thought the man was going to die."

"No, you are not to blame. When Mr Rainy touched my arm that day in
the street, I seemed to know what was coming, and I would not wait to
hear him. And when Saunners Crombie spoke his first word to me that
night, I kenned well what I must do. But like you, I thought he was
going to die. And so I came, though I was sore afraid. But I am not
afraid now, and you might let me bide a little longer, till I see my way
clearer, whether I should go or stay."

"Let you stay! How could I hinder you if I were to try? And I am not
sure that I wish to hinder you. I suppose there may be a woman in a
thousand who could do as you desire to do, and come through unscathed,
and you may be that woman. My only fear is--no, I will not say it. I
do believe that you are seeking to do God's will in this matter. Let us
hope that during the next few days His will may be made clear to you,
and to me also."

But Mr Rainy had also a word to say with regard to this.

"If I had thought it possible that the man was going to live, I would
never have spoken to you, or let my eyes rest upon you that day. Yes, I
was sure that he was going to die. And I thought that you might do him
some good maybe--pray for him, and all that, and that his conscience
might be eased. Then I thought he might make some amends at last. But
well ken I, that all the gear he has to leave will ill pay you for the
loss of the best years of your youth, living the life you would have to
live with him. I canna take upon myself to advise you, since you havena
asked my advice; but really, if ye were just to slip away quietly to
your brother in America, I, for one, would hold my tongue about it. And
if ever the time should come when you needed to be defended from him, I
would help you against him, and all the world, with right good will."

Allison thanked him gently and gravely, but he saw that she was not to
be moved. A few more days, at least, the doctor was to give her, and
then she must decide. Before those days were over something had
happened.

One day, for some reason or other, she was detained longer than usual
among her "auld wives," and it was late when she came into Brownrig's
room.

"What has keepit you?" said he impatiently.

It was the first time he had ever directly addressed her.

"I have been detained," said Allison quietly. "Can I do anything for
you, now that I am here?"

"Detained? Among your auld wiv