The Egyptian’s Second Coming 147

Nanny took his hand timidly, and would have
kissed it had he been less than a minister.

“You dare not, man,” the doctor said, gruffly,
“make an appointment with this gypsy. Think
of what will be said in Thrums.”

I honour Gavin for the way in which he took
this warning. For him, who was watched from
the rising of his congregation to their lying down,
whose every movement was expected to be a text
to Thrums, it was no small thing that he had
promised. This he knew, but he only reddened
because the doctor had implied an offensive thing
in a woman’s presence.

“ You forget yourself, doctor,” he said, sharply.

“Send some one in your place,” advised the
doctor, who liked the little minister.

“He must come himself and alone,” said the
Egyptian. “ You must both give me your prom-
ise not to mention who is Nanny’s friend, and
she must promise, too.”

“‘ Well,” said the doctor, buttoning up his coat,
“TJ cannot keep my horse freezing any longer.
Remember, Mr. Dishart, you take the sole
responsibility of this.”

, “I do,” said Gavin, “and with the utmost
confidence.”

“ Give him the ring then, lassie,” said McQueen.

She handed the minister the ring, but he would
not take it.

“JT have your word,” he said; “that is sufh-
cient.”

Then the Egyptian gave him the first look that
he could think of afterwards without misgivings.

“So be it,” said the doctor. “Get the money,