When the bell began to ring, the minister rose from his knees andwent to his aunt's chamber to be robed, for this was a covenant betweenthem.

His gown was spread out in its black silken glory, but he sat downin despair.

"Auntie, whatever shall we do, for I've forgotten the bands?"

"But I've not forgot them, John, and here are six pair wrought withmy own hands, and now sit still and I'll tie them round my laddie'sneck."

When she had given the last touch, and he was ready to go, a suddenseriousness fell upon them.

"Kiss me, auntie."

"For your mother, and her God be with you," and then he went throughthe garden and underneath the honeysuckle and into the kirk, whereevery Free Churchman in Drumtochty that could get out of bed, andhalf the Established Kirk, were waiting in expectation.