A Parting

[Footnote: Psalm 93. Version allowed by General Assembly of the Kirk of
Scotland.] "And I couldna help thinking," he continued, "that the Angels o' Power,
doing His will, wad be likely aye to tak' the sea road. It's freer o'
men-folk, and its mair fu' o' the glory o' God."

"I am glad you had such a grand night, David. It is well to take a fine
farewell of anything, and it was your last fishing. Dr. Balmuto sends you
this word about Glasgow University--'go, and the Lord go with thee.' He
has given me a letter to a professor there, who will choose the books you
want, and set you the lessons you are to learn between now and the opening
of the classes in September. The books are to be the doctor's gift to you.
He would hear tell of nothing else."

David was as one that dreams for a moment; but his excitement soon
conquered his happy amazement. He had to put his breakfast aside.

"I dinna want to eat," he said, "my soul is satisfied. I feel as if I
ne'er could be hungry any mair." He was particularly delighted at the
minister's kindness, and said fervently, "I thank him for the books, far
mair for the blessing." He took all the favors to be done him without
dispute or apology, just as a candid, unselfish child, takes what love
gives it. He was so anxious to get to work, that he would liked to have
left at once for Glasgow; but Allan was not ready to leave. Indeed he was
"swithering" whether, or not, he should take this opportunity of bidding
farewell to Pittenloch.