314 The Little Minister

“Can you see the schoolhouse now, Mc-
Kenzie?”

“Tam groping for it, Rintoul. The mist seems
to have made off with the path.”

“Where are you, McKenzie? I have lost
sight of you.”

It was but a ribbon of mist, and as these words
were spoken McKenzie broke through it. I saw
him, though to him I was only a stone at my
door.

“‘ | have found the house, Rintoul,” he shouted,
“and there is a light in it, so that the fellow has
doubtless returned.”

“ Then wait a moment for me.”

“Stay where you are, Rintoul, I entreat you,
and leave him to me. He may recognise you.”

“ No, no, McKenzie, J am sure he never saw
me before. I insist on accompanying you.”

“Your excitement, Rintoul, will betray you.
Let me go alone. I can question him without
rousing his suspicions. Remember, she is only a
gypsy to him.” .

“ He will learn nothing from me. I am quite
calm now.”

“ Rintoul, I warn you your manner will betray
you, and to-morrow it will be roared through the
country-side that your bride ran away from the
Spittal in a gypsy dress, and had to be brought
back by force.”

The altercation may have lasted another minute,
but the suddenness with which I learned Babbie’s
secret had left my ears incapable of learning more.
I daresay the two men started when they found
me at my door, but they did not remember, as