ke.
You deserve that, Finlay. If you wouldn't be a man who has jilted a
woman you have no business to lend yourself to such matters with the
capacity of a blind kitten. That is the damage on the one side. On the
other--"

"I know all that there is to be said," interrupted Finlay, "on the
other."

"Then face it, man. Go home and write the whole truth to Bross. I'll do
it for you--no, I won't, either. Stand up to it yourself. You must hurt
one of two women; choose the one that will suffer only in her vanity. I
tell you that Scotch entanglement of yours is pure cardboard farce--it
won't stand examination. It's appalling to think that out of an
extravagant, hypersensitive conception of honour, egged on by that poor
girl, you could be capable of turning it into the reality of your life."

"I've taken all these points of view, sir, and I can't throw the woman
over. The objection to it isn't in reason--it's somehow in the past and
the blood. It would mean the sacrifice of all that I hold most valuable
in myself. I should expect myself after that to stick at nothing--why
should I?"

"There is one point of view that perhaps you have not taken," said Dr
Drummond, in his gravest manner. "You are settled here in your charge.
In all human probability you will remain here in East Elgin, as I have
remained here, building and fortifying the place you have won for the
Lord in the hearts of the people. Advena Murchison's life will also go
on here--there is nothing to take it away. You have both strong natures.
Are you prepared for that?"

"We are both prepared for it. We shall both be equal to it. I count upon
her, and she counts upon me, to furnish in our friendship the greater
part of whatever happiness life may have in store for us."

"Then you must be a pair of born lunatics!" said Dr Drummond, his jaw
grim, his eyes snapping. "What you propose is little less than a crime,
Finlay. It can come to nothing but grief, if no worse. And your wife,
poor woman, whatever she deserves, it is better than that! My word, if
she could choose her prospect, think you she would hesitate? Finlay, I
entreat you as a matter of ordinary prudence, go home and break it
off. Leave Advena out of it--you have no business to make this marriage
whether or no. Leave other considerations to God and to the future. I
beseech you, bring it to an end!"

Finlay got up and held out his hand. "I tell you from my heart it is
impossible," he said.

"I can't mov