He drew up his horse instinctively, and stood endeavouring to collect his ideas, while a few paces brought her up to his horse's head.
"Michael Tyrie," said she, "the foolish women of the Clachan [The village; literally, the stones.] hold thee as a god--be one to me, and say that my son lives.

Say this, and I too will be of thy worship; I will bend my knees on the seventh day in thy house of worship, and thy God shall be my God." "Unhappy woman," replied the clergyman, "man forms not pactions with his Maker as with a creature of clay like himself.

Thinkest thou to chaffer with Him, who formed the earth, and spread out the heavens, or that thou canst offer aught of homage or devotion that can be worth acceptance in his eyes?
He hath asked obedience, not sacrifice; patience under the trials with which He afflicts us, instead of vain bribes, such as man offers to his changeful brother of clay, that he may be moved from his purpose." "Be silent, priest!" answered the desperate woman; "speak not to me the words of thy white book.

Elspat's kindred were of those who crossed themselves and knelt when the sacring bell was rung, and she knows that atonement can be made on the altar for deeds done in the field.

Elspat had once flocks and herds, goats upon the cliffs, and cattle in the strath.