"Oh, no; I am not fit for that."

"But if I am content, and can make you content?"

"But that is not enough. I am not fit. No; it is _not_ humility. I
know myself, and I am not fit."

It is just possible that Mr Stewart wished that he had for that night
"let well alone."

"But I must have it out with her, now that I have begun," he said to
himself as he rose and went to the door, at which a footstep had paused.
Whoever it was, no one came in; and, shutting the door, he came and sat
down again.

In the meantime, Shenac had been calling up a vision of the new
minister's wife, the one who had succeeded old Mr Farquharson, and, in
view of the prettily-dressed, gentle-mannered, accomplished little lady
that presented herself to her mind, she had repeated to herself, more
emphatically,--

"No, I am _not_ fit."

So when Mr Stewart came back she was sitting with closely-folded hands,
looking straight before her, very grave indeed. They were both silent
for a moment; then Mr Stewart said,--

"Now, Shenac, tell me why."

Shenac started. "You must know quite well."

"But indeed I do not. Tell me, Shenac."

It was not easy to do so. In the unspeakable embarrassment that came
over her, she actually thought of flight.

"I am not educated," she murmured. "I have never been anywhere but at
home. I can only do common work. I am not fit."

"Hamish thought you fit," said Mr Stewart softly.

"Ah, yes; Hamish, bhodach!"

Her voice fell with such a loving cadence. All the pain and
embarrassment passed out of her face, giving place to a soft and tender
light, as she turned towards him.

"I was perfect in his eyes; but--you know better, Mr Stewart."

"The eyes of the dying are very clear to see things as they are," said
Mr Stewart. "And as we sat at the end of the house that day, I think
Hamish was more glad for me than for you. He was willing to give you to
me, even for your sake; but he knew what a treasure he was giving to his
friend, if I could win you for my own."

Her tears were falling softly. She did not try to speak.

"Will you tell me in what respect you think you are not fit?"

She did not know how to answer. She was deficient in so many ways--in
every way, indeed, it seemed to her. She did not know where to begin;
but she must speak, and quickly too, that she might get away before she
quite broke down. Putting great force upon herself, she turned to him,
and said,--

"I can do so few