CONTENTS
TheCourtingofT’nowhead’sBellJ。M。Barrie"TheHeatherLintie"S。R。CrockettADoctoroftheOldSchoolIanMaclarenWanderingWillie’sTaleSirWalterScottTheGlenmutchkinRailwayProfessorAytounThrawnJanetR。L。StevensonTHECOURTINGOFT’NOWHEAD’SBELL
BY
J。M。BARRIE
FortwoyearsithadbeennotoriousinthesquarethatSam’lDickiewasthinkingofcourtingT’nowhead’sBell，andthatifLittleSandersElshioner（whichistheThrumspronunciationofAlexanderAlexander）
wentinforher，hemightproveaformidablerival。Sam’lwasaweaverinthetenements，andSandersacoal-carter，whosetrade-markwasabellonhishorse’sneckthattoldwhencoalwascoming。Beingsomethingofapublicman，Sandershadnot，perhaps，sohighasocialpositionasSam’l，buthehadsucceededhisfatheronthecoal-cart，whiletheweaverhadalreadytriedseveraltrades。IthadalwaysbeenagainstSam’l，too，thatoncewhenthekirkwasvacanthehadadvisedtheselectionofthethirdministerwhopreachedforitonthegroundthatitbecameexpensivetopayalargenumberofcandidates。Thescandalofthethingwashushedup，outofrespectforhisfather，whowasaGod-fearingman，butSam’lwasknownbyitinLangTammas’scircle。Thecoal-carterwascalledLittleSanderstodistinguishhimfromhisfather，whowasnotmuchmorethanhalfhissize。Hehadgrownupwiththename，anditsinapplicabilitynowcamehometonobody。Sam’l’smotherhadbeenmorefar-seeingthanSanders’s。HermanhadbeencalledSammyallhislifebecauseitwasthenamehegotasaboy，sowhentheireldestsonwasbornshespokeofhimasSam’lwhilestillinthecradle。Theneighboursimitatedher，andthustheyoungmanhadabetterstartinlifethanhadbeengrantedtoSammy，hisfather。
ItwasSaturdayevening——thenightintheweekwhenAuldLichtyoungmenfellinlove。Sam’lDickie，wearingablueglengarrybonnetwitharedballonthetop，cametothedooroftheone-storyhouseinthetenements，andstoodtherewriggling，forhewasinasuitoftweedforthefirsttimethatweek，anddidnotfeelatonewiththem。Whenhisfeelingofbeingastrangertohimselfworeoff，helookedupanddowntheroad，whichstragglesbetweenhousesandgardens，andthen，pickinghiswayoverthepuddles，crossedtohisfather’shen-houseandsatdownonit。Hewasnowonhiswaytothesquare。
EppieFarguswassittingonanadjoiningdykeknittingstockings，andSam’llookedatherforatime。
"Is’tyersel’，Eppie？"hesaidatlast。
"It’sa’that，"saidEppie。
"Hoo’sa’wi’ye？"askedSam’l。
"We’rejuistaffan’on，"repliedEppie，cautiously。
Therewasnotmuchmoretosay，butasSam’lsidledoffthehen-househemurmuredpolitely，"Ay，ay。"Inanotherminutehewouldhavebeenfairlystarted，butEppieresumedtheconversation。
"Sam’l，"shesaid，withatwinkleinhereye，"yecantellLisbethFargusI’lllikelybedrappin’inonherabootMunundayorTeisday。"
LisbethwassistertoEppie，andwifeofTammasMcQuhatty，betterknownasT’nowhead，whichwasthenameofhisfarm。ShewasthusBell’smistress。
Sam’lleanedagainstthehen-houseasifallhisdesiretodeparthadgone。
"Hood’yekinI’llbeattheT’nowheadthenicht？"heasked，grinninginanticipation。
"Ou，I’sewarrantye’llbeafterBell，"saidEppie。
"Amnosaesureo’that，"saidSam’l，tryingtoleer。Hewasenjoyinghimselfnow。
"Amnosureo’that，"herepeated，forEppieseemedlostinstitches。
"Sam’l！"
"Ay。"
"Ye’llbespeerin’hersunenoo，Idinnadoot？"
ThistookSam’l，whohadonlybeencourtingBellforayearortwo，alittleaback。
"Hood’yemean，Eppie？"heasked。
"Maybeye’lldo’tthenicht。"
"Na，there’snaehurry，"saidSam’l。
"Weel，we’rea’coontin’on’t，Sam’l。"
"Gae’wa’wi’ye。"
"Whatforno？"
"Gae’wa’wi’ye，"saidSam’lagain。
"Bell’sgeian’fondo’ye，Sam’l。"
"Ay，"saidSam’l。
"Butamdootin’ye’reafellbillywi’thelasses。"
"Ay，oh，Id’nakin;moderate，moderate，"saidSam’l，inhighdelight。
"Isawye，"saidEppie，speakingwithawireinhermouth，"gaein’onterr’blewi’MysyHaggartatthepumplastSaturday。"
"Wewasjuistamoosin’oorsel’s，"saidSam’l。
"It’llbenaeamoosementtoMysy，"saidEppie，"ginyebrakherheart。"
"Losh，Eppie，"saidSam’l，"Ididnathinko’that。"
"Yemaunkinweel，Sam’l，’atthere’smonyalasswidjumpatye。"
"Ou，weel，"saidSam’l，implyingthatamanmusttakethesethingsastheycome。
"Forye’readaintychieldtolookat，Sam’l。"
"Doyethinkso，Eppie？Ay，ay;oh，Id’nakinamonythingbytheordinar。"
"Yemaynabe，"saidEppie，"butlassesdoesnadotobeower-
partikler。"
Sam’lresentedthis，andpreparedtodepartagain。
"Ye’llnotellBellthat？"heasked，anxiously。
"Tellherwhat？"
"Abootmean’Mysy。"
"We’llseehooyebehaveyersel’，Sam’l。"
"No’atIcare，Eppie;yecantellherginyelike。Iwidnathinktwiceo’tellin’hermysel’。"
"TheLordforgieyeforleein’，Sam’l，"saidEppie，ashedisappeareddownTammyTosh’sclose。HerehecameuponHendersWebster。
"Ye’relate，Sam’l，"saidHenders。
"Whatfor？"
"Ou，Iwasthinkin’yewidbegaenthelengtho’T’nowheadthenicht，an’IsawSandersElshionermakkin’’swytherean’oorsyne。"
"Didye？"criedSam’l，addingcraftily，"butit’snaethingtome。"
"Tod，lad，"saidHenders，"ginyedinnabuckleto，Sanders’llbecarryin’heroff。"
Sam’lflungbackhisheadandpassedon。
"Sam’l！"criedHendersafterhim。
"Ay，"saidSam’l，wheelinground。
"GieBellakissfraeme。"
Thefullforceofthisjokestruckneitherallatonce。Sam’lbegantosmileatitasheturneddowntheschool-wynd，anditcameuponHenderswhilehewasinhisgardenfeedinghisferret。Thenheslappedhislegsgleefully，andexplainedtheconceittoWill’umByars，whowentintothehouseandthoughtitover。
Thereweretwelveortwentylittlegroupsofmeninthesquare，whichwaslitbyaflareofoilsuspendedoveracadger’scart。Nowandagainastaidyoungwomanpassedthroughthesquarewithabasketonherarm，andifshehadlingeredlongenoughtogivethemtime，someoftheidlerswouldhaveaddressedher。Asitwas，theygazedafterher，andthengrinnedtoeachother。
"Ay，Sam’l，"saidtwoorthreeyoungmen，asSam’ljoinedthembeneaththetownclock。
"Ay，Davit，"repliedSam’l。
ThisgroupwascomposedofsomeofthesharpestwitsinThrums，anditwasnottobeexpectedthattheywouldletthisopportunitypass。
PerhapswhenSam’ljoinedthemheknewwhatwasinstoreforhim。
"Wasyelookin’forT’nowhead’sBell，Sam’l？"askedone。
"Ormebbeyewaswantin’theminister？"suggestedanother，thesamewhohadwalkedouttwicewithChirstyDuffandnotmarriedherafterall。
Sam’lcouldnotthinkofagoodreplyatthemoment，sohelaughedgood-naturedly。
"Ondootedlyshe’sasnodbitcrittur，"saidDavit，archly。
"An’michtycleverwi’herfingers，"addedJamieDeuchars。
"Man，I’vethochto’makkin’uptoBellmysel’，"saidPeteOgle。"Widtherebeonychance，thinkye，Sam’l？"
"I’mthinkin’shewidnahaeyeforherfirst，Pete，"repliedSam’l，inoneofthosehappyflashesthatcometosomemen，"butthere’snaesayin’butwhatshemichttak’yetofinishupwi’。"
Theunexpectednessofthissallystartledeveryone。ThoughSam’ldidnotsetupforawit，however，likeDavit，itwasnotoriousthathecouldsayacuttingthingonceinaway。
"DidyeeverseeBellreddin’up？"askedPete，recoveringfromhisoverthrow。Hewasamanwhoborenomalice。
"It’sasicht，"saidSam’l，solemnly。
"Hoowillthatbe？"askedJamieDeuchars。
"It’sweelworthyerwhile，"saidPete，"togingatowertotheT’nowheadan’see。Ye’llmindtheclosed-inbedsi’thekitchen？Ay，weel，they’reafellspoiledcrew，T’nowhead’slitlins，an’nothataisytomanage。Th’itherlassesLisbeth’shaenhadamichtytroublewi’them。Whentheywari’themiddleo’theirreddin’upthebairnswidcometum’lin’abootthefloor，but，sal，Iassureye，Belldidnafashlangwi’them。Didshe，Sam’l？"
"Shedidnot，"saidSam’l，droppingintoafinemodeofspeechtoaddemphasistohisremark。
"I’lltellyewhatshedid，"saidPetetotheothers。"Shejuistliftedupthelitlins，twaatatime，an’flungthemintothecoffin-
beds。Syneshesnibbitthedoorsonthem，an’keepitthemtheretillthefloorwasdry。"
"Ay，man，didsheso？"saidDavit，admiringly。
"I’veseenherdo’tmysel’，"saidSam’l。
"There’snoalassiemak’sbetterbannocksthissideo’FetterLums，"
continuedPete。
"Hermithertochtherthat，"saidSam’l;"shewasagran’han’atthebakin’，KittyOgilvy。"
"I’veheardsay，"remarkedJamie，puttingitthiswaysoasnottotiehimselfdowntoanything，"’atBell’ssconesisequaltoMagLunan’s。"
"Sotheyare，"saidSam’l，almostfiercely。
"Ikinshe’saneathan’atsingein’ahen，"saidPete。
"An’wi’’ta’，"saidDavit，"she’sasnod，cantybitstockyinherSabbathclaes。"
"Ifonything，thickinthewaist，"suggestedJamie。
"Idinnaseethat，"saidSam’l。
"Id’nacareforherhair，either，"continuedJamie，whowasveryniceinhistastes;"somethingmairyallowchywidbeanimprovement。"
"A’bodykins，"growledSam’l，"’atblackhair’sthebonniest。"
Theotherschuckled。
"PuirSam’l！"Petesaid。
Sam’l，notbeingcertainwhetherthisshouldbereceivedwithasmileorafrown，openedhismouthwideasakindofcompromise。Thiswaspositiononewithhimforthinkingthingsover。
FewAuldLichts，asIhavesaid，wentthelengthofchoosingahelpmateforthemselves。Onedayayoungman’sfriendswouldseehimmendingthewashing-tubofamaiden’smother。TheykeptthejokeuntilSaturdaynight，andthenhelearnedfromthemwhathehadbeenafter。
Itdazedhimforatime，butinayearorsohegrewaccustomedtotheidea，andtheywerethenmarried。Withalittlehelphefellinlovejustlikeotherpeople。
Sam’lwasgoingthewayoftheothers，buthefounditdifficulttocometothepoint。Heonlywentcourtingonceaweek，andhecouldnevertakeuptherunningattheplacewhereheleftofftheSaturdaybefore。Thushehadnot，sofar，madegreatheadway。HismethodofmakinguptoBellhadbeentodropinatT’nowheadonSaturdaynightsandtalkwiththefarmerabouttherinderpest。
ThefarmkitchenwasBell’stestimonial。Itschairs，tables，andstoolswerescouredbyhertothewhitenessofRobAngus’ssawmillboards，andthemuslinblindonthewindowwasstarchedlikeachild’spinafore。Bellwasbrave，too，aswellasenergetic。OnceThrumshadbeenoverrunwiththieves。Itisnowthoughtthattheremayhavebeenonlyone，buthehadthewickedclevernessofagang。Suchwashisreputethattherewereweaverswhospokeoflockingtheirdoorswhentheywentfromhome。Hewasnotveryskilful，however，beinggenerallycaught，andwhentheysaidtheyknewhewasarobber，hegavethemtheirthingsbackandwentaway。Iftheyhadgivenhimtimethereisnodoubtthathewouldhavegoneoffwithhisplunder。OnenighthewenttoT’nowhead，andBell，whosleptinthekitchen，wasawakenedbythenoise。Sheknewwhoitwouldbe，sosheroseanddressedherself，andwenttolookforhimwithacandle。Thethiefhadnotknownwhattodowhenhegotin，andasitwasverylonelyhewasgladtoseeBell。Shetoldhimheoughttobeashamedofhimself，andwouldnotlethimoutbythedooruntilhehadtakenoffhisbootssoasnottosoilthecarpet。
OnthisSaturdayeveningSam’lstoodhisgroundinthesquare，untilby-and-byhefoundhimselfalone。Therewereothergroupstherestill，buthiscirclehadmeltedaway。Theywentseparately，andnoonesaidgood-night。Eachtookhimselfoffslowly，backingoutofthegroupuntilhewasfairlystarted。
Sam’llookedabouthim，andthen，seeingthattheothershadgone，walkedroundthetown-houseintothedarknessofthebraethatleadsdownandthenuptothefarmofT’nowhead。
TogetintothegoodgracesofLisbethFargusyouhadtoknowherwaysandhumourthem。Sam’l，whowasastudentofwomen，knewthis，andso，insteadofpushingthedooropenandwalkingin，hewentthroughtheratherridiculousceremonyofknocking。SandersElshionerwasalsoawareofthisweaknessofLisbeth’s，butthoughheoftenmadeuphismindtoknock，theabsurdityofthethingpreventedhisdoingsowhenhereachedthedoor。T’nowheadhimselfhadnevergotusedtohiswife’srefinednotions，andwhenanyoneknockedhealwaysstartedtohisfeet，thinkingtheremustbesomethingwrong。
Lisbethcametothedoor，herexpansivefigureblockingthewayin。
"Sam’l，"shesaid。
"Lisbeth，"saidSam’l。
Heshookhandswiththefarmer’swife，knowingthatshelikedit，butonlysaid，"Ay，Bell，"tohissweetheart，"Ay，T’nowhead，"toMcQuhatty，and"It’syersel’，Sanders，"tohisrival。
Theywereallsittingroundthefire;T’nowhead，withhisfeetontheribs，wonderingwhyhefeltsowarm;andBelldarnedastocking，whileLisbethkeptaneyeonagobletfullofpotatoes。
"Sitintothefire，Sam’l，"saidthefarmer，not，however，makingwayforhim。
"Na，na，"saidSam’l;"I’mtobidenaetime。"Thenhesatintothefire。HisfacewasturnedawayfromBell，andwhenshespokeheansweredherwithoutlookinground。Sam’lfeltalittleanxious。
SandersElshioner，whohadonelegshorterthantheother，butlookedwellwhensitting，seemedsuspiciouslyathome。HeaskedBellquestionsoutofhisownhead，whichwasbeyondSam’l，andoncehesaidsomethingtoherinsuchalowvoicethattheotherscouldnotcatchit。T’nowheadaskedcuriouslywhatitwas，andSandersexplainedthathehadonlysaid，"Ay，Bell，themorn’stheSabbath。"Therewasnothingstartlinginthis，butSam’ldidnotlikeit。Hebegantowonderifheweretoolate，andhadheseenhisopportunitywouldhavetoldBellofanastyrumourthatSandersintendedtogoovertotheFreeChurchiftheywouldmakehimkirkofficer。
Sam’lhadthegood-willofT’nowhead’swife，wholikedapoliteman。
Sandersdidhisbest，butfromwantofpracticeheconstantlymademistakes。To-night，forinstance，heworehishatinthehousebecausehedidnotliketoputuphishandandtakeitoff。T’nowheadhadnottakenhisoff，either，butthatwasbecausehemeanttogooutby-and-
byandlockthebyredoor。ItwasimpossibletosaywhichofherloversBellpreferred。ThepropercoursewithanAuldLichtlassiewastopreferthemanwhoproposedtoher。
"Ye’llbideawee，an’haesomethingtoeat？"LisbethaskedSam’l，withhereyesonthegoblet。
"No，Ithankye，"saidSam’l，withtruegentility。
"Ye’llbetter。"
"Idinnathinkit。"
"Hootsaye，what’stohenderye？"
"Weel，sinceye’resaepressin’，I’llbide。"
NooneaskedSanderstostay。Bellcouldnot，forshewasbuttheservant，andT’nowheadknewthatthekickhiswifehadgivenhimmeantthathewasnottodoso，either。Sanderswhistledtoshowthathewasnotuncomfortable。
"Ay，then，I’llbestappin’owerthebrae，"hesaidatlast。
Hedidnotgo，however。Therewassufficientprideinhimtogethimoffhischair，butonlyslowly，forhehadtogetaccustomedtothenotionofgoing。Atintervalsoftwoorthreeminutesheremarkedthathemustnowbegoing。InthesamecircumstancesSam’lwouldhaveactedsimilarly。ForaThrumsman，itisoneofthehardestthingsinlifetogetawayfromanywhere。
AtlastLisbethsawthatsomethingmustbedone。Thepotatoeswereburning，andT’nowheadhadaninvitationonhistongue。
"Yes，I’llhaetobemovin’，"saidSanders，hopelessly，forthefifthtime。
"Guid-nichttoye，then，Sanders，"saidLisbeth。"Giethedoorafling-toahentye。"
Sanders，withamightyeffort，pulledhimselftogether。HelookedboldlyatBell，andthentookoffhishatcarefully。Sam’lsawwithmisgivingsthattherewassomethinginitwhichwasnotahandkerchief。Itwasapaperbagglitteringwithgoldbraid，andcontainedsuchanassortmentofsweetsasladsboughtfortheirlassesontheMuckleFriday。
"Hae，Bell，"saidSanders，handingthebagtoBellinanoffhandwayasifitwerebutatrifle。Neverthelesshewasalittleexcited，forhewentoffwithoutsayinggood-night。
Noonespoke。Bell’sfacewascrimson。T’nowheadfidgetedonhischair，andLisbethlookedatSam’l。Theweaverwasstrangelycalmandcollected，thoughhewouldhavelikedtoknowwhetherthiswasaproposal。
"Sitinbytothetable，Sam’l，"saidLisbeth，tryingtolookasifthingswereastheyhadbeenbefore。
Sheputasaucerfulofbutter，salt，andpeppernearthefiretomelt，formeltedbutteristheshoeing-hornthathelpsoveramealofpotatoes。Sam’l，however，sawwhatthehourrequired，and，jumpingup，heseizedhisbonnet。
"Hingthetattieshigherupthejoist，Lisbeth，"hesaid，withdignity;"I’sebebackintenmeenits。"
Hehurriedoutofthehouse，leavingtheotherslookingateachother。
"Whatdoyethink？"askedLisbeth。
"Id’nakin，"falteredBell。
"Thaetattiesislango’comin’totheboil，"saidT’nowhead。
InsomecirclesaloverwhobehavedlikeSam’lwouldhavebeensuspectedofintentuponhisrival’slife，butneitherBellnorLisbethdidtheweaverthatinjustice。InacaseofthiskinditdoesnotmuchmatterwhatT’nowheadthought。
ThetenminuteshadbarelypassedwhenSam’lwasbackinthefarmkitchen。Hewastooflurriedtoknockthistime，and，indeed，Lisbethdidnotexpectitofhim。
"Bell，hae！"hecried，handinghissweetheartatinselbagtwicethesizeofSanders’sgift。
"Loshpreserve’s！"exclaimedLisbeth;"I’sewarrantthere’sashillin’sworth。"
"There’sa’that，Lisbeth——an’mair，"saidSam’l，firmly。
"Ithankye，Sam’l，"saidBell，feelinganunwontedelationasshegazedatthetwopaperbagsinherlap。
"Ye’reower-extravegint，Sam’l，"Lisbethsaid。
"Notatall，"saidSam’l;"notatall。ButIwidnaadviseyetoeatthaeitheranes，Bell——they’resecondquality。"
BelldrewbackastepfromSam’l。
"Howdoyekin？"askedthefarmer，shortly，forhelikedSanders。
"Ispeeredi’theshop，"saidSam’l。
Thegobletwasplacedonabrokenplateonthetable，withthesaucerbesideit，andSam’l，liketheothers，helpedhimself。Whathedidwastotakepotatoesfromthepotwithhisfingers，peelofftheircoats，andthendipthemintothebutter。Lisbethwouldhavelikedtoprovideknivesandforks，butsheknewthatbeyondacertainpointT’nowheadwasmasterinhisownhouse。AsforSam’l，hefeltvictoryinhishands，andbegantothinkthathehadgonetoofar。
InthemeantimeSanders，littlewittingthatSam’lhadtrumpedhistrick，wassaunteringalongthekirk-wyndwithhishatonthesideofhishead。Fortunatelyhedidnotmeettheminister。
ThecourtingofT’nowhead’sBellreacheditscrisisoneSabbathaboutamonthaftertheeventsaboverecorded。Theministerwasingreatforcethatday，butitisnopartofminetotellhowheborehimself。
Iwasthere，andamnotlikelytoforgetthescene。ItwasafatefulSabbathforT’nowhead’sBellandherswains，anddestinedtoberememberedforthepainfulscandalwhichtheyperpetratedintheirpassion。
Bellwasnotinthekirk。TherebeinganinfantofsixmonthsinthehouseitwasaquestionofeitherLisbethorthelassie’sstayingathomewithhim，andthoughLisbethwasunselfishinageneralway，shecouldnotresistthedelightofgoingtochurch。Shehadninechildrenbesidesthebaby，and，beingbutawoman，itwastheprideofherlifetomarchthemintotheT’nowheadpew，sowellwatchedthattheydarednotmisbehave，andsotightlypackedthattheycouldnotfall。Thecongregationlookedatthatpew，themothersenviously，whentheysangthelines：
"JerusalemlikeacityisCompactlybuilttogether。"
ThefirsthalfoftheservicehadbeengonethroughonthisparticularSundaywithoutanythingremarkablehappening。ItwasattheendofthepsalmwhichprecededthesermonthatSandersElshioner，whosatnearthedoor，loweredhisheaduntilitwasnohigherthanthepews，andinthatattitude，lookingalmostlikeafour-footedanimal，slippedoutofthechurch。Intheireagernesstobeatthesermonmanyofthecongregationdidnotnoticehim，andthosewhodidputthematterbyintheirmindsforfutureinvestigation。Sam’lhowever，couldnottakeitsocoolly。FromhisseatinthegalleryhesawSandersdisappear，andhismindmisgavehim。Withthetruelover’sinstinctheunderstooditall。SandershadbeenstruckbythefineturnoutintheT’nowheadpew。Bellwasaloneatthefarm。Whatanopportunitytoworkone’swayuptoaproposal！T’nowheadwassooverrunwithchildrenthatsuchachanceseldomoccurred，exceptonaSabbath。Sanders，doubtless，wasofftopropose，andhe，Sam’l，wasleftbehind。
Thesuspensewasterrible。Sam’landSandershadbothknownallalongthatBellwouldtakethefirstofthetwowhoaskedher。Eventhosewhothoughtherproudadmittedthatshewasmodest。Bitterlytheweaverrepentedhavingwaitedsolong。Nowitwastoolate。IntenminutesSanderswouldbeatT’nowhead;inanhourallwouldbeover。
Sam’lrosetohisfeetinadaze。Hismotherpulledhimdownbythecoat-tail，andhisfathershookhim，thinkinghewaswalkinginhissleep。Hetotteredpastthem，however，hurrieduptheaisle，whichwassonarrowthatDan’lRosscouldonlyreachhisseatbywalkingsideways，andwasgonebeforetheministercoulddomorethanstopinthemiddleofawhirlandgapeinhorrorafterhim。
Anumberofthecongregationfeltthatdaytheadvantageofsittingintheloft。Whatwasamysterytothosedownstairswasrevealedtothem。
Fromthegallerywindowstheyhadafineopenviewtothesouth;andasSam’ltookthecommon，whichwasashortcutthroughasteepascent，toT’nowhead，hewasneveroutoftheirlineofvision。
Sanderswasnottobeseen，buttheyguessedrightlythereasonwhy。
Thinkinghehadampletime，hehadgoneroundbythemainroadtosavehisboots——perhapsalittlescaredbywhatwascoming。Sam’l’sdesignwastoforestallhimbytakingtheshorterpathovertheburnandupthecommonty。
Itwasaraceforawife，andseveralonlookersinthegallerybravedtheminister’sdispleasuretoseewhowon。ThosewhofavouredSam’l’ssuitexultinglysawhimleapthestream，whilethefriendsofSandersfixedtheireyesonthetopofthecommonwhereitranintotheroad。
Sandersmustcomeintosightthere，andtheonewhoreachedthispointfirstwouldgetBell。
AsAuldLichtsdonotwalkabroadontheSabbath，Sanderswouldprobablynotbedelayed。Thechanceswereinhisfavour。HaditbeenanyotherdayintheweekSam’lmighthaverun。Sosomeofthecongregationinthegallerywerethinking，whensuddenlytheysawhimbendlowandthentaketohisheels。HehadcaughtsightofSanders’sheadbobbingoverthehedgethatseparatedtheroadfromthecommon，andfearedthatSandersmightseehim。Thecongregationwhocouldcranetheirneckssufficientlysawablackobject，whichtheyguessedtobethecarter’shat，crawlingalongthehedge-top。Foramomentitwasmotionless，andthenitshotahead。Therivalshadseeneachother。Itwasnowahotrace。Sam’ldissemblingnolonger，clatteredupthecommon，becomingsmallerandsmallertotheonlookersashenearedthetop。Morethanonepersoninthegalleryalmostrosetotheirfeetintheirexcitement。Sam’lhadit。No，Sanderswasinfront。Thenthetwofiguresdisappearedfromview。Theyseemedtorunintoeachotheratthetopofthebrae，andnoonecouldsaywhowasfirst。Thecongregationlookedatoneanother。Someofthemperspired。
Buttheministerheldonhiscourse。
Sam’lhadjustbeenintimetocutSandersout。Itwastheweaver’ssavingthatSanderssawthiswhenhisrivalturnedthecorner;forSam’lwassadlyblown。Sanderstookinthesituationandgaveinatonce。Thelasthundredyardsofthedistancehecoveredathisleisure，andwhenhearrivedathisdestinationhedidnotgoin。Itwasafineafternoonforthetimeofyear，andhewentroundtohavealookatthepig，aboutwhichT’nowheadwasalittlesinfullypuffedup。
"Ay，"saidSanders，digginghisfingerscriticallyintothegruntinganimal，"quiteso。"
"Grumph，"saidthepig，gettingreluctantlytohisfeet。
"Ou，ay，yes，"saidSandersthoughtfully。
Thenhesatdownontheedgeofthesty，andlookedlongandsilentlyatanemptybucket。ButwhetherhisthoughtswereofT’nowhead’sBell，whomhehadlostforever，orofthefoodthefarmerfedhispigon，isnotknown。
"Lordpreserve’s！areyenoatthekirk？"criedBell，nearlydroppingthebabyasSam’lbrokeintotheroom。
"Bell！"criedSam’l。
ThenT’nowhead’sBellknewthatherhourhadcome。
"Sam’l，"shefaltered。
"Willyehae’s，Bell？"demandedSam’l，glaringathersheepishly。
"Ay，"answeredBell。
Sam’lfellintoachair。
"Bring’sadrinko’water，Bell，"hesaid。ButBellthoughttheoccasionrequiredmilk，andtherewasnoneinthekitchen。Shewentouttothebyre，stillwiththebabyinherarms，andsawSandersElshionersittinggloomilyonthepigsty。
"Weel，Bell，"saidSanders。
"Ithochtye’dbeenatthekirk，Sanders，"saidBell。
Thentherewasasilencebetweenthem。
"HasSam’lspeeredye，Bell？"askedSanders，stolidly。
"Ay，"saidBellagain，andthistimetherewasatearinhereye。
Sanderswaslittlebetterthanan"orraman，"andSam’lwasaweaver，andyet——Butitwastoolatenow。Sandersgavethepigaviciouspokewithastick，andwhenithadceasedtogrunt，Bellwasbackinthekitchen。Shehadforgottenaboutthemilk，however，andSam’lonlygotwaterafterall。
Inafter-days，whenthestoryofBell’swooingwastold，thereweresomewhoheldthatthecircumstanceswouldhavealmostjustifiedthelassieingivingSam’lthego-by。Buttheseperhapsforgotthatherotherloverwasinthesamepredicamentastheacceptedone——thatofthetwo，indeed，hewasthemoretoblame，forhesetofftoT’nowheadontheSabbathofhisownaccord，whileSam’lonlyranafterhim。AndthenthereisnoonetosayforcertainwhetherBellheardofhersuitors’delinquenciesuntilLisbeth’sreturnfromthekirk。Sam’lcouldneverrememberwhetherhetoldher，andBellwasnotsurewhether，ifhedid，shetookitin。Sanderswasgreatlyindemandforweekstotellwhatheknewoftheaffair，butthoughhewastwiceaskedtoteatothemanseamongthetrees，andsubjectedthereaftertoministerialcross-examinations，thisisallhetold。HeremainedatthepigstyuntilSam’lleftthefarm，whenhejoinedhimatthetopofthebrae，andtheywenthometogether。
"It’syersel’，Sanders，"saidSam’l。
"Itisso，Sam’l，"saidSanders。
"Verycauld，"saidSam’l。
"Blawy，"assentedSanders。
Afterapause——
"Sam’l，"saidSanders。
"Ay。"
"I’mhearingye’retobemairit。"
"Ay。"
"Weel，Sam’l，she’sasnodbitlassie。"
"Thankye，"saidSam’l。
"Ihadanceakino’notiono’Bellmysel’，"continuedSanders。
"Yehad？"
"Yes，Sam’l;butIthochtbettero’’t。"
"Hood’yemean？"askedSam’l，alittleanxiously。
"Weel，Sam’l，mairitchisaterribleresponsibeelity。"
"Itisso，"saidSam’l，wincing。
"An’nothethingtotak’upwithootconseederation。"
"Butit’sablessedandhonourablestate，Sanders;ye’veheardtheministeron’t。"
"Theysay，"continuedtherelentlessSanders，"’attheministerdoesnagetonsairwi’thewifehimsel’。"
"Sotheydo，"criedSam’l，withasinkingattheheart。
"I’vebeentelt，"Sanderswenton，"’atginyecangettheupperhan’
o’thewifeforawhileatfirst，there’sthemairchanceo’aharmoniousexeestence。"
"Bell’snothelassie，"saidSam’l，appealingly，"tothwartherman。"
Sanderssmiled。
"D’yethinksheis，Sanders？"
"Weel，Sam’l，Id’nawanttoflusterye，butshe’sbeenower-langwi’
LisbethFargusnotohaelearnedherways。An’a’bodykinswhatalifeT’nowheadhaswi’her。"
"Guidsake，Sanders，hoodidyenospeako’thisafore？"
"Ithochtyekento’’t，Sam’l。"
Theyhadnowreachedthesquare，andtheU。P。kirkwascomingout。
TheAuldLichtkirkwouldbehalfanhouryet。
"But，Sanders，"saidSam’l，brighteningup，"yewasonyerwytospeerheryersel’。"
"Iwas，Sam’l，"saidSanders，"andIcannabutbethankfu’yewasower-quickfor’s。"
"Gin’thadnabeenyou，"saidSam’l，"Iwidneverhaethochto’’t。"
"I’msayingnaethingaginBell，"pursuedtheother，"but，man，Sam’l，abodyshouldbemairdeleeberateinathingo’thekind。"
"Itwasmichtyhurried，"saidSam’lwofully。
"It’saseriousthingtospeeralassie，"saidSanders。
"It’sanawfu’thing，"saidSam’l。
"Butwe’llhopeforthebest，"addedSanders，inahopelessvoice。
Theywereclosetothetenementsnow，andSam’llookedasifhewereonhiswaytobehanged。
"Sam’l！"
"Ay，Sanders。"
"Didye——didyekissher，Sam’l？"
"Na。"
"Hoo？"
"There’swasvarralittletime，Sanders。"
"Halfan’oor，"saidSanders。
"Wasthere？ManSanders，totellyethetruth，Ineverthochto’’t。"
ThenthesoulofSandersElshionerwasfilledwithcontemptforSam’lDickie。
Thescandalblewover。Atfirstitwasexpectedthattheministerwouldinterferetopreventtheunion，butbeyondintimatingfromthepulpitthatthesoulsofSabbath-breakerswerebeyondprayingfor，andthenprayingforSam’landSandersatgreatlength，withawordthrowninforBell，heletthingstaketheircourse。Somesaiditwasbecausehewasalwaysfrightenedlesthisyoungmenshouldintermarrywithotherdenominations，butSandersexplaineditdifferentlytoSam’l。
"Ihav’naawordtosayagin’theminister，"hesaid;"they’regran’
prayers;but，Sam’l，he’samairitmanhimsel’。"
"He’sa’thebetterforthat，Sanders，isnahe？"
"Doyenosee，"askedSanders，compassionately，"’athe’stryingtomak’thebesto’’t？"
"OSanders，man！"saidSam’l。
"Cheerup，Sam’l，"saidSanders;"it’llsunebeower。"
Theirhavingbeenrivalsuitorshadnotinterferedwiththeirfriendship。Onthecontrary，whiletheyhadhithertobeenmereacquaintances，theybecameinseparablesasthewedding-daydrewnear。
Itwasnoticedthattheyhadmuchtosaytoeachother，andthatwhentheycouldnotgetaroomtothemselvestheywanderedabouttogetherinthechurchyard。WhenSam’lhadanythingtotellBellhesentSanderstotellit，andSandersdidashewasbid。TherewasnothingthathewouldnothavedoneforSam’l。
ThemoreobligingSanderswas，however，thesadderSam’lgrew。HeneverlaughednowonSaturdays，andsometimeshisloomwassilenthalftheday。Sam’lfeltthatSanders’swasthekindnessofafriendforadyingman。
Itwastobeapennywedding，andLisbethFargussaiditwasthedelicacythatmadeSam’lsuperintendthefittingupofthebarnbydeputy。Oncehecametoseeitinperson，buthelookedsoillthatSandershadtoseehimhome。ThiswasontheThursdayafternoon，andtheweddingwasfixedforFriday。
"Sanders，Sanders，"saidSam’l，inavoicestrangelyunlikehisown，"it’lla’beowerbythistimethemorn。"
"Itwill，"saidSanders。
"IfIhadonlykentherlanger，"continuedSam’l。
"Itwidhaebeensafer，"saidSanders。
"DidyeseetheyallowfloorinBell’sbonnet？"askedtheacceptedswain。
"Ay，"saidSanders，reluctantly。
"I’mdootin’——I’msairdootin’she’sbutaflichty，light-heartedcritturaftera’。"
"Ihadayemysuspeecionso’’t，"saidSanders。
"Yehaekentherlangerthanme，"saidSam’l。
"Yes，"saidSanders，"butthere’snaegetting’atthehearto’women。
ManSam’l，they’redesperatecunnin’。"
"I’mdootin’’t;I’msairdootin’’t。"
"It’llbeawarnin’toye，Sam’l，notobeinsicahurryi’thefutur’，"saidSanders。
Sam’lgroaned。
"Ye’llbegaein’uptothemansetoarrangewi’theministerthemorn’smornin’，"continuedSanders，inasubduedvoice。
Sam’llookedwistfullyathisfriend。
"Icannado’t，Sanders，"hesaid;"Icannado’t。"
"Yemaun，"saidSanders。
"It’saisytospeak，"retortedSam’l，bitterly。
"Wehavea’oortroubles，Sam’l，"saidSanders，soothingly，"an’everymanmaunbearhisainburdens。JohnnyDavie’swife’sdead，an’he’snorepinin’。"
"Ay，"saidSam’l，"butadeath’snoamairitch。Wehaehaendeathsinourfamilytoo。"
"Itmaya’beforthebest，"addedSanders，"an’therewidbeamichtytalki’thehalecountry-sideginyedidnagingtotheministerlikeaman。"
"Imaunhaelangertothinko’’t，"saidSam’l。
"Bell’smairitchisthemorn，"saidSanders，decisively。
Sam’lglancedupwithawildlookinhiseyes。
"Sanders！"hecried。
"Sam’l！"
"Yehaebeenaguidfriendtome，Sanders，inthissairaffliction。"
"Nothingava，"saidSanders;"doun’tmention’d。"
"But，Sanders，yecannadenybutwhatyourrinnin’ooto’thekirkthatawfu’daywasatthebottomo’’da’。"
"Itwasso，"saidSanders，bravely。
"An’yeusedtobefondo’Bell，Sanders。"
"Idinnadeny’t。"
"Sanders，laddie，"saidSam’l，bendingforwardandspeakinginawheedlingvoice，"Iayethochtitwasyoushelikit。"
"Ihadsomesicideamysel’，"saidSanders。
"Sanders，Icannathinktopairttwafowksaeweelsuitedtoaneanitherasyouan’Bell。"
"Cannaye，Sam’l？"
"Shewidmak’yeaguidwife，Sanders。Ihaestudiedherweel，andshe’sathrifty，douce，cleverlassie。Sanders，there’snothelikeo’
her。Monyatime，Sanders，Ihaesaidtomysel’，’There’salassonymanmichtbeproodtotak’。’A’bodysaysthesame，Sanders。There’snaeriskava，man——nanetospeako’。Tak’her，laddie;tak’her，Sanders;it’sagran’chance，Sanders。She’syoursforthespeerin’。
I’llgieherup，Sanders。"
"Willye，though？"saidSanders。
"Whatd’yethink？"askedSam’l。
"Ifyewidrayther，"saidSanders，politely。
"There’smyhan’on’t，"saidSam’l。"Blessye，Sanders;ye’vebeenatruefrien’tome。"
Thentheyshookhandsforthefirsttimeintheirlives，andsoonafterwardSandersstruckupthebraetoT’nowhead。
NextmorningSandersElshioner，whohadbeenverybusythenightbefore，putonhisSabbathclothesandstrolleduptothemanse。
"But——butwhereisSam’l？"askedtheminister;"Imustseehimself。"
"It’sanewarrangement，"saidSanders。
"Whatdoyoumean，Sanders？"
"Bell’stomarryme，"explainedSanders。
"But——butwhatdoesSam’lsay？"
"He’swillin’，"saidSanders。
"AndBell？"
"She’swillin’too。Sheprefers’t。"
"Itisunusual，"saidtheminister。
"It’sa’richt，"saidSanders。
"Well，youknowbest，"saidtheminister。
"Youseethehoosewastaen，atonyrate，"continuedSanders，"an’
I’lljuistgingintil’tinsteado’Sam’l。"
"Quiteso。"
"An’Icudnathinktodisappointthelassie。"
"Yoursentimentsdoyoucredit，Sanders，"saidtheminister;"butI
hopeyoudonotenterupontheblessedstateofmatrimonywithoutfullconsiderationofitsresponsibilities。Itisaseriousbusiness，marriage。"
"It’sa’that，"saidSanders，"butI’mwillin’tostan’therisk。"
So，assoonasitcouldbedone，SandersElshionertooktowifeT’nowhead’sBell，andIrememberseeingSam’lDickietryingtodanceatthepennywedding。
YearsafterwarditwassaidinThrumsthatSam’lhadtreatedBellbadly，buthewasneversureaboutithimself。
"Itwasanearthing——amichtynearthing，"headmittedinthesquare。
"Theysay，"someotherweaverwouldremark，"’atitwasyouBelllikedbest。"
"Id’nakin，"Sam’lwouldreply;"butthere’snaedootthelassiewasfellfondo’me;ou，amerepassin’fancy，’syemichtsay。"
"THEHEATHERLINTIE"
BY
S。R。CROCKETT
JanetBalchrystielivedinalittlecottageatthebackoftheLongWoodofBarbrax。Shehadbeenahard-workingwomanallherdays，forhermotherdiedwhenshewasbutyoung，andshehadlivedon，keepingherfather’shousebythesideofthesingle-trackrailway-line。GavinBalchrystiewasaforemanplate-layerontheP。P。R。，andwithtwomenunderhim，hadchargeofasectionofthreemiles。Helivedjustwherethatdistinguishedbutimpecuniouslineplungesintoamoss-coveredgranitewildernessofmoorandbog，wherethereisnotmorethanashepherd’shuttothehalf-dozenmiles，andwherethepassageofatrainistheoccasionofcommotionamongscatteredgroupsofblack-
facedsheep。GavinBalchrystie’sthreemilesofP。P。R。metalsgavehimlittlework，butagooddealofhealthyexercise。Theblack-facedsheepbreakingdownthefencesandstrayingonthelineside，andthetorrentscomingdownthegranitegullies，foamingwhiteafterawater-
spout，andtearingintohisembankments，undermininghischairsandplates，weretheonlytroublesofhislife。Therewas，however，alittlepublic-houseatTheHuts，whichintheolddaysofconstructionhadhadthelicense，andwhichhadlingeredalone，licenseandall，whenitsimmediatepurposeinlifehadbeenfulfilled，becausetherewasnobodybutthewhaupsandtherailwayofficialsonthepassingtrainstoobjecttoitscontinuance。Nowitiscoldandblowyonthewest-landmoors，andneitherwhaupsnordark-blueuniformsobjecttoalittlerefreshmentupthere。ThemischiefwasthatGavinBalchrystiedidnot，liketheguardsandengine-drivers，goonwiththepassingtrain。Hewasalwaysonthespot，andthepaththroughBarbraxWoodtotheRailwayInnwasaswelltroddenasthatwhichledoverthebogmoss，wherethewhaupsbuilt，tothegreatwhiteviaductofLochMerrick，wherehisthreemilesofparallelgleamingresponsibilitybegan。
Whenhiswifewasbutnewlydead，andhisJanetjustasmartelf-
lockedlassierunningtoandfromtheschool，Gavingottoomuchinthewayof"slippin’doonby。"WhenJanetgrewtobewomanmuckle，Gavinkeptthehabit，andJanethardlyknewthatitwasnottheuseandwontofallfatherstosidledowntoacontiguousRailwayArms，andreturnsomehourslaterwithuncertainstep，andfaceprickedoutwithbrightpin-pointsofred——thesuremarkoftheconfirmeddrinkerofwhiskyneat。
TheywerelongdaysinthecottageatthebackofBarbraxLongWood。
Thelittle"butan’ben"waswhitewashedtillitdazzledtheeyesasyoucameoverthebraetoitandfounditsetagainstthesolemndepthsofdark-greenfirwood。Fromearlymorn，whenshesawherfatheroff，tilltheduskoftheday，whenhewouldreturnforhissupper，JanetBalchrystiesawnohumanbeing。Sheheardthemuffledroarofthetrainsthroughthedeepcuttingatthebackofthewood，butsheherselfwasentirelyoutofsightofthecarriagefulsoftravellerswhiskingpastwithinhalfamileofhersolitudeandmeditation。
Janetwaswhatiscalleda"through-gaunlass，"andherworkforthedaywasoftenoverbyeighto’clockinthemorning。Janetgrewtowomanhoodwithoutasweetheart。Shewasplain，andshelookedplainerthanshewasinthedresseswhichshemadeforherselfbythelightofnatureandwhatshecouldrememberofthecurrentfashionsatMerrickKirk，towhichshewenteveryalternateSunday。Herfatherandshetookdayabout。Wetorshine，shetrampedtoMerrickKirk，evenwhentherainblatteredandthewindravedandbleatedalternatelyamongthepinesoftheLongWoodofBarbrax。Herfatherhadasimplerwayofspendinghisdayout。HewentdowntotheRailwayInnanddrank"ginger-beer"alldaywiththelandlord。Ginger-beerisanunsteadyingbeveragewhentakenthedaybythelength。Alsothemanwhodrinksitsteadilyandquietlyneverentersonanyinheritanceoflengthofdays。
SoitcametopassthatonenightGavinBalchrystiedidnotcomehomeatall——atleast，nottillhewasbroughtlyingcomfortablyonthedoorofadisusedthird-classcarriage，whichwasnowseeingoutitscareeranchoredunderthebankatLochMerrick，whereGavinhaduseditasashelter。Thedriverofthe"six-fiftyup"trainhadseenhimwalkingsoberlyalongtowardTheHuts（andtheRailwayInn），lettinghislongsurface-man’shammerfallagainsttherail-keysoccasionallyashewalked。Hesawhimbendonce，asthoughhiskeeneardetectedafalseringinalooselengthbetweentwoplates。Thiswasthelastthatwasseenofhimtillthedriverofthe"nine-thirty-sevendown"
express——the"boat-train，"astheemployeesoftheP。P。R。callit，withatouchofrespectintheirvoices——passedGavinfallenforwardonhisfacejustwhenhewasflyingdowngradeunderafullheadofsteam。Itwasduskilyclear，withagreatlakeofcrimsonlightdyingintopurpleoverthehillsofmidsummerheather。ThedriverwasJohnPlatt，theEnglishmanfromCrewe，whohadbeenbroughtfromthegreatLondonandNorthwesternRailway，locallyknownas"TheEll-nen-
doubleyou。"Intheseremoterailwaycirclesthetalkisasexclusivelyofmattersofthefour-footwayasinCreweorDerby。Thereisaninspectoroftraffic，whoseportlypresencenowgracesCarlisleStation，wholefttheP。P。R。inthesesaddaysofamalgamation，becausehecouldnotenduretoseesomany"Sou’west"waggonspassingoverthesacredmetalsoftheP。P。R。permanentway。Fromhisyouthhehadbeentrainedinacreedoftwoarticles："ToswearbytheP。P。R。
throughthickandthin，andhatetheapplegreenofthe’Sou’west。’"
Itwasasmuchashecoulddotoputupwiththesightoftheabominations;tohavetohuntfortheirtruckswhentheygotastraywasmorethanmortalcouldstand，sohefledtheland。
SowhentheystoppedtheexpressforGavinBalchrystie，everymanonthelinefeltthatitwasanhonourtothedead。JohnPlattsenta"gurring"thrillthroughthetrainasheputhisbrakesharddownandwhistledfortheguard。He，thinkingthattheMerrickViaductwasdownatleast，twirledhisbraketosuchpurposethattherearcarprogressedalongthemetalsbyaseriesofconvulsivebounds。Thentheysoftlyranback，andtherelayGavinfallenforwardonhisknees，asthoughhehadbeentryingtorise，orhadkneltdowntopray。Lethimhave"thebenefitofthedoubt"inthisworld。Inthenext，ifalltalesbetrue，thereisnosuchthing。
SoJanetBalchrystiedweltaloneinthewhite"butan’ben"atthebackoftheLongWoodofBarbrax。Thefactorgavehernotice，butthelaird，whowasnotaccountedbyhisneighbourstobeverywise，becausehedidneedlesslykindthings，toldthefactortoletthelassiebide，anddeliveredtoherselfwithhisownhandwritingtotheeffectthatJanetBalchrystie，inconsiderationofherlonelycondition，wastobeallowedthehouseforherlifetime，acow’sgrass，andthirtypoundsterlingintheyearasachargeontheestate。Hedrovedownthecowhimself，andhavingstalleditinthebyre，heinformedherofthefactovertheyarddykebywordofmouth，forhenevercouldbeinducedtoenterherdoor。Hewasaccountedtobe"geyan’queer，"savebythosewhohadtriedmakingabargainwithhim。Buthisfarmerslikedhim，knowinghimtobeaneasymanwiththosewhohadbeenreallyunfortunate，forheknewtowhattheyear’scropsofeachhadamounted，toasinglechalderandheadofnowt。
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