lic lassies," but in answer to my query
explained that Katie Ann, the younger sister, would be "risin'
sixty"!), Mr. McGillivray betook himself to the house of the invalid.
The door was opened by her eldest son, Adam Fordyce--a burly,
black-browed, bearded man of forty. He had charge of the roads in the
district, so that he and the priest were on speaking terms, at least.

Adam held the door in one hand and the door-post in the other, and his
portly figure filled up the opening fairly well.

"I am sorry to hear that your mother is unwell," said the priest
sympathetically.

"Aye, aye, sir, she's nae weel at all," was the answer.

"I would like to see her, if she's well enough," said Mr. McGillivray.

"Weel, sir, I wouldna' like to say she's nae fit to see a
veesitor--but--ye ken, sir----"

"You mean she's not well enough to see me."

"Weel, it's this wye, Mr. McGillivray," answered Adam, lowering his
voice; "I'm nae ohjectin' mysel', sin she askit me to let ye come; but
the ithers is awfu' set again' it. That's the wye it is, sir."

The fact was, the "Cerberus" was not at all fierce--quite the contrary!
He had been deputed by the others to confront the unwelcome visitor, as
being the eldest, and therefore responsible for all unpleasant duties;
but as far as he was concerned, he had no feeling in the matter. Like
any Scotsman who had lived with his mother from childhood to mature
manhood, he was deeply attached to her, and willing to agree to
anything that might give her satisfaction in her present weak state;
that the visit of the priest would be a comfort to her he strongly
suspected, and hence the conflict between duty--as he regarded it--and
affection.

It took very little persuasion from the priest to overcome Adam's
scruples and gain admittance to the sick-room; this accomplished, it
might seem that the battle had been won for religion, but the victory
was not yet complete!

Adam had relented so far as to admit the priest, but no argument could
persuade him to leave him alone with the invalid. He was the agent of
the family, and it was his duty to see everything that went on. He
would have nothing underhand in the matter!

Mr. McGillivray easily interpreted his action. He was afraid of what
the others might say should he desert his post--that was all.
Diplomacy was necessary and the priest rose to the occasion.

"Look here, Adam," he said; "I know you are merely carrying out what
you feel to be