THE LOGGING BEE
"We will see you at the Bible class, Ranald," she said, kindly, but still Ranald remained silent.
"Can you not speak, man?" said his father. "Do you not hear the minister's wife talking to you?"
"Yes," said Ranald, "I will be there."
"We will be glad to see you," said Mrs. Murray, offering him her hand. "And you might come in with Hughie for a few minutes afterward," she continued, kindly, for she noted the misery in his face.
"And we will be glad to see you, too, Mr. Macdonald, if it would not be too much for you, and if you do not scorn a woman's teaching."
"Indeed, I would be proud," said Macdonald Dubh, courteously, "as far as that is concerned, for I hear there are better men than me attending."
"I am sure Mrs. Murray will be glad to see you, Mr. Macdonald," said the minister.
"I will be thinking of it," said Macdonald Dubh, cautiously. "And you are both very kind, whatever," he said, losing for a time his habitual gloom.
"Well, then, I will look for you both," said Mrs. Murray, as they were about to drive off, "so do not disappoint me."
"Good by, Ranald," said Maimie, offering Ranald her hand.
"Good by," said Ranald, holding her hand for a moment and looking hard into her eyes, "and I hope you will enjoy your ride, whatever."
Then Maimie understood Ranald's savage manner, and as she thought it over she smiled to herself. She
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