"That he should yield, Mr. Smellie?" interrupted Miss Thomasina, with an expression of wonder. "No, no, Miss Porteous," replied the worthy Peter, "that may be impossible; but that we should allow Providence to deal with Adam. He is ill. The Doctor, I heard to-day, thinks it may come to typhus fever. He is threatened, at least." "And may die?" said the lady, interpreting the elder’s thoughts. "But I hope not, poor man, for his own sake. It would be a solemn judgment." "I did not say die," continued Smellie; "but many things may occur--such as repentance--a new mind, &c. Anyhow," he added with a smile, "he should, in my very humble opinion, be dealt wi’ charitably--nay, I would say kindly. Our justice should be tempered wi’ mercy, so that no enemy could rejoice over us, and that we should feel a good conscience--the best o’ blessings," he said with a sigh--"as knowing that we had exhausted every means o’ bringing him to a right mind; for, between us baith, and knowing your Christian principles, I do really houp that at heart he is a good man. Forgie me for hinting it, as I would not willingly pain you, but I really believe it. Now, if he dees, we’ll have no blame. So I say, or rather suggest, that, wi’ your leave, we should in the meantime let things alone, and say no more about this sad business. I leave you to propose this to our worthy minister." "I think _our_ kindness and charity, Mr. Smellie," replied Miss Porteous, "are not required at present. On my word, no! My poor brother requires both, not Mercer. See how _he_ is petted! Those upstart Gordons have been sending him, I hear, all sorts of good things: wine and grapes--grapes, that even I have only tasted once in my life, when my mother died! And Mrs. Gordon called on him yesterday in her carriage! It’s absolutely ridiculous! I would even say an insult! tho’ I’m sure I don’t wish the man any ill--not I; but only that we must not spoil him, and make a fool of my brother and the Session, as if Mercer was innocent. I assure you my brother feels this sort of mawkish sympathy very much--very much. It’s mean and cowardly!" "It is quite natural that he should feel annoyed," replied Mr. Smellie; "and so do I. But, nevertheless, I again say, we must be merciful; for mercy rejoiceth over judgment. So I humbly advise to let things alone for the present, and to withdraw our hand when Providence begins to work;--in the meantime, in the meantime." Miss Thomasina was not prepared for these new views on the part of the high-principled, firm, and consistent elder. They crossed her purpose. She had no idea of giving up the battle in this easy way. What had she to do with Providence? To stand firm and fast to her principles was, she had ever been taught, the one thing needful; and until the Sergeant confessed his fault, it seemed to her, as she said, that "he should be treated as a heathen and a publican!"