Запретный лес

           Isobel,nowahotpartisan,hadquarrelledonthisscorewithhernearestanddearest,and,encounteringJeanofChasehope-footintheclachan,andbeinggoadedbyhertongue,fellonhertoothandnailandchasedherintoPeterPennecuik’skailyard.AmosRitchie,too,haddeclaredhiscolours,andwoebetothemanwho,inhispresence,spokeilloftheminister.Hewasnolongeremployedbythefarmersaroundthekirkton,sothesmithyfirewasmostlyunlit,whilethesmithdidoddjobsatReiverslawandCalidon.OnlythenewtenantofCrossbasketmixedamicablywithall.OntheroadhehadthesamegreetingforChasehopeasfortheminister,andhewoulddrinkastoupatLuckyWeir’swithAmosorMirehope,Reiverslaworthemiller,inallgood-fellowship.Butthispopularityrestedmoreperhapsonfearthanonaffection.Darkwhisperingsbegantospread."Whatkenweo’Crossbasket?"saidone."Naedoothe’sfraeTeviotside,butwhaurwasheaforethat?HeneverlearnedthatgloweronJedWater.""He’sapawkycarle,"saidanother,"andyecannagetfarbenwi’him.There’smairinhisheidthantheWordeverlearnedhim.Iwadnawondersomefinedaytoseehimgangoffinafuffandalowe.Yesayhehasthespeecho’aguidChristian?Weel-a-weel,asoomaywhistle,thoughithasanillmouthforit."

           BylateNovemberwintershouldhaveclosedinupontheglenwithanironhand.Thefirstfrostsshouldhavestrippedthetrees,andthefirstsnowslainatthedyke-back.Butthatyearitseemedasiftheseasonshadgonewiddershins.