ess boy has been corrupted by
those who--"

"I do not approve of innuendo," declared Mr Ruthven. "I recommend you
to name names."

"Certainly, sir. My son has been made a smuggler by the persuasion and
management of Lady Carse; and, as I have reason to believe, sir, with
your knowledge."

"Here is treachery!" cried Lady Carse. "We must make our part good. I
will--I know how--"

She was hastening out, when the minister stopped her at the door. She
made some resistance, and Annie heard her say something about a pistol
on the top of the bed, and the wonder if her father's daughter did not
know how to use it.

Even in the midst of her own grief, Annie could not but remark to
herself how the lady's passions seemed to grow more violent, instead of
calming down.

"You had better go, Mrs Fleming," said Mr Ruthven. "Make no
disturbance here, but go, and I will come in and speak to you."

"How soon?" Annie anxiously enquired.

"As soon as possible--immediately. Go now, for Lady Carse is very
angry."

"I will, sir. But I owe it to you to tell you that the adventure is put
an end to. I have been to Macdonald's and told him, speaking as Rollo's
mother, of the danger my son was in; and Macdonald will take care that
no smuggling vessel reaches this coast to-night or in future."

"Go instantly!" exclaimed Mr Ruthven, and, seeing Lady Carse's
countenance, Annie was glad to hasten out of her reach.

The widow sat down on the threshold of her cottage awaiting the
minister. Her heart throbbed. A blessing might be in store at the end
of this weary day. Good might come out of evil. She might now have an
opportunity of appealing to her minister--of opening her heart to him
about the cares which she needed to share with him, and which should
have been his cares as pastor. She trusted she should be enabled to
speak freely and calmly.

She prayed that she might; but her body was exhausted, so that she could
not overcome to her satisfaction the agitation of her mind. It did not
mend the matter that she was kept waiting very long; and when Mr
Ruthven came out at his own door, it was with some difficulty that Annie
rose to make respectful way for him.

"Be seated," said Mr Ruthven, in a tone of severity; "I have much to
say to you."

Both seated themselves. Mr Ruthven cleared his throat, and said--

"It is the most painful part of a pastor's duty to administer reproof,
and more especially to members of his floc