it, but my mother is afraid that a new war may break out, and
that we may be detained prisoners. This fantastical fear we shall,
however, try to overcome. But I am interrupted. Sir Marmaduke is in the
drawing-room, and I am summoned.--Yours truly,

RACHEL PRINGLE.

When Mr. Snodgrass had read this letter, he paused for a moment, and then
said dryly, in handing it to Miss Isabella, "Miss Pringle is improving in
the ways of the world."

The evening by this time was far advanced, and the young clergyman was
not desirous to renew the conversation; he therefore almost immediately
took his leave, and walked sedately towards Garnock, debating with
himself as he went along, whether Dr. Pringle's family were likely to be
benefited by their legacy. But he had scarcely passed the minister's
carse, when he met with Mrs. Glibbans returning. "Mr. Snodgrass! Mr.
Snodgrass!" cried that ardent matron from her side of the road to the
other where he was walking, and he obeyed her call; "yon's no sic a black
story as I thought. Mrs. Craig is to be sure far gane! but they were
married in December; and it was only because she was his servan' lass
that the worthy man didna like to own her at first for his wife. It
would have been dreadful had the matter been jealoused at the first. She
gaed to Glasgow to see an auntie that she has there, and he gaed in to
fetch her out, and it was then the marriage was made up, which I was glad
to hear; for, oh, Mr. Snodgrass, it would have been an awfu' judgment had
a man like Mr. Craig turn't out no better than a Tam Pain or a Major
Weir. But a's for the best; and Him that has the power of salvation can
blot out all our iniquities. So good-night--ye'll have a lang walk."

CHAPTER VIII--THE QUEEN'S TRIAL

As the spring advanced, the beauty of the country around Garnock was
gradually unfolded; the blossom was unclosed, while the church was
embraced within the foliage of more umbrageous boughs. The schoolboys
from the adjacent villages were, on the Saturday afternoons, frequently
seen angling along the banks of the Lugton, which ran clearer beneath the
churchyard wall, and the hedge of the minister's glebe; and the evenings
were so much lengthened, that the occasional visitors at the manse could
prolong their walk after tea. These, however, were less numerous than
when the family were at home; but still Mr. Snodgrass, when the