When the song was ended, no one spoke for a time, and even Mr. Sims was silent. Then the lieutenant came over to the harmonium, and leaning toward Kate, said, in an earnest voice, unusual with him, “Thank you Miss Raymond. That was truly great.” “Great indeed;” said Harry, with enthusiasm. “I never heard you sing like that before, Kate.” But Ranald sat silent, finding no words in which to express the thoughts and feelings her singing had aroused in him. There is that in noble music which forbids unreality, rebukes frivolity into silence, subdues ignoble passions, soothes the heart's sorrow, and summons to the soul high and holy thoughts. It was difficult to begin the conversation; the trivial themes of the earlier part of the evening seemed foreign to the mood that had fallen upon the company. At length Mr. Sims ventured to remark, with a giggle: “It's awfully fine, don't you know, but a trifle funereal. Makes one think of graves and that sort of thing. Very nice, of course,” he added, apologetically, to Kate. Ranald turned and regarded the little man for some moments in silence, and then, with unutterable scorn, exclaimed: “Nice! man, it's wonderful, wonderful to me whatever! Makes me think of all the great things I ever saw.” “What things?” Kate ventured to say. For a few moments Ranald paused, and then replied: “It makes me think of the big pine trees waving and wailing over me at night, and the big river rolling down with the moonlight on it--and--other things.” “What other things, Ranald,” persisted Kate. But Ranald shook his head and sat silent for some time. Then he rose abruptly. “I will be going now,” he said. “You will come again soon, Ranald,” said Maimie, coming toward him with a look on her face that reminded him of the days in the Glengarry manse. She had forgotten all about his red shirt and silk handkerchief. As Ranald caught that look a great joy leaped into his eyes for a moment, then faded into a gaze of perplexity. “Yes, do come,” added Kate. “Will you sing again?” he asked, bluntly. “Yes, indeed,” she replied, with a slight blush, “if you want me to.” “I will come. When? To-morrow night?” “Yes, certainly, to-morrow night,” said Kate, blushing deeply now, for she noticed the slight smile on Harry's face, and the glance that passed between Mr. Sims and the lieutenant. Then Ranald said good night. “I have never had such pleasure in my life,” he said, holding her hand a moment, and looking into her eyes that sparkled with a happy light. “That is,” he added, with a swift glance at Maimie, “from music or things like that.” Kate caught the glance, and the happy light faded from her eyes. “Good night,” said Ranald, offering his hand to Maimie. “I am glad I came now. It makes me think of the last night at the manse, although I am always thinking of it,” he added, simply, with a touch of sadness in his voice. Maimie's face grew hot with blushes. “Yes,” she answered, hurriedly. “Dear Aunt Murray!”