"We seem to expect a clock in the front of the gallery, Sir. Can a ship take its place?"
"Nothing, nothing, could be more appropriate. The favorite image of the church in all ages has been a ship, or a boat. The first preaching was connected with a ship, for while Noah builded the ark, he preached repentance. The holiest object of the Jewish tabernacle was the ark, made like a boat. All Christ's known life is associated with boats. The favorite image of the early persecuted church was a boat beaten by the winds and waves, and our own churches preserve everywhere this world-wide idea, by calling the body of the church the nave, from navis, a ship."
"That is very interesting information, Sir," said Angus.
"You are going to Venice, Ballister; you will find many of the oldest churches in Venice built in the shape of a ship; and near Lisbon there is a chapel of marble, with pillars like masts, and its sails and cordage carved on the walls. Is not this life a voyage to the eternal shores, and what could typify our safety better than a ship with Christ for the captain of our salvation? You see, I will still be preaching. I make no excuse."
"None is necessary. We are glad to listen."
"Come now, Christine, and I will give you medicine for your mother. Gentlemen, in a few minutes I will return here."
When they were alone the Domine said: "Christine, you did wisely, and your speech was correct and beautiful, but I would advise you to keep your English for special occasions."
"Sir, not even my father and mother know I can drop the Scotch. When the time comes to tell them, I----"
"Yes, yes. And the villagers? It might be an offense."
"You speak as if you had learned to speak at the Maraschal."
"Yes, sir. I learned it from Neil. We always talked it together, for Neil hated the dialect, and I made a bargain wi' him. I promised to talk as he taught me, if he would keep the circumstance from everyone. He said he would, and he has stood by his promise. Sae have I, but I hae been talking English nearly five years now."
"You wonderful woman! Then this morning you gave yourself away."
"I wanted to do it--I couldna resist the want. And it was only to you, and the twa Ballisters. Nane o' you three will go blabbing. Anyway, when Neil leaves the Maraschal, he will care little how I talk. He'll hae finer folk than Christine, to crack and claver wi'."