"And I shall put a summary stop to the law proceedings."
"How will you do that, now that they are publicly entered upon?" asked
Mr. Channing.
"I'll manage it," was the reply. "We'll see which is strongest, I or
Butterby."
When they were gathering together for the reading, that night, Arthur
took his place as usual. Mr. Channing looked at him sternly, and spoke
sternly--in the presence of them all. "Will your conscience allow you
to join in this?"
How it stung him! Knowing himself innocent; seeing Hamish, the real
culprit, basking there in their love and respect, as usual; the
unmerited obloquy cast upon him was almost too painful to bear. He did
not answer; he was battling down his rebellious spirit; and the gentle
voice of Mrs. Channing rose instead.
"James, there is all the more need for him to join in it, if things are
as you fear." And Mr. Channing applied himself to the reading.
"My son, if thou come to serve the Lord, prepare thy soul for
temptation. Set thy heart aright, and constantly endure, and make not
haste in time of trouble."
It was a portion of Scripture rarely chosen, and, perhaps for that
reason, it fell upon Arthur with greater force. As he listened, the
words brought healing with them; and his sore spirit was soothed, and
grew trusting and peaceful as that of a little child.
CHAPTER XXV.
A MORNING CALL.
You may possibly be blaming Arthur Channing for meeting this trouble in
so sad a spirit.
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