them on his sermon.

Two hours later--for still she prayed and watched in faithfulness to
mother and son--she observed him come out and wander round the
garden in great joy. He lifted up the soiled rose and put it in his
coat; he released a butterfly caught in some mesh; he buried his
face in fragrant honeysuckle. Then she understood that his heart was
full of love, and was sure that it would be well on the morrow.

When the bell began to ring, the minister rose from his knees and
went to his aunt's room to be robed, for this was a covenant between
them.

His gown was spread out in its black silken glory, but he sat down
in despair.

"Auntie, whatever shall we do, for I've forgotten the bands?"

"But I've not forgot them, John, and here are six pair wrought with
my own hands, and now sit still and I'll tie them round my laddie's
neck."

When she had given the last touch, and he was ready to go, a sudden
seriousness fell upon them.

"Kiss me, auntie."

"For your mother, and her God be with you," and then he went through
the garden and underneath the honeysuckle and into the kirk, where
every Free Churchman in Drumtochty that could get out of bed, and