"It was splendid!" Kate's cheek flushed. "And Drumtochty?" "Ah, something happened here that was by itself in Scotland. Will you ask Dr. Davidson not to interrupt or browbeat me? Thank you; now I am safe. "Some one of influence went to old Lord Kilspindie, who had no love to the Free Kirk, and told him that a few of his Drumtochty men wanted to get a site for a Free Kirk, and that he must give it. And he did." "Now, Carmichael," began the Doctor, who had scented danger; but Kate held up her hand with an imperious gesture, and Carmichael went on:-- "The same person used to send to the station for the Free Kirk probationer, and entertain him after a lordly fashion--with port, if he were worthy--and send him on his way rejoicing--men have told me. But," concluded Carmichael, averting his face from the foot of the table, "wild horses will not compel me to give that good Samaritan's name." "Was it you, Davidson, that sanctioned such a proceeding? Why, it was mutiny." "Of course he did, dad," cried Kate; "just the very thing he would do; and so, I suppose, the Free Kirk love him as much as they do yourself, sir?" "As much? far more . . ." "Had I known what downright falsehood the Free Kirk minister of Drumtochty was capable of, I would never have allowed him to open his mouth." "Well, I am satisfied, at any rate," said Kate, "and I propose to retire to the drawing-room, and I know who would love a rubber of whist by-and-by. We are just the number." A minute later Carmichael asked leave to join Kate, as he believed she was to have him for partner, and he must understand her game. "How adroit he is to-night, Jack;" but the General rather pitied the lad, with whom he imagined Kate was playing as a cat with a mouse. "Have you ever seen the face below the veil?" for they did not talk long about whist in the drawing-room. "I do not think it would be wrong to look, for the padre told me the story. "Yes, a very winning face. His only sister, and he simply lived for her. She was only twelve when she died, and he loves her still, although he hardly ever speaks of her." They stood together before the happy girl-face enshrined in an old man's love. They read the inscription: "My dear sister Daisy." "I never had a sister," and Carmichael sighed. "And I have now no brother." Their hands met as they gently lowered the veil. "Well, have you arranged your plans?" and the Doctor came in intent on whist. "Only one thing. I am going to follow Miss Carnegie's lead, and she is always to win," said the Free Kirk minister of Drumtochty. CHAPTER XVII. SMOULDERING FIRES.