They smiled gladly at each other as they parted, and yet as soon as the
door was shut between them they sighed. In the very height of our
happiness why do we often sigh? Is it because the soul pities itself for
joys so fleeting that they are like the shadow of a bird "that wings the
skies and with whose flight the shadow flies." For even to-morrow there
would be some change, however slight. Allan knew that never again could
he taste just this night's felicity. And blessed are they who take God's
gift of joy every hour as it comes, and who do not postpone the happiness
of this life unto the next one.
Early in the morning Allan went to see David. He had removed from the
Candleriggs, and he found him in comparatively handsome rooms in Monteith
terrace. He rose to meet Allan with a troubled look, and said at once, "I
have no more information, Mr. Campbell. I am very sorry for the fact."
"David, I have found Maggie! I am come to take you to see her."
"Why has she not come to see me? I think that is her duty, and I'm no
inclined to excuse her from it. She has given me many a troubled hour, Mr.
Campbell, and she ought to say some word anent it."
"There are always whys and wherefores, David, that cannot be explained in
a minute or two. She has been living with my cousin, Miss Campbell of
Drumloch. I think that circumstance will warrant your faith in Maggie
without further explanations at present." Allan was so happy, he could not
be angry; not even when David still hesitated, and spoke of lectures to be
attended, and translations yet unfinished.
"Come, come," he said persuasively; "shut your books, David, and let's
away to the 'Banks and Braes o' bonnie Doon'. Miss Campbell and Maggie are
both anxious to see you. We cannot be quite happy without you, David."
Then smiling, yet half-reluctant, he went to his room to dress. When he
returned--hat and gloves in hand--Allan could not but look at him with a
little amazement. His suit of black broadcloth was cut in the strictest
ecclesiastical fashion, and admirably set off the dusky pallor and fine
stature of the young student. Every minor detail was in keeping. His linen
band and cuffs were fine and white, the fit of his shoes and gloves
perfect, the glossy excellence of his hat beyond a cavil.
"I am at your service now, Mr. Campbell, though let me tell you, I think I
am giving-in to Maggie more than I ought to, sir."
"David, we are going to be brothers, and I am proud and glad of it.
Suppose you drop the Mr. Campbell and the sir--I think it is quite time."