s
lying, and of his relations with Allison. He left it to Mr Hume to
decide whether or not Allison should be told of Brownrig's condition,
and to advise her what she ought to do. He said that Mr Rainy, who had
long been a friend of the Bain family, strongly advised that she should
come at once to Aberdeen, and added, at Mr Rainy's request, that as Mr
Brownrig had kept up no close intercourse with any one belonging to him,
it might be much for Allison's interest to respond in a friendly spirit
to this call. Dr Fleming, for himself, said that it might be for
Allison's future peace of mind, if she could tell this man that she had
forgiven his sin against her. The disclosure of Crombie rendered it
unnecessary to discuss this letter with her.

"Allison," said Mr Hume, after some time of silence, "no one can decide
this matter for you. You need not fear him any more, and it is well
that he should know that you have forgiven him. And it would be well
also for you."

"Have I forgiven him? I do not know. I wish him no ill. I never
wished him any ill, even at the worst, and if he is dying--"

Allison paused, and a look of something like terror passed over her
face, but she did not utter her thought.

"Allison," said Mrs Hume, "I think there is much in what Crombie said.
If you are able truly to forgive his sin against you, it might help him
to believe--it might open his eyes to see that the Lord also is willing
to forgive and receive him."

"You must trust in God, and do not try to look beyond the doing of
present duty. The way is dark before you. But one who loves you sees
it all, and He will lead you to the end, whatever it may be. I cannot
see the end, but, Allison, I dare not bid you not to go," said Mr Hume,
solemnly.

Allison looked from one to the other, and over her face for a moment
came the lost look--the look helpless and hopeless, which they had
wondered at and grieved over, in the first days of her coming among
them. But it passed away, and she rose, Saying:

"Then the sooner I go the better, and I need my time."

"And, Allison, remember, whatever happens, we are not to lose sight of
one another. There is no need for many words between us. This is your
home. Come back again as soon as you are able."

Mr Hume said the same as he shook her hand, Mrs Hume went with her to
the room where little Marjorie was sweetly sleeping. The two women had
something to say to each other. They spoke very qu