was not yet complete!

Adam had relented so far as to admit the priest, but no argument could
persuade him to leave him alone with the invalid. He was the agent of
the family, and it was his duty to see everything that went on. He
would have nothing underhand in the matter!

Mr. McGillivray easily interpreted his action. He was afraid of what
the others might say should he desert his post--that was all.
Diplomacy was necessary and the priest rose to the occasion.

"Look here, Adam," he said; "I know you are merely carrying out what
you feel to be a duty to your family in staying here. We can arrange
matters without any difficulty. I must have a few minutes' private
talk with your mother on religious matters which concern herself and no
one else. Just leave me with her for a bit and you can come back and
stay here as long as I do."

But Adam was obstinate. He acknowledged that the others "wouldna' be
pleased" should he relinquish his post of watch-dog. He must "bide" in
the room as long as the priest remained.

As in many houses of that class, there was what is called a
"bed-closet" opening out of the room in which the sick woman lay. It
was literally a closet, containing nothing except the bed, and lighted
by a tiny window. Without more ado, Mr. McGillivray seized the man by
the arm and led him to the closet.

"Just jump onto the bed," he whispered. "No one will know that you
have not remained in the room. You shall come out in a few minutes."