Запретный лес
XI. The Minister Girds up his Loins
"Ipleadwi’ye,sir,tohaltwhileyetthere’stime,andifneedsbecontentyoursel’wi’privateexamination.It’sverraweelforAndraShillinglaw,that’sbutanincomer,andrakesthecountrygettin’ashegangs,likeacadger’spowny.Butyou’retheministero’Woodilee,andthefairfameo’theparochinesuldbeasdeartoyouasyourain.Ifyetak’thegaityespeako’,ye’llmak’itahissingandareproachina’thewaterofAller.It’saquietbienbit,wi’doucefolkweelagreed,andyewadmak’itadesolation,anda’becausesomedaftladsandawheenhellicatlassiesdancetheirtwasomesintheWud.It’snoasiftheydidillthingslikegarrin’thekyerindryandtheweansdwine."
"Thenyouadmitknowledgeofthesin?"
"Iadmitnocht,forIkennocht.Youngfolkwillbeyoungfolk,peetythoughitbe....ButforChasehopeandmyauldgossip,EppieLauder,theman’sgytethatwadchairgethemwi’idolatry--andyoucantellthattoyourdruckenReiverslaw."
ForthefirsttimesincehehadknownherIsobelflungoutoftheroominatemper.
NextdayhesoughtoutChasehope,andfoundhimaloneonthehill.Themangreetedhimwitheffusion.
"TheLammasrainsisweel-timedthisyear,Mr.Sempill,naeragin’flood,butjusteneuchtoslockentheground.Istartcuttin’theboghaythemorn.IheardyewereatNewbiggin,sir,andItrustyefoundyourfriendsinguidhealth.Ablawonthehillsyonderisfineforabodyafterthelownairo’Woodilee."
"IreturnedhomeontheLammasEve.
