Rowena shrugged her shoulders. "An unknowledgeable finish, I am afraid. You know I don't regard the Bible as you do. It is one of many religious textbooks." "Yes, that was my belief; but Cuff Mackenzie knocked that on the head. His life was a living vital force—inspired by what he got out of the Bible. And he was one of the best chaps going. I have now proved what he did: that it solves all life's puzzles, and brings one into touch with a glorious new world, and a certain hope, and a mighty Power." "Anything more?" General Macdonald turned steady, glowing eyes upon her. "It makes one acquainted with the Saviour of the World." Rowena was absolutely silent for some moments, then she said: "I wonder if I shall get out of it what you do?" "I dare say you will get more." "You see," she said somewhat wistfully, "it is only since I have had so much time alone that I have begun to think. But I don't feel, even now, that I am dissatisfied or want more than I can get. I mean I don't need the Bible as a prop or guide." "Perhaps you have never had a flash of light showing you our cause of existence." "I haven't. I think the only thing I was born for was to be kind to Ted." General Macdonald was silent. Then Rowena suddenly turned the subject, and told him of her attempt at literature. He was interested at once. "I'll lend you our clan book. As this is our part of the world, there's a lot of local information in it. I congratulate you on the idea. When one is on one's back, writing is an immense resource. It is even better than reading for taking away from oneself." "Have you done anything in that way yourself?" "Yes, I have done a few articles for magazines—chiefly military subjects. I believe I have a book on the lochs of this part. Would you care for it as a reference?" "I should be charmed. I envy you your library! Being shut up for the greater part of the year, this house does not own many books." General Macdonald looked at her thoughtfully. Rowena was always good to look at. Her face was extraordinarily alive with interest and emotion. One of her friends said that her soul seemed to be leaping forth from her body. Now, as she lay back among her cushions, there was a magnificent energy and force in every feature of her face. She drew a long breath. "Oh, it's good to be learning new things," she said. "This small attempt of mine has taught me so much of this dear place! By the by, do you know our new young minister? He is very interested in all local history, and has the superstitious soul of the Highlander in spite of his religion." "I have met him and like him. I lent him an old book of mine the other day, written by one of those early divines, and its quaint phraseology pleased me. I copied a bit out for you. Tell me how you like it?" General Macdonald produced a notebook out of his pocket and read the following: "I walk the world now with the World's Creator."