he world; but when the
wings arena there, James lad, it is just as weel to mak no boast o'
them."

James had leaned his head in his hands, and was whispering,
"Christine! Christine! Christine!" in a rapid inaudible voice. He took
no notice of David's remark, and David was instantly sorry for it.
"The puir lad is just sorrowful wi' love for Christine, and that's nae
sin that I can see," he thought. "James," he said kindly, "I am sorry
enough to grieve you. Come as soon as you can like to do it. You'll be
welcome."

James slightly nodded his head, but did not move; and David left him
alone in the little boarded room where they had eaten. In a few
minutes he collected himself, and, like one dazed, walked back to his
place in the bank. Never had its hours seemed so long, never had the
noise and traffic, the tramping of feet, and the banging of doors
seemed so intolerable. As early as possible he was at David's, and
David, with that fine instinct that a kind heart teaches, said as he
entered, "Gude evening, James. Gae awa ben and keep Christine company.
I'm that busy that I'll no shut up for half an hour yet."

James found Christine in her usual place. The hearth had been freshly
swept, the fire blazed brightly, and she sat before it with her white
seam in her hand. She raised her eyes at James' entrance, and
smilingly nodded to a vacant chair near her. He took it silently.
Christine seemed annoyed at his silence in a little while, and asked,
"Why don't you speak, James? Have you nothing to say?"

"A great deal, Christine. What now do you think of Donald McFarlane?"

"I think well of Donald."

"And of his marriage also?"

"Certainly I do. When he was here I saw how unfit I was to be his
wife. I told him so, and bid him seek a mate more suitable to his
position and prospects."

"Do you think it right to let yonder lady wed such a man with her eyes
shut?"

"Are you going to open them?" Her face was sad and mournful, and she
laid her hand gently on James' shoulder.

"I think it is my duty, Christine."

"Think again, James. Be sure it is your duty before you go on such an
errand. See if you dare kneel down and ask God to bless you in this
duty."

"Christine, you treat me very hardly. You know how I love you, and you
use your power over me unmercifully."

"No, no, James, I only want you to keep yourself out of the power of
Satan. If indeed I have any share in your heart, do not wrong me by
giving Satan a place