclient，orpossiblymyfourth，wasthemeansofareturninmyopinions。IneversawthemanImorebelievedin;Iwouldhaveputmyhandinthefire，I
wouldhavegonetothecrossforhim;andwhenitcametotrialhewasgraduallypicturedbeforeme，byundeniableprobation，inthelightofsogross，socold-blooded，andsoblack-heartedavillain，thatIhadamindtohavecastmybriefuponthetable。IwasthenboilingagainstthemanwithevenamoretropicaltemperaturethanIhadbeenboilingforhim。ButIsaidtomyself：`No，youhavetakenuphiscase;andbecauseyouhavechangedyourminditmustnotbesufferedtoletdrop。
Allthatrichtideofeloquencethatyoupreparedlastnightwithsomuchenthusiasmisoutofplace，andyetyoumustnotdeserthim，youmustsaysomething。’SoIsaidsomething，andIgothimoff。Itmademyreputation。Butanexperienceofthatkindisformative。Amanmustnotbringhispassionstothebar-ortothebench，\"headded。
ThestoryhadslightlyrekindledArchie’sinterest。\"Icouldneverdeny，\"hebegan-\"ImeanIcanconceivethatsomemenwouldbebetterdead。ButwhoarewetoknowallthespringsofGod’sunfortunatecreatures？WhoarewetotrustourselveswhereitseemsthatGodHimselfmustthinktwicebeforeHetreads，andtodoitwithdelight？
Yes，withdelight。TIGRISUTASPERA。\"
\"Perhapsnotapleasantspectacle，\"saidGlenalmond。\"Andyet，doyouknow，Ithinksomehowagreatone。\"
\"I’vehadalongtalkwithhimto-night，\"saidArchie。
\"Iwassupposingso，\"saidGlenalmond。
\"Andhestruckme-Icannotdenythathestruckmeassomethingverybig，\"pursuedtheson。\"Yes，heisbig。Heneverspokeabouthimself;
onlyaboutme。IsupposeIadmiredhim。Thedreadfulpart-\"
\"Supposewedidnottalkaboutthat，\"interruptedGlenalmond。\"Youknowitverywell，itcannotinanywayhelpthatyoushouldbrooduponit，andIsometimeswonderwhetheryouandI-whoareapairofsentimentalists-arequitegoodjudgesofplainmen。\"
\"Howdoyoumean？\"askedArchie。
\"FAIRjudges，mean，\"repliedGlenalmond。\"Canwebejusttothem？Dowenotasktoomuch？TherewasawordofyoursjustnowthatimpressedmealittlewhenyouaskedmewhoweweretoknowallthespringsofGod’sunfortunatecreatures。Youappliedthat，asIunderstood，tocapitalcasesonly。Butdoesit-Iaskmyself-doesitnotapplyallthrough？Isitanylessdifficulttojudgeofagoodmanorofahalf-
goodman，thanoftheworstcriminalatthebar？Andmaynoteachhaverelevantexcuses？\"
\"Ah，butwedonottalkofpunishingthegood，\"criedArchie。
\"No，wedonottalkofit，\"saidGlenalmond。\"ButIthinkwedoit。Yourfather，forinstance。\"
\"YouthinkIhavepunishedhim？\"criedArchie。
LordGlenalmondbowedhishead。
\"IthinkIhave，\"saidArchie。\"Andtheworstis，Ithinkhefeelsit！
Howmuch，whocantell，withsuchabeing？ButIthinkhedoes。\"
\"AndIamsureofit，\"saidGlenalmond。
\"Hashespokentoyou，then？\"criedArchie。
\"Ono，\"repliedthejudge。
\"Itellyouhonestly，\"saidArchie，\"Iwanttomakeituptohim。I
willgo，IhavealreadypledgedmyselftogotoHermiston。Thatwastohim。AndnowIpledgemyselftoyou，inthesightofGod，thatIwillclosemymouthoncapitalpunishmentandallothersubjectswhereourviewsmayclash，for-howlongshallIsay？whenshallIhavesenseenough？-tenyears。Isthatwell？\"
\"Itiswell，\"saidmylord。
\"Asfarasitgoes，\"saidArchie。\"Itisenoughasregardsmyself，itistolaydownenoughofmyconceit。Butasregardshim，whomIhavepubliclyinsulted？WhatamItodotohim？Howdoyoupayattentionstoa-anAlplikethat？\"
\"Onlyinoneway，\"repliedGlenalmond。\"Onlybyobedience，punctual，prompt，andscrupulous。\"
\"AndIpromisethatheshallhaveit，\"answeredArchie。\"Iofferyoumyhandinpledgeofit。\"
\"AndItakeyourhandasasolemnity，\"repliedthejudge。\"Godblessyou，mydear，andenableyoutokeepyourpromise。Godguideyouinthetrueway，andspareyourdays，andpreservetoyouyourhonestheart。\"
Atthat，hekissedtheyoungmanupontheforeheadinagracious，distant，antiquatedway;andinstantlylaunched，withamarkedchangeofvoice，intoanothersubject。\"Andnow，letusreplenishthetankard;
andIbelieveifyouwilltrymyCheddaragain，youwouldfindyouhadabetterappetite。TheCourthasspoken，andthecaseisdismissed。\"
\"No，thereisonethingImustsay，\"criedArchie。\"Imustsayitinjusticetohimself。Iknow-Ibelievefaithfully，slavishly，afterourtalk-hewillneveraskmeanythingunjust。Iamproudtofeelit，thatwehavethatmuchincommon，Iamproudtosayittoyou。\"
TheJudge，withshiningeyes，raisedhistankard。\"AndIthinkperhapsthatwemightpermitourselvesatoast，\"saidhe。\"Ishouldliketoproposethehealthofamanverydifferentfrommeandverymuchmysuperior-amanfromwhomIhaveoftendiffered，whohasoften（inthetrivialexpression）rubbedmethewrongway，butwhomIhaveneverceasedtorespectand，Imayadd，tobenotalittleafraidof。ShallIgiveyouhisname？\"
\"TheLordJustice-Clerk，LordHermiston，\"saidArchie，almostwithgaiety;andthepairdrankthetoastdeeply。
Itwasnotpreciselyeasytore-establish，aftertheseemotionalpassages，thenaturalflowofconversation。ButtheJudgeekedoutwhatwaswantingwithkindlooks，producedhissnuff-box（whichwasveryrarelyseen）tofillinapause，andatlast，despairingofanyfurthersocialsuccess，wasuponthepointofgettingdownabooktoreadafavouritepassage，whentherecamearatherstartlingsummonsatthefrontdoor，andCarstairsusheredinmyLordGlenkindie，hotfromamidnightsupper。IamnotawarethatGlenkindiewaseverabeautifulobject，beingshort，andgross-bodied，andwithanexpressionofsensualitycomparabletoabear’s。Atthatmoment，cominginhissingfrommanypotations，withaflushedcountenanceandblurredeyes，hewasstrikinglycontrastedwiththetall，pale，kinglyfigureofGlenalmond。
ArushofconfusedthoughtcameoverArchie-ofshamethatthiswasoneofhisfather’selectfriends;ofpride，thatattheleastofitHermistoncouldcarryhisliquor;andlastofall，ofrage，thatheshouldhavehereunderhiseyesthemanthathadbetrayedhim。Andthenthattoopassedaway;andhesatquiet，bidinghisopportunity。
ThetipsysenatorplungedatonceintoanexplanationwithGlenalmond。
Therewasapointreservedyesterday，hehadbeenabletomakeneitherheadnortailofit，andseeinglightsinthehouse，hehadjustdroppedinforaglassofporter-andatthispointhebecameawareofthethirdperson。Archiesawthecod’smouthandthebluntlipsofGlenkindiegapeathimforamoment，andtherecognitiontwinkleinhiseyes。
\"Who’sthis？\"saidhe。\"What？isthispossiblyyou，DonQuickshot？Andhowareye？Andhow’syourfather？Andwhat’sallthiswehearofyou？
Itseemsyou’reamostextraordinaryleveller，byalltales。Noking，noparliaments，andyourgorgerisesatthemacers，worthymen！Hoot，toot！Dear，dearme！Yourfather’ssontoo！Mostrideeculous！\"
Archiewasonhisfeet，flushingalittleatthereappearanceofhisunhappyfigureofspeech，butperfectlyself-possessed。\"Mylord-andyou，LordGlenalmond，mydearfriend，\"hebegan，\"thisisahappychanceforme，thatIcanmakemyconfessionandoffermyapologiestotwoofyouatonce。\"
\"Ah，butIdon’tknowaboutthat。Confession？It’llbejudeecial，myyoungfriend，\"criedthejocularGlenkindie。\"AndI’mafraidtolistentoye。Thinkifyeweretomakemeacoanvert！\"
\"Ifyouwouldallowme，mylord，\"returnedArchie，\"whatIhavetosayisveryserioustome;andbepleasedtobehumorousafterIamgone！\"
\"Remember，I’llhearnothingagainstthemacers！\"putintheincorrigibleGlenkindie。
ButArchiecontinuedasthoughhehadnotspoken。\"Ihaveplayed，bothyesterdayandto-day，apartforwhichIcanonlyoffertheexcuseofyouth。Iwassounwiseastogotoanexecution;itseemsImadeasceneatthegallows;notcontentwithwhich，Ispokethesamenightinacollegesocietyagainstcapitalpunishment。ThisistheextentofwhatIhavedone，andincaseyouhearmoreallegedagainstme，I
protestmyinnocence。Ihaveexpressedmyregretalreadytomyfather，whoissogoodastopassmyconductover-inadegree，andupontheconditionthatIamtoleavemylawstudies。\"……
CHAPTERV-WINTERONTHEMOORS
I。ATHERMISTON
THEroadtoHermistonrunsforagreatpartofthewayupthevalleyofastream，afavouritewithanglersandwithmidges，fulloffallsandpools，andshadedbywillowsandnaturalwoodsofbirch。Hereandthere，butatgreatdistances，abywaybranchesoff，andagauntfarmhousemaybedescriedaboveinafoldofthehill;butthemorepartofthetime，theroadwouldbequiteemptyofpassageandthehillsofhabitation。HermistonparishisoneoftheleastpopulousinScotland;
and，bythetimeyoucamethatlength，youwouldscarcebesurprisedattheinimitablesmallnessofthekirk，adwarfish，ancientplaceseatedforfifty，andstandinginagreenbytheburn-sideamongtwo-scoregravestones。Themansecloseby，althoughnomorethanacottage，issurroundedbythebrightnessofaflower-gardenandthestrawroofsofbees;andthewholecolony，kirkandmanse，gardenandgraveyard，findsharbourageinagroveofrowans，andisalltheyearroundinagreatsilencebrokenonlybythedroneofthebees，thetinkleoftheburn，andthebellonSundays。Amilebeyondthekirktheroadleavesthevalleybyaprecipitousascent，andbringsyoualittleaftertotheplaceofHermiston，whereitcomestoanendintheback-yardbeforethecoach-house。Allbeyondandaboutisthegreatfield，ofthehills;theplover，thecurlew，andthelarkcrythere;thewindblowsasitblowsinaship’srigging，hardandcoldandpure;andthehill-topshuddleonebehindanotherlikeaherdofcattleintothesunset。
Thehousewassixtyyearsold，unsightly，comfortable;afarmyardandakitchen-gardenontheleft，withafruitwallwherelittlehardgreenpearscametotheirmaturityabouttheendofOctober。
Thepolicy（aswhoshouldsaythepark）wasofsomeextent，butveryillreclaimed;heatherandmoorfowlhadcrossedtheboundarywallandspreadandroostedwithin;anditwouldhavetaskedalandscapegardenertosaywherepolicyendedandunpoliciednaturebegan。MylordhadbeenledbytheinfluenceofMr。SheriffScottintoaconsiderabledesignofplanting;manyacreswereaccordinglysetoutwithfir，andthelittlefeatherybesomsgaveafalsescaleandlentastrangeairofatoy-shoptothemoors。Agreat，rootysweetnessofbogswasintheair，andatallseasonsaninfinitemelancholypipingofhillbirds。Standingsohighandwithsolittleshelter，itwasacold，exposedhouse，splashedbyshowers，drenchedbycontinuousrainsthatmadethegutterstospout，beatenuponandbuffetedbyallthewindsofheaven;andtheprospectwouldbeoftenblackwithtempest，andoftenwhitewiththesnowsofwinter。Butthehousewaswindandweatherproof，thehearthswerekeptbright，andtheroomspleasantwithlivefiresofpeat;andArchiemightsitofaneveningandhearthesquallsbugleonthemoorland，andwatchthefireprosperintheearthyfuel，andthesmokewindingupthechimney，anddrinkdeepofthepleasuresofshelter。
Solitaryastheplacewas，Archiedidnotwantneighbours。Everynight，ifhechose，hemightgodowntothemanseandsharea\"brewst\"oftoddywiththeminister-ahare-brainedancientgentleman，longandlightandstillactive，thoughhiskneeswereloosenedwithage，andhisvoicebrokecontinuallyinchildishtrebles-andhisladywife，aheavy，comelydame，withoutawordtosayforherselfbeyondgood-evenandgood-day。Harum-scarum，clodpoleyounglairdsoftheneighbourhoodpaidhimthecomplimentofavisit。YoungHayofRomanesrodedowntocall，onhiscrop-earedpony;youngPringleofDrumannocameuponhisbonygrey。Hayremainedonthehospitablefield，andmustbecarriedtobed;
Pringlegotsomehowtohissaddleabout3A。M。，and（asArchiestoodwiththelampontheupperdoorstep）lurched，utteredasenselessview-
holloa，andvanishedoutofthesmallcircleofilluminationlikeawraith。Yetaminuteortwolongertheclatterofhisbreak-neckflightwasaudible，thenitwascutoffbytheinterveningsteepnessofthehill;andagain，agreatwhileafter，therenewedbeatingofphantomhorse-hoofs，farinthevalleyoftheHermiston，showedthatthehorseatleast，ifnothisrider，wasstillonthehomewardway。
TherewasaTuesdayclubatthe\"Cross-keys\"inCrossmichael，wheretheyoungbloodsofthecountry-sidecongregatedanddrankdeeponapercentageoftheexpense，sothathewasleftgainerwhoshouldhavedrunkthemost。Archiehadnogreatmindtothisdiversion，buthetookitlikeadutylaiduponhim，wentwithadecentregularity，didhismanfullestwiththeliquor，helduphisheadinthelocaljests，andgothomeagainandwasabletoputuphishorse，totheadmirationofKirstieandthelassthathelpedher。HedinedatDriffel，suppedatWindielaws。Hewenttothenewyear’sballatHuntsfieldandwasmadewelcome，andthereafterrodetohoundswithmyLordMuirfell，uponwhosename，asthatofalegitimateLordofParliament，inaworksofullofLordsofSession，mypenshouldpausereverently。YetthesamefateattendedhimhereasinEdinburgh。Thehabitofsolitudetendstoperpetuateitself，andanausterityofwhichhewasquiteunconscious，andapridewhichseemedarrogance，andperhapswaschieflyshyness，discouragedandoffendedhisnewcompanions。Haydidnotreturnmorethantwice，Pringleneveratall，andtherecameatimewhenArchieevendesistedfromtheTuesdayClub，andbecameinallthings-whathehadhadthenameofalmostfromthefirst-theRecluseofHermiston。
High-nosedMissPringleofDrumannoandhigh-steppingMissMarshalloftheMainswereunderstoodtohavehadadifferenceofopinionabouthimthedayaftertheball-hewasnonethewiser，hecouldnotsupposehimselftoberemarkedbytheseentrancingladies。AttheballitselfmyLordMuirfell’sdaughter，theLadyFlora，spoketohimtwice，andthesecondtimewithatouchofappeal，sothathercolourroseandhervoicetrembledalittleinhisear，likeapassinggraceinmusic。Hesteppedbackwithaheartonfire，coldlyandnotungracefullyexcusedhimself，andalittleafterwatchedherdancingwithyoungDrumannooftheemptylaugh，andwasharrowedatthesight，andragedtohimselfthatthiswasaworldinwhichitwasgiventoDrumannotoplease，andtohimselfonlytostandasideandenvy。Heseemedexcluded，asofright，fromthefavourofsuchsociety-seemedtoextinguishmirthwhereverhecame，andwasquicktofeelthewound，anddesist，andretireintosolitude。Ifhehadbutunderstoodthefigurehepresented，andtheimpressionhemadeonthesebrighteyesandtenderhearts;ifhehadbutguessedthattheRecluseofHermiston，young，graceful，wellspoken，butalwayscold，stirredthemaidensofthecountywiththecharmofByronismwhenByronismwasnew，itmaybequestionedwhetherhisdestinymightnotevenyethavebeenmodified。Itmaybequestioned，andIthinkitshouldbedoubted。Itwasinhishoroscopetobeparsimoniousofpaintohimself，orofthechanceofpain，eventotheavoidanceofanyopportunityofpleasure;tohaveaRomansenseofduty，aninstinctivearistocracyofmannersandtaste;tobethesonofAdamWeirandJeanRutherford。
2。KIRSTIE
Kirstiewasnowoverfifty，andmighthavesattoasculptor。Longoflimb，andstilllightoffoot，deep-breasted，robust-loined，hergoldenhairnotyetmingledwithanytraceofsilver，theyearshadbutcaressedandembellishedher。Bythelinesofarichandvigorousmaternity，sheseemeddestinedtobethebrideofheroesandthemotheroftheirchildren;andbehold，bytheiniquityoffate，shehadpassedthroughheryouthalone，anddrewneartotheconfinesofage，achildlesswoman。Thetenderambitionsthatshehadreceivedatbirthhadbeen，bytimeanddisappointment，divertedintoacertainbarrenzealofindustryandfuryofinterference。Shecarriedherthwartedardoursintohousework，shewashedfloorswithheremptyheart。Ifshecouldnotwintheloveofonewithlove，shemustdominateallbyhertemper。Hasty，wordy，andwrathful，shehadadrawnquarrelwithmostofherneighbours，andwiththeothersnotmuchmorethanarmedneutrality。Thegrieve’swifehadbeen\"sneisty\";thesisterofthegardenerwhokepthouseforhimhadshownherself\"upsitten\";andshewrotetoLordHermistonaboutonceayeardemandingthedischargeoftheoffenders，andjustifyingthedemandbymuchwealthofdetail。Foritmustnotbesupposedthatthequarrelrestedwiththewifeanddidnottakeinthehusbandalso-orwiththegardener’ssister，anddidnotspeedilyincludethegardenerhimself。Astheupshotofallthispettyquarrellingandintemperatespeech，shewaspracticallyexcluded（likealightkeeperonhistower）fromthecomfortsofhumanassociation;exceptwithherownindoordrudge，who，beingbutalassieandentirelyathermercy，mustsubmittotheshiftyweatherof\"themistress’s\"moodswithoutcomplaint，andbewillingtotakebuffetsorcaressesaccordingtothetemperofthehour。ToKirstie，thussituateandintheIndiansummerofherheart，whichwasslowtosubmittoage，thegodssentthisequivocalgoodthingofArchie’spresence。Shehadknownhiminthecradleandpaddledhimwhenhemisbehaved;andyet，asshehadnotsomuchasseteyesonhimsincehewaselevenandhadhislastseriousillness，thetall，slender，refined，andrathermelancholyyounggentlemanoftwentycameuponherwiththeshockofanewacquaintance。
Hewas\"YoungHermiston，\"\"thelairdhimsel’\"：hehadanairofdistinctivesuperiority，acoldstraightglanceofhisblackeyes，thatabashedthewoman’stantrumsinthebeginning，andthereforethepossibilityofanyquarrelwasexcluded。Hewasnew，andthereforeimmediatelyarousedhercuriosity;hewasreticent，andkeptitawake。
Andlastlyhewasdarkandshefair，andhewasmaleandshefemale，theeverlastingfountainsofinterest。
Herfeelingpartookoftheloyaltyofaclanswoman，thehero-worshipofamaidenaunt，andtheidolatryduetoagod。Nomatterwhathehadaskedofher，ridiculousortragic，shewouldhavedoneitandjoyedtodoit。Herpassion，foritwasnothingless，entirelyfilledher。Itwasarichphysicalpleasuretomakehisbedorlighthislampforhimwhenhewasabsent，topulloffhiswetbootsorwaitonhimatdinnerwhenhereturned。Ayoungmanwhoshouldhavesodotedontheidea，moralandphysical，ofanywoman，mightbeproperlydescribedasbeinginlove，headandheels，andwouldhavebehavedhimselfaccordingly。
ButKirstie-thoughherheartleapedathiscomingfootsteps-though，whenhepattedhershoulder，herfacebrightenedfortheday-hadnotahopeorthoughtbeyondthepresentmomentanditsperpetuationtotheendoftime。Tilltheendoftimeshewouldhavehadnothingaltered，butstillcontinuedelightedlytoserveheridol，andberepaid（saytwiceinthemonth）withaclapontheshoulder。
Ihavesaidherheartleaped-itistheacceptedphrase。Butrather，whenshewasaloneinanychamberofthehouse，andheardhisfootpassingonthecorridors，somethinginherbosomroseslowlyuntilherbreathwassuspended，andasslowlyfellagainwithadeepsigh，whenthestepshadpassedandshewasdisappointedofhereyes’desire。Thisperpetualhungerandthirstofhispresencekeptheralldayonthealert。Whenhewentforthatmorning，shewouldstandandfollowhimwithadmiringlooks。Asitgrewlateanddrewtothetimeofhisreturn，shewouldstealforthtoacornerofthepolicywallandbeseenstandingtheresometimesbythehourtogether，gazingwithshadedeyes，waitingtheexquisiteandbarrenpleasureofhisviewamileoffonthemountains。
Whenatnightshehadtrimmedandgatheredthefire，turneddownhisbed，andlaidouthisnight-gear-whentherewasnomoretobedonefortheking’spleasure，buttorememberhimferventlyinherusuallyverytepidprayers，andgotobedbroodinguponhisperfections，hisfuturecareer，andwhatsheshouldgivehimthenextdayfordinner-therestillremainedbeforeheronemoreopportunity;shewasstilltotakeinthetrayandsaygood-night。SometimesArchiewouldglanceupfromhisbookwithapreoccupiednodandaperfunctorysalutationwhichwasintruthadismissal;sometimes-andbydegreesmoreoften-thevolumewouldbelaidaside，hewouldmeethercomingwithalookofrelief;andtheconversationwouldbeengaged，lastoutthesupper，andbeprolongedtillthesmallhoursbythewaningfire。ItwasnowonderthatArchiewasfondofcompanyafterhissolitarydays;andKirstie，uponherside，exertedalltheartsofhervigorousnaturetoensnarehisattention。
Shewouldkeepbacksomepieceofnewsduringdinnertobefiredoffwiththeentranceofthesuppertray，andformasitweretheLEVERDE
RIDEAUoftheevening’sentertainment。Oncehehadheardhertonguewag，shemadesureoftheresult。Fromonesubjecttoanothershemovedbyinsidioustransitions，fearingtheleastsilence，fearingalmosttogivehimtimeforananswerlestitshouldslipintoahintofseparation。Likesomanypeopleofherclass，shewasabravenarrator;
herplacewasonthehearth-rugandshemadeitarostrum，mimeingherstoriesasshetoldthem，fittingthemwithvitaldetail，spinningthemoutwithendless\"quo’he’s\"and\"quo’she’s，\"hervoicesinkingintoawhisperoverthesupernaturalorthehorrific;untilshewouldsuddenlyspringupinaffectedsurprise，andpointingtotheclock，\"Mercy，Mr。
Archie！\"shewouldsay，\"whattenatimeo’nightisthisofit！Godforgivemeforadaftwife！\"Soitbefell，bygoodmanagement，thatshewasnotonlythefirsttobeginthesenocturnalconversations，butinvariablythefirsttobreakthemoff;soshemanagedtoretireandnottobedismissed。
3。ABORDERFAMILY
SuchanunequalintimacyhasneverbeenuncommoninScotland，wheretheclanspiritsurvives;wheretheservanttendstospendherlifeinthesameservice，ahelpmeetatfirst，thenatyrant，andatlastapensioner;where，besides，sheisnotnecessarilydestituteoftheprideofbirth，butis，perhaps，likeKirstie，aconnectionofhermaster’s，andatleastknowsthelegendofherownfamily，andmaycountkinshipwithsomeillustriousdead。ForthatisthemarkoftheScotofallclasses：thathestandsinanattitudetowardsthepastunthinkabletoEnglishmen，andremembersandcherishesthememoryofhisforebears，goodorbad;andthereburnsaliveinhimasenseofidentitywiththedeadeventothetwentiethgeneration。NomorecharacteristicinstancecouldbefoundthaninthefamilyofKirstieElliott。Theywereall，andKirstiethefirstofall，readyandeagertopourforththeparticularsoftheirgenealogy，embellishedwitheverydetailthatmemoryhadhandeddownorfancyfabricated;and，behold！fromeveryramificationofthattreetheredangledahalter。TheElliottsthemselveshavehadachequeredhistory;buttheseElliottsdeduced，besides，fromthreeofthemostunfortunateoftheborderclans-theNicksons，theEllwalds，andtheCrozers。Oneancestorafteranothermightbeseenappearingamomentoutoftherainandthehillmistuponhisfurtivebusiness，speedinghome，perhaps，withapaltrybootyoflamehorsesandleankine，orsquealinganddealingdeathinsomemoorlandfeudoftheferretsandthewildcats。Oneafteranotherclosedhisobscureadventuresinmid-air，triceduptothearmoftheroyalgibbetortheBaron’sdule-tree。FortherustyblunderbussofScotscriminaljustice，whichusuallyhurtnobodybutjurymen，becameaweaponofprecisionfortheNicksons，theEllwalds，andtheCrozers。
Theexhilarationoftheirexploitsseemedtohauntthememoriesoftheirdescendantsalone，andtheshametobeforgotten。Prideglowedintheirbosomstopublishtheirrelationshipto\"AndrewEllwaldoftheLaverockstanes，called`UnchancyDand，’whowasjustifeedwi’seevenmairofthesamenameatJeddartinthedaysofKingJamestheSax。\"Inallthistissueofcrimeandmisfortune，theElliottsofCauldstaneslaphadoneboastwhichmustappearlegitimate：themalesweregallows-
birds，bornoutlaws，pettythieves，anddeadlybrawlers;but，accordingtothesametradition，thefemaleswereallchasteandfaithful。Thepowerofancestryonthecharacterisnotlimitedtotheinheritanceofcells。IfIbuyancestorsbythegrossfromthebenevolenceofLyonKingofArms，mygrandson（ifheisScottish）willfeelaquickeningemulationoftheirdeeds。ThemenoftheElliottswereproud，lawless，violentasofright，cherishingandprolongingatradition。Inlikemannerwiththewomen。Andthewoman，essentiallypassionateandreckless，whocrouchedontherug，intheshineofthepeatfire，tellingthesetales，hadcherishedthroughlifeawildintegrityofvirtue。
HerfatherGilberthadbeendeeplypious，asavagedisciplinarianintheantiquestyle，andwithalanotorioussmuggler。\"ImindwhenIwasabairngettingmonyaskelpandbeingshoo’dtobedlikepou’try，\"shewouldsay。\"Thatwouldbewhentheladsandtheirbitkegswereontheroad。We’vehadtheriffraffoftwo-threecountiesinourkitchen，mony’sthetime，betwix’thetwelveandthethree;andtheirlanternswouldbestandingintheforecourt，ay，ascoreo’thematonce。ButtherewasnaeungodlytalkpermittedatCauldstaneslap。Myfaitherwasaconsistentmaninwalkandconversation;justletslipanaith，andtherewasthedoortoye！HehadthatzealfortheLord，itwasafairwondertohearhimpray，butthefamilyhasayehadagiftthatway。\"
Thisfatherwastwicemarried，oncetoadarkwomanoftheoldEllwaldstock，bywhomhehadGilbert，presentlyofCauldstaneslap;and，secondly，tothemotherofKirstie。\"Hewasanauldmanwhenhemarriedher，afellauldmanwi’amucklevoice-youcouldhearhimrowtingfromthetopo’theKye-skairs，\"shesaid;\"butforher，itappearsshewasaperfitwonder。Itwasgentlebloodshehad，Mr。Archie，foritwasyourain。Thecountry-sidegaedgyteaboutherandhergowdenhair。
Minesisnotobementionedwi’it，andthere’sfewweemenhasmairhairthanwhatIhave，oryetabonniercolour。OftenwouldItellmydearMissJeannie-thatwasyourmother，dear，shewascruelta’enupaboutherhair，itwasunco’tender，yesee-’Houts，MissJeannie，’Iwouldsay，’justflingyourwashesandyourFrenchdentifrishesinthebacko’
thefire，forthat’stheplaceforthem;andawa’downtoaburnside，andwashyersel’incauldhillwater，anddryyourbonnyhairinthecallerwindo’themuirs，thewaythatmymotherayewashedhers，andthatIhaveayemadeitapracticetohavewishenmines-justyoudowhatItellye，mydear，andye’llgivemenewsofit！Ye’llhavehair，androuthofhair，apigtailasthick’smyarm，’Isaid，`andthebonniestcolourlikethecleargowdenguineas，soastheladsinkirk’llnocankeeptheireyesoffit！’Weel，itlastedouthertime，puirthing！Icuttitalockofituponhercorpthatwaslyingtheresaecauld。I’llshowityesomeofthirdaysifye’regood。But，asIwassayin’，mymither-\"
Onthedeathofthefatherthereremainedgolden-hairedKirstie，whotookservicewithherdistantkinsfolk，theRutherfords，andblack-a-
visedGilbert，twentyyearsolder，whofarmedtheCauldstaneslap，married，andbegotfoursonsbetween1773and1784，andadaughter，likeapostscript，in’97，theyearofCamperdownandCapeSt。Vincent。Itseemeditwasatraditioninthefamilytowindupwithabelatedgirl。
In1804，attheageofsixty，Gilbertmetanendthatmightbecalledheroic。Hewasduehomefrommarketanytimefromeightatnighttillfiveinthemorning，andinanyconditionfromthequarrelsometothespeechless，forhemaintainedtothatagethegoodlycustomsoftheScotsfarmer。Itwasknownonthisoccasionthathehadagoodbitofmoneytobringhome;thewordhadgoneroundloosely。Thelairdhadshownhisguineas，andifanybodyhadbutnoticedit，therewasanill-
looking，vagabondcrew，thescumofEdinburgh，thatdrewoutofthemarketlongereitwasduskandtookthehill-roadbyHermiston，whereitwasnottobebelievedthattheyhadlawfulbusiness。Oneofthecountry-side，oneDickieson，theytookwiththemtobetheirguide，anddearhepaidforit！OfasuddeninthefordoftheBrokenDykes，thisverminclanfellonthelaird，sixtoone，andhimthreepartsasleep，havingdrunkhard。ButitisilltocatchanElliott。
Forawhile，inthenightandtheblackwaterthatwasdeepastohissaddle-girths，hewroughtwithhisstafflikeasmithathisstithy，andgreatwasthesoundofoathsandblows。Withthattheambuscadewasburst，andherodeforhomewithapistol-ballinhim，threeknifewounds，thelossofhisfrontteeth，abrokenribandbridle，andadyinghorse。Thatwasaracewithdeaththatthelairdrode！Inthemirknight，withhisbrokenbridleandhisheadswimming，hedughisspurstotherowelsinthehorse’sside，andthehorse，thatwasevenworseoffthanhimself，thepoorcreature！screamedoutloudlikeapersonashewent，sothatthehillsechoedwithit，andthefolksatCauldstaneslapgottotheirfeetaboutthetableandlookedateachotherwithwhitefaces。Thehorsefelldeadattheyardgate，thelairdwonthelengthofthehouseandfellthereonthethreshold。Tothesonthatraisedhimhegavethebagofmoney。\"Hae，\"saidhe。Allthewayupthethieveshadseemedtohimtobeathisheels，butnowthehallucinationlefthim-hesawthemagainintheplaceoftheambuscade-andthethirstofvengeanceseizedonhisdyingmind。Raisinghimselfandpointingwithanimperiousfingerintotheblacknightfromwhichhehadcome，heutteredthesinglecommand，\"BrockenDykes，\"andfainted。
Hehadneverbeenloved，buthehadbeenfearedinhonour。Atthatsight，atthatword，gaspedoutatthemfromatoothlessandbleedingmouth，theoldElliottspiritawokewithashoutinthefoursons。
\"Wantingthehat，\"continuesmyauthor，Kirstie，whomIbuthaltinglyfollow，forshetoldthistalelikeoneinspired，\"wantingguns，fortherewasnatwagrainso’pouderinthehouse，wi’naemairweeponsthantheirsticksintotheirhands，thefowero’themtooktheroad。OnlyHob，andthatwastheeldest，hunkeredatthedoorsillwherethebloodhadrin，fyledhishandwi’it-andhadditituptoHeeveninthewayo’theauldBorderaith。`Hellshallhaveherainagainthisnicht！’heraired，androdeforthuponhisearrand。\"ItwasthreemilestoBrokenDykes，downhill，andasoreroad。KirstiehasseenmenfromEdinburghdismountingthereinplaindaytoleadtheirhorses。ButthefourbrothersrodeitasifAuldHorniewerebehindandHeaveninfront。
Cometotheford，andtherewasDickieson。Byalltales，hewasnotdead，butbreathedandreareduponhiselbow，andcriedouttothemforhelp。Itwasatagracelessfacethatheaskedmercy。AssoonasHobsaw，bytheglintofthelantern，theeyesshiningandthewhitenessoftheteethintheman’sface，\"Damnyou！\"sayshe;\"yehaeyourteeth，haeye？\"androdehishorsetoandfrouponthathumanremnant。Beyondthat，Dandiemustdismountwiththelanterntobetheirguide;hewastheyoungestson，scarcetwentyatthetime。\"A’nichtlongtheygaedinthewetheathandjennipers，andwhaurtheygaedtheyneitherknewnorcared，butjustfollowedthebluidstainsandthefootprintso’
theirfaither’smurderers。Anda’nichtDandiehadhisnosetothegrundlikeatyke，andtheithersfollowedandspak’naething，neitherblacknorwhite。Therewasnaenoisetobeheard，butjustthesoughoftheswalledburns，andHob，thedouryin，rispinghisteethashegaed。\"
Withthefirstglintofthemorningtheysawtheywereonthedroveroad，andatthatthefourstoppedandhadadramtotheirbreakfasts，fortheyknewthatDandmusthaveguidedthemright，andtheroguescouldbebutlittleahead，hotfootforEdinburghbythewayofthePentlandHills。Byeighto’clocktheyhadwordofthem-ashepherdhadseenfourmen\"uncolymishandled\"gobyinthelasthour。\"That’syinapiece，\"saysClem，andswunghiscudgel。\"Fiveo’them！\"saysHob。
\"God’sdeath，butthefaitherwasaman！Andhimdrunk！\"Andthentherebefellthemwhatmyauthortermed\"asairmisbegowk，\"fortheywereovertakenbyaposseofmountedneighbourscometoaidinthepursuit。Foursourfaceslookedonthereinforcement。\"TheDeil’sbroughtenyou！\"saidClem，andtheyrodethenceforwardintherearofthepartywithhangingheads。Beforetentheyhadfoundandsecuredtherogues，andbythreeoftheafternoon，astheyrodeuptheVennelwiththeirprisoners，theywereawareofaconcourseofpeoplebearingintheirmidstsomethingthatdripped。\"Fortheboadyofthesaxt，\"
pursuedKirstie，\"wi’hisheadsmashedlikeahazelnit，hadbeena’thatnichtinthechairgeo’HermistonWater，anditduntingitonthestanes，andgrundingitontheshallows，andflingingthedeidthingheels-ower-hurdieattheFa’so’Spango;andinthefirsto’theday，Tweedhadgotaholdo’himandcarriedhimofflikeawind，foritwasuncolyswalled，andracedwi’him，bobbingunderbrae-sides，andwaslongplayingwiththecreatureinthedrumlielynnsunderthecastle，andatthehinderendofallcuisthimuponthestarlingofCrossmichaelbrig。Saetheretheywerea’thegitheratlast（forDickiesonhadbeenbroughtinonacartlongsyne），andfolkcouldseewhatmainnero’manmybritherhadbeenthathadheldhisheadagainsaxandsavedthesiller，andhimdrunk！\"ThusdiedofhonourableinjuriesandinthesavouroffameGilbertElliottoftheCauldstaneslap;buthissonshadscarcelessgloryoutofthebusiness。Theirsavagehaste，theskillwithwhichDandhadfoundandfollowedthetrail，thebarbaritytothewoundedDickieson（whichwaslikeanopensecretinthecounty），andthedoomwhichitwascurrentlysupposedtheyhadintendedfortheothers，struckandstirredpopularimagination。SomecenturyearlierthelastoftheminstrelsmighthavefashionedthelastoftheballadsoutofthatHomericfightandchase;butthespiritwasdead，orhadbeenreincarnatedalreadyinMr。SheriffScott，andthedegeneratemoorsmenmustbecontenttotellthetaleinprose，andtomakeofthe\"FourBlackBrothers\"aunitafterthefashionofthe\"TwelveApostles\"
orthe\"ThreeMusketeers。\"
Robert，Gilbert，Clement，andAndrew-intheproperBorderdiminutives，Hob，Gib，Clem，andDandElliott-theseballadheroes，hadmuchincommon;inparticular，theirhighsenseofthefamilyandthefamilyhonour;buttheywentdiverseways，andprosperedandfailedindifferentbusinesses。AccordingtoKirstie，\"theyhada’beesintheirbonnetsbutHob。\"Hobthelairdwas，indeed，essentiallyadecentman。
AnelderoftheKirk，nobodyhadheardanoathuponhislips，saveperhapsthriceorsoatthesheep-washing，sincethechaseofhisfather’smurderers。Thefigurehehadshownonthateventfulnightdisappearedasifswallowedbyatrap。Hewhohadecstaticallydippedhishandintheredblood，hewhohadriddendownDickieson，became，fromthatmomenton，astiffandrathergracelessmodeloftherusticproprieties;cannilyprofitingbythehighwarprices，andyearlystowingawayalittlenest-egginthebankagainstcalamity;approvedofandsometimesconsultedbythegreaterlairdsforthemassiveandplacidsenseofwhathesaid，whenhecouldbeinducedtosayanything;andparticularlyvaluedbytheminister，Mr。Torrance，asaright-handmanintheparish，andamodeltoparents。Thetransfigurationhadbeenforthemomentonly;someBarbarossa，someoldAdamofourancestors，sleepsinallofustillthefitcircumstanceshallcallitintoaction;and，forassoberashenowseemed，Hobhadgivenonceforallthemeasureofthedevilthathauntedhim。Hewasmarried，and，byreasonoftheeffulgenceofthatlegendarynight，wasadoredbyhiswife。
Hehadamoboflittlelusty，barefootchildrenwhomarchedinacaravanthelongmilestoschool，thestagesofwhosepilgrimageweremarkedbyactsofspoliationandmischief，andwhowerequalifiedinthecountry-
sideas\"fairpests。\"Butinthehouse，if\"faitherwasin，\"theywerequietasmice。Inshort，Hobmovedthroughlifeinagreatpeace-therewardofanyonewhoshallhavekilledhisman，withanyformidableandfigurativecircumstance，inthemidstofacountrygaggedandswaddledwithcivilisation。
ItwasacurrentremarkthattheElliottswere\"guidandbad，likesanguishes\";andcertainlytherewasacuriousdistinction，themenofbusinesscomingalternatelywiththedreamers。Thesecondbrother，Gib，wasaweaverbytrade，hadgoneoutearlyintotheworldtoEdinburgh，andcomehomeagainwithhiswingssinged。TherewasanexaltationinhisnaturewhichhadledhimtoembracewithenthusiasmtheprinciplesoftheFrenchRevolution，andhadendedbybringinghimunderthehawseofmyLordHermistoninthatfuriousonslaughtofhisupontheLiberals，whichsentMuirandPalmerintoexileanddashedthepartyintochaff。
Itwaswhisperedthatmylord，inhisgreatscornforthemovement，andprevaileduponalittlebyasenseofneighbourliness，hadgivenGibahint。MeetinghimonedayinthePotterrow，mylordhadstoppedinfrontofhim：\"Gib，yeeediot，\"hehadsaid，\"what’sthisIhearofyou？
Poalitics，poalitics，poalitics，weaver’spoalitics，isthewayofit，I
hear。Ifyearenaa’thegitherdozenedwithcediocy，ye’llgangyourwaysbacktoCauldstaneslap，andca’yourloom，andca’yourloom，man！\"
AndGilberthadtakenhimatthewordandreturned，withanexpeditionalmosttobecalledflight，tothehouseofhisfather。TheclearestofhisinheritancewasthatfamilygiftofprayerofwhichKirstiehadboasted;andthebaffledpoliticiannowturnedhisattentiontoreligiousmatters-or，asotherssaid，toheresyandschism。EverySundaymorninghewasinCrossmichael，wherehehadgatheredtogether，onebyone，asectofaboutadozenpersons，whocalledthemselves\"God’sRemnantoftheTrueFaithful，\"or，forshort，\"God’sRemnant。\"
Totheprofane，theywereknownas\"Gib’sDeils。\"BailieSweedie，anotedhumoristinthetown，vowedthattheproceedingsalwaysopenedtothetuneof\"TheDeilFlyAwaywiththeExciseman，\"andthatthesacramentwasdispensedintheformofhotwhisky-toddy;bothwickedhitsattheevangelist，whohadbeensuspectedofsmugglinginhisyouth，andhadbeenovertaken（asthephrasewent）onthestreetsofCrossmichaeloneFairday。ItwasknownthateverySundaytheyprayedforablessingonthearmsofBonaparte。Forthis\"God’sRemnant，\"astheywere\"skailing\"fromthecottagethatdiddutyforatemple，hadbeenrepeatedlystonedbythebairns，andGibhimselfhootedbyasquadronofBordervolunteersinwhichhisownbrother，Dand，rodeinauniformandwithadrawnsword。The\"Remnant\"werebelieved，besides，tobe\"antinomianinprinciple，\"whichmightotherwisehavebeenaseriouscharge，butthewaypublicopinionthenblewitwasquiteswallowedupandforgotteninthescandalaboutBonaparte。Fortherest，GilberthadsetuphisloominanouthouseatCauldstaneslap，wherehelabouredassiduouslysixdaysoftheweek。Hisbrothers，appalledbyhispoliticalopinions，andwillingtoavoiddissensioninthehousehold，spokebutlittletohim;helesstothem，remainingabsorbedinthestudyoftheBibleandalmostconstantprayer。Thegauntweaverwasdry-nurseatCauldstaneslap，andthebairnslovedhimdearly。Exceptwhenhewascarryinganinfantinhisarms，hewasrarelyseentosmile-as，indeed，therewerefewsmilersinthatfamily。Whenhissister-in-lawralliedhim，andproposedthatheshouldgetawifeandbairnsofhisown，sincehewassofondofthem，\"Ihavenoclearnessofminduponthatpoint，\"hewouldreply。Ifnobodycalledhimintodinner，hestayedout。Mrs。Hob，ahard，unsympatheticwoman，oncetriedtheexperiment。Hewentwithoutfoodallday，butatdusk，asthelightbegantofailhim，hecameintothehouseofhisownaccord，lookingpuzzled。\"I’vehadagreatgaleofprayeruponmyspeerit，\"saidhe。\"Icannamindsaemuckle’swhatIhadfordenner。\"
ThecreedofGod’sRemnantwasjustifiedinthelifeofitsfounder。
\"AndyetIdinnaken，\"saidKirstie。\"He’smaybenomorestockfishthanhisneeghbours！Herodewi’theresto’them，andhadagoodstamachtothework，bya’thatIhear！God’sRemnant！Thedeil’sclavers！TherewasnamuckleChristianityinthewayHobguidedJohnnyDickieson，attheleastofit;butGuidkens！IsheaChristianeven？HemightbeaMahommedanoraDeeviloraFire-worshipper，forwhatIken。\"
Thethirdbrotherhadhisnameonadoor-plate，noless，inthecityofGlasgow，\"Mr。ClementElliott，\"aslongasyourarm。Inhiscase，thatspiritofinnovationwhichhadshownitselftimidlyinthecaseofHobbytheadmissionofnewmanures，andwhichhadruntowastewithGilbertinsubversivepoliticsandhereticalreligions，boreusefulfruitinmanyingeniousmechanicalimprovements。Inboyhood，fromhisaddictiontostrangedevicesofsticksandstring，hehadbeencountedthemosteccentricofthefamily。Butthatwasallbynow;andhewasapartnerofhisfirm，andlookedtodieabailie。Hetoohadmarried，andwasrearingaplentifulfamilyinthesmokeanddinofGlasgow;hewaswealthy，andcouldhaveboughtouthisbrother，thecock-laird，sixtimesover，itwaswhispered;andwhenheslippedawaytoCauldstaneslapforawell-earnedholiday，whichhedidasoftenashewasable，heastonishedtheneighbourswithhisbroadcloth，hisbeaverhat，andtheamplepliesofhisneckcloth。Thoughaneminentlysolidmanatbottom，afterthepatternofHob，hehadcontractedacertainGlasgowbrisknessandAPLOMBwhichsethimoff。AlltheotherElliottswereasleanasarake，butClementwaslayingonfat，andhepantedsorelywhenhemustgetintohisboots。Dandsaid，chuckling：\"Ay，Clemhastheelementsofacorporation。\"\"Aprovostandcorporation，\"returnedClem。Andhisreadinesswasmuchadmired。
Thefourthbrother，Dand，wasashepherdtohistrade，andbystarts，whenhecouldbringhismindtoit，excelledinthebusiness。NobodycouldtrainadoglikeDandie;nobody，throughtheperilofgreatstormsinthewintertime，coulddomoregallantly。Butifhisdexteritywereexquisite，hisdiligencewasbutfitful;andheservedhisbrotherforbedandboard，andatrifleofpocket-moneywhenheaskedforit。Helovedmoneywellenough，knewverywellhowtospendit，andcouldmakeashrewdbargainwhenheliked。Buthepreferredavagueknowledgethathewaswelltowindwardtoanycountedcoinsinthepocket;hefelthimselfricherso。Hobwouldexpostulate：\"I’manamatureherd。\"Dandwouldreply，\"I’llkeepyoursheeptoyouwhenI’msominded，butI’llkeepmylibertytoo。Thir’snomancancoandescendonwhatI’mworth。\"
Cleinwouldexpoundtohimthemiraculousresultsofcompoundinterest，andrecommendinvestments。\"Ay，man？\"Dandwouldsay;\"anddoyouthink，ifItookHob’ssiller，thatIwouldnadrinkitorwearitonthelassies？And，anyway，mykingdomisnoofthisworld。EitherI’mapoetorelseI’mnothing。\"Clemwouldremindhimofoldage。\"I’lldieyoung，like，RobbieBurns，\"hewouldsaystoutly。Noquestionbuthehadacertainaccomplishmentinminorverse。His\"HermistonBurn，\"withitsprettyrefrain-
\"Ilovetogangthinkingwhauryeganglinking，Hermistonburn，inthehowe;\"
his\"Auld，auldElliotts，clay-cauldElliotts，dour，bauldElliottsofauld，\"andhisreallyfascinatingpieceaboutthePrayingWeaver’sStone，hadgainedhimintheneighbourhoodthereputation，stillpossibleinScotland，ofalocalbard;and，thoughnotprintedhimself，hewasrecognisedbyotherswhowereandwhohadbecomefamous。WalterScottowedtoDandiethetextofthe\"RaidofWearie\"intheMINSTRELSY;
andmadehimwelcomeathishouse，andappreciatedhistalents，suchastheywere，withallhisusualgenerosity。TheEttrickShepherdwashissworncrony;theywouldmeet，drinktoexcess，roarouttheirlyricsineachother’sfaces，andquarrelandmakeitupagaintillbedtime。Andbesidestheserecognitions，almosttobecalledofficial，Dandiewasmadewelcomeforthesakeofhisgiftthroughthefarmhousesofseveralcontiguousdales，andwasthusexposedtomanifoldtemptationswhichherathersoughtthanfled。Hehadfiguredonthestoolofrepentance，foroncefulfillingtotheletterthetraditionofhisheroandmodel。HishumorousversestoMr。Torranceonthatoccasion-\"KenspeckleheremylaneIstand\"-unfortunatelytooindelicateforfurthercitation，ranthroughthecountrylikeafierycross-theywererecited，quoted，paraphrased，andlaughedoverasfarawayasDumfriesontheonehandandDunbarontheother。
Thesefourbrotherswereunitedbyaclosebond，thebondofthatmutualadmiration-orrathermutualhero-worship-whichissostrongamongthemembersofsecludedfamilieswhohavemuchabilityandlittleculture。Eventheextremesadmiredeachother。Hob，whohadasmuchpoetryasthetongs，professedtofindpleasureinDand’sverses;Clem，whohadnomorereligionthanClaverhouse，nourishedaheartfelt，atleastanopen-mouthed，admirationofGib’sprayers;andDandiefollowedwithrelishtheriseofClem’sfortunes。Indulgencefollowedhardontheheelsofadmiration。Thelaird，Clem，andDand，whowereToriesandpatriotsofthehottestquality，excusedtothemselves，withacertainbashfulness，theradicalandrevolutionaryheresiesofGib。Byanotherdivisionofthefamily，thelaird，Clem，andGib，whoweremenexactlyvirtuous，swallowedthedoseofDand’sirregularitiesasakindofclogordrawbackinthemysteriousprovidenceofGodaffixedtobards，anddistinctlyprobativeofpoeticalgenius。ToappreciatethesimplicityoftheirmutualadmirationitwasnecessarytohearClem，arrivedupononeofhisvisits，anddealinginaspiritofcontinuousironywiththeaffairsandpersonalitiesofthatgreatcityofGlasgowwherehelivedandtransactedbusiness。Thevariouspersonages，ministersofthechurch，municipalofficers，mercantilebig-wigs，whomhehadoccasiontointroduce，wereallalikedenigrated，allservedbutasreflectorstocastbackaflatteringside-lightonthehouseofCauldstaneslap。TheProvost，forwhomClembyexceptionentertainedameasureofrespect，hewouldlikentoHob。\"Hemindsmeo’thelairdthere，\"hewouldsay。\"HehassomeofHob’sgrand，whunstanesense，andthesamewaywithhimofsteikinghismouthwhenhe’snoverypleased。\"AndHob，allunconscious，woulddrawdownhisupperlipandproduce，asifforcomparison，theformidablegrimacereferredto。TheunsatisfactoryincumbentofSt。Enoch’sKirkwasthusbrieflydismissed：\"Ifhehadbuttwafingerso’Gib’s，hewouldwakenthemup。\"AndGib，honestman！
wouldlookdownandsecretlysmile。Clemwasaspywhomtheyhadsentoutintotheworldofmen。HehadcomebackwiththegoodnewsthattherewasnobodytocomparewiththeFourBlackBrothers，nopositionthattheywouldnotadorn，noofficialthatitwouldnotbewelltheyshouldreplace，nointerestofmankind，secularorspiritual，whichwouldnotimmediatelybloomundertheirsupervision。Theexcuseoftheirfollyisintwowords：scarcethebreadthofahairdividedthemfromthepeasantry。Themeasureoftheirsenseisthis：thatthesesymposiaofrusticvanitywerekeptentirelywithinthefamily，likesomesecretancestralpractice。Totheworldtheirseriousfaceswereneverdeformedbythesuspicionofanysimperofself-contentment。Yetitwasknown。\"Theyhaeaguidprideo’themsel’s！\"wasthewordinthecountry-side。
Lastly，inaBorderstory，thereshouldbeaddedtheir\"two-names。\"HobwasTheLaird。\"Roynepuis，princenedaigne\";hewasthelairdofCauldstaneslap-sayfiftyacres-IPSISSIMUS。ClementwasMr。Elliott，asuponhisdoor-plate，theearlierDaftyhavingbeendiscardedasnolongerapplicable，andindeedonlyareminderofmisjudgmentandtheimbecilityofthepublic;andtheyoungest，inhonourofhisperpetualwanderings，wasknownbythesobriquetofRandyDand。
Itwillbeunderstoodthatnotallthisinformationwascommunicatedbytheaunt，whohadtoomuchofthefamilyfailingherselftoappreciateitthoroughlyinothers。Butastimewenton，Archiebegantoobserveanomissioninthefamilychronicle。
\"Istherenotagirltoo？\"heasked。
\"Ay：Kirstie。Shewasnamedforme，ormygrandmotheratleast-it’sthesamething，\"returnedtheaunt，andwentonagainaboutDand，whomshesecretlypreferredbyreasonofhisgallantries。
\"Butwhatisyourniecelike？\"saidArchieatthenextopportunity。
\"Her？Asblack’syourhat！ButIdinnasupposeshewouldmaybebewhatyouwouldca’ILL-LOOKEDa’thegither。Na，she’sakindofahandsomejaud-akindo’gipsy，\"saidtheaunt，whohadtwosetsofscalesformenandwomen-orperhapsitwouldbemorefairtosaythatshehadthree，andthethirdandthemostloadedwasforgirls。
\"HowcomesitthatIneverseeherinchurch？\"saidArchie。
\"’Deed，andIbelieveshe’sinGlesgiewithClemandhiswife。Aheapgoodshe’sliketogetofit！Idinnasayformenfolk，butwhereweemenfolkareborn，thereletthembide。GlorytoGod，Iwasneverfar’erfromherethanCrossmichael。\"
InthemeanwhileitbegantostrikeArchieasstrange，thatwhileshethussangthepraisesofherkinsfolk，andmanifestlyrelishedtheirvirtuesand（Imaysay）theirviceslikeathingcreditabletoherself，thereshouldappearnottheleastsignofcordialitybetweenthehouseofHermistonandthatofCauldstaneslap。GoingtochurchofaSunday，astheladyhousekeepersteppedwithherskirtskilted，threetucksofherwhitepetticoatshowingbelow，andherbestIndiashawluponherback（ifthedaywerefine）inapatternofradiantdyes，shewouldsometimesovertakeherrelativesprecedinghermoreleisurelyinthesamedirection。Gibofcoursewasabsent：byskreighofdayhehadbeengonetoCrossmichaelandhisfellow-heretics;buttherestofthefamilywouldbeseenmarchinginopenorder：HobandDand，stiff-necked，straight-backedsix-footers，withseveredarkfaces，andtheirplaidsabouttheirshoulders;theconvoyofchildrenscattering（inastateofhighpolish）onthewayside，andeverynowandagaincollectedbytheshrillsummonsofthemother;andthemotherherself，byasuggestivecircumstancewhichmighthaveaffordedmatterofthoughttoamoreexperiencedobserverthanArchie，wrappedinashawlnearlyidenticalwithKirstie’s，butathoughtmoregaudyandconspicuouslynewer。Atthesight，Kirstiegrewmoretall-Kirstieshowedherclassicalprofile，noseinairandnostrilspread，thepurebloodcameinhercheekevenlyinadelicatelivingpink。
\"Abrawdaytoye，MistressElliott，\"saidshe，andhostilityandgentilitywerenicelymingledinhertones。\"Afineday，mem，\"thelaird’swifewouldreplywithamiraculouscurtsey，spreadingthewhileherplumage-settingoff，inotherwords，andwithartsunknowntothemereman，thepatternofherIndiashawl。Behindher，thewholeCauldstaneslapcontingentmarchedincloserorder，andwithanindescribableairofbeinginthepresenceofthefoe;andwhileDandiesalutedhisauntwithacertainfamiliarityasofonewhowaswellincourt，Hobmarchedoninawfulimmobility。Thereappeareduponthefaceofthisattitudeinthefamilytheconsequencesofsomedreadfulfeud。
Presumablythetwowomenhadbeenprincipalsintheoriginalencounter，andthelairdhadprobablybeendrawnintothequarrelbytheears，toolatetobeincludedinthepresentskin-deepreconciliation。
\"Kirstie，\"saidArchieoneday，\"whatisthisyouhaveagainstyourfamily？\"
\"Idinnacomplean，\"saidKirstie，withaflush。\"Isaynaething。\"
\"Iseeyoudonot-notevengood-daytoyourownnephew，\"saidhe。
\"Ihaenaethingtobeashamedof，\"saidshe。\"IcansaytheLord’sprayerwithagoodgrace。IfHobwasill，orinpreesonorpoverty，I
wouldseetohimblithely。Butforcurtchyingandcomplimentingandcolloguing，thankyekindly！\"
Archiehadabitofasmile：heleanedbackinhischair。\"IthinkyouandMrs。Robertarenotverygoodfriends，\"saysheslyly，\"whenyouhaveyourIndiashawlson？\"
Shelookeduponhiminsilence，withasparklingeyebutanindecipherableexpression;andthatwasallthatArchiewaseverdestinedtolearnofthebattleoftheIndiashawls。
\"Dononeofthemevercomeheretoseeyou？\"heinquired。
\"Mr。Archie，\"saidshe，\"IhopethatIkenmyplacebetter。Itwouldbeaqueerthing，Ithink，ifIwastoclamjamfryupyourfaither’shouse-
thatIshouldsayit！-wi’adirty，black-a-visedclan，noaneo’themitwasworthwhiletomarsoapuponbutjustmysel’！Na，they’realldamnifeedwi’theblackEllwalds。Ihavenaepatiencewi’blackfolk。\"
Then，withasuddenconsciousnessofthecaseofArchie，\"Nothatitmaittersformensaemuckle，\"shemadehastetoadd，\"butthere’snaebodycandenythatit’sunwomanly。Longhairistheornamento’
womanonyway;we’vegoodwarrandiseforthat-it’sintheBible-andwhacandoubtthattheApostlehadsomegowden-hairedlassieinhismind-Apostleandall，forwhatwashebutjustamanlikeyersel’？\"
CHAPTERVI-ALEAFFROMCHRISTINA’SPSALM-BOOK
ARCHIEwassedulousatchurch。SundayafterSundayhesatdownandstoodupwiththatsmallcompany，heardthevoiceofMr。Torranceleapinglikeanill-playedclarionetfromkeytokey，andhadanopportunitytostudyhismoth-eatengownandtheblackthreadmittensthathejoinedtogetherinprayer，andliftedupwithareverentsolemnityintheactofbenediction。Hermistonpewwasalittlesquarebox，dwarfishinproportionwiththekirkitself，andenclosingatablenotmuchbiggerthanafootstool。TheresatArchie，anapparentprince，theonlyundeniablegentlemanandtheonlygreatheritorintheparish，takinghiseaseintheonlypew，fornootherinthekirkhaddoors。
Thencehemightcommandanundisturbedviewofthatcongregationofsolidplaidedmen，strappingwivesanddaughters，oppressedchildren，anduneasysheep-dogs。ItwasstrangehowArchiemissedthelookofrace;exceptthedogs，withtheirrefinedfoxyfacesandinimitablycurlingtails，therewasnoonepresentwiththeleastclaimtogentility。TheCauldstaneslappartywasscarcelyanexception;Dandieperhaps，asheamusedhimselfmakingversesthroughtheinterminableburdenoftheservice，stoodoutalittlebytheglowinhiseyeandacertainsuperioranimationoffaceandalertnessofbody;butevenDandieslouchedlikearustic。Therestofthecongregation，likesomanysheep，oppressedhimwithasenseofhob-nailedroutine，dayfollowingday-ofphysicallabourintheopenair，oatmealporridge，peasbannockthesomnolentfiresideintheevening，andthenight-longnasalslumbersinabox-bed。Yetheknewmanyofthemtobeshrewdandhumorous，menofcharacter，notablewomen，makingabustleintheworldandradiatinganinfluencefromtheirlow-broweddoors。Heknewbesidestheywerelikeothermen;belowthecrustofcustom，rapturefoundaway;hehadheardthembeatthetimbrelbeforeBacchus-hadheardthemshoutandcarouseovertheirwhisky-toddy;andnotthemostDutch-
bottomedandseverefacesamongthemall，noteventhesolemneldersthemselves，butwerecapableofsingulargambolsatthevoiceoflove。
Mendrawingneartoanendoflife’sadventurousjourney-maidsthrillingwithfearandcuriosityonthethresholdofentrance-womenwhohadborneandperhapsburiedchildren，whocouldremembertheclingingofthesmalldeadhandsandthepatterofthelittlefeetnowsilent-hemarvelledthatamongallthosefacesthereshouldbenofaceofexpectation，nonethatwasmobile，noneintowhichtherhythmandpoetryoflifehadentered。\"Oforaliveface，\"hethought;andattimeshehadamemoryofLadyFlora;andattimeshewouldstudythelivinggallerybeforehimwithdespair，andwouldseehimselfgoontowastehisdaysinthatjoylesspastoralplace，anddeathcometohim，andhisgravebedugundertherowans，andtheSpiritoftheEarthlaughoutinathunder-pealatthehugefiasco。
OnthisparticularSunday，therewasnodoubtbutthatthespringhadcomeatlast。Itwaswarm，withalatentshiverintheairthatmadethewarmthonlythemorewelcome。Theshallowsofthestreamglitteredandtinkledamongbunchesofprimrose。VagrantscentsoftheeartharrestedArchiebythewaywithmomentsofetherealintoxication。ThegreyQuakerishdalewasstillonlyawakenedinplacesandpatchesfromthesobrietyofitswintercolouring;andhewonderedatitsbeauty;anessentialbeautyoftheoldearthitseemedtohim，notresidentinparticularsbutbreathingtohimfromthewhole。Hesurprisedhimselfbyasuddenimpulsetowritepoetry-hedidsosometimes，loose，gallopingocto-syllabicsintheveinofScott-andwhenhehadtakenhisplaceonaboulder，nearsomefairyfallsandshadedbyawhipofatreethatwasalreadyradiantwithnewleaves，itstillmoresurprisedhimthatheshouldhavenothingtowrite。Hisheartperhapsbeatintimetosomevastindwellingrhythmoftheuniverse。Bythetimehecametoacornerofthevalleyandcouldseethekirk，hehadsolingeredbythewaythatthefirstpsalmwasfinishing。Thenasalpsalmody，fullofturnsandtrillsandgracelessgraces，seemedtheessentialvoiceofthekirkitselfupraisedinthanksgiving，\"Everything’salive，\"hesaid;andagaincriesitaloud，\"thankGod，everything’salive！\"Helingeredyetawhileinthekirk-yard。Atuftofprimroseswasbloominghardbythelegofanoldblacktabletombstone，andhestoppedtocontemplatetherandomapologue。Theystoodforthonthecoldearthwithatrenchancyofcontrast;andhewasstruckwithasenseofincompletenessintheday，theseason，andthebeautythatsurroundedhim-thechilltherewasinthewarmth，thegrossblackclodsabouttheopeningprimroses，thedampearthysmellthatwaseverywhereintermingledwiththescents。ThevoiceoftheagedTorrancewithinroseinanecstasy。AndhewonderedifTorrancealsofeltinhisoldbonesthejoyousinfluenceofthespringmorning;
Torrance，ortheshadowofwhatoncewasTorrance，thatmustcomesosoontolieoutsidehereinthesunandrainwithallhisrheumatisms，whileanewministerstoodinhisroomandthunderedfromhisownfamiliarpulpit？Thepityofit，andsomethingofthechillofthegrave，shookhimforamomentashemadehastetoenter。