Запретный лес

           Ye’llleavewi’aguidname,atpeacewi’Godandman,andthere’sa’braidScotlandforyetofindahabitation....PeterDobbietellsmethatyourfather,honestman,madeahantleo’sillerandthatye’veheiredthehaillo’t.GangdownthewatertotheauldYesterlands,andbuyabitestateandsetupKatrineinherforebears’countryside.Ye’reyoungandyauldandthere’smuckleguidworktobedoneinScotlandbyanethatlivesinthefearo’God,behelairdorminister."

           DavidturnedtoKatrine,butherfacewasimpassive.Fromherhewouldgetnoguidance.Likeheraunt,sheawaitedhisanswer.

           Foramomenthewavered.Ononesidehesawpeace,comfort,anewlifewithhisbelovedinanewplace,thecuttingofatanglewhichconstrictedhisyouth;ontheother--athanklessfight,wherevictorywaswellnighimpossible,asordidstrugglewhichwoulddarkenthesunlightforbothandtaintallthespringsofjoy.Hedroppedhisheadonhisbreastandsufferedforaninstanttheanguishofindecision.Thenhespoke,andhiseyeswereonKatrine.

           "Icannot.Iwouldbegoingbackuponmyvows--Iwouldbefalsetomyfaith--Iwoulddeservetobecriedoutuponasacoward--IwouldbemakingtermswiththeDevil."

           "ThankGod!"saidthegirl,andherarmswereroundhisneck.

           Theoldwomanstaredathim,cougheddryly,andthenverydeliberatelytookherseatinthebigarmchairwhichhadbeenNicholasHawkshaw’s.Thetwostoodbeforeherlikeprisonersbroughttojudgment.

           "Ye’lltak’thatpuirlassieandexposehertotheill-willo’theKirkandthecountryside.