“One thing at least I am sure of,” answered the soutar, “—that he is far fitter for it than ever he was in his life before.” Mr. Robertson repeated this to James the next day, adding— “And I am certain every one who knows you will vote the restoration of your license!” “I must speak to Isy about it,” answered James with simplicity. “That is quite right, of course,” rejoined Mr. Robertson: “you know I tell my wife everything that I am at liberty to tell.” “Will not some public recognition of my reinstatement be necessary?” suggested James. “I will have a talk about it with some of the leaders of the synod, and let you know what they say,” answered Mr. Robertson. “Of course I am ready,” returned Blatherwick, “to make any public confession judged necessary or desirable; but that would involve my wife; and although I know perfectly that she will be ready for anything required of her, it remains not the less my part to do my best to shield her!” “Of one thing I think you may be sure—that, with our present moderator, your case will be handled with more than delicacy—with tenderness!” “I must not doubt it; but for myself I would deprecate indulgence. I must have a talk with my wife about it! She is sure to know what will be best!” “My advice is to leave it all in the hands of the moderator. We have no right to choose, appoint, or apportion our own penalties!” James went home and laid the whole matter before his wife. Instead of looking frightened, or even anxious, Isy laid little Peter softly in his crib, threw her arms round James’s neck, and cried— “Thank God, my husband, that you have come to this! Don’t think to leave me out, I beg of you. I am more than ready to accept my shame. I have always said _I_ was to blame, and not you! It was me that should have known better!” “You trusted me, and I proved quite unworthy of your confidence!—But had ever man a wife to be so proud of as I of you!” Mr. Robertson brought the matter carefully before the synod; but neither James nor Isy ever heard anything more of it—except the announcement of the cordial renewal of James’s license. This was soon followed by the offer of a church in the poorest and most populous parish north of the Tweed.