He
has promised to come into those who keep his word. He will then be
much nearer to them than in bodily presence; and such may well be
able to draw for themselves the likeness of God.--But first of all,
and before everything else, mind, Davie, OBEDIENCE!"
"Yes, Mr. Grant; I know," said Davie.
"Then off with you! Only think sometimes it is God who gave you your
game."
"I'm going to fly my kite, Mr. Grant."
"Do. God likes to see you fly your kite, and it is all in his March
wind it flies. It could not go up a foot but for that."
Davie went.
"You have heard that my uncle is very ill to-day!" said Arctura.
"I have. Poor man!" replied Donal.
"He must be in a very peculiar condition."
"Of body and mind both. He greatly perplexes me."
"You would be quite as much perplexed if you had known him as long
as I have! Never since my father's death, which seems a century ago,
have I felt safe; never in my uncle's presence at ease. I get no
nearer to him. It seems to me, Mr. Grant, that the cause of
discomfort and strife is never that we are too near others, but that
we are not near enough."
This was a remark after Donal's own heart.
"I understand you," he said, "and entirely agree with you."
"I never feel that my uncle cares for me except as one of the
family, and the holder of its chief property. He would have liked me
better, perhaps, if I had been dependent on him.
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