Ranald was standing, pale and silent, with his head thrown back, as his manner was when in passion.

The talk was mainly between Aleck and Murdie, the others crowding eagerly about and putting in a word as they could.

Murdie was reasoning good-humoredly, Aleck replying fiercely.
"It was good enough for him," Mrs.Murray heard Don interject, in a triumphant tone, to Murdie.

But Murdie shut him off sternly.
"Whisht, Don, you are not talking just now." Don was about to reply when he caught sight of Mrs.Murray.

"Here's the minister's wife," he said, in a low tone, and at once the group parted in shamefaced confusion.