is the law of nature. Though
why I should be saying all this to you, Miss Graeme, my dear, is mair
than I ken."

There was a long silence after this. Mrs Snow knew well that Graeme
sat without reply because she would not have the conversation come back
to her, or to home affairs, again. But her friend had something more to
say, and though her heart ached for the pain she might give, she could
not leave it unsaid.

"We were speaking about your friend and the work she has been honoured
to do. It is a great work, and she is a noble woman. God bless her!
And, dear, though I dinna like the thought of your leaving your
brother's house, it is not because I dinna think that you might put your
hand to the same work with the same success. I am sure you could do, in
that way, a good work for God and man. It is partly that I am shy of
new schemes, and partly because I am sure the restlessness that is
urging you to it will pass away; but it is chiefly because I think you
have good and holy work laid to your hand already. Whatever you may
think now, dear, they are far better and happier here at home, and will
be all their lives, because of you.

"I'm no' saying but you might go away for a wee while. The change would
do you good. You will come with us, or you will follow after, if you
like it better; and then you might take your sister, and go and see your
brother Norman, and your wee nephew, as we spoke of the other day. But
this is your home, love, and here lies your work, believe me. And, my
bairn, the restless fever of your heart will pass away; not so soon,
maybe, as if it had come upon you earlier in life, or as if you were of
a lighter nature. But it will pass. Whist! my darling," for Graeme had
risen with a gesture of entreaty or denial. "Whist, love; I am not
asking about its coming or its causes. I am only bidding you have
patience till it pass away."

Graeme sat down again without a word. They sat a long time quite
silent, and when Graeme spoke, it was to wonder that Arthur and the
others were not come home.

"They must have gone to the lecture, after all, but that must be over by
this time. They will be as hungry as hawks. I must go and speak to
Sarah."

And she went away, saying sadly and a little bitterly to herself, that
the friend on whose kindness and counsel she had relied, had failed her
in her time of need.

"But I must go all the same. I cannot stay to die by slow degrees, of
sloth, o