m."

"I so long to see him!" continued Hamish. "I do love him so, Shenac
dear--next to you, I think. Indeed, I know not which I love best. Oh,
I could never tell you all the cause I have to love him."

"He would be sure to come," said his sister.

"I want to see him because I love him, and because he loves me, and
because--" He paused.

"Have you anything to say to him that I could tell him afterwards? But
he will be sure to come."

"You could write and ask him, Shenac."

"Yes; oh yes. Only Allister could do it better," said Shenac; "but I
could let him know that you are longing to see him again."

But it was Hamish himself who wrote--two broken lines, very unlike the
letters he used to take so much pains to make perfect. But the
irregular, almost illegible, characters were eloquent to his friend; and
in a few days there came an answer, saying that in a day or two business
would bring him within fifty miles of their home, and it would go hard
with him if he could not get a day for his friend. And almost as soon
as his letter he himself came. He had travelled all night to accomplish
it, and must travel all night again; but in the meantime there was a
long summer day before them.

A long, happy day it was, and long to be remembered. They had it mostly
to themselves. All the morning Mr Stewart sat beside the low couch of
Hamish, and spoke or was silent as he had strength to listen or reply.
On the other side sat Shenac, never speaking, never moving, except when
her brother needed her care.

Once, when Hamish slumbered, Mr Stewart, touching her bowed head with
his hand, whispered,--

"Is it well?" And Shenac answered, "It is well. I would not have it
otherwise."

"And afterwards?" said her friend.

"I cannot look beyond," she murmured.

He stooped to whisper,--

"I will not fear, though the earth be removed, though the mountains be
cast into the midst of the sea."

"I am not afraid," said Shenac. "I do not think when the time comes I
shall be afraid."

After that Mr Stewart carried Hamish out to the end of the house, and
there they were alone. When they came in again, one and another of his
friends came to see Mr Stewart, and Hamish rested. As it grew dark,
they all gathered in to worship, and then it was time for Mr Stewart to
go. When all was ready, and he came to say farewell, Hamish slumbered.
Shenac stooped down and spoke his name. Mr Stewart bent over him and
kissed him on the br