Some fundamental shock must dislodge that rooted,
overmastering ice, if ever his wintered heart was to feel the power of a
reviving Spring!
The threesum family stood in helpless silence for a few moments; then the
father said to the mother--
"I doobt we maun be settin oot for hame, Mirran!"
"Will you not come into the manse, and have something before you go?" said
James, not without anxiety lest his housekeeper should be taken at
unawares, and their acceptance should annoy her: he lived in constant dread
of offending his housekeeper!
"Na, I thank ye," returned his father: "it wad taste o' stew!" (_blown
dust_).
It was a rude remark; but Peter was not in a kind mood; and when love
itself is unkind, it is apt to be burning and bitter and merciless.
Marion burst into tears. James turned away, and walked home with a gait of
wounded dignity. Peter went in haste toward the churchyard gate, to
interrupt with the bit his mare's feed of oats. Marion saw his hands
tremble pitifully as he put the headstall over the creature's ears, and
reproached herself that she had given him such a cold-hearted son.
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