End of the State of Indecision 221

“‘ And you are not ashamed of it?”

& beam not,

“‘ Why were you so anxious to screen her?”

“‘ She saved some of my people from gaol.”

“Which was more than they deserved.”

“] have always understood that you concealed
two of them in your own stable.”

“ Maybe I did,” the doctor had to allow.
“But I took my stick to them next morning.
Besides, they were Thrums folks, while you
had never set eyes on that imp of mischief
before.”

« T cannot sit here, doctor, and hear her called
names,” Gavin said, rising, but McQueen gripped
him by the shoulder.

“For pity’s sake, sir, don’t let us wrangle like
a pair of women. I brought you here to speak
my mind to you, and speak it I will. I warn
you, Mr. Dishart, that you are being watched.
You have been seen meeting this lassie in Caddam
as well as at the Kaims.”

“Let the whole town watch, doctor. I have
met her openly.”

“And why? Oh, don’t make Nanny your
excuse.”

“JT won’t. I met her because I love her.”

“Are you mad?” cried McQueen. “ You
speak as if you would marry her.”

“Yes,” replied Gavin, determinedly, “and |
mean to do it.”

The doctor flung up his hands.

“T give you up,” he said, raging. “I give you
up. Think of your congregation, man.”

“I have been thinking of them, and as soon as