THE COUNTRY CLERGYMAN. 



door to the only spot where an approach could be 

 effected, viz. the narrow chasm already referred to, 

 the small space which surrounded the cottage was 

 covered with heather, now in full blossom, and offer- 

 ing up its evening incense to the soft breeze which 

 was breathing over rock and valley. As the party 

 approached, they perceived old Judith sitting in her 

 porch. She did not appear to have observed them, 

 for she continued muttering to herself indistinct 

 words, which seemed to give relief to a burthened 

 and unsettled mind. Dr. Hastings came near, and 

 gently laid his hand on the old woman's shoulder : 

 " Judith," said he, u are you quite alone this even- 

 ing where is your grand-daughter?" The old 

 woman ceased her incoherent muttering, shuddered 

 slightly, and then looked up. " Ah, Sir, is it you ? 

 ' It is many a long day since I have seen you, but 

 4 every one neglects the old. It is perhaps all 

 < right ; but I remember the time when nobody 

 * passed by Judith Duncan without a word, aye, 

 ' nor without many a look, but I'm forgotten now, 

 ' and it's all right, I suppose/ 



Dr. Hastings did not contradict the poor woman. 

 Her memory for recent events, as is often the case 

 in extreme age, was gone, and he did not remind 

 her that scarcely a week had passed since he had 

 last paid her a visit. He spoke to her in a sooth- 

 ing tone, and it seemed a satisfaction to her to con- 

 tinue her querulous complaints. 



