“It is good to be approving the sermon, but I would rather be seeing you make a practical application of it.”
“Indeed, that is true,” replied Donald, “and it would not be amiss for more than me to make application of it.”
“Indeed, then, if all reports be true,” replied Peter, “it would be well for you to begin at home.”
“Mr. McRae,” said Donald, earnestly, “it is myself that knows well enough my shortcomings, but if there is any special reason for your remark, I am not aware of it.”
This light treatment of what to Peter had seemed a grievous offense against all authority incensed the old dominie beyond all endurance.
“And do you not think that the conduct of your son last week calls for any reproof? And is it you that will stand up and defend it in the face of the minister and his sermon upon it this day?”
Donald gazed at him a few moments as if he had gone mad. At length he replied, slowly, “I do not wish to forget that you are an elder of the church, Mr. McRae, and I will not be charging you with telling lies on me and my family—”
“Tut, tut, man,” broke in Long John Cameron, seeing how the matter stood; “he's just referring to yon little difference Thomas had with the master last week. But it's just nothing. Come away in.”
“Thomas?” gasped Donald. “My Thomas?”
“You have not heard, then,” said Peter, in surprise, and old Donald only shook his head.