"You yourself were in the same position before Donald was born."
"Yes, and so I chose the salvation of the ministry."
"You had the 'call' thereto. You liked the salvation of the ministry. Donald could not take it, so you tied him to a counting desk. It was like harnessing a stag to a plough. But you'll take your own way, no matter where it leads you. So I'll say no more."
"Thank you, Jessy. If you would consider the subject closed, I——"
"I will do no such thing. I shall speak for Donald whenever I can, in season or out of season. There is a letter for you from Lady Cramer. It came this morning."
Dr. Macrae took it with a touch of respect, and read it twice over before he spoke of its contents, though Mrs. Caird and Marion had their part in its message. Finally, he laid it down and, handing his cup to be refilled, he said:
"Jessy, at six o'clock this evening, Lady Cramer will send a carriage for me. She wishes me to stay until Wednesday afternoon, then she intends coming to pay her call of welcome to you and Marion, and I will return with her."
"So she is wanting you for the most part of two days. What for? She has her lawyers, and councillors, and her stepson."
"The business she wants me to talk over with her is beyond lawyers and councillors. It is of a literary and religious nature."
"Oh! You may keep it to yourself, Ian."