He had become more gravely handsome, and he talked more sensibly to David; but David liked him less.
After this visit there sprang up a new hope in James' heart, and he waited and watched, though often with very angry feelings; for he was sure that Donald was gradually deserting Christine.
She grew daily more sad and silent; it was evident she was suffering.
The little Testament lay now always with her work, and he noticed that she frequently laid aside her sewing and read it earnestly, even while David and he were quietly talking at the fireside.
One Sabbath, two years after Donald's departure, James met David coming out of church alone.

He could only say, "I hope Christine is well." "Had she been well, she had been wi' me; thou kens that, James." "I might have done so.

Christine is never absent from God's house when it is open." "It is a good plan, James; for when they who go regular to God's house are forced to stay away, God himself asks after them.

I hae no doubt but what Christine has been visited." They walked on in silence until David's house was in sight.

"I'm no caring for any company earth can gie me the night, James; but the morn I hae something to tell you I canna speak anent to-day.".