h," said Hamish.

"No; it kept us all together. But, Hamish, I often think that Allister
came home just in time. If it had gone on much longer, I must either
have given out or become an earth-worm at last, with no thought but how
to slave and save and turn everything to account."

"I don't think that would ever have happened, Shenac," said her brother.
"But I think it was well for us all, and especially for you, that
Allister came home just when he did."

"I don't mean that field-labour may not in some cases be woman's work.
For a girl living at home, of course, it must be right to help in
whatever way help is needed; but I don't think it is the work a woman
should choose, except just to help with the rest. Surely I can learn to
do something else. If I were to go to Christie More, she could find a
place of some kind for me. Don't you mind, Hamish, what she once said
about our going with her to M---, you and me? Oh, if we could only go
together!"

But Hamish shook his head.

"No, Shenac. It would be useless for me. I must be far stronger than I
am now to undertake anything of that kind. And you must not be in a
hurry to get away. You must not let Shenac think you are running away
from her. Wait a while. A month or two will make no difference, and by
that time the way will open before us. I don't like the thought of your
taking any place that Christie More could get for you. You will be far
better at home for a while."

"But, Hamish, you really think it will be better for me to go?"

"Yes--some time. Why should you be in haste? Is there any reason that
you have not told me why you should wish to go?"

Shenac did not answer for a moment.

"Is it about Evan, Shenac?" asked her brother. "That could never be, I
suppose."

"Who told you, Hamish? No; I think it could never be. Allister would
like it, and Shenac Dhu; and I suppose to folk generally it would seem a
good thing for me. But I don't like Evan in that way. No, I don't
think it could ever be."

"Evan will be a rich man some day, Shenac; and you could have it all
your own way there."

"Yes; Allister said that to me once. They all seem to think I would
like to rule and to be rich. But I did not think you would advise me
because of that, Hamish, or because Evan will be a rich man."

"I am not advising you, Shenac," said Hamish eagerly. "If you cared for
Evan it would be different; but I am very glad you do not."

"I might come to