For
MacLear was now thoroughly convinced that the young man had "some sick
offence within his mind," and was the more anxious to finish his boots and
carry them home the same night, that he knew his words had increased the
sickness of that offence, which sickness might be the first symptom of
returning health. For nothing attracted the soutar more than an opportunity
of doing anything to lift from a human soul, were it but a single fold of
the darkness that compassed it, and so let the light nearer to the troubled
heart. As to what it might be that was harassing the minister's soul, he
sternly repressed in himself all curiosity. The thought of Maggie's
precious little foundling did indeed once more occur to him, but he tried
all he could to shut it out. He did also desire that the minister should
confess, but he had no wish that he should unbosom himself to him: from
such a possibility, indeed, he shrank; while he did hope to persuade him to
seek counsel of some one capable of giving him true advice.
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