nd bare boughs; and now the woods were
brilliant with crimson and gold, except where the oak-leaves rustled
brown, or the evergreens mingled their dark forms with the pervading
brightness. It was a perfect Sabbath day, hushed and restful. But it
must be confessed that Shenac shrank a little from its long, quiet,
unoccupied hours; and when something was said about the great
congregation that would be sure to assemble in the new kirk, she said
she would like to go.

"Go, by all means," said the mother; "and Hamish too, if you are able
for the walk. Little Flora can do all that is to be done. There's
nothing to hinder, if you would like to go."

There was nothing to hinder; the mother seemed better and more cheerful
than she had seemed for many days. They might very well leave her for a
little while; they would be home again in the afternoon. So they went
early--long before the people were setting out--partly that they might
have time to rest by the way, and partly that they might enjoy the walk
together.

And they did enjoy it. They were young, and unconsciously their hearts
strove to throw off the burden of care that had pressed so long and so
heavily upon them.

"It has seemed like the old days again," said Shenac as they came in
sight of the new kirk, round which many people had already gathered.
They were strangers mostly, or, at least, people that they did not know
very well; and, a little shy and unaccustomed to a crowd, they went into
the kirk and sat down near the door. It was a very bright, pleasant
house, quite unlike the dim, dreary old place they were accustomed to
worship in; and they looked round them with surprise and interest.

In a little time the congregation began to gather, and soon the pews
were filled and the aisles crowded with an eager multitude; then the
minister came in, and worship began. First the psalm was named, and
then there was a pause till the hundreds of Bibles or psalm books were
opened and the place found. Then the old familiar words were heard, and
yet could they be the same?

Shenac looked at her Bible. The very same. She had learned the psalm
years ago. She had heard it many a time in the minister's monotonous
voice in the old kirk; and yet she seemed to hear it now for the first
time. Was it the minister's voice that made the difference? Every word
fell sweet and clear and full from his lips--from his heart--touching
the hearts of the listening hundreds. Then