It was very natural that Donald, being a stranger both to the city and its business, should take no part in this discourse, and that he should, in consequence, devote himself to Christine.

But James felt it an offence, and rose much earlier than was his wont to depart.

David stayed him, almost authoritatively: "Ye maun stop, baith o' ye lads, and join in my meat and worship.

They are ill visitors that canna sit at ane board and kneel at ane altar." For David had seen, through all their drifting talk of ships and cargoes, the tumult in James' heart, and he did not wish him to go away in an ungenerous and unjust temper.

So both Donald and James partook of the homely supper of pease brose and butter, oatmeal cakes and fresh milk, and then read aloud with David and Christine the verses of the evening Psalm that came to each in turn.