"Eben!" said Smellie, "go up-stairs. I wish to speak to Miss Porteous alone."
The boy disappeared.
"As a friend, Miss Porteous," whispered Smellie, "permit me to say, in strictest confidence--you understand?--"
"Quite!" replied Miss Thomasina, with a look of intense curiosity.
"That I have learned some things about Mrs. Craigie," continued Mr. Smellie, "which should make us extremely cautious in helping or trusting her."
"Indeed!" said Miss Thomasina.
"And as regards the Sergeant," said Mr. Smellie, "there is--rightly or wrongly is not the question--a strong sympathy felt for him in the parish. It is human nature to feel, you know, for the weak side, even if it is the worst side; and from my profound respect for our excellent minister, over whom you exercise such great and useful influence, I would advise----"
"That he should yield, Mr. Smellie?" interrupted Miss Thomasina, with an expression of wonder.
"No, no, Miss Porteous," replied the worthy Peter, "that may be impossible; but that we should allow Providence to deal with Adam. He is ill. The Doctor, I heard to-day, thinks it may come to typhus fever. He is threatened, at least."
"And may die?" said the lady, interpreting the elder's thoughts. "But I hope not, poor man, for his own sake. It would be a solemn judgment."