care for him in time," said Shenac, a little wearily.
"But I never thought about him in that way till--till Angus Dhu spoke to
me."

"Angus Dhu!" exclaimed Hamish.

"Yes--and frightened me out of my wits," said Shenac, laughing a little.
"I never answered a word, and maybe he thinks that I am willing.
Allister spoke about it too. Would it please you, Hamish? I might come
to like him well enough, in time."

"No, Shenac. It would by no means please me. I am very glad you do not
care for Evan--in that way. I would not like to see you Evan's wife."

There was not much said after that, though they sat a long time together
in the firelight.

"Did I tell you that I had a letter from Mr Stewart to-day, Shenac?"
Hamish asked at last.

"No," said Shenac; "was he well?"

"He has a call to be minister of the church in H---, and he is to go
there soon; and he says if he can possibly do it he will come this way.
It will be in six weeks or two months, if he comes at all."

Shenac said nothing to this; but when Hamish had added a few more
particulars, she said,--

"Perhaps it may seem foolish, Hamish, but I want to go soon."

"Because of Evan?" asked her brother.

"Partly; or rather, because of Angus Dhu," she said, laughing. "And
Allister and Shenac would like it."

"But they would never urge it against your will."

"No; I suppose not. But it is uncomfortable; and, Hamish, it is not
impossible that I might let myself be persuaded."

Hamish looked grave.

"I don't know but it is the best thing that could happen to me," Shenac
continued. "I am not fit for any other life, I am afraid. But I must
go away for a while at any rate."

Hamish said nothing, though he looked as if he had something to say.

"If you are willing, Hamish, it will go far to satisfy Allister. And I
can come back again if I should find nothing to do."

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.

But Shenac's work at home was not all done yet. Sitting that night by
the fireside with her brother, could she have got a glimpse of the next
few months and all they were to bring about, her courage might have
failed her; for sorrowful as some of the past days had been, more
sorrowful days were awaiting her--sorrowful days, yet sweet, and very
precious in remembrance.

A very quiet and happy week passed, and then Allister and his wife came
home. There was some pleasure-seeking then, in a quiet way; for the
newly-married pair were entertained by their friends,