btfully.

"Go on, Carmichael; you are putting your case capitally; don't plunge
into theology, Jack, whatever you do . . . it is Sandeman's--a sound
wine."

"Then what happened?" and Kate encouraged Carmichael with her eyes.

"Four hundred clergymen threw up their livings one day and went out to
begin a Free Kirk, where there are no patrons.

"You have no idea--for I suppose you never heard of this before--how
ministers suffered, living and dying in miserable cottages--and the
people met for service on the sea-shore or in winter storms--all for
conscience sake."

Carmichael was glowing, and the Doctor sipped his port approvingly.

"Perhaps they ought not to have seceded, and perhaps their ideas were
wrong; but it was heroism, and a good thing for the land."

"It was splendid!" Kate's cheek flushed. "And Drumtochty?"

"Ah, something happened here that was by itself in Scotland. Will you
ask Dr. Davidson not to interrupt or browbeat me? Thank you; now I am
safe.

"Some one of influence went to old Lord Kilspindie, who had no love to
the Free Kirk, and told him that a few of his Drumtochty men wanted to
get a site for a Free Kirk, and that he must give it. And he did."

"Now, Carmichael," began the Doctor, who had scented danger; but Kate
held up her hand with an imperious gesture, and Carmichael went on:--

"The same person used to send to the station for the Free Kirk
probationer, and entertain him after a lordly fashion--with port, if he
were worthy--and send him on his way rejoicing--men have told me.
But," concluded Carmichael, averting his face from the foot of the
table, "wild horses will not compel me to give that good Samaritan's
name."

"Was it you, Davidson, that sanctioned such a proceeding? Why, it was
mutiny."

"Of course he did, dad," cried Kate; "just the very thing he would do;
and so, I suppose, the Free Kirk love him as much as they do yourself,
sir?"

"As much? far more . . ."

"Had I known what downright falsehood the Free Kirk minister of
Drumtochty was capable of, I would never have allowed him to open his
mouth."

"Well, I am satisfied, at any rate," said Kate, "and I propose to
retire to the drawing-room, and I know who would love a rubber of whist
by-and-by. We are just the number."

A minute later Carmichael asked leave to join Kate, as he believed she
was to have him for partner, and he must understand her game.

"How adroit he is to-night, Jack;" but the General r