strange disappearance of little Alice, never was able to raise his head;
and indeed my mother was worse. If the child had died, an' that we knew
she slept with ourselves, it would be a comfort. But not to know what
became of her--whether she was drowned or kidnapped--that was what
crushed their hearts. I must say that since I grew up, we're improvin';
an' I hope, God willin', now that my father laves the management of the
farm to myself, we'll still improve more an' more. I hope it for their
sakes, but--more, if possible, for yours. I don't know what I wouldn't
do to make you happy, Ellen. If my life could do it, I think I could lay
it down to show the love I bear you. I could take to the highway and rob
for your sake, if I thought it would bring me means to make you happy."

Ellen was touched by his sincerity, as well as by the tone of manly
sorrow with which he spoke. His last words, however, startled her, when
she considered the vehement manner in which he uttered them.

"John," said she, alarmed, "never, while you have life, let me hear a
word of that kind out of your lips. No--never, for the sake of heaven
above us, breathe it, or think of it. But, I'll tell you something, an'
you must hear it, an' bear it too, with patience."

"What is it, Ellen! If it's fair an' manly, I'll be guided by your
advice."

"Meehaul has threatened to--to--I mane to say, that you musn't have any
quarrel with him, if he meets you or provokes you. Will you promise
this?"

"Meenaul has threatened to strike me, has he? An' I, a Lamh Laudher, am
to take a blow from a Neil, an' to thank him, I suppose, for givin' it."