fferent or not, it is impossible to say, for Robert had not
formerly agreed with him, and could not now be assumed to do so, and
therefore for Alec, as a part of militant humanity, there was no
resource but to stand to his guns, forgetting for the time the weakness
in his own camp, because he had no thought of betraying it to the enemy.
He who considers such incidents (they are the common sands of life), and
yet looks upon the natural heart of man as a very noble thing, would
appear to be an optimist.

However that may be, the conversation ended, Alec's heart stood no
longer in the doubtful attitude. There are those who look upon
confessions and vows as of little importance; but even in the lower
affairs of life, when a healthy man has said out what he means, he
commonly means it more intensely. When Alec Trenholme had told his
brother that he still intended to be a butcher, the thing for him was
practically done, and that, not because he would have been ashamed to
retract, but because he had no further wish to retract.

"And the mair fules ye are baith," said Bates, having recourse to broad
Scotch to express his indignation when told what had passed.

It was out of good nature that Alec had told the one invalid what had
been going on in the other's room, but Bates was only very much annoyed.

"I thought," said he, "that ye'd got that bee out of yer ain bonnet, but
ye're baith of ye daft now."

"Come now, Bates; you wouldn't dare to say that to my 'brother, the
clergyman.'"

"I know more what's due than to call a minister a fule to his face, but
whiles it's necessary to say it behind his back."

"Now I call him a hero, after what he's said to-day."

Alec was enjoying the humour of poking up the giant of conventionality.

"Hoots, man; it's yourself ye regard as a hero! Set yerself up as a
Juggernaut on a car and crush him under the wheels!"

"Oh, I'm going to British Columbia. I won't take him at his word; but
I'm pleased he had pluck enough to think of taking the bull by the
horns."

"But I'm thinking ye just will take him at his word, for it's the
easiest--standing there, patting him on the back, because he's given up
to you!"

It was as odd a household this as well might be. Alec spent some of his
time offering rough ministrations to his lame brother and asthmatic
visitor, but more often left them to the sad but conscientious care of
Mrs. Martha, preferring to exercise his brother's horses; and he scoure