age in question; but would he continue to care for her love? She
did not think she could expect that. So with many tears she gave him
up--or thought she did. He had loved her, and that was a grand thing!

There was much that was good, and something that was wise in the girl,
notwithstanding her folly in allowing such a lover. The temptation was
great: even if his attentions were in their nature but transient, they
were sweet while they passed. I doubt if her love was of the deepest
she had to give; but who can tell? A woman will love where a man can
see nothing lovely. So long as she is able still to love, she is never
quite to be pitied; but when the reaction comes--?

So the dull days went by.

But for lady Arctura a great hope had begun to dawn--the hope, namely,
that the world was in the hand, yea in the heart of One whom she
herself might one day see, in her inmost soul, and with clearest eyes,
to be Love itself--not a love she could not care for, but the very
heart, generating centre, embracing circumference, and crown of all
loves.

Donal prayed to God for lady Arctura, and waited. Her hour was not yet
come, but was coming! Everyone that is ready the Father brings to
Jesus: the disciple is not greater than his master, and must not think
to hasten the hour, or lead one who is not yet taught of God; he must
not be miserable about another as if God had forgotten him. Strange
helpers of God we shall be, if, thinking to do his work, we act as if
he were neglecting it! To wait for God, believing it his one design to
redeem his creatures, ready to put the hand to, the moment his hour
strikes, is the faith fit for a fellow-worker with him!

CHAPTER XXXIX.

THE CASTLE-ROOF.

One stormy Friday night in the month of March, when a bitter east wind
was blowing, Donal, seated at the plain deal-table he had got Mrs.
Brookes to find him that he might use it regardless of ink, was drawing
upon it a diagram, in quest of a simplification for Davie, when a
sudden sense of cold made him cast a glance at his fire. He had been
aware that it was sinking, but, as there was no fuel in the room, had
forgotten it again: it was very low, and he must at once fetch both
wood and coal! In certain directions and degrees of wind this was
rather a ticklish task; but he had taken the precaution of putting up
here and there a bit of rope. Closing the door behind him to keep in
what warmth he might, and ascending the stairs a few feet h