And then into the midst of his doubts and fears, his anxiety for the future and his regrets for the past, there came such a rich and abounding6 blessing8, such an abundant answer to all his prayers, that for a season the Watchman was overwhelmed with contrite9 joy. For, after nearly a year of dissension, the congregations of Glenoro and the Tenth concession10 of Oro at last made choice of a minister, a choice which won the unanimous approval of both churches and suited everyone from old Andrew Johnstone to the Hamilton girls. He seemed to possess every requisite11 to suit the varied12 tastes of the varied people of Glenoro church. The old folk overlooked his youth, and the Oa forgot his lack of Gaelic in the light of his great achievement, for he possessed13 one quality that made it possible for him to bind14 together in peace and harmony the different factions15 of the church. It was not that he was very handsome, that he had a free, winning manner, it was not that he had had a brilliant career at college or that his professors prophesied16 a great future for him, it was not that he was an eloquent17 preacher and was filled with zeal18 for his Master. All these were important; but they sank into insignificance20 before his cardinal21 virtue22, that which placed him immeasurably above all other probationers and made Duncan Polite look upon him as the embodiment of all his hopes, for was he not a grandson of Glenoro's hero, and himself John McAlpine Egerton?
What more could Glenoro hope for on this earth? What more could be desired? Mr. McAlpine come back to them! It seemed too good to be true. He did not even need to preach for a call. In fact, he had had no intention of doing so, but Peter Farquhar and Donald Fraser had heard him preach one Sabbath in Toronto when they went to the Exhibition, and they brought home such a glowing report of this second John McAlpine that at the close of his college term they all with one consent invited him to come and be their pastor. Even the Oa went for him solidly; a Gaelic preacher seemed an impossible luxury in these degenerate23 times, anyway, and, as Peter Farquhar said, "Mr. McAlpine's grandson without the Gaelic was better than any other man with it."
There had not been such a congregation in the Glenoro church since the days of the first John McAlpine as there was the Sabbath after the young man's induction24. All the old people who had not come out to church since Mr. Cameron's death were there. Many of them remembered their young pastor's grandfather, whose fiery25 zeal and burning eloquence26 melted the hearts of those who had gone astray and shook to the very foundations of their being the most hardened sinners,—and here was his counterpart raised up to take his place!
As the young man stood up during the singing of the first psalm27, many aged28 eyes noted29 with loving eagerness certain resemblances in voice and gesture to their hero. His face was handsome and clear-cut and lit by a pair of kindly30, frank, blue eyes, a face which betokened31 a generous and amiable33 disposition34. And the way he held up his fine head and straightened his broad shoulders was so like the first John McAlpine that many an old couple nudged each other with delight.
Miss Cotton had never seen the first McAlpine, but as she sat at the end of the Hamilton pew she could not resist giving Maggie a nudge when the handsome young man's eyes travelled in their direction, a nudge so pregnant of meaning that Maggie giggled35 and transferred the same to Sarah, whence it passed down the long row, setting ribbons and flowers quivering, all to the extreme disapproval36 of Mrs. Fraser, who was not too much occupied with the new minister to overlook any of the misdemeanours of the Hamilton pew.
John Hamilton, himself, was in a state of dazed joy and quite oblivious37 of his daughters. Any sort of a minister was an object of reverent38 delight to the pious39 old man, but this one was so much better than he had ever dreamed, that he looked at him with something akin40 to awe41.
Andrew Johnstone sat at the end of his pew as straight and forbidding as ever, but the gleam of his eyes, from underneath42 his bristling43 brows, showed that his spirit was rejoicing.
Back in the last row, the young men of the church sat regarding the new minister with approval and some envy. Syl Todd, who did not follow after his parents' form of religion, but went now to the Presbyterian Church and now to the Methodist, with impartial44 irregularity, emphatically declared Mr. Egerton the most stylish45 looking fellow he had seen since he left the States, and during the sermon silently registered a vow46 that he would part his hair in the middle, too, just as soon as he got home.
Peter McNabb's voice seemed charged with the universal rejoicing. Not since he had missed Mr. Cameron behind him had the precentor let his notes roll out so tumultuously glorious as when he led the first psalm,
"Oh come let us sing to the Lord,
Come let us everyone
But of all the happy hearts in that congregation, there was none like Duncan Polite's. He looked up at the young divine standing50, like Saul, head and shoulders above the people, and there came to his mind the words spoken by the Lord to Samuel, "Behold52 the man whom I spoke51 to thee of!" This was the man of promise, the man of his dreams.
The very air of the church seemed electric as the young minister opened the Bible and began his sermon. The earnest for the future contained in the text thrilled Duncan's soul, "For I am determined53 to know nothing among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified." "Nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified!" Duncan Polite repeated the words to himself again and again. Ah, what a transformation54 was coming over his glen, what a glorious fulfilment of his covenant—"Nothing but Jesus Christ!"
The discourse55 surpassed even their expectations. It was a fine sermon, sound enough in doctrine56 to suit the ruling elder and brilliant enough in delivery to keep Syl Todd awake. Indeed, Miss Cotton declared afterwards that it was the cleverest sermon she ever listened to, for she didn't understand more than half of it.
But Glenoro's literary attainments57 were not represented by Eliza Cotton. The bulk of the congregation carried the sermon to their homes to discuss it until another one came, and Duncan and Andrew stood so long at the former's gate, going carefully over it point by point, that they forgot time and place and were almost late for Sabbath school.
After the service the congregation pressed about their new pastor, welcoming him with hearty58 handshakes. He went down the aisle59 in his free, kindly manner, grasping the outstretched hands, and almost overcome by the tearful greeting from the old people. His own eyes were moist when at last he was able to get away and out into the street. The people stood crowding the steps to watch him pass up the hill accompanied by the precentor. Mrs. McNabb had been a school teacher in her younger days, and on account of this distinction the McNabb household was the recognised stopping place for any genteel visitor in the Glen. Consequently, they had the honour of boarding the minister, and, as he walked out of the gate and up the road, the McNabb family moved reverently60 in his wake, resplendent in his reflected glory.
For the next two days after that happy Sabbath, Duncan Polite moved about in a radiant dream. He was waiting in childlike faith for the blessings61 which were to descend62. His whole thought was turned upon Donald. Here was the man to influence him and bring him to a sense of the great work awaiting his efforts. He was sitting at his door one evening a few days after the new minister's advent2, looking down into his glen. His hopes for the valley had never been so high. The little ravine lay in purple shadow, but on the crest63 of the opposite hill he saw one tall pine standing up erect64 and grand and all ablaze65 where it caught the last gleam of the dying sun, a pine tree with golden needles like the one in the fairy tale. Duncan's heart, always in keen sympathy with Nature, thrilled at the sight. It seemed to him the bright promise of a new and greater day. He turned and saw Donald coming up the path.
"Oh, and will you be going to the Glen?" he asked, making room for the young man on the doorstep beside him.
"Yes, but I can't sit down, Uncle. Anything to look after?"
"Oh, no, it will be good of you to be always remembering the old man; no, but—will you be seeing the minister, I wonder?"
"Yes, sure, I'm going to the Hamiltons'"—Donald essayed to make this remark in a casual tone, as though this were not his almost daily habit—"I'm going to the Hamiltons' and Archie said Mr. Egerton was to be there to-night. They asked him down to meet some of the young folks."
Duncan's face beamed. "Oh, indeed, and that would be a fine thing!" he cried enthusiastically. He did not detain his nephew longer, for once he was anxious to see the boy off for the village. Formerly66, he had suffered much anxiety because Donald and Sandy spent their evenings hanging around the corner with a crowd of idlers, or at the Hamiltons', where there was nothing but frivolity67 and gaiety, but now all this was changed, for had not Mr. McAlpine returned to them? And was not the Glen a place of blessing to any young person who entered it?
A few minutes after Donald had reached his destination, the young minister passed out of Peter McNabb's gate on the slope of the north hill and in company with the boys and girls of his boarding place, went away down towards the Hamiltons'. He walked along buoyantly, filled with admiration68 of the lovely little valley stretched at his feet. Although the dusk was gathering69, his movements were noted and commented upon by everyone within seeing distance. The cane70 he carried came in for special notice, opinion upon it varying from Syl Todd, who was hurrying, oiled and perfumed, towards the Hamiltons' from the opposite direction and who was overcome with envious71 admiration, to Mrs. Fraser, who, from the post-office veranda72, noted the implement73 of fashion with some misgiving74. Of course, it was all right for a minister to carry one if he chose. He was too far above the rest of the community to be judged by ordinary standards; but there was no denying that a slim cane savoured of "pride," and might prove a stumbling-block to Donald Neil and wee Andra and such wayward youths as were easily led astray.
Meanwhile, the object of all this interest had arrived at the gate between the big oaks. The house was a blaze of light, notwithstanding the early hour. Bars of pink lamp-light stretched out across the dusky lawn and into the dark corners of the orchard75. Someone was playing a lively jig76 on the organ. There was a mingled77 sound of talking, laughter, screams and hurrying feet, and all the usual evening hubbub78 of this lively place.
The Hamilton family consisted of seven girls who were allowed more clothes and liberty than was considered quite respectable in Glenoro society. The Hamilton parents were not usually reckoned in speaking of the household and were at best only accessory. Old John Hamilton lived in a state of good-natured bewilderment when in the bosom79 of his lively family. He spent the day at his flour mill down the river road and in the evenings read his Bible and his weekly paper undisturbed and happy amid all the rush and din7. His wife was a bright little woman who, having had a hard time in her own youth, felt there was some compensation in allowing the girls to "have their fling," as she termed it, until they "settled down."
As the minister approached, Mrs. Hamilton was standing at the gate waiting to welcome him, Miss Cotton beside her. Being the village dressmaker, Miss Cotton had the open sesame to every home in the neighbourhood and held its occupants at the mercy of her sharp tongue and needle. To-night she chose to bestow80 her company upon the Hamiltons, determined to lose nothing of the excitement consequent upon the new minister's introduction to society.
The big sitting-room81, to which Mrs. Hamilton led her guest, was full of young folks, the Frasers, the Duffys, the Baskervilles, the Balfs and a crowd of McDonalds; college students, farmers and mill-hands, for Glenoro knew no social lines.
But amid all the crowd, the stranger's eye picked out a girl at the other end of the room. She was seated on the organ-stool playing, and turned at the sudden silence announcing the minister's entrance. She was dressed in a transparent82 white gown with a blue ribbon wound round her slender throat; the lamp on the organ above shed a soft glow upon a dainty head of clustering brown curls and a face of exquisite83 shape and feature.
The newcomer took this all in with a glance, experiencing a sensation of decided84 pleasure, but his attention was called by his hostess, who proceeded to introduce him to the assembly. The laughing, chattering85 groups broke up and all stood back against the wall, stiff and silent, while Mrs. Hamilton triumphantly86 piloted her guest down the long rows. He shook hands cordially with all and gave a pleasant word of recognition to the few he had met before. The young men received him with a hasty and somewhat limp handshake and an awkward "how d'ye do;" the young women were more graceful87, but quite as diffident, and all were painfully respectful. But there was one young man who displayed neither awkwardness nor shyness. He stood leaning easily against the organ, but straightened himself as the minister approached and was thus between him and the girl at the instrument.
"This is another Mr. McDonald," Mrs. Hamilton was saying for the fifth time, adding the usual vague explanation, "Mr. Neil More, Donald Neil More, you know, Mr. Egerton."
Mr. Egerton did not know, but he could not help feeling that this young man was quite capable of distinguishing himself, even though he bore an ambiguous name. He was tall enough to let his eyes look down just a trifle as he shook hands, but perhaps that was because of the way he held his head. He was friendly and kind; but the young minister, accustomed to the adulation of rural friends, somehow missed the look of deference88 from his fearless dark eyes and instinctively89 experienced a slight feeling of constraint90.
But the next introduction was an unmixed pleasure, when a pair of sweet grey eyes were raised for an instant to his face and Mrs. Hamilton said, unable to keep a tremor91 of pride from her voice, "And this is our Jessie, Mr. Egerton."
He was sorry that she did not speak, but she gave him her hand with an alluring92 shyness, and then he understood why the Hamiltons' was such a centre of attraction.
The introductions were finished at last and the visitor found himself anchored rather insecurely to a slippery haircloth sofa and seated beside a small, youngish woman with a very haughty93 air, who, he learned, was the schoolmaster's wife.
The buzz of talk had commenced again, though much subdued94, and he was at liberty to examine the company. They were four grown-up Hamilton girls, he noticed, and three little ones. With the exception of the beauty on the organ-stool, the young ladies were rather puzzling to a stranger. They were all tall and fair and pretty, but the minister's quick eye soon noted distinguishing characteristics. Bella, the eldest95 and the one to whom the young Johnstone giant was paying such obvious attentions, was the tallest and fairest. Sarah, the one with the affected96 air of discontent, was the third in the quartette. He also discovered afterwards that she was the cleverest and quite aware of the fact, and the noisy rattle-brain who was up to some mischief97 in a corner and to whom Mrs. Hamilton was making gesticulatory appeals, was Maggie, the fourth girl.
But he was compelled to give his attention to his immediate98 neighbours; with Mrs. Watson on one side and Miss Cotton on the other, he was soon possessed of an exhaustive history of everyone present. Sarah Hamilton went to the High School and was dreadful stuck up about it; Allan Fraser, the pale young man talking to her, was studying medicine, and young Donald Neil was going to be a minister. Both ladies agreed, however, that Mr. Egerton would consider Donald's conduct anything but clerical, though he was good to his mother, poor woman—a bad time she had with those noisy rascals——
The steady flow of information was interrupted by the appearance of Mr. Hamilton. He had been struggling with his coat and a clean collar ever since the minister's arrival, and now came stumbling hurriedly into the room.
"Eh, eh, good evening, Mr. Egerton," he cried heartily99, "good evening, sir, Ah'm jist that glad to see ye in the hoose, came awa into the other room, come awa, man, an' we'll have a quiet word."
"Now, pa," protested Mrs. Hamilton, who had been hovering100 round her guest, "don't take Mr. Egerton away out there!"
"Tuts, mother, Ah'll bring him back to the lassies, never fear!" he cried, with ingenuous101 indiscretion. "Come awa, sir!"
The young man followed his host across the hall and into the dining room. It was a big, rag-carpeted room; a large easy chair was set beside the long table and a number of newspapers were strewn about. The evening breeze blew in cool and sweet, setting the stiff, white curtains swaying and bringing the refreshing102 scent103 of the river.
"No, jist ye set doon here, Mr. Egerton," said his host heartily, "an' mind, as long's ye're in Glenoro, ye canna come too often! The lassies cut up a bit dust in the room yonder, but there's always a quiet corner here, an' me an' Mr. Watson here,—tuts, tuts, Ah was forgettin'—this is Maister Watson, our schoolmaster, aye, aye!"
A small, slim, young man, with a dark, thin face and bristling hair jumped briskly from the depths of an easy chair and grasped Mr. Egerton's hand.
"Pleased to meet you, sir, pleased to meet you, I'm sure," he cried effusively104. "I've been most anxious to meet you, especially since Sunday, sir. That sermon was the best I've ever heard in Ontario, sir; yes, sir, the very best, patriotism105, patriotism, from beginning to end! That's the thing! That's what the country needs, sir!"
He pumped his auditor's hand up and down vigorously while he spoke, then, at the end, flung it from him, stepped back a pace and, striking an attitude, stood gazing up admiringly at the young minister.
John Egerton was decidedly surprised and a trifle disconcerted. He had not considered his sermon at all patriotic106, though he did remember a slight allusion107 to the greatness of the heritage of Canadians, but he was a cordial young man and had come to Glenoro prepared to meet all sorts of people. Besides, he was still very young and had not yet got over feeling a thrill of pleasure when his sermon was praised.
"I am glad you liked it," he said smilingly, as he seated himself. "So you think we need more patriotism?"
"Patriotism! Well I should think so! It's the crying need of this country, sir! I'm glad I've got some one to sympathise with me at last. Do you know, Mr. Egerton," he drew up his chair closer and lowered his voice confidentially108, "you'll find this an awfully109 backward place in that respect. If all rural Canadian places are as bad, I don't know what's to become of this country, sir! Why, the absence of any public spirit is simply appalling110! Why, Mr. Hamilton here can tell you that when Mrs. Watson and I came here two years ago there wasn't a flag in Glenoro, sir!"
Mr. Hamilton acquiesced111 apologetically; he opened his mouth as if to speak, looked ashamed, and said nothing.
"Yes, sir," the schoolmaster was rattling112 along, "Mrs. Watson and I were in the States for a number of years and I can tell you there's where they know how to do things. Great country that, I tell you, sir, isn't it? Well, they know how to be patriotic there, I can tell you; flags waving, bands playing and crowds cheering. It's inspiring! But we could make something even of Canada if her people only had a little more go. What do you think about our organising a patriotic society here, sir?"
John Egerton sat back in his chair, and together the two young men settled the destiny of Canada and her provinces, as well as of Britain and her colonies, while their host sat in rapt attention. He told Peter McNabb at the blacksmith shop the next day that it was, without doubt, the most edifying113 talk to which he had ever listened. It was interrupted by a summons to the sitting room to join in the singing. Wee Andra, who was the leader in musical circles and who had as his equipment for the position a bass114 voice in proportion to his size, was marshalling his forces around the instrument. They made room for the minister in the best position. He found it very pleasant to stand and look over Jessie's bright curls as he sang. They rendered a number of gospel hymns115 and a new anthem116 which they were preparing for the Methodist service next Sabbath evening, the four parts going very harmoniously117. Those young Presbyterians who had a vague fear of their minister discovering that they sang in the Methodist choir118, were both relieved and pleased when he cried out, at the end of the anthem, "Why, that's grand! I think I shall turn Methodist myself!" And the Methodists present laughed delightedly.
Then Sandy Neil, who was an imp19 of mischief, produced the college song book which Allan Fraser had introduced into Glenoro the summer before. The girls were shocked at the thought of showing such a frivolous119 thing to the minister, and Bella Hamilton tried to conceal120 it behind the sofa; but, to the astonishment121 of all, he exclaimed as he caught sight of it, "The College Song Book! Why, here's an old friend! I've sung everything in that book till I've cracked my voice more times than I can tell. Come along, boys, let's have 'The Three Crows!'"
The boys let him have them with a rare good will, till the house rang. Sandy Neil got up on the back of the sofa, where the minister could not see him, and flapped his arms and cawed and altogether imitated the antics of a crow to such perfection that the girls around him were ready to die of smothered122 laughter. They sang all the old favourites, and when they came to one they did not know, the minister sang it alone. He had a fine deep musical voice, and when he rendered the history of "The Walloping Window Blind," he was rewarded with a hearty and unanimous round of applause.
Wee Andra quite fell in love with him, his diffidence entirely123 disappearing under the other's frank manner.
"My, I wish you'd get a choir in our church, Mr. Egerton!" he exclaimed in a burst of confidence when they had rendered another anthem with the minister's aid. But John Egerton was too astute124 to respond to this, otherwise than by a smile. He had learned something already of Glenoro's divided opinions and knew better than to take either side. But he sat down beside the choir leader and they talked about music and the newest anthems125 and the conducting of choral societies until Wee Andra was completely charmed.
They were interrupted by a commotion126 at the other end of the room; a group of young people were trying to learn a new game, and Mr. Sylvanus Todd was initiating127 them into its mysteries. But partly from a defective128 memory, and partly from terror of Maggie Hamilton's sharp and reviling129 tongue, he was getting woefully puzzled. The minister sprang up and came to his assistance. He knew the game well, explained it with a few bright, quick words and soon had the whole room joining. He was so free and unaffected, so absolutely one of themselves, that he won all hearts. Very soon all the restraint of his presence had melted away. They joined in the games with even more than their usual vim130. The room rang with merriment. They played "Kitchen Furniture" and "Handkerchief"—yes, and even "Old Dan Tucker." This latter was suggested by Sandy Neil, of course, to the horror of the staider ones, for "Dan Tucker" perilously131 resembled dancing and was proscribed132 in most houses. Indeed, even at the Hamiltons' it was indulged in only behind closed doors and when Mrs. Hamilton was at a safe distance. But the minister was ready for anything; he went into the jolly circling ring of boys and girls as "Dan Tucker" himself, and when the time for changing partners came, he caught Jessie Hamilton's hand just as Donald Neil was reaching for it and swung her into the centre, her eyes dancing, her curls flying.
There was never quite such a grand time before, even at the Hamiltons'; the noise increased, the laughter grew wilder and the dust flew out of the carpet.
They ended up with an uproarious game of "Blind Man's Buff," in which Julia Duffy, a big muscular Irish girl, caught Mr. Egerton round the neck in a strangling grasp, and when she discovered whom she was embracing, she shrieked133 in horrified135 dismay, "Murderin' blazes! If it ain't the preacher!"
The crowd went off into roars of laughter, none joining so heartily as the minister himself, who was compelled to lean against the wall for support, and wipe the tears from his eyes.
"Shades of Mr. McAlpine!" said Donald Neil to his chum, as he found himself driven into a corner, "he's up-to-date and no mistake!"
"The Oa'll rear up on its hind47 legs when it hears," whispered Wee Andra with a broad grin. "There's no flies on him, though, I can tell you. I do like to see a minister actin' like a human being!"
Donald made no reply. He had been brought up under Duncan Polite's influence and was not quite prepared to agree with his friend.
Supper was announced at this moment. Jessie and Bella had slipped away some time before to assist in its preparation, for as soon as the minister had left the dining room Mrs. Hamilton had proceeded to bring up all her culinary triumphs of the morning and spread them out in magnificent array. Eliza Cotton, who assisted the girls to lay the table, gave up exclaiming at last, and resolved she would make Mrs. Fraser just green with envy telling her about it. For, of course, if one didn't do one's best at a visit from the minister, what possible combination of circumstances could call it forth136?
The young man for whom the feast had been prepared was properly amazed as he took his seat at the long table, crowded with glass and gaily137 decorated with china and huge bouquets138 of tulips, and loaded with cakes and pies and tarts139 and jellies and cold meats and great heaps of snowy bread and great cups of creamy tea.
The schoolmaster sat next him and gave him his ideas upon the practicability of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and Mrs. Hamilton on the other side heaped his plate at short intervals140, without stopping to ask permission. There was a great deal of noise and laughter at the other end of the table, for Maggie and Wee Andra and Sandy Neil were there. The guest did not fail to notice that Jessie was quieter than her sisters; her big eyes had a thoughtful expression. He caught himself wondering, more than once, what sort of girl she was; surely a person with a face like that could not be anything but perfect.
Mr. Hamilton sat at the head of the table, beaming good-nature all round, though he said very little except "Aye, oh aye," in a reflective tone. But, during a lull141 in the lively conversation at the other end of the table, he leaned over towards the minister with a question, "An' what are ye, Mr. Egerton? Of course, we all ken32 ye're part Highland142 Scotch143, but not all, Ah hope."
The whole tableful was silent now and every eye was turned towards the young man addressed. The question was one of great importance. John Egerton laughed. "Oh, don't be alarmed," he said gaily, "I have plenty of Lowland blood, too, Mr. Hamilton; the Highland Scotch is only the McAlpine side. The Egertons are English, though."
Mr. Hamilton looked doubtful. "Oh aye," he said. "They never taught you the Gaelic, though. Man, the Oa folk would a' been pleased if ye could speak it."
"Don't I wish I could!" he exclaimed. "But I'm not so ignorant as they think. I know more than ten words of Gaelic. You fellows from the Oa remember to tell that!"
There was a hearty laugh round the table. "By Jove, I will tell it," said Donald Neil, when the conversation had become general again, "I'll tell Catchach!"
"Tell him what?" inquired Wee Andra.
"That the minister speaks Gaelic."
A shriek134 of laughter from those who heard greeted this announcement, and Wee Andra thumped145 his chum upon the back in the exuberance146 of his delight.
"Great head, Don!" he roared. "Catchach'll swallow him with joy before he has time to deny it."
"Don Neil," cried Jessie, "you surely wouldn't play a trick on a minister!"
"He'll never know," laughed Donald. "We'll let Catchach foam148 a while and then bring him down to earth before he does any damage."
"Well, a minister should be considered above such things," said Sarah loftily.
"Not this minister," said Don with conviction, "he's able to take care of himself. Eh, Andra?"
"You bet. There's nothin' o' the old hearse about him. He's jist like the rest of us. It'll be a howlin' circus—" and he chuckled149 prodigiously150.
"If you boys are up to any mischief about the minister," warned Bella, "I'll tell your father. Andra—Hish!"
For the minister had arisen and was returning thanks for the food of which they had partaken. The noise was hushed and every head instantly lowered.
The company broke up with the unanimous verdict that they had had a grand time and that the new minister was beyond praise. The young man walked up the hill with Flora151 McNabb in an equal state of satisfaction. He had the pleasant assurance that his young flock liked him and he felt sure he was going to be very happy in Glenoro. He wondered laughingly what his fastidious Helen would say could she have seen him playing "Blind Man's Buff" with Miss Duffy. He wrote her a very laughable account of the affair before he retired152, and went to bed to dream that he and she lived in the little manse by the bend in the river.
So the evening which Duncan Polite had prayed over so fervently153 came to an end and, as the young shepherd of the flock slept peacefully in his comfortable home in the valley, well pleased with himself and the world, the old Watchman lay awake in his little shanty154 on the hilltop, hoping and praying that the young servant of the Master had dropped some words that would lead Donald and the young people of the Glen into a higher and nobler life.
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freshman
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| n.大学一年级学生(可兼指男女) | |
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advent
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| n.(重要事件等的)到来，来临 | |
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attain
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| vt.达到，获得，完成 | |
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pastor
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covenant
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| n.盟约，契约；v.订盟约 | |
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abounding
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| adj.丰富的，大量的v.大量存在，充满，富于( abound的现在分词 ) | |
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din
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blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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contrite
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| adj.悔悟了的，后悔的，痛悔的 | |
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concession
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| n.让步，妥协；特许(权) | |
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requisite
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varied
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possessed
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bind
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| vt.捆，包扎；装订；约束；使凝固；vi.变硬 | |
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factions
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prophesied
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| v.预告，预言( prophesy的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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eloquent
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| adj.雄辩的，口才流利的；明白显示出的 | |
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18
zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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19
imp
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| n.顽童 | |
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20
insignificance
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| n.不重要；无价值；无意义 | |
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21
cardinal
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| n.(天主教的)红衣主教；adj.首要的，基本的 | |
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22
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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23
degenerate
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| v.退步，堕落；adj.退步的，堕落的；n.堕落者 | |
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24
induction
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| n.感应，感应现象 | |
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25
fiery
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| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
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26
eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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27
psalm
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| n.赞美诗，圣诗 | |
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28
aged
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| adj.年老的，陈年的 | |
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29
noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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30
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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31
betokened
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| v.预示，表示( betoken的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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32
ken
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| n.视野，知识领域 | |
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33
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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34
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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35
giggled
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| v.咯咯地笑( giggle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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36
disapproval
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| n.反对，不赞成 | |
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37
oblivious
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| adj.易忘的，遗忘的，忘却的，健忘的 | |
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38
reverent
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| adj.恭敬的，虔诚的 | |
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39
pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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40
akin
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| adj.同族的，类似的 | |
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41
awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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42
underneath
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| adj.在...下面，在...底下；adv.在下面 | |
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43
bristling
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| a.竖立的 | |
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44
impartial
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| adj.(in,to)公正的，无偏见的 | |
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45
stylish
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| adj.流行的，时髦的；漂亮的，气派的 | |
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46
vow
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| n.誓(言)，誓约；v.起誓，立誓 | |
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47
hind
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| adj.后面的，后部的 | |
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48
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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49
salvation
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| n.（尤指基督）救世，超度，拯救，解困 | |
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50
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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51
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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52
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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53
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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54
transformation
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| n.变化；改造；转变 | |
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55
discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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56
doctrine
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| n.教义；主义；学说 | |
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57
attainments
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| 成就，造诣； 获得( attainment的名词复数 )； 达到； 造诣； 成就 | |
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58
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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59
aisle
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| n.（教堂、教室、戏院等里的）过道，通道 | |
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60
reverently
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| adv.虔诚地 | |
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61
blessings
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| n.（上帝的）祝福( blessing的名词复数 )；好事；福分；因祸得福 | |
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62
descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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63
crest
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| n.顶点；饰章；羽冠；vt.达到顶点；vi.形成浪尖 | |
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64
erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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65
ablaze
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| adj.着火的，燃烧的；闪耀的，灯火辉煌的 | |
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66
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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67
frivolity
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| n.轻松的乐事，兴高采烈；轻浮的举止 | |
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68
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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69
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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70
cane
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| n.手杖，细长的茎，藤条；v.以杖击，以藤编制的 | |
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71
envious
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| adj.嫉妒的，羡慕的 | |
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72
veranda
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| n.走廊；阳台 | |
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73
implement
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| n.(pl.)工具，器具；vt.实行，实施，执行 | |
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74
misgiving
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| n.疑虑，担忧，害怕 | |
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75
orchard
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| n.果园，果园里的全部果树，(美俚)棒球场 | |
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76
jig
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| n.快步舞（曲）；v.上下晃动；用夹具辅助加工；蹦蹦跳跳 | |
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77
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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78
hubbub
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| n.嘈杂；骚乱 | |
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79
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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80
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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81
sitting-room
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| n.（BrE）客厅，起居室 | |
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82
transparent
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| adj.明显的，无疑的；透明的 | |
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83
exquisite
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| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
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84
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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85
chattering
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| n. （机器振动发出的）咔嗒声，(鸟等)鸣，啁啾 adj. 喋喋不休的，啾啾声的 动词chatter的现在分词形式 | |
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86
triumphantly
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| ad.得意洋洋地；得胜地；成功地 | |
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87
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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88
deference
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| n.尊重，顺从；敬意 | |
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89
instinctively
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| adv.本能地 | |
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90
constraint
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| n.(on)约束，限制；限制(或约束)性的事物 | |
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91
tremor
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| n.震动，颤动，战栗，兴奋，地震 | |
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92
alluring
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| adj.吸引人的，迷人的 | |
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93
haughty
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| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
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94
subdued
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| adj. 屈服的，柔和的，减弱的 动词subdue的过去式和过去分词 | |
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95
eldest
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| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
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96
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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97
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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98
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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99
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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100
hovering
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| 鸟( hover的现在分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫 | |
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101
ingenuous
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| adj.纯朴的，单纯的；天真的；坦率的 | |
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102
refreshing
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| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
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103
scent
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| n.气味，香味，香水，线索，嗅觉；v.嗅，发觉 | |
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104
effusively
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| adv.变溢地，热情洋溢地 | |
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105
patriotism
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| n.爱国精神，爱国心，爱国主义 | |
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106
patriotic
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| adj.爱国的，有爱国心的 | |
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107
allusion
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| n.暗示，间接提示 | |
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108
confidentially
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| ad.秘密地，悄悄地 | |
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109
awfully
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| adv.可怕地，非常地，极端地 | |
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110
appalling
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| adj.骇人听闻的，令人震惊的，可怕的 | |
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111
acquiesced
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| v.默认，默许( acquiesce的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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112
rattling
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| adj. 格格作响的, 活泼的, 很好的 adv. 极其, 很, 非常 动词rattle的现在分词 | |
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113
edifying
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| adj.有教训意味的，教训性的，有益的v.开导，启发( edify的现在分词 ) | |
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114
bass
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| n.男低音(歌手)；低音乐器；低音大提琴 | |
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115
hymns
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| n.赞美诗，圣歌，颂歌( hymn的名词复数 ) | |
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116
anthem
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| n.圣歌，赞美诗，颂歌 | |
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117
harmoniously
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| 和谐地，调和地 | |
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118
choir
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| n.唱诗班，唱诗班的席位，合唱团，舞蹈团；v.合唱 | |
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119
frivolous
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| adj.轻薄的；轻率的 | |
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120
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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121
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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122
smothered
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| （使）窒息， （使）透不过气( smother的过去式和过去分词 )； 覆盖； 忍住； 抑制 | |
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123
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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124
astute
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| adj.机敏的，精明的 | |
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125
anthems
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| n.赞美诗( anthem的名词复数 )；圣歌；赞歌；颂歌 | |
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126
commotion
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| n.骚动，动乱 | |
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127
initiating
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| v.开始( initiate的现在分词 )；传授；发起；接纳新成员 | |
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128
defective
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| adj.有毛病的，有问题的，有瑕疵的 | |
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129
reviling
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| v.辱骂，痛斥( revile的现在分词 ) | |
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130
vim
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| n.精力，活力 | |
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131
perilously
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| adv.充满危险地，危机四伏地 | |
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132
proscribed
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| v.正式宣布（某事物）有危险或被禁止( proscribe的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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133
shrieked
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| v.尖叫( shriek的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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134
shriek
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| v./n.尖叫，叫喊 | |
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135
horrified
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| a.(表现出)恐惧的 | |
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136
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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137
gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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138
bouquets
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| n.花束( bouquet的名词复数 )；（酒的）芳香 | |
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139
tarts
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| n.果馅饼( tart的名词复数 )；轻佻的女人；妓女；小妞 | |
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140
intervals
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|
| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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141
lull
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| v.使安静，使入睡，缓和，哄骗；n.暂停，间歇 | |
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142
highland
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| n.(pl.)高地，山地 | |
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143
scotch
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|
| n.伤口，刻痕；苏格兰威士忌酒；v.粉碎，消灭，阻止；adj.苏格兰(人)的 | |
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144
eyebrows
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| 眉毛( eyebrow的名词复数 ) | |
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145
thumped
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| v.重击， （指心脏）急速跳动( thump的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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146
exuberance
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| n.丰富；繁荣 | |
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147
piously
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| adv.虔诚地 | |
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148
foam
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| v./n.泡沫，起泡沫 | |
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149
chuckled
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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150
prodigiously
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| adv.异常地，惊人地，巨大地 | |
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151
flora
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| n.(某一地区的)植物群 | |
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152
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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153
fervently
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| adv.热烈地，热情地，强烈地 | |
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154
shanty
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| n.小屋，棚屋；船工号子 | |
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