THE MAN FROM GLENGARRY
"Oh, auntie, I am so miserable!"
"But, Maimie, " continued her aunt, "in this matter, as I said before, you must be true to yourself. Do you love Ranald?"
"Oh, auntie, I cannot tell," cried Maimie, putting her face in her hands.
"If Ranald were De Lacy would you love him?"
"Oh yes, yes, how happy I would be!"
Then Mrs. Murray rose. "Maimie, dear," she said, and her voice was very gentle but very firm, "let me speak to you for your dear mother's sake. Do not deceive yourself. Do not give your life for anything but love. Ranald is a noble man and he will be a great man some day, and I love him as my own son, but I would not have you give yourself to him unless you truly loved him." She did not mention De Lacy's name nor utter a word in comparison of the two, but listening to her voice, Maimie knew only too well whither her love had gone.
"Oh, auntie," she cried, "I cannot bear it!"
"Yes, Maimie dear, you can bear to do the right, for there is One in whose strength we can do all things." Before Maimie could reply her Aunt Frances came in.
"It is dinner-time," she announced, "and your father has just come in, Maimie, and we must have dinner over at once."
Maimie rose, and going to the glass, smoothed back her hair. Her Aunt Frances glanced at her face and then at Mrs. Murray, and as if fearing Maimie's reply, went on hurriedly, "You must look your very
398
