It was possibly not inevitable, however; only
what could he do, and at the same time avoid grievous hurt?
"I dinna think he'll ever merry my leddy," he said.
"What gars ye say that, Ma'colm?" returned Lizzy, with eagerness.
"I canna tell ye jist i' the noo; but ye ken a body canna weel
be aye aboot a place ohn seein things. I'll tell ye something o'
mair consequence hooever," he continued. . "Some fowk say there's
a God, an' some say there's nane, an' I ha'e no richt to preach to
ye, Lizzy; but I maun jist tell ye this--'at gien God dinna help
them 'at cry till 'im i' the warst o' tribles, they micht jist as
weel ha'e nae God at a'. For my ain pairt I ha'e been helpit, an'
I think it was him intil 't. Wi' his help, a man may warstle throu'
onything. I say I think it was himsel' tuik me throu' 't, an' here
I stan' afore ye, ready for the neist trible, an' the help 'at 'll
come wi' 't. What it may be, God only knows!"
CHAPTER VI: MR CRATHIE
He was interrupted by the sudden opening of the door, and the voice
of the factor in exultant wrath.
"MacPhail!" it cried. "Come out with you. Don't think to sneak
there. I know you. What right have you to be on the premises? Didn't
I send you about your business this morning?"
"Ay, sir, but ye didna pay me my wages," said Malcolm, who had
sprung to the door and now stood holding it half shut, while Mr
Crathie pushed it half open.
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