She WOULDN'T think else.

She be a good daughter to him--that she be!" We all sat silent; and then John said, in a low voice--"Mrs.Tod, she ought to be told--and you would be the best person to tell her." But the soft-hearted landlady recoiled from the task.

"If Tod were at home now--he that is so full o' wisdom learnt in 'the kirk'-- " "I think," said John, hastily interrupting, "that a woman would be the best.

But if you object, and as Doctor Brown will not be here till to-morrow--and as there is no one else to perform such a trying duty--it seems--that is, I believe"-- here his rather formal speech failed.

He ended it abruptly--"If you like I will tell her myself." Mrs.Tod overwhelmed him with thankfulness.
"How shall I meet her, then?
If it were done by chance it would be best." "I'll manage it somehow.