it, I can rest in the
assurance that afterward, `both he that soweth and he that reapeth shall
rejoice together.'"

He paused. A momentary gleam of triumph passed over his face and left
it peaceful.

"The peace that passeth understanding," thought the young man, with a
sigh. For he could not quite satisfy himself by saying, that Mr
Elliott was no man of business, an unworldly man. It came into his mind
that even if the minister were chasing a shadow, it was a shadow more
satisfying than his possible reality of political greatness. So he
could not but sigh as he sat watching that peaceful face. The minister
looked up and met his eye.

"And so, my friend, I think we must end where we begun. You may be
disappointed even in the fulfilment of your hopes. But for me, all must
end well--let the end be what it may."

CHAPTER TWELVE.

The time of settlement came at last. The members of the church and
congregation were requested to bring to Deacon Sterne and his coadjutors
an account of money and produce already paid by each, and also a
statement of the sum they intended to subscribe for the minister's
support during the ensuing half year. After a delay which, considering
all things, was not more than reasonable, this was done, and the
different accounts being put into regular form by the proper persons,
they were laid before the minister for his inspection and approval.

This was done by Deacons Fish and Slowcome alone. Deacon Sterne, as his
brethren in office intimated to Mrs Nasmyth, when she received them,
having just then his hands fall of his own affairs. Deacon Fish
"expected" that brother Sterne had got into trouble. It had been coming
on for some time. His son, the only boy he had left, had been over to
Rixford, and had done something dreadful, folks said, he did not exactly
know what, and the deacon had gone over to see about it. Deacon Sterne
was Janet's favourite among the men in office, and apart from her regret
that he should not be present on an occasion so important, she was
greatly concerned for him on his own account.

"Dear me!" said she, "I saw him at the kirk on the Sabbath-day, looking
just as usual."

"Well, yes, I expect so," said Mr Fish. "Brother Sterne looks always
pretty much so. He ain't apt to show his feelin's, if he's got any.
He'll have something to suffer with his son William, I guess, whether he
shows it or not."

Janet liked both father and son, though it was we