sometimes think his heart has gone to heaven already, and takes a
part in all our joys and sorrows; and it is only his poor body
that remains here, helpless and ignorant. Come, Will, sit you
down, and ask me questions - or guess - that will be better,
guess.

BRODIE. Not to-night, Mary; not to-night. I have other fish to
fry, and they won't wait.

MARY. Not one minute for your sister? One little minute for
your little sister?

BRODIE. Minutes are precious, Mary. I have to work for all of
us, and the clock is always busy. They are waiting for me even
now. Help me with the dad's chair. And then to bed, and dream
happy things. And to-morrow morning I will hear your news - your
good news; it must be good, you look so proud and glad. But
to-night it cannot be.

MARY. I hate your business - I hate all business. To think of
chairs, and tables, and foot-rules, all dead and wooden - and
cold pieces of money with the King's ugly head on them; and here
is your sister, your pretty sister, if you please, with something
to tell, which she would not tell you for the world, and would
give the world to have you guess, and you won't? - Not you! For
business! Fie, Deacon Brodie! But I'm too happy to find fault
with you.

BRODIE. 'And me a Deacon,' as the Procurator would say.