I don't think my mother could spare me. She could not
come out, and she must be with me, wherever I am. You know--don't
you--that I am seven years younger than Alick. I was a regular
surprise, and the old nurse at Ronnisglen said 'Depend upon it, my
Leddy, she is given to be the comfort of your old age.' And I have
always made up my mind never to leave her. I don't think she would get
on with Janet or any of them without me, so you'll have to take her
too, Mark.'

'With all my heart,' he answered. 'And, indeed, I have promised my
father not to emigrate. I must, and will, find work at hand, and wake
a home for you both!'

'But you will tell papa at once?' said May. 'It will hurt him if you
do not.'

'You are right, May; I knew it when Annaple spoke of her mother, but
there is no need that it should go further.'

The intelligence had lightened the way a good deal, and they were at
the lodge gates by this time. Gerard began rather ruefully to take
leave; but Annaple, in large-hearted happiness and gratitude, begged
him to come and rest at the house, and wait for daylight, and this he
was only too glad to do, especially as May's secession had made the
conversation a little more personal.

Nuttie was in a certain way realising for the first time what her
mother's loyalty had checked her in expressing, even if the tumult of
novelties had given her full time to dwell on it.

'Everybody outside is kind,' she said to Gerard; 'they are nice in a
way, and good, but oh! they are centuries behind in church matters and
feeling, just like the old rector.'

'I gathered that; I am very sorry for you. Is there no one fit to be a
guide?'

'I don't know,' said Nuttie. 'I didn't think--I must, somehow, before
Lent.'

'There is Advent close at hand,' he said gravely. 'If you could only
be at our mission services, we hope to get Father Smith!'

'Oh, if only I could! But mother never likes to talk about those kind
of things. She says our duty is to my father.'

'Not the foremost.'

'No, she would not say that. But oh, Gerard! if he should be making
her worldly!'

'It must be your work to hinder it,' he said, looking at her
affectionately.

'Oh, Gerard! but I'm afraid I'm getting so myself. I have thought a
great deal about lawn-tennis, and dress, and this ball,' said Nuttie.
'Somehow it has never quite felt real, but as if I were out on a visit.'

'You are in it, but not of it,' said Gerard admiringly.

'