The thing was done so quickly that reflection had formed no part of it.

But when Jenny heard the front-door clash impatiently after David, she surmised some imprudence, and hastened to see what was the matter.

John told her the "affront" David had received, and looked eagerly into the strong, kindly face for an assurance that he had acted with becoming promptitude and sympathy.

Jenny shook her head gravely, and regarded the deacon with a look of pitying disapproval.

"To think," she said, "of twa men trying to sort a love affair, when there was a woman within call to seek counsel o'." "But we couldna hae done better, Jenny." "Ye couldna hae done warse, deacon.