Mr. Sangster was always a welcome visitor, being indeed the only man in the congregation of education or judgment sufficient to warrant confidential consultation. His rugged face and burly form showed some discomposure, as, after a greeting of unusual warmth, for him, he took his seat. 'This is not a mere friendly visit, Mr. Roderick,' he said;' I wish it was. I am the advanced guard, if I may say so, of a deputation which is going to wait on you; and I wish you distinctly to understand, that I have no sympathy with it whatever. I would say that their errand is both impertinent and absurd, but that these expressions are not half strong enough to convey what I think; and, as I have told them, I only accompany them to assure you that, though they are taking upon them to speak in the name of your flock, we are not all to be taken as represented by them. Quite the contrary!' Mary flushed and looked disturbed, and presently she left the room. Roderick's face showed only astonishment. 'But what is it about, Mr. Sangster? Mary has used the word '_rumours_' more than once, but she has not explained it, and you know I have been shut up here for a week past. There must be something the matter, for none of the people have come to see me, and scarcely any so far as I know have even asked how I am. I have been so ill as scarcely to have noted the neglect, but to-day, when I am again able to think, it seems strange. There are so many warm hearts among them.' 'A set of born idiots!' muttered the Laird testily. But at that moment the door opened, and the deputation appeared. Ebenezer Prittie and Peter Malloch were grave and austere of demeanour, and dignified withal, but a little uncertain. They had thought to gather facts, hints, and experience for this more weighty visitation, in their preliminary raid on Tibbie Tirpie; but when they had arrived before her shieling, the door was locked, and no sign of life showed around the premises but a starveling black cat, which arched its back threateningly at their approach, and guarded the threshold with a display of needle-sharp claws and teeth. Mr. Geddie's deportment also was grave, but solemn rather than severe. He was minded that his disapproval should be chastened with much love, and expected thereby to win the culprit to repentance, and what would be especially convenient in the present unripe and ill-gotten-up state of their case, to confession. Roderick greeted them with his wonted cordiality, provided them with seats, and sat down facing them to hear what they would say, while the Laird twirled his thumbs in expectancy; but they said nothing.