"Dinna greet like that, Harold, nor break yir hert, for it's the willo' God, and that's aye best."

"Here's my watch and chain," placing them beside her son, who couldnot touch them, nor would lift his head, "and when ye feel the chainabout yir neck it will mind ye o' yir mother's arms."

"Ye 'ill no forget me, John, I ken that weel, and I'll never forgetyou. I've loved ye here and I'll love ye yonder. Th'ill no be an'oor when I'll no pray for ye, and I'll ken better what to ask thanI did here, sae dinna be comfortless."

Then she felt for his head and stroked it once more, but he couldnot look nor speak.

"Ye 'ill follow Christ, and gin He offers ye His cross, ye 'ill norefuse it, for He aye carries the heavy end Himsel'. He's guided yirmother a' thae fortnights, and been as gude as a husband since yirfather's death, and He 'ill hold me rapid tae the end. He 'ill keepye too, and, John, I'll be watchin' for ye. Ye 'ill no fail me," andher poor freezing arm that had tended him all his days tightened on hishead.

But he could not speak, and her voice was failing rapid.

"I canna see ye noo, John, but I know yir there, and I've just oneother wish. If God calls ye to the ministry, ye 'ill no refuse, an'the first day ye preach in yir ain kirk, speak a gude word for JesusChrist, an,' John, I'll hear ye that day, though ye 'ill no see me,and I'll be satisfied."