Babbie and Margaret 401

Lord’s hand. The minister will have to reprove
the people for thinking too much of him again,
for they will say that he induced God to send the
rain. To-night’s meeting will be remembered
long in Thrums.”

Jean shuddered, and said, “It’s mair like an
ordinary rain now, ma’am.”

“But it has put out your fire, and I wanted
another heater. Perhaps the one I have is hot
enough, though.”

Margaret returned to the parlour, and from the
kitchen Jean could hear the heater tilted backward
and forward in the box-iron, — a pleasant, homely
sound when there is happiness in the house. Soon
she heard a step outside, however, and it was
followed by a rough shaking of the barred
door.

“Ts it you, Mr. Dishart?” Jean asked, ner-
vously.

“ It’s me, Tammas Whamond,” the precentor
answered. ‘ Unbar the door.”

“What do you want? Speak low.”

“J winna speak low. Let mein. I hae news
for the minister’s mother.”

“What news?” demanded Jean.

“Jean Proctor, as chief elder of the kirk I
order you to let me do my duty.”

“ ‘Whaur’s the minister?”

“He's a minister no longer. He’s married a
gypsy woman and run awa wi’ her.”

“You lie) Tammas Whamond. I believe —”

“ Your belief’s of no consequence. Open the
door, and let me in to tell your mistress what I
hae seen.”