“I think, sir,” he said in a harsh, strange accent, which yet was that of awe, “I think, sir, I stand in the presence of the poet.” The old man recoiled a step from his visitor in mute surprise. “Forgive me, sir,” said his visitor, “forgive the importunity of the vulgar, but I am hardly to blame. I have come all the way from Aberdeen to look upon the poet. You see, I have been a reviewer of books for the _Caledonian Journal_ for fifty years, but a month ago I received a book from which my pen has refrained. But I have not been able to refrain my eyes from its author. To-day, upon my arrival from Aberdeen, I went direct to the publishers, who at first even denied an acquaintance with the poet’s name, but ultimately I found a young man in their office who sent me here.” “The poet is not I,” said the old man humbly. The visitor appeared surprised and incredulous. “If you are not the poet, sir,” he said, “I am sure you are a near kinsman.” The old man peered at the grim features of his visitor with his half-blind eyes. “You appear to be simple and gentle,” he said softly. “Perhaps you will follow.” The old man led his visitor into the shop, into the little room, which was now deserted, and thence up the stairs, into the small chamber lighted with dim candles, in which the poet lay. As soon as the visitor beheld that which was therein contained, he sank to his knees by its side. He remained in that attitude a long while. When he arose the aged man was gazing upon him with his half-blind eyes. They confronted one another like a pair of children. Suddenly the visitor leaned across the bed in an act of further homage to the lifeless clay. “Why do you do that?” said the white-haired man at his side. “Why do I do this?” said the other, and his powerful spreading northern speech appeared to strike the walls of the tiny chamber. “Why do I do this? I am afraid, sir, it must be left to my great great grandchildren to answer your question.” THE END _Richard Clay & Sons, Limited, London and Bungay._ NEW NOVELS, 6s. =The Younger Set.= By ROBERT W. CHAMBERS. Author of “The Fighting Chance,” “The Reckoning,” “Cardigan,” etc., etc. With 8 Illustrations by G. C. WILMSHURST. =The Measure of the Rule.= By ROBERT BARR. Author of “The Mutable Many,” “In the Midst of Alarms,” etc. =In the Shade of the Cloister.= By ARNOLD WRIGHT. An impressive story dealing with the inner life of a Franciscan monastery of our own times, which is powerfully painted. The whole book is full of striking features. =The Thornton Device.= By the Hon. Mrs. GROSVENOR. Author of “The Bands of Orion.” =Valerie Upton.= By ANNE DOUGLAS SEDGWICK. Author of “The Shadow of Life,” etc. =William Jordan Junior.= By J. C. SNAITH. Author of “Broke of Covenden,” “Mistress Dorothy Marvin,” etc. =The Beaten Road.= By ELLEN GLASGOW. Author of “The Deliverance,” “The Wheel of Life,” etc.