ng of him to a glorying mockery of his defeat. Doubtless,
for a man accustomed to deal with affairs, to rule over a
parish--for one who generally had his way in the kirk-session, and
to whom his wife showed becoming respect, it was scarcely fitting
that the rude behaviour of an ignorant country dummy should affect
him so much: he ought to have been above such injury. But the lad
whom he so regarded, had first with his mere looks lowered him in
his own eyes, then showed himself beyond the reach of his reproof by
calmly refusing to obey him, and then become unintelligible by
following him like a creature over whom surveillance was needful!
The more he thought of this last, the more inexplicable it seemed
to become, except on the notion of deliberate insult. And the worst
was, that henceforth he could expect to have no power at all over
the boy! If it was like this already, how would it be in the time
to come? If, on the other hand, he were to re-establish his
authority at the cost of making the boy hate him, then, the moment
he was of age, his behaviour would be that of a liberated enemy: he
would go straight to the dogs, and his money with him!--The man of
influence and scheme did well to be annoyed.

Gibbie made his appearance at ten o'clock, and went straight to the
study, where at that hour the minister was always waiting him. He
entered with his own smile, bending his head in morning salutation.
The minister said "Good morning," but gruffly, and without raising
his eyes from the last publication of the Spalding Club. Gibbie
seated himself in his usual place, arranged his book and slate, and
was ready to commence--when the minister, having now summoned
resolution, lifted his head, fixed his eyes on him, and said
sternly--

"Sir Gilbert, what was your meaning in following me, after refusing
to accompany me?"

Gibbie's face flushed. Mr. Sclater believed he saw him for the
first time ashamed of himself; his hope rose; his courage grew; he
augured victory and a re-established throne: he gathered himself up
in dignity, prepared to overwhelm him. But Gibbie showed no
hesitation; he took his slate instantly, found his pencil, wrote,
and handed the slate to the minister. There stood these words:

"I thought you was drunnk."

Mr. Sclater started to his feet, the hand which held the offending
document uplifted, his eyes flaming, his checks white with passion,
and with the flat of the slate came down a great