To-night I have been penning the final pages of this my book, with Hector sitting at his ease in a leathern chair reading a volume from the well-stocked shelves of the study. And I--because my hand was weary, or because my heart was aching for a sight of Mary--stole up to her room a moment since. She was lying in the great carved oaken bed, with the light from the candles in their silver sconces falling upon her dear face and the glory of her hair as it lay outspread on the lavender-scented pillow. I bent over her, and slipping an arm under her shoulders kissed her, and she pushed down the white coverlet with her pretty hand to let me peep at our daughter lying asleep in the fold of her arm. "Isn’t she bonnie?" she whispered. "I think we’ll ca’ her Jean." "Flower o’ the heather and little heather-bell," I said, and gathered them both in my arms. * * * * * * * * _*BY THE SAME AUTHOR*_ *THE ADVENTURE OF DEATH* An uplifting and strengthening book, free from gloom, and written with literary charm. _Fifth Impression_ *THE ADVENTURE OF LIFE* "Eloquent and popular talks, such as have been commended to many renders by Dr. Mackenna’s ’Adventure of Death.’"--_The Times. Second Impression_ *BRACKEN AND THISTLEDOWN* "A work of singular charm, gracious in the spirit pervading it, pawky in its humour, and bright and keen in its delineation of character. The book should make a very wide appeal."--_Liverpool Post. Third Impression_ *THROUGH FLOOD AND FIRE* "Mr. Mackenna is a true son of Scott and (dare it be said?) much more likely to appeal to the younger generation than the master. He has the power of vivid story-telling, a remarkable gift for atmosphere and his people are real human stuff."--_Daily Chronicle_ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED