Запретный лес

           Hebegantoguessatitsmembershipbytheeyes.Somelookedhimfranklyintheface,andthesewerenotalwaysthebestreputed.AmosRitchie,theblacksmith,forinstance--hewasaprofaneswearer,andwassometimesovertakenindrink--andthefarmerofReiverslawhad,inadditiontothelatterfailing,aviolenttemper,whichmadehimfearedandhated.Yetthesetwofacedhimlikefreemen.Buttherewereothers,whosespeechwasoftenthemostdevout,whoseemedtohaveshuttersdrawnovertheireyesandtomovestealthilyontiptoe.

           Woodileewasamazinglywell-conducted,andthePoorBoxreceivedthescantiestrevenueinpenalties.Apartfromthelawlessbirthsinthewinter,therewerefewapparentbackslidings.Davidrarelymetyoungladsandlassesattheirhoydenishcourtingsinthegloamings.Oathswereneverheard,andiftherewasdrunkennessitwasdoneinsecret.NotoftenwasaSabbath-breakerbeforetheSession,andtherewerenofinesforslackattendanceatthekirk.ButasDavidwatchedthepeoplethrongingtoserviceontheSabbath,thegirlsintheircleanlinen,walkingbarefootandonlyputtingonshoesatthekirkyardgate,themenindecenthomespunandbroadbonnets,theoldwivesintheirwhitemutches--ashelookeddownfromthepulpitontheshouldersbentwithtoil,theheavyfeatureshardenedtoastiffdecorum,theeyesfixeddullyonhisface--hehadthesensethathewaslookingonmasks.ThereallifeofWoodileewasshuttohim."Yearemypeople,"hetoldhimselfbitterly,"andIknowyenot."

           Thiswasnottrueofall.