father and three eldest brothers in a sudden storm. If you could see her
eyes, you could look into her pure soul. A woman like that is never
vulgar, father."

"A lover is allowed to exaggerate, Allan."

"But I do not exaggerate. Uneducated she certainly is. She can write a
little; and in the long stormy days and evenings, I read aloud to her and
to her brother. But Scott and Burns and Leigh Hunt are not an education.
Her Bible has really been her only teacher."

"It is His Word," said John Campbell, reverently. "It is the best of
teachers. The generations to whom Scotland owes everything, had no other
book. It made her men calm, reflective, courageous unto death. It made her
women gentle, faithful, pure, ideal. I remember my mother, Allan; she came
from the same school. Her soul lived so much in the Book, that I am sure
if an angel had suddenly appeared to her, she would scarcely have been
surprised. What domestic women those were! How peaceful and smiling! How
fond of the children! How dear to the children!" He had wandered a few
moments back into his own past; and though he hastily recalled himself,
the influence was upon him.

"Allan?"

"Yes, father."

"Have you said anything to this girl? Have you in any way committed your
promise to her?"

"I have never sought her love. I was their guest, I would not wrong her by