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L^<«i! a: Q < ST %-■ ^^^ > t 1 JT;-/ ■ . ^-A ^-■' i *■ •Til % . ,f ♦ -■■•■*■' ' '■ ? ■..■■■" !^' t- ' s ■■ ! ; 1 IT '^'-;^§S 1 *.'. ■ \ \ \ I ' ' !■: ks\ 1) I' "i'-'t'i"*' Oi.n'^ ,-,• ^' CO Q } > iir-i-m ■ f • ..TV ; y "•^ |ji4*^ * V i ' 1., • t: w 'v>I t.N"^ ^Si '■.JT' I <^f -:/4 / .1 ALDERSYDE a 23ort»cr Storg of Scbcntu JTccUS a^o BY ANNIE S. SWAN IVITH SIX ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS ^\xi\ €bitbn. TORONTO: VVILLIAM BRTGOS, 78 & 80 Ki.va Strkkt Kaht MONTREAL: C. W. COATES. MALIF 1884. VLIFAX: S. F. HUESTTR. C^Uo ?7 n^Zii /4fi lE^y '^QOSlil Entered according to the Act of the Parliament of Canada, in the year onoi thousand eight hundred and eighty-foiir, by WiM.iAM BuiGos, in the Office of tho Minister ol Agriculture, at Ottawa. TO MY SISTER JANET TMUDER AND TRUE %^- LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS ALDERSYDE, CLINTY POOL, YARROW, WINDYKNOWE, YARROW KIRK, LONE ST. Mary's, ETTRICK VALE, . Frontispiece PAGE 69 It » 80 138 » 204 »» 225 ( I BOOK I THE TWA MISS NESBITS CHAPTER I. * Nae ancient name, nor high degree^ Nor mither wit, nor penny fee. Can lengthen oot life's day ; Grim, pitiless, and cauld, Death standi Tae beckon us wi' ruthless hands, An' a' maun gang his way.' I PON a grey and cheerless winter afternoon Marget Drysdale was ironing in the laundry at Aldersyde. A pile of damp linen lay on one end of the board, and she was exercising her skill on the frilled bosom of one of her master's shirts. Everything about her was spotlessly clean. , Her sleeves were tucked up to her elbows, and she wore a big whit^ apron with a bib over her working garb. There was no part of her domestic duty of which Marget was so proud as her laundry work, and she had proved by experience that its success depended mainly on cleanliness. She was not a comely person, nor striking in any 11 12 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. '!•' way. Her figure was short and ungraceful, her face broad, and rough, and red, but a very honest face withal, and one to be trusted. Her eyes, though small, were keen, and did not allow much to pass by them unobserved. They were red about the rims on this dreary afternoon, and more than once she had to dry them hastily, lest a stray tear might mar the beauty of her work. A privileged person in the house of Aldersyde was Marget Drysdale. Ten years before, she had come, a raw, awkward, slow-handed lass of seventeen, to help in the kitchen, under the grim supervision of old Elspet Broun, who had served the Nesbits faithfully for fifty years, and, feeling herself be- ginning to fail, desired a recruit whom she might instruct in the ways of the house. A very hard life of it had Marget, before she was able to please her unflinching taskmistress ; yet when the time came, Elspet laid down her armour in peace. 'For,' said she, *Marget*s neither wasterfu' nor careless, but wuU serve the hoose as weel, nay, better than me, for she's young and strong.' The mantle of Elspet Broun's devotion had descended upon her successor, for Marget would have laid down her life willingly for the house of Aldersyde. The Nesbits had fallen from their former high MONY A CHANGE. 13 place among the county gentry. The time had been when they had held their own among the Border families, and there had been gay revels in Aldcrsyde. From the beginning they had been an idle, careless, spendthrift race, and the estate passed from one scion to another, a burdened heritage which it was thought impossible to redeem. But when Walter Nesbit, thirteenth heir of Aldersyde, entered into possession, a change took place. To begin with, he departed from the way of his fore- bears by marrying a maiden of lower degree than himself, the daughter of the parish minister of Broomlee. What hand she had in it was never known, but within six months after their marriage all the servants save Elspet Broun and Tammas Dodds the coachi.ian were dismissed, and the house, under the personal supervision of the mistress, was kept on the most economical scale. They had registered a vow that if it should please God to give them a son, he should enter upon an unburdened heritage. Years passed, two little girls came to make gladsomeness in Aldersyde, but the desire of their hearts remained unfulfilled, for they had no heir. When the elder sister was fifteen, Mrs. Nesbit died, and from that time the Laird was a changed man. Never of a robust constitution, the shock utterly broke him down mentally and physically. I I I I 14 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. He had been accustomed to lean upon his wife, to leave all his concerns in her strong, prudent hand, knowing she would give them her first and best care. Janet, the elder girl, had inherited her mother's nature ; the younger, her outward appearance. Thus they might have been equally dear to the father's heart ; but while clinging in his dependence to Janet, Isabel was the apple of his eye. She was a vain, frivolous, selfish thing, in whom all the gracelessness of the Nesbits had found a dwelling- place. She was the younger by five years, and Janet regarded her with almost a mother's tender- ness. Next to Aldersyde, she loved Tibbie be- yond any earthly thing. Aldersyde was first : she would have died for the place ; and every tree, and flower, and moss-grown stone upon it was sacred to her. After her mother's death, she did her utmost to follow in her footsteps, and add to the wherewithal which would one day redeem Aldersyde. It did not matter to her that, at her father's death, it would pass from them into the hands of a distant kinsman ; in this, as in every other thing, Janet Nesbit was unselfish to the core. Ten years had passed since the death of Mrs. Nesbit, and now the Laird himself lay in the west bedroom sick unto death. Already Janet had faced the grievous MISS NESBIT OF ALDERS YDE. 15 is wife, prudent rst and lother's :arance, to the indence :. She all the /elling- rs, and tender- )ie be- Jt: she r tree, it was lost to withal t did th, it istant Janet had V the unto :vous certainty that ere very long Tibbie and she would need to say good-bye to their father and quit Aldersyde for ever. Marget Drysdale had faced it also, but not with the calm resignation displayed by her mistress. To her the leaving of Aldersyde seemed an unbearable hardship. That and other kindred gloomy thoughts jistracted her attention from her favourite work, and she actually held down an iron on the delicate linen, till it was singed irredeemably. *Confoond it I* she exclaimed in dismay, and set the iron down on the stone floor to cool. Just then, a light step sounded in the kitchen beyond, and a quiet voice turned Marget's thoughts in another direction. 'Marget, ye'd better bid Tammas ride tae Aldershope an' tell Doctor Elliot tae come up immediately.' The quaint phraseology, the sweet, clear, womanly voice, were in keeping with the outward appearance of the speaker. A very sweet and comely person to look at was Miss Nesbit of Aldersyde. She was about middle height, and carried herself like a young oak. Her face was long and inclined to be thin, her mouth grave and somewhat sad-looking with a determined curve in the upper lip which showed that she was a woman with a will. Her eyes were hazel, lovely eyes, which made the beauty il ll |6 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY, of her face. They were fringed by long lashes, golden brown like the hair which rippled on her brow. She was faultlessly neat in her atti and looked what she was, as pure and sweet a ^cntle- woman as eyes could wish to see. 'Is the Laird waur, Miss Nesbit?* asked Marget in a choked voice. * He's comin very near the end, Marget,' said Miss Nesbit with the calmness born of habitual self- control. ' Bid Tammas gang immediately.* Then she turned about quickly, and took her way up-stairs. It was a lovely old staircase, made of solid oak, polished like a mirror, and not disfigured and hidden by carpets or other covering. It ter- minated at a wide landing, where a door to the right opened into the drawing-room, and one on the left into what was called the west bedroom. Miss Nesbit first entered the drawing-room, a long, low-ceiled apartment, the furnishings of which had been magnificent in their day, but were faded and shabby now to the last degree. A wood fire crackled in the high brass grate, and on the tiger- skin rug in front of it a figure reclined with a velvet cushion under her head in the very luxuriance of ease. It was that of a young girl, dazzlingly fair, with a face like an opening rose, and eyes as blue as the forget-me-not. l\ DARKENING DOWN. ly \ lashes, on her :i and . ^cntle- Marget lid Miss lal self- (ler way nade of sfigured It ter- oor to and west a long, h had and 1 fire tiger- velvet ice of y fair, lue as id *Is that you, Janet?' she inquired without troubling to look up. 'Get up, Tibbie, an* come wi' me,' answered Miss Nesbit brusquely. * Father's sinkin* fast/ ' Can I do any good, Janet ? ' asked Tibbie care- lessly. * It only vexes me to see him so ill. And you know he'll no bide me to do anything for hir*i ' 'Tibbie! Tibbie!' said Miss Nesbit in low, wail- ing tones, *oor father hasna many hoors, maybe no meenits, tae live.' * You said that last night, Janet ; I'll come by and by,* Tibbie made answer. Then without another word Miss Nesbit went out and closed the door after her. The chamber where the Laird of Aldersyde lay dying was dim and darkened, and its stillness only broken by his uneasy breathing. Miss Nesbit crossed from the door to the bed with noiseless step, and finding that he had fallen into a light doze, went over to the front window and drew aside the blind. A November storm was sweeping through Ettrick Vale. From her post Miss Nesbit could see the winding Yarrow rushing swiftly and sullenly between its banks, as if St. Mary's had overflowed and sent its surplus to swell the silver stream into a raging flood. A wild wind came roaring over the mist-crowned hills, and swept across barren stubble-fields and B |8 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. |l newly-upturned lea, till it bent the dripping alders and laved them in the stream. The rain was weep- fng on the panes, but not more bitterly, I trow, than Janet Nesbit, though her eyes were dry. Suddenly there was an uneasy movement at the bed, and a whispering voice broke the dreary stillness. *JaneM* In a moment she was by his side. * Father, I'm here,' she said. These words had been the text of her daily life since her mother died, and though he loved the younger better, he had leaned upon the elder with that dependence all weak natures lavish on the strong. To my thinking, it is a pitiful thing to see a man depending on a woman, be she young or old. Is it not the order of things reversed ? * Raise my head, Janet* At once her arm was deftly placed beneath his feeble head, and raising him up, she supported him on her shoulder. So close to each other, the re- semblance between them was strongly marked. The wealth of brown hair, the deep hazel eyes, and straight well-shaped nose were characteristic of both. But the mouths* were not alike, the Laird's being weak and undecided, an index to the nature of the man. * I'm slippin* awa, Janet* •Ay, father.* THE SCIIOOLfiO Y COUSIN. 19 infj alders was weep- trow, than Suddenly ed, and a daily life 3ved the Ider with I on the tig to see ig or old. eath his ted him the re- marked, -^es, and istic of Laird's nature Her brow contracted slightly, but she showed no other sign of emotion. * I wush ye had ha'cn a brithcr, Janet, an' ye wadna hae had to gang awa frae Aldersyde.' Miss Nesbit made no answer. On this subject she could not think, much less speak yet * Hugh Nesbit's the heir, ye ken, Janet,' continued the Laird feebly. ' I hinna seen him sin' he was a laddie. I wush he could hae been here afore I dec'd, so that I micht tell him tae be guid to my lassies.' 'We're no needin* Hugh Nesbit's guidness, Tibbie an' me,' said Miss Nesbit with quiet pride. A silence followed, during which she cast her memory back to a long gone summer time, when her schoolboy cousin, Hugh Nesbit, had spent his holidays at Aldersyde. Isabel was a toddling three- year-old girl then, and the rude, cunning, cruel boy was the terror of her life. He would pinch her, and slap her when there was no one by, and upon one occasion Janet had caught him torturing and terrifying her with a pin. Then the hot blood of the Nesbits had risen within her, and with a strength which made her marvel, she had beaten him with her riding switch till he howled for mercy. In revenge he had drowned her kitten and tied a lighted paper to her cat's tail, for which Janet never could forgive him. All animals and helpless things shrank from Hugh 90 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. j; I 1 1 Nesbit, feeling instinctively that he was their enemy. Janet remembered crying out in agony at seeing him cut out a sparrow's tongue, and how he had laughed at her and tortured the bird under her very eye. That was his first and last visit to Aldersyde, although he was its heir. Ay, that boy grown to manhood was the heir, and soon would be Laird of Aldersyde. What wonder if Miss Nesbit's eyes grew dark, and a bitter, bitter tear trembled on the drooping lids ? * Whaur's Tibbie 1 ' asked the sick man eagerly. * In the drawin'-room ; will I get her 1 ' * No yet. I hae some things tae say tae ye, my lass. But draw up the blind ; it's darkening doon.* The blind was up, and the room light enough ; it was the shadow from afar darkening the eyes of the dying Laird. 'There's Windyknowe, ye ken, Janet, gin Hugh winna let ye bide in Aldersyde. Bein' a sodger, he'll maybe bid ye tak care o' the hoose when he's awa. Oh, Janet, it's a cruel, cruel law that winna let a man leave his hame tae his lassies.' Miss Nesbit bowed her head — ay, it was cruel. 'What money there is, ye ken whaur tae get it, Janet, an* a' that's in Aldersyde is yours an' Tibbie's. Hugh Nesbit gets only the bare wa's.* True ; yet to call the bare walls of Aldersyde her own, ay without a sixpence in the world, Janet :i 1 1 > ?:?*■> C- THE HONOUR OF THE NESBITS. 21 eir enemy, at seeing vv he had T her very VIdersyde, the heir, J. What k, and a : lids ? :agerly. le ye, my g doon/ ough ; it es of the n Hugh sodger, hen he's t winna •uel. get it, urs a's/ an % 'de her I Janet Nesbit would have counted herself rich among women. * If yer mither an' me hadna set oor hearts on seein* Aldersyde free, there wad hae been mair for Tibbie an' you,' said the Laird regretfully. * Wheesht, father I ' said Janet with kindling eye. 'Aldersyde an' the honour of the Nesbits is o* mair account than Tibbie an' me.' Then she added with a sigh, 'Maybe Hugh Nesbit '11 mak a guid Laird.' *He hadna the promise o'd in his youth/ answered the Laird. ' Wet my lips, bairn, an* syne read frae the Book. Hae ye sent for Elliot ?' 'Ay.' Miss Nesbit touched her father's lips with brandy, then taking the Book from the table, began to read from the Revelation. The music of her voice lulled the listener into a doze, and fearing that he might awaken if she paused, she read on till the door was softly opened to admit the doctor. He was a tall broad - shouldered man, of middle age and stern appearance. His features were strongly marked, his eyes dark and piercing, his voice harsh and unpleasant. But he was a skilful man in his profession, and one to be relied on. Miss Nesbit bowed slightly and rose. Then the two noiselessly crossed to the window, and stood talking in whispers. The short winter's day was near its close ; IPI ■ I M ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. already the shadows of the night were darkening down. The rain had ceased, and the grey sky was breaking overhead. A few minutes passed, then a movement at the bed caused the doctor to approach his patient, while Miss Nesbit proceeded to light the night-lamp on the side table. 'Janet!' In a moment Miss Nesbit answered the eager, stifled cry, and was at her post. A change had come upon the Laird's face even in these feW minutes — that terrible change all of us must dread, because it is not seen save on the face of the dying. Miss Nesbit cast her eyes imploringly up at the doctor's face. He slightly shook his head, and turned away. Then knowing the end was at hand, she slipped her arm beneath her father's head, and pillowed it on her breast. There was not a ripple on the dead calm of her face, though beneath the plaited boddice of her gown her heart was breaking. 'Father, it's but gaun hame tae mother,' she whispered, and the words brought the shadow of a smile upon his wasted lips. * Lay me doon,' he said with difficulty. * I'm weary, weary, an* wad fain sleep.' She obeyed him, and turned to the doctor. *Wull ye gang for Isabel, Doctor Elliot? She's in the draw in '-room/ she said. f II' \. THE LAST, LONG SLEEP. n larkening r sky was d, then a octor to iroceeded le eag^er, mge had lese few st dread, of the jly up at ead, and slipped lowed it he dead boddice er,' she ow of a Tm She's The doctor nodded, and was crossing the room, when the Laird suddenly held up his hand and spoke in tones of wonderful strength and clearness : 'The way's made plain for my feet even in the Jordan. Eh! but the Lord's guid, guid, Elliot/ Then casting his eyes full on Janet's face, he added solemnly, * Tak care o' Tibbie.' He turned upon his pillow, and being weary, fell asleep. *Dinna gang for Isabel, Doctor Elliot,' said Miss Nesbit presently. ' I'll gang to her mysel'.' 'Very well. Miss Nesbit. Good evening,' said the man of few words, and went his way. Miss Nesbit went away over to the front window when the doctor left the room, and stood there, her face showing ghastly white in the shadow. The leafless trees were swaying and bending in the wind, but above their dreary rustling she could hear the voice of the swollen Yarrow. From her post she could see the lonely Loch of the Lowes lying in the dark shadow of the silent hills, and a fitful beam from the wintry moon playing weirdly md uncer- tainly on its troubled breast. Turning to the right, her eyes travelled to the ruined chapel of St. IVIary of the Lowes and the burying-ground surrounding it, where, ere many days were past, a grave would be opened among the straggling headstones to i in -i i 1 24 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. receive the remains of another Laird of Aldersyde. A shudder ran through Miss Nesbit's frame, and she swayed in momentary faintness ; but it passed, and she quitted the room to seek her sister. She was still basking, all unconsciqus, on the tiger skin at the drawing-room fire. ' Get up, Tibbie,' said Miss Nesbit in a voice which caused Tibbie to spring to her feet, her eyes dilating with sudden dread. Then Miss Nesbit did a very unusual thing for her, being the most undemonstra- tive of women. She took her young sister in her arms, close, with a grip which hurt. * Tibbie,' she said, and her voice shook, * he's fa'n asleep, an' there's only you and me, twa hameless orphan lassies left in a cauld warld alane 1 * Idersyde. , and she 3sed, and She was in at the dilating^ i a very nonslra- r in her he's fa'n ameless CHAPTER II. •Dear hands slip daily frae cor grasps An' hearts are sundert sair, An' e'en grow dim wi' bitter tears For them they'll see nae mair.* ITH her own hands Miss Nesbit performed the last offices for the dead. Tibbie seemed to shrink from helping in the task, and would not even enter the room to look upon her father's face, which to Janet seemed only beautiful in its perfect peace and rest from pain. But she could be gentle with the weakness she could not understand, and bade Marget light a fire in the dining-room, so that Tibbie could be farther removed from the chamber she seemed to dread. After lighting the fire, Marget proceeded to set the table for the late tea. The regular ways of the house had been set aside during the long illness of the Laird. 25 26 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. il Having finished her sad duties, Miss Nesbit retired to her own room to change her gown and make her hair smooth before she went to the tea- table. It was characteristic of her that even in the first hours of her grief she should be thus particular in observing such trivial matters. Even in her sorrow for the dead, she did not forget her duty to the living. As the clock in the hall struck seven, she came down-stairs. Just as she was about to enter the dining-room, there came a loud knock at the outer door, which sent echoes thundering through the silent house. * Guid guide us a',' she heard M:;rget say as she came breathlessly up the kitchen stair, 'whatten a crater can this be at sic a time o* nicht ? ' Miss Nisbet slipped within the dining-room door, and listened with bated breath while Marget undid the fastenings to admit the visitor. ' I am Captain Nesbit,' she heard a man'o voice say. * How's the Laird ? ' * Gane,' was Marget's laconic response. Then the door was slammed with unnecessary force. * Cousin Hugh, Janet,' said Tibbie, rising from the fire with brightening eyes. Miss Nesbit nodded, her heart too full of bitterness to speak. Yet why should it be ? Was it not a right and fitting thing that the Laird of Aldersyde should THE LAIRD OF ALDERS YDE. 27 Nesbit 3wn and the tea- m in the articular in her duty to k seven, bout to :nock at through ' as she atten a m door, t undid b voice Then k ••• om the ull of It and should come to see to his own ? It passed in a moment ; then she threw open the room door wide, and stepped out into the hall. Beneath the lamp, a man was taking ofif his overcoat. He was tall, but slender, not like the broad-shouldered sons of Aldersyde, yet he carried himself with a graceful and soldierly bearing. 'You are welcome to Aldersyde, Hugh Nesbit,* said Janet, striving to speak heartily as well as sincerely. He wheeled round immediately, and for a moment they looked at each other in silence. After that one steady look into his face, Miss Nesbit's eyes fell, and her heart sank. It was a dark, passionate, evil face, with sinister black eyes and long, thin, cruel lips, partially hidden by a drooping moustache. He advanced, smiling, with extended hand to the graceful woman he had come to supplant. 'Cousin Janet! Am I right?' he said smoothly. *I am Janet Nesbit,* she answered with some stiftness. * I am truly sorry I am too late to see my uncle. Your excellent but somewhat uncivil domestic has just given me the sad news.* * Come in, Cousin Hugh,' said Miss Nesbit 'Isabel is here, and we are just aboot tae hae oor tea.* Hugh Nesbit bowed and followed her into the I I ! . f; ¥ \ i(i . ,1 M". I i i 29 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. room. Tibbie was standinj^ on the hearth, the red glow of the fireh'ght playing on her golden head and bright, expectant face. Her cousin's eyes gleamed with admiration, and he bent low over the hand she offered him. 'Cousin Isabel, it was worth a sixteen-mile ride on a wretched night to see you at the end of it* The flimsy compliment pleased the giddy thing, and she smiled a satisfied smile. ' I'm glad you're come, Cousin Hugh,* she said in her sweetest tones. *Have you any luggage wi' ye.^' asked Miss Nesbit. 'Only a bag,' he answered. *I shall not stay many days at present.* It may have been her fancy, but to Janet Nesbit his last word seemed needlessly emphasized. *ril bid Marget tak it up tae the sooth room. I suppose it'll dae ? ' she said, moving towards the bell-rope. *Any apartment you please, fair cousin; I am in your hands.' Marget did not answer the summons with her usual promptness. Several minutes elapsed before she entered, bringing the tea-tray with her. * Marget, tak Captain Nesbit's bag up tae the sooth room, an' licht a fire, an' hing up the sheets tae air.' * Humph ! ' said Marget, tossing her head ; ' I've ^mmf^mmmmmem MARGET DRYSDALE'S WEI. COME. 29 , the red golden in's eyes Dw over lile ride it/ y thing, said in ;d Miss >t stay Nesbit :h her before sooth p air.* 'I've jist ta'en doon the poke frae the east bed-room lum ; will it no dae ? ' * Make ready the south room as I desire, Marget,* repeated Miss Nesbit gently, whereupon Marget dropped a profound curtsey, cast a look of indignant scorn upon Hugh Nesbit, and retired. * Really, cousin, your domestic amuses me,' said Hugh Nesbit. 'Is it the custom in this Border county of yours to permit such licence in inferiors 1 * ' Marget is mair a freen than a servant, an' is privileged to dae muckle as she likes,' answered Miss Nesbit briefly, and seated herself before the urn. Hugh Nesbit placed a chair for Isabel, and drawing in his own, took his seat beside her. Miss Nesbit asked the grace herself, surmising her cousin would in all likelihood refuse. Then the meal began. * It is, let me see, twelve, fourteen, fifteen years since I was here before,' said Hugh Nesbit, medita- tively stirring his tea. 'We were not very good friends in these days. Cousin Janet' ' No,' she answered ; ' maybe ye can mind why.' * I remember the thrashing you gave me for teas- ing Isabel. What a little fury you were ; I can scarcely imagine you in such a passion now.' ' If I had the same cause, I'll no answer for the consequences, Hugh,' returned Miss Nesbit quickly. 1 III ■III ir ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STOR/. * Is not London a splendid place, Cousin Hugh ? * asked Isabel eagerly. * What a lot you must have seen ! * * Yes, I have knocked about plenty in my time ; but I have been tied to Woolwich pretty tightly for months back. This Peninsular business keeps us on the alert. We were daily expecting orders to march. It was with the utmost difficulty I got leave of absence, when your letter reached me.* * You'll leave the army now, surely } ' said Isabel. 'Yes ; I have decided to sell out,' he answered carelessly. * Where is Uncle Walter to be buried ? * he broke off suddenly, and looked directiy at Janet. 'Where my mother lies, in the chapel of St. Mary's, Hugh,' she replied in a surprised way. * I seCo Who is to be asked ? If you will furnish me with a list of names, I shall fill up invitations to-night.' He had counted on his uncle's certain death, then ! Miss Nesbit bit her lip, and rose. * That's my wark. Cousin Hugh. I shall invite the folk tae my father's funeral.' * Oh, very well,' said Hugh Nesbit, shrugging his shoulders. * It was only to save you trouble. I am glad to be relieved.' 'Will ye come up the stair and see my father ijow ? ' she asked. HALLOWED ME Af OKIES. 31 ' Oh, well, there's no use ; fact is, I'd rather not,* he answered. A slight smile curled Miss Nesblt's lips. * Maybe yer feared, like Tibbie ? ' she said. * Well, not exactly ; but I'm not used to such things. I'll wait till daylight, anyway. With your permission, I'll take a smoke, and join you in the drawing-room in a few minutes.' * As ye please. Cousin Hugh. Come away, Tibbie.* Tibbie rose reluctantly, and they quitted the room. There were no words between them till they entered the drawing-room and shut the door. * That's the Laird o* Aldersyde, Janet/ said Tibbie, throwing herself into an easy chair. ' Ay, Tibbie.' Miss Nesbit folded her hands on the low mantel- shelf, and bent her eyes on the fire. * D'ye like him, Janet } ' * Marget disna,' said Miss Nesbit, not choosing to say ay or no to Tibbie's question. 'Marget!' echoed Tibbie wrathfully. * My face got red at the way she spoke to Cousin Hugh.' ' If ye never get onything waur than Marget's honest tongue tae gar yer face grow red, Tibbie, my wummin, ye'll dae,* said Miss Nesbit drily, and for the moment Tibbie was silenced. Miss Nesbit stood up straight and looked about the room, which was endeared to her heart by so ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. 1^ II' ■ M ■ i I many hallowed memories. Her mother's work-table and footstool st' od where she had left them in the front window, and close by was the spinet which in b\'gonc days had responded to her touch, and filled the room with the heart-stirring melodies of the old Border ballads. Never had the dear, homely place seemed so dear to Janet Nesbit as now, when re- flecting how soon she would have to leave it to the occupation of strangers. * We'll can male Windyknowe like hame, Tibbie,' she said with an effort ; ' efter we get a* the auld things set in't/ * What d'ye say aboot Windyknowe ? ' asked Tibbie, wakened from her reverie. * Ye ken, Tibbie, we canna bide in Aldersyde noo,' answered Miss Nesbit with a break in her voice. 'Let us be thankfu' we hae Windyknowe tae gang tae.' * It didna enter my head to think we would need to go away from Aldersyde,' said Tibbie. Miss Nesbit smiled slightly. If left in the world alone, what would become of this young sister of hers, who never in her life had taken a thought beyond the moment with her.? Presently a footfall was heard on the stair, and Hugh Nesbit sauntered into the room with his hands in his pockets. Miss Nesbit sat down by Tibbie, and her cousin lounged up against the mantel, and I I BITTER MOMENTS. 33 2 hame, ve get a' >• asked yde noo,' ler voice, tae gang uld need he world sister of thought :air, and lis hands Tibbie, itel, and look a deliberate and critical survey of the room and its occupants. •This place is exactly as it used to be/ he said. 'You used to sing and play on that thing with legs in the corner. Do you ever do it now, Cousin Janet?* * Nq' this mony a day,* answered Miss Ncsbit. * It is an awful place this to be buried alive in. Listen to that howling wind ! Ugh ! it's enough to give a fellow the blues,' said the Laird of Aldorsyde, shrugging his shoulders. ' The wind } ' queried Miss Nesbit in surprise. To her the tempest roaring over Bourhopc spoke with the voice of a friend. ' I agree with you, Cousin Hugh,* said Tibbie, shivering. 'I hate storms and wind. If it was always summer time, Aldersyde would be a pleasant place.' * I think I'll have the trees thinned round the house,' said Hugh Nesbit, keeping his eyes fixed on Janet's pale face. ' Useless timber might with advantage be turned into cash.' Miss Nesbit winced, but preserved a proud silence. * The place needs many alterations which I shall have executed directly,' he went on mercilessly, knowing the pain he was inflicting. * I shall have all that ivy stripped off the front. It is a harbour for damp and insects, besides being opposed to all modern taste.* n'i 1 :' l!!i ill! I'h 'I' 34 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. 'Tibbie, you an' me had better gang doon the stair,' said Miss Nesbit in a strange, sharp way. *.Sic talk has nae interest for us.' At that moment a loud and imperative knock at the hall door caused them all to start. Miss Nesbit rose at once, and motioning to Tibbie, they quitted the room. Just as they reached the landing, a gust of wind swept up from the open door, and they heard the tones of a shrill, wheezy voice both recognised at once. * Janet Nesbit, whaur are ye?* *Grizzie Oliphant as I live, Janet Nesbit!* exclaimed Tibbie. ' What on earth brings her frae Yair to-night ? ' Miss Nesbit did not look particularly delighted ; nevertheless, it behoved her to go down imme- diately and bid her father's kinswoman welcome. Tibbie remained on the landing and peered over the balustrade to behold Miss Grizzle. In the middle of the hall stood a tall, angular, bony woman, past middle life, attired in a stiff black satin gown, a filled-in plaid, and a towering head-gear of the same material. She had several band-boxes with her, and a black velvet reticule on her right arm. *Weel, Janet Nesbit.?' she said grimly, and her restless black eyes wandered scrutinizingly over the face and figure of her comely young kins- woman. MISS OLIPHANT OF YAIR. 35 doon the arp way. knock at 3S Nesbit y quitted g, a gust md they ice both Nesbit ! * her frae ;h'ghted ; 1 imme- velcome. *ed over In the ' woman, in gown, r of the ^es with arm. ind her )ver the \ kins- * How are ye, Miss Grizzie ? ' asked Miss Nesbit. *This is a surprise.' 'It needna be, then,* snapped Miss Grizzie. 'I met Doctor EUiot yestreen in Yair, an' he telt me ycr faither hadna mony hoors tae leeve; an' that ye were hoorly expeckin' Hugh Nesbit's son at Aldersyde. So as it wasna a fittin' thing for twa lassies an' a maid bidin' in the hoose their lane wi' a young man, I gar'd Tammas Erskine yoke the coach an' bring me ower. He'll bide here, of course, till I gang hame ; but I'm gaun tae bide a bit wi' ye in yer tribulation. Has Hugh Nesbit come? au' whaur's Tibbie ?' * Yes ; he cam' about twa hcors sin' syne ; an* Tibbie's up the stair, Miss Grizzie,' answered Miss Nesbit slowly. * Weel, bid that ill-mainnert maid o' yours cairry my things up tae the sooth room, an' cairry up a shovelful o* coal frae the kitchen fire tae air the sheets, or I'll hae rheumatism in my left leg.' ' I hae putten Cousin Hugh in the sooth room,* Miss Nesbit ventured to say. 'An' what altho'? ony room's guid eneugh for Hugh Nesbit's son, I'm thinkin'. He'll no hae lain on feathers a* his days, nae mair than his nc'er-dae- wcel faither afore him,' quoth Miss Grizzie. 'Sae let Marget cairry his things oot, an' pit mine in.' Tiicre was no help for it, Miss Nesbit knew. It I> I li: 111 i„!;i liii' I! i e !|:lli \' 36 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. was the habit of Miss Grizzie to turn upside down every house she visited. * Come up the stair, then, Miss Grizzie/ she said, and laid her hand on one of the band-boxes. * Na, na ; I'll tak that,' said Miss Grizzie. ' My best bannet's in ane, and my new kep in the ither. Tak that bag. It has my hoose goon, an' my shoon in it.* Miss Nesbit obeyed, and led the way up-stairs. Tibbie fled into her bedroom at their approach. When they reached the south room. Miss Grizzie very quietly lifted Hugh Nesbit's portmanteau and one or two things off the dressing-table, and conveyed them outside to the landing. Then she proceeded to take off her travelling garments and get into her house gowxi. * So yer faither's dcid at last, Janet Nesbit. Weel, I houp ye see it's for the best,' said she. *rm tryin' tae think it,' answered Miss Nesbit, folding her quiet hands upon her lap, her habit when her heart was stirred. *Ye maun think it. If ye rebel again' Providence, it's just tempin' Him tae send anither dispensation.' Miss Nesbit remained silent * Hugh Nesbit gets Aldersyde, of coorse. What's left to you lassies } ' * My father's money, an' Windyknowe,' replied Miss Nesbit, knowing that she had no alternative but answer every question. MISS GRIZZIE'S CATECHISM. 37 Miss Miss * Humph ! it'll dae till ye get men. When are ye gaun to reign at Ravelaw noo, Janet Nesbit ?' Miss Nesbit's face flushed a deep red. 'What put that thocht i' yer heid, Grizzle ? ' ' Dinna be a fule, Janet Nesbit,' retorter" Grizzle. 'Sandy Riddell wull hae been here the day, readily ? * * No, Miss Grizzle.' To Janet's unutterable relief, Tibbie's entrance changed the subject. Miss Grizzle turned about, hair-brush in hand, and surveyed the bonnie Isabel from head to foot. ' Humph ! ye're a weel-faured hizzie,' she said, offering her hand. ' I hope ye mind that beauty is vain, an' ? virtuous wummin faur abune rubies, as Solomon says } * ' I didna ken he said that. Miss Grizzie,* said Tibbie in her cool, careless way. Horror wls depicted on the face of Miss Grizzle. * I doot yeVe haen a puir upbringin*, lassies. I thocht yer mither, a minister's dochter, wad hae garr'd ye read yer Bibles ; but, tae be sure, she was ower saft for the upbringing o' Nesbit bairns. They aye needit the rod.' ' What'U ye tak tae eat. Miss Grizzie } ' inquired Miss Nesbit, knowing from experience to ignore such speeches. i \\ l;l I 111 iiiii. 38 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. * Naething. Whaur's Hugh Nesbit ? ' * He's in the drawin'-room/ said Tibbie. * Ye seem tae ken brawly whaur tae find the young man, my wummin/ quoth Miss Grizzie, fixing her keen eyes on Tibbie's face. * I dinna think Janet has the upper haund o' ye. Weel, I'm awa in tae see Hugh Nesbit. Ye needna come, lassies : I v/ant a word wi' the young man mysel*.' So saying, Miss Grizzie stalked away to the drawing-room. Hugh Nesbit had thrown himself on the sofa, but sprang up at the opening of the door, and absolutely stared at the vision on the threshold. She was now attired in a merino gown of scanty dimensions, a black cap adorned in a fearful manner with crape flowers and jingling beads, a black lace cape on her shoulders, and black silk mittens on her hands. * Ye'U be Hugh Nesbit ? * she said, stalking familiarly into the room. * I'm Grizel Oliphant frae Yair, second cousin tae Walter Nesbit. Hoo are ye.?' Hugh Nesbit managed to give the lady his hand, and make some sort of murmured reply. Then she stood in front of him, eyeing him in a severe and critical manner. * Humph! ye'reajimpy black body, no like the Nesbit lads, wha hae aye been stoot an* fair. Weel, 1 ' THE SOUND OF WEEPING. 39 I houp ye'll mak a guid heid o' Aldersyde, an' set an example o' a godly Laird in Ettrick Vale.' Whereupon, whether dissatisfied with her company or not, Miss Grizzie very abruptly quitted the young man's presence, and retired to the south room ; nor would any asking induce her to leave it again that evening. The Miss Nesbi "^ abode awhile with her; then Janet said she was tired, and bade Tibbie come with her to bid their cousin good-night, after which they would retire to their rest. Miss Ncsbit had borne much that day, and strength of body was failing her under the long- continued strain. As Tibbie and she passed their father's room on their way to their own, she stretched out her hand and touched the door, as if that could comfort and sustain her. No words passed between the sisters as they made themselves ready for bed. It was weeks since Janet had shared her sister's room : a sofa in the sick- room had given her the scanty rest vouchsafed to a nurse. In a few minutes Tibbie was in bed, and asleep ; but Janet moved about the room slowly and heavily, removing her things with dazed, mechanical fingers. Once in the iiight a noise awakened Tibbie, and she turned round in affright. It was the sound of weeping— not gentle, healing tears, but a fierce, wild storm like the rushing of the wind-tossed Yarrow. « ; )• iliil ill I! 40 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. She was afraid and awe - stricken, and dared not move. Listening with bated breath, she caught the words : *God tak care o' Tibbie an' me, au' keep Aldersyde. Amen.* not t the keep ii w^ CHAPTER III. * Wi' mony a sigh an' sair regret, An* grief that wadna hide, They carried tae his lanely rest The Laird o* Aldersyde.' HE next day many callers came to offer their condolences to the Miss Nesbits in their tribulation. Among the first were the doctor's wife, gentle, delicate, little Mrs. Elliot, and her daughter Mary, whose fair beauty had won for her the name of the Lily of Aldershope. Hugh Nesbit was in the house when they came, and made himself particularly agreeable to Miss Elliot, claim- ing a right, he said, to re**ew the acquaintance begun at Aldersyde when they were children. Mary Elliot did not look as if she thought it a desirable thing to renew such acquaintance, which was very fresh in her mind still as an unpleasant memory. They did not stay long, but their silently - expressed 41 4a ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. \-\ \ I I '!!' i!li) lit III! sympathy, after the peculiar comfort administered by Miss Grizzie, was very sweet to the Miss Nesbits. Mr. Bourhill, the minister of Aldershope, was also an early caller ; but, upon beholding him coming up the avenue, Hugh Nesbit took himself off to the stables. Mr. Bourhill had ever been a dear friend and a kindly-welcomed guest in Aldersyde, and he mourned its Laird with the sincerity which was part of his nature. Like the Elliots', his sym- pathy, being true and deep, did not find its expres- sion ,11 a multitude of words. A close hand clasp for each, and a * God comfort you,' spoken in rich, full tones to Miss Nesbit, told all that was in his heart. Miss Grizzie having taken offence at Tibbie at the breakfast table, had shut herself into the south room, and was not visible when Mr. Bourhill came. Very willingly would Tibbie also have escaped out of the room, as she never felt at ease under the glance of Mr. Bourhill's keen grey eyes ; but civility demanded that she should remain at least a few minutes. But when Miss Nesbit requested him to come up to see her father, Tibbie went down to Marget in the kitchen. I am not ashamed to v/rite that tears came into the eyes of Mr. Bourhill when he looked upon the face of his friend. All great natures are tender of heart, and easily moved. * Truly, He giveth His beloved sleep,' he said THE MINISTER'S SECRET. 43 more to himself than to Miss Ncsbit. * Looking upon such perfect peace, vc cannot mourn.' *No for him, only for oorsels,' Miss Ncsbit made answer, and turned her eyes away. Well that she did so, for there sprang into the face of Mr. Bourhill a something deeper than the mere expression of ministerial sympathy. He had loved Janet Ncsbit long, but never in his life had he found it so hard a task to hide his love from her. ' Ye'll hae heard that the new Laird of Aldersyde cam' hame last nicht,' she said, craving his sympathy in this trial also. * No ; who is he ? * he asked in quick surprise. * My cousin. Captain Hugh Ncsbit, the only son o' my father's youngest brither.* The minister heard in silence. It swept across him what a mighty change in many ways their father's death would make for the Miss Nesbits, and what a severing of the heart-strings was before them in the leaving of Aldersyde. * May I ask, without seeming curious, what is to become of you and Miss Isabel ? ' he said by and by. * There's Windyknowe, ye ken,' she answered, and stopped abruptly. Quick was the minister's ear to note the tearless bitterness in her voice. Again the longing, almost incontrollable, came upon him to take the sorrow- ing, desolate woman to his great heart, and comfort ii \i\ 44 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. her in its love. His face grew pale with the intensity of his emotion, and involuntarily he took a s^.ep toward her. But the thought of where they were, in the very presence of death, checked him, and he turned away, just in time. When Miss Nesbit brought her eyes back from the chapel of St. Mary, she saw only in his face the expression of sorrowing sympathy befitting a minister conversing with a bereaved member of his flock. * The funeral is on Thursday, at twa o'clock. We'll expeck ye awhile afore that, tae conduct the service i* the hoose,' said Miss Nesbit as he turned to ga * I shall be there,' he answered gravely. * It is ten years this very day sin' ye buried my mither,' she said with a wintry smile. ' Ye was newly placed in Aldershope then, Mr. Bourhill, an' I was but a lassie o' fifteen.* * Time hastens on,' returned the minister in a constrained manner. Then they shook hands, and he went his way. Miss Grizzle having recovered her equanimity, now appeared in the drawing-room, and could not conceal her chagrin at missing the Elliots and Mr. Bourhill. Miss Nesbit found the presence of her kinswoman anything but a comfort during the days intervening between her father's death and burial. Courtesy demanded that she should keep her company, since Tibbie absolutely refused to do so ; and though never li! TRYING DUTIES. 4S at any time did she relish Miss Grizzic's ill-natured, gossiping talk, in her present frame of mind it was almost intolerable to her. Miss Grizzle and the new Laird did not take to each other; and there never failed to be a war of words between them, at meal-times, or when thry happened to be in each other's company. Grey and cheerless over Bourhope crept the morning of the day on which the Laird of Aldersyde was to be carried to his rest. Miss Grizzle spent the forenoon making an elaborate toilet, while Miss Nesbit was in the kitchen instructing Marget concerning the dinner to be prepared for the mourners upon their return from the burying-ground. Tibbie having dressed herself in her black silk gown, and adorned her graceful neck with a profusion of white net quilling, put a shawl about her, and went out with her cousin. The two were the best of friends. At one o'clock the two Miss Nesbits, and Miss Grizzle, seated themselves in the drawing-room, while the Laird waited to welcome the guests below. Be- fore a quarter past the hour, a carriage swept up the avenue, and Miss Grizzle stretched her neck round the window curtains to see to whom X pertained. *Ye needna redden, Janet Nesbit,* she said maliciously. 'It's no Sandy Riddell yet, only auld Watty Scott o' Scottrigg an' his leddy-faced son, an' Chairlie Dooglas the lawyer frae Melrose I * W: 'k % r u ri I 4ft ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. f f » The personage whom Miss Grizzle mentioned with so little respect, was no less than Sir Walter Scott, eleventh baronet of Scottrigg and Tushiemuir. In his youth, he had paid some attention to Miss Grizzic, but in the end had deserted her for bonnic Katie Graeme of Mosslce. To look at her now, one would not think Miss Grizzie likely to be susceptible to the tender pas- sion ; but in her young days Grizel Oliphant had been as romantic as any schoolgirl, and even yet regretted the lover of her youth. The slim, handsome young man had developed in^o a portly old gentleman, with white locks and a rubicund countenance, which showed to advantage against his spotless shirt front. lie had a loud, hearty voice, which even the sorrowfulness of the occasion which brought him to Aldersyde could not subdue ; but the warm cordiality of the grip which he gave the Miss Nesbits left no doubt in their minds of his true sympathy for them. Miss Grizzie rose and made him a dignified curtsey, inquiring at the same time for his health and that of his lady. * She's weel, but failin', like oorsels, Miss Grizzle,* said Sir Walter. ' It's mony a year siu' you an* me were lad an' lass.' Very wroth was Miss Grizzie, but the occasion forbade any exhibition of temper ; so she turned * THAT ILL ENTAIL LAW: 0,1 to speak to the son, a plcasant-faccd young man of modest, unassuming manner. Mr. Douglas the lawyer, having made his bow to the company, retired into the eastern window, to louk over sundry documents he had brought with him. ' So ye've gotten the new Laird hame, Janet, bairn,' said Sir Walter. * What like a chicld is he ? I mind wild Hugh Nesbit the elder weel/ * Did ye no see him doon the stair, Sir Walter } * asked Miss Nesbit. * He was waiting in the dinin'- room.' * Marget showed us directly up/ returned the baronet ; ' so we didna see Mm.' * He's a black sheep, Watty Scott, if ever there was ane,' cried Miss Grizzie shrilly. * He'll mak ducks an' drakes o' Aldersyde afore anithcr Martinmas. Chairlie Dooglas, it shows hoo muckle's i' your lawyers' heids, that ye canna mend that ill entail law. I wad brawly like tae ken what richt a gomeril like Hugh Nesbit has tae tak Aldersyde ower the heid o' a douce young wummin like Janet Nesbit ? ' Miss Grizzie had suffered from the entail law herself, having had to depart out of her father's house of Pitcairn, and leave it to the tender mercies of a ne'er-do-weel cousin. Hence her ire. 'Mr. Bourhill, an' Doctor Elliot,* announced Marget at the door, and the entrance of these gentlemen turned the conversation into a more general groove. \ .^ f '■ if, 48 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. '■>' ,?*? i :i '^'■ 11 , '^i, As the solemn clock hands went slowly round to the hour of two, the company in the drawing-room was increased by the arrival, one after the other, of Elphinstone of Elphinstone, xlamilton of Dryburn, Haig of Bemersyde, Kerr of Drumkerr, and many more of the county gentry, all of whom, out of respect to the family of Nesbit, came to pay their last tribute to the memory of its Laird. William Lennox, whose forbears had been in the Mains since ever there was a Nesbit in Aldersyde, represented the tenantry at the house. The rest of them were to await the funeral company outside. When all expected were gathered together, it be- hoved Mr. Bourhill to read the appropriate passage of Scripture and engage in prayer, which he did with many a falter in his manly voice. When it was over, Hugh Nesbit, Sir Waiter Scott, and Doctor Elliot went out to the landing, while William Lennox and three of his brother tenants went up-stairs and bore the coffin down, and out at the door. Then one by one the guests filed out of the drawing-room, till the women were left alone. From the front window Miss Nesbit watched the solemn procession till it disappeared through the trees into the path leading to the loch ; then she turned about, hiding her face in her hands, and went up to the empty room. THE EMrrV ROOM. 49 o tn Oh, but it was empty ! I think that not till we see our dead borne out at the door do we realize that we have lost them. The mists had lowered over Bourhope, and in its shadow the lonely loch lay grey and still, save on the narrow shore, where it broke with a restless sobbing. Up the winding path to the chapel burying-ground, Miss Nesbit could see the line of black figures wend- ing its way, bearing its burden at its head. With eyes sharpened to piinful keenness, she saw them gather about the newly-opened grave and take the cords, and chafed to observe one in the hands of Hugh Nesbit, though as the nephew of the deceased it was his right. She saw Mr. Bourhill take off his hat, followed by all the rest of the company ; she almost fancied she heard that awful, drear sound of the earth being shovelled on a coffin lid. She could not bear it any longer. She moved over to the door in a swift, sudden way, turned the key in the lock, and then laid herself down upon the floor, not to cry, as Tibbie was doing in the lower room, but to beat down the agony which had gained the mastery at last, and which she could not bear unless aided by the God of her fathers. In the dining-room Marget was setting the table for dinner, weeping noiselessly the while, not so much for her dead master as for his orphan bairns and Aldersyde. D ' r w 50 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER S7X)RY. Only a few intimate friends of the family returned to hear the will read, and partake of Miss Nesbit's hospitality in Aldersyde for the last time. In grim state, with her mittened hands decorously folded on her lap, sat Miss Grizzie with red-eyed Tibbie beside her. Miss Ncsbit not feeling the near presence of her kinswoman any cornf*^.,, but rather the reverse, sat by herself in the eastern \vindow. Without any preliminaries, Mr. Douglas stood up, and read aloud the contents of the blue docu- ment in his hand. It was very brief, merely stating that Walter Nesbit of Aldersyde and Windyknowe, being in his sound judgment, bequeathed to his daughters Janet Hay Nesbit and Isabel Anne Nesbit, all moneys pertaining to him, together with the furnishings of the house of Aldersyde, and all plate, and jewels, and napery therein, to be equally divided between them ; as also to the aforesaid Janet Hay Nesbit, the house of Windyknowe, in the parish of Aldershope, to hold for a habitation as long as she choose, but which she was at liberty to dispose of at any time without let or hinder. The substance of the will Janet Nesbit had been acquainted with before, except the clause which made Windyknowe exclusively her own. Mr. Douglas did not deem it needful to state that the last clause had only been changed to its present reading on the day belore the Laird's death. MTSS GRIZZIE'S EXPLOSION. 51 I cannot but think that some foreboding of what the future held for his elder daughter, had impelled Walter Nesbit to secure for her the shelter of a roof- tree as long as she lived. The contents of the will were not pleasant to Hugh Nesbit. He was standing not very far from Miss Grizzle's chair, and she saw his frown, and heard him mutter : 'The old flint made sure there would be nothing for me but the bare walls of Aldersyde.' Whereupon she exploded : *Ye mean, graspin*, black-herted scoondrel,' she said shrilly, to the no little amazement of those assembled, ' ye hae gotten an inheritance withoot a hapny o' debt on't, an' ye're no content. Yf^ wad tak the vera claes aff the orphans' backs. It's an ill wish, but I pray that ye mayna flourish in Aldersyde, nor hae a meenit's pleasure o* yer inheritance.* * Wheesht, Miss Grizzle ! ' fell from the pale lips of Janet Nesbit. Hugh Nesbit showed his teeth in a smile which Miss Grizzle afterwards described as resembling the * girn o' a rat,' and made the old lady a sweeping bow. 'Much obliged, ma'am, and am only sorry that this being certainly the last time you will sit in my house, you will not have the extreme satisfaction of observing whether your courteous desire is likely to be fulfilled.' i i n ■t \i •<• IJlfl Sa ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. Bit I Then turning his eyes on the face of his cousin, he said suavely : 'Business being concluded, cousin, with your permission, we will retire to the dining - room, as these gentlemen, I am sure, stand in need of some refreshment after the protracted exercises in which they have engaged.' Miss. Nesbit bowed, and led the way to the dining-room. Ihe meal passed in uncomfortable constraint, none of those present feeling inclined for sociable conversation. Sir Walter Scott was indeed so heartily disgusted with the new Laird of Aldersyde, and so overflowing with fatherly sympathy for the orphans, that his joviality was quite extinguished. Miss Grizzle sat upright in her chair, only occa- sionally relieving the monotony of her silence by grimacing in the direction of Hugh Nesbit. In spite of apparent unconcernedness, that young man was far from being at his ease. Miss Nesbit did the honours of the table with her usual quiet grace, but while studiously attending to the wants of others, she did not break her own fast. Whenever the meal was past, the company with- drew. At the door. Sir Walter came back to give Miss Nesbit another grip of the hand, and to whisper with a suspicious moisture in his eyes : *Come ower tae Scottrigg, Tibbie an' you, an* PRIVA TE CONFERS A TION. 53 my Leddy Kate '11 mak ye as welcome as her ain.' A wan smile flitted across the face of Miss Nesbit, and her eyes answered what her lips refused to do. Then she went away slowly up to the drawing-room, where sat Miss Grizzie and Tibbie. Before she had been many minutes in the room, Hugh Nesbit followed her, and asked pointedly for a few minutes* private conversation with her. *Say yer say afore me, like an honest man,' quoth Miss Grizzie, to which Hugh Nesbit made answer with more energy than courtesy, * Peace, you old hag ! ' and quitted the room before Miss Grizzie recovered from the shock. Opposite the dining-room there was a little room, where the old Laird had kept his guns and fishing tackle, and where also he had transacted business with his factor, and received his tenants on rent days. Into this apartment Miss Nesbit followed her cousin, and stood near the door waiting for what he had to say. * I'm going off to Edinburgh to-night. Cousin Janet,' he said, * from whence I shall proceed early to-morrow morning to London. I wish to settle and wind up all my affairs at Woolwich, and will be back, I expect, at Aldersyde within the fortnight.' Miss Nesbit bowed her head. 'Tibbie an' me will by that time be settled in 54 ALDEPSYDE: A BORDER STORY. vv ull X Windyknowe/ she answered quietly. 'Ye find yer roof-tree ycr ain when ye come back.* There was nothing offensive in her words nor in her manner^ yet they angered Hugh Ncsbit, and caused his sallow face to redden : *Look here, Cousin Janet; I want to know why you and all these county gentry look askance at me as if I had committed some atrocious crime, instead of simply coming to claim my own 1 ' Miss Nesbit lifted up her head and looked him all over. */ feel, an' my father's freens may feel also, Hugh Nesbit, that ye micht hae shown mair cousinly kindness tae Tibbie an' me than ye hae dune the day. No that we need it or want it,' she said with a sudden pride in her voice. * It's no the new Laird they dinna draw tae ; it's the man.' Then Miss Nesbit went away out of the room, and left him to digest her plain-spoken words. By six o'clock, Aldersyde was left in the possession of the women folk. Round the drawing-room hearth in the firelight sat Miss Grizzle and the two Miss Nesbits. Fain, fain would they have been alone this one night ; but since Miss Grizzle was there, it be- hoved them to show her the courtesy due to a guest. 'Noo, Janet Nesbit,' said she, 'we're left in peace, and I want tae ken what way Sandy Riddell didna mak his appearance the day. Was he bidden ?' J^N OLD MAID'S SYMPATHY, 55 II n d y t *Yes, Miss Grizzie.' The peculiar ring in Miss Nesbit's voice might have warned the old woman that she was treading on deHcate ground. * I misdoot ye'U no be gaun tae be the leddy o* Ravelaw efter a', Janet Nesbit/ continued she with malicious satisfaction. This woman, soured and disappointed in her own youth, was jealous of all feminine youth, especially if it vvere accompanied by comeliness or beauty, which was hkely to secure its possessor a good matrimonial settlement. Miss Nesbit answered nothing, but reached out her hand and took hold of Tibbie's, prompted by that dumb instinct for human sympathy which we feel when sorely driven. * Men are a* alike, Janet Nisbet ; an' tho' Sandy Riddell jilts ye, ye needna mak a mane. Mony a better an' a bonnier lass has been thrown ower for want o' gear, or jist oot o* fickleness.* 'We'll speak o' somethin' else, Miss Grizzie, if ye like,' said Miss Nesbit steadily. * Ou ay ! It hurts yer pride, I'm thinkin', tae be telt a lad's gaun tae jilt ye. They say ye can get Mr. Bourhill if ye like ; but I dinna wunner thi't ye wad raither bide among the godless splendour©' Ravelaw afore the plainer doon sittin' in the manse o* Aiders- hope.* 'n ' %\ j II ^Iri 5« ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. i. |l'-: ' I maun leave ye tae yersel', Miss Grizzie, my guest though ye be, if ye vvinna let that subject abe,' said Miss Nesbit, a red spot burning on either check. * Ye may draw yersel* up in yer pride, my wunimin/ said Miss Grizzie, whose ill-nature was getting the better of her entirely. 'But prood an bonnie though ye be, ye're no a denty eneuch bite for a Riddell o* Ravel aw.* Miss Nesbit rose up, and, keeping hold of Tibbie's hand, bent her flashing eyes full on Miss Giizzie*s spiteful face. Her slim figure was drawn to its full height, her proud head held up in womanly indigna- tion. *I can pit up wi' a guid deal, Miss Grizzie ; but I will 710^ bear sic words frae you, auld though ye be. I maun hae ye tae understand that ye canna meddle in my inmost affairs, or maybe I'll forget the hospitality o' Aldersyde, an* bid ye gang back tae Yair.' Up rose Miss Grizzie, bristling all over, and fairly glared upon the fearless face of Janet Nesbit. * My certy, d'ye ken wha ye're speakin' till, Janet Nesbit ? * she screamed. * Am I no yer bluid relation ? It's eneuch tae mak yer faither turn i' his grave.' * Mind what's passed the day,' pleaded Janet Nesbit ; but Miss Grizzie was not to be appeased. ' Umph ! I'm nae suner insultit by that limb, wha, mair's the peety, ca's himsel' Laird o' Aldersyde, THE MISS NESBITS ALONE, 57 than Tm ca'd upon tae staund impidencc frae a lassie. Weel, I'll gang back tae Yair this verra nicht, an* my hands are washed o* the Ncsbits for evermair.' Whereupon Miss Grizzie stalked out of the room, and retiring down-stairs, surprised Tammas Erskine at the kitchen fire by bidding him get the coach ready to return to Yair. She then ordered Marget up to carry down her boxes, a task which Marget imme- diately proceeded to perform with great willingness. If there was a woman in the world Marget Drysdale had an aversion to, it was Miss Oliphant of Yair. In the drawing-room the sisters sat side by side listening to the rumbling in the south room, and when they heard Miss Grizzie taking her departure down-stairs, Tibbie rose. * I'll gang an' bid her fareweel, Janet,' she said with unusual thoughtfulness. She was not gone many minutes, and came back laughing. 'What a woman that is, Janet! She nearly snapped my head off at the door. I hope she'll keep her word and not come near us any more.' Then they drew their chairs close together again, and listened to the commot'on at the hall door, and the rumbling of the yellow chariot as it drove away. So again, as in bygone days, the Miss Nesbits sat alone by their drawing-room fire ; but, oh, what a difference was in their lives ! Desolation in hearts e? AT.DERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. and home, an uncertain future and a new-made grave, were their portion now. What wonder that they sat very quiet, holding each other's hands, and feeling that life was very hard for them, and that no sorrow could equal theirs ! Ah ! it is well for us all that the future is hid within the veil 1 CHAPTER IV. * Gin ye be wyse, ye'll pit yer trust In a' the fickle winds that blaw. Afore ye lippcn tae the wurd, O' faithless Riddell o' Ravclaw.' N the window of her own sitting-room, which looked out upon a wide expanse of rich pasture land, sloping gradually down to the Ettrick, sat my lady of Ravelaw. Her white and slender hands, on which sparkled many gems, were crossed upon her silken lap, and her fair face wore an expression of deep seriousness. She was young still, and very fair to be a widow and the mother of a six-foot son. She had been a wife at seventeen, and a mother before she was twenty. Slight and fragile of form, my lady was yet a very haughty and formidable person, being descended from the old and honourable house of Arngask. 60 n hi :'; 6o AI.DEKSYDE: A BORDER STORY, '% J" 3i. i • i I The wealth and goodly dwelling-place of roii^^h Sandy Riddcll had tempted the penniless daughter of the Napiers, grown tired of the genteel poverty of Arngask ; and with the reluctant consent of her proud kinsfolk, she had come to reign at Ravelaw. For ten years Sandy Riddell and his wife lived stormily together, till the unhappy wedlock was ended by his death, when their heir and only child was eight years old. Since that time Mrs. Riddcll had lived an easy, luxurious life ; but she was begin- ning to have her cares again, for Sandy had grown to manhood, and she was in daily fear of becoming the dowager Mrs. Riddell, and of -beholdmg a young wife in her place at Ravelaw. It was indeed this very subject which made her so serious this November morning, one week after the burying of the Laird of Aldcrsyde. She had heard it rumoured in her own circle even, that her son was paying unmistakeable attention lo Miss Nesbit. Knowing the nature of the girl, she trembled ; and the instability of the Riddells was her only hope. Sandy Riddell did not confide all his goings out and comings in to his mother ; therefore, although she was aware that he had not attended the funeral of the Laird, how was she to be sure that he had not seen Miss Nesbit a dozen times since } It entered into her head suddenly, that she could not do better than ask her son a plain question ; \ THE LAIi^D OF RAVEI.AW. 6l i therefore she ran^j the bell, and ordered the servant to request the Laird to step into her slttin;^^-room. lie obeyed the summons with unusual prom[)ti- tude, because at the moment he had no other thing engrossing his attention. He came lounging into his mother's presence, with his hands in his pockets, and inquired carelessly what she wanted of him. He was a great, powerful giant, with a ruddy, well- featured face, big blue eyes, and a mass of tawny hair. \\\'^ physique was faultless, yet it was easy to sec that nature had not endowed him with a large share of her higher gifts. He was not a man. one would think, likely to win the heart of a pure, high- souled maiden like Janet Ncsbit ; yet won it he had, away frorri a man who would have prized it above any earthly thing, and who was undoubtedly worthy of her in all ways. It is not a good thing to sit down and dwell upon such twists in the cord of life. To our narrow comprehension, they seem needless and inscrutable; but when we reach the fuller light beyond, we shall see how what we thought jarring discord was after all deep, sweet-toned har- mony. * Have you been at Aldersyde to see Miss Nesbit since her father died } ' asked the lady of Ravelaw, fixing her piercing eyes on her son's face. His full red lips parted in a curious smile. * No, mother, I have not' , i S\ t: 62 ALDERSYDE : A BORDER STORY. She looked for the moment as if she disbeh'eved him, yet she knew enough of him to be sure he would not tell an untruth to spare her mortification. * I am very glad to hear it,' she said heartily. * Then there is no truth in the rumour that I would need to welcome her as mistress of Ravelaw ? * Sandy Riddell laughed a laugh which might mean anything. * Were you afraid of it, mother .? * *Yes,* she answered candidly. * Knowing you were often at Aldersyde, and that she is not one of these light-headed things a man might find amuse- ment in playing with, I had made up my mind to it' Mrs. Riddell did not guess that it was the very fact of her being so unlike other girls that had caused the pastime of making love to her to be so enjoyable to Sandy Riddell. No woman in the world ever thought less of lovers or marriage than Janet Nisbct, therefore her treatment of all young men was, though courteous, very cool and indifferent. This piqued the Laird of Ravelaw ; it annoyed him to find one of the daughters of Ettrick Vale quite unimpressed by his charms. So he set himself in earnest to break down the barriers of her indifference. It had been a hard task. She had taken a very long time to discover that he was making love to her ; and after the discovery was made, her own heart had awaken \ ANOTHER FAITHLESS RIDDELL, 63 very slowly. He had succeeded well, and now she believed herself pledged to him, though there never had been any formal troth plight between them. There are engagements which are not the outcome of a plain request to marry ; also there are looks and actions, and a thousand indefinable things which constitute as perfect an understanding as any words that ever were uttered. To all these Sandy Riddell had confined himself, and to Janet Ncsbit they seemed sacred and binding. It was the difierence in their natures which caused them to estimate so differently. * Janet Nesbit will never be mistress of Ravelaw/ said Sandy Riddell. My lady breathed freely to hear the decided words, yet she desired to be at the bottom of the whole matter. * I doubt you have led her to expect it, Sandy, if all rumours be true ? ' said she. *What has Mistress Rumour not said about me, mother t * he asked in his easy, careless way. * You may set your fears about Miss Nesbit at rest ; she's not the wife for me. I'd rather have the other one, if I had to choose.' Mrs. Riddell took fresh alarm. * If it's to be one of them, let it be Janet, Sandy ; I couldn't think to see that saucy, fair-faced Isabel Nesbit mistress of Ravelaw.' 64 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. 'She'd make you turn right about face, eh, mother ? * asked Sandy with a mocking smile. *W<:11, if you have no more questions to ask, I'll be off to the meet at Drumkerr ; I promised Patrick Kerr to be over by eleven.' * I am satisfied, my son, o»:ly remember that I want you to take a wife who will do honour to Ravclaw. I would have no objections to Patrick Kerr's sister Susan, for instance, or to Marjorie Scott of Scottrigg.* * Marjorie Scott won't look at me, mother, and Susan Kerr is a big, rough young woman,' returned Sandy in his coarse way. * Well, good-day ; and don't make any matches for me, mother. PU marry when the spirit moves me, and bring home whoever I take a fancy to, though she should be a peasant lass herding her ewes on the braes of Ettrick,' with which polite and consoling assurance the Laird of Ravclaw departed out of the presence of his lady mother. For awhile she sat cogitating on what had passed; then she called her serving - woman, Rebecca Ford, and bade her order the coach to drive to Aldersyde. Then Rebecca had to attire her mistress in a very .^tiff silk gown, made in the newest and most expensive fashion, a sable cloak of priceless value, and a bonnet with nodding plumes. Also, Mrs. Riddell did not forget to adorn herself with sundry articles of jewellery likely to inspire A VISITOR FOR THE MISS NESBITS. 65 ^ awe and envy in the minds of poor young women like the Miss Nesbits. The family coach of the Riddells was a very cumbersome affair, of a genteel claret-colour, with the Ravelaw crest, an uplifted sword in a mailed hand, painted on the panels of the doors. The inside was comfortably cushioned in drab repp, with claret- coloured buttons and braidings. It was drawn by a pair of very fine, high-stepping greys, which accomplished the distance to Aldersyde in less than an hour. It was noon when they swept through the lodge gates and up the avenue to the house. The Miss Nesbits being busily engaged with their one domestic in packing their goods prior to their removal to Windyknowe, did not observe its approach till a loud and pompous knock at the front door awoke sounding echoes in the quiet house. Marget very hastily made her hair straight, and putting on a clean apron, went ^vith no very good grace to answer the summons. She was rather chagrined to behold alighting from the coach the magnificently-attired lady of Ravelaw, particularly when, at that moment, the Miss Nesbits, in the plainest, homeliest garb, were performing the work of menials up-stairs. But there was nothing for it but to show my lady up to the drawing-room, and announce her arrival to Miss Nesbit. Janet's face flushed deep red, and she retired £ s\\ I 66 ALDEKSYDE: A BORDER STORY. immediately to her own chamber to remove her white apron and wash her hands. She had to go down alone, Tibbie requiring first to attire herself in her best gown before she could appear before the lady of Ravelaw. Mrs. Riddell rose up when Miss Nesbit entered the room, and approaching her with outstretched hands and sympathetic smile, kissed her on the brow. To Janet's mind such treatment, coming from the mother of the man she loved, could have but one meaning, *My dear Miss Nesbit, you look wretchedly ill,* said Mrs. Riddell sweetly. *This has been a sad and trying time for you.' * Yes, Mrs. Riddell,' answered Miss Nesbit very low. * How is your sister ? * was the next question. ' Isabel is weel ; she'll be doon by an' by. We're very busy. Mrs. Riddell, makin' ready tae Hit tae Windyknowe.' *0h yes, I understand. Your cousin, of course, will take up his abode in Aldersyde. You will feel to leave the only home you have ever known.* * It's tae be expectit that we couldna leave withoot feelin', Mrs. Riddell,' said Miss Nesbit somewhat sharply, the words seemed to her so needless. A silence fell upon the two women then. A ray of sunshine stole in at the narrow window, and set ablaze the rubies clasping the cloak of my A WOMAN OF THE WORLD. 67 )0t lat A w. 11 lady of Ravel aw. It also shone very tenderly on the pale face of Janet Nesbit. Looking at her, Mrs. Riddell could not but think what a sweet, lovable, thorough gentlewoman she looked, even in a gown her serving-woman would not have deigned to wear. * You would wonder at Ravelaw's absence from the funeral .?' said Mrs. Riddell abruptly. *Mair than me wondered, M-s. Riddell,* Miss Nesbit made ansv/er bravely, though the red dyed her cheek. * He was very sorr}'-, Miss Nesbit, that a previous engagement at Kelso prevented him, and he bade me convey to you his respects and apologies.' Mrs. Riddell had learned her lesson in polite falsehood telling very well, for her lips uttered the words glibly and unconcernedly. Miss Nesbit sat straight up in her chair, and looked her visitor in the face with calm, scornful eyes. ' He rode to the hunt at Pappertlaw on that day, Mrs. Riddell,' she said quietly. For the moment the lady of Ravelaw was put out, but as behoved a woman of the world, she recovered her equanimity. 'You are well informed, it seems, even in this solitude,' she said smoothly. 'Well, Miss Nesbit, I believe the truth to be, that Lhe Laird, remember- ing certain foolish words he may have uttered to you, as is the way of young men with maidens, 68 AT.DERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. 't would not care to intrude upon you in your sorrow, knowing he could not in any way comfort you.' Surely Mrs. Riddell's native tact had failed her, when she could make such a blundering speech. 'Did the Laird o' Ravelaw bid ye come an' tell me that, Mrs. RiddcU?' inquired Miss Nesbit in clear, cold tones. *Well, not exactly,* said my lady with a smile. *But we were talking of you this morning, and I asked him if there was any truth in the rumours that you were likely to become mistress of Ravelaw.' *Wcel, Mrs. Riddell.?' *The young man laughed. Miss Nesbit, and answered no. Had you not been of so proud and reticent a nature, I would have ventured to warn you against setting store by anything a Riddell may have said. You remember the old rhyme concerning them?' Miss Nesbit felt her face grow ashen grey, as if all the blood had fled from it, to gather about her heart, and make it faint within her. But she kept her clear eyes on the smooth face of the womar. before her, and said in tones which her pain made sharp and strained : * An' what brings ye here the day, Mrs. Riddell?' ' 1 o tell you that I, his mother, am sorry for you. Miss Nesbit ; for whatever Ravelaw may have said to you, he has no intention of making you his wife, 1 had it from his own lips not many hours ago.' H m f%\ 9 l<^: '^^^B i ■O o - JUS # ^MBt a: \wBM ai ■HK^ < uKm ^>H mBa^" J ^^^HKe o ^K^^Km o 9^hp 0-, jHHP' y l^^BBsi E- ^^^^h' ^ ^^^^^^^^K t— * ^^^^n hJ ^^^^v o ' 's ./r n/// ■' ' V' . '," WIS '1. '.tl"u . r 11. o tti hi o o >< 121 i ' .'. . . '. ."J i.'i i I )i ^ ' 1 .,1 ) ^'.i 111 .>'ov fo dear and sacred in her eyes, and had set them in the south room. Also, with her own hands, she hxi fastened iio clean curtains about THE LAST NIGHT IN ALDERSYDE. 77 for 5bit lich had )wn lout the bed, and at the window — a proceeding^ which considerably exercised Marget's spirit, and caused her to make some observations the reverse of flattering to the individual who was to occupy it. There was no sleep for Miss Nesbit that night. A north wind was roaring over Bourhofc, with a warning of snow in its teeth. To a nervous or super- stitious person, sleep in the house of Aldersyde on a windy night was a thing impossible. It mi'ht i.ave been haunted by wraiths or warlocks, so varied and uncanny were the sounds which could be hearC bidB: But it was not the eerie moaning and waiHng »?mpty rooms and desolate corridors which sleep from Miss Nesbit's eyes, but heartache — better, regretful pain over the parting fror ' hom^ of ■' forbears. Once in the night bhe rose from ii-,-r slumbering sister's side, and ere; > across the Iwii^e floor to the uncurtained window. A wild sky, across which i7rcat inky masses of cU/.td were driftin-^ southwards, frowned down upon the lone loch, a i a heavy shower was beating against the panes. Oblivious of cold, she stood looking out upon the dark picture, till, suddenly from a rift in the loud overhanging Bourhope, the moon shone out with a fierce defiant gleam, which fell straight upon the ruined chapel of St. Mary, and made so plain it» neglected burying-ground that she could almost see the mound of the new-made grave. Then sobbi, g, Ml II 1 t'i 78 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. she crept back to her bed, and tossed beside uncon- scious Tibbie till the d l.nr. AUthi :\y awni and made a pretence of eating iree rose ear breakfast, before Mr. I^ennox's cart came for the remainder of the things. Marge^' was to go first with it to WlndyknovvCj in order to have a fii'e lighted before her young ladies arrived. A little while after the departure of the cart, the Miss Nesbits, feeling that nothing was to be gained by remaining in the empty house, tied on their bonnets, and stood together in the hall of Aldersyde, tv/o desolate women, holding^'each other's hands, and with nothing in the world but each other. Tears were raining down Tibbie's checks, but Miss Nesbit was pale and tearless. It is the inward grief which eats out the heart. * Come, Tibbie,' she said with a kind of gasp, and they passed out of the liouse, locking the door behind them, and walked quickly till they came to the bend in the avenue, when they both turned about to look their last on Aldersyde. It was a grey, rambling building, with a quaint old tower, entered by ?. low arched doorway. Its windows somewhat resembled the gratings of a gaol, but its clustering ivy and moss-grown walls made it lovely m its age, for it was clothed with all the beauty wiiich time loves to lavish on the build- ings of the 1 ast. Giant beeches and elms sheltered • GOD KEEP ALDERSYDE: 79 in Lint Its >f a lalls all lild- red it on every side, while behind, solemn and grand, towered the peak of Bourhope, above which the grey and cloudy sky seemed mourning for the desolation of Aldersyde. 'Oh, Janet!' said Tibbie piteously, 'we could have borne our father's death if we could have stayed in Aldersyde.* Miss Nesbit did not seem to hear. ' God keep Aldersyde,' Tibbie heard her whisper very low, then they went slowly and silently upon their way. Miss Nesbit tapped at the door of the lodge, and handed the key to the old man, but did not seem to hear his murmured words of blessing and farewell. As they passed through the gates, a gig came rattling up the road, and the driver drew rein close to them. ' I make bold to come an' offer tae drive ye tae Windyknowe,' said the honest and sympathetic voice of William Lennox of the Mains. *Mony thanks,* said Miss Nesbit quietly and gratefully ; * Tibbie and me hevna muckle heart tae walk five miles this day.* So the dwellers in Aldershope, who had been greatly exercised of late regarding the Miss Nesbits and their changed fortunes, had the satis- faction of beholding Mr. Lennox drive them through the village on the way *-'D their new abode. The road to Windyknowe turned round by the kirk, and passing the manse, took a steep incline i^ 80 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. away un to the moorland. It was a by-way not under highway supervision, and was cut up b)* great deep ruts, which caused the gig to jolt in a very disagreeable manner. When they reached the top of the brae, they could see the grey walls of Windy- knowe peeping out in the middle of one of the clum^ J of the scraggy fir which here and there dotted the moorland. A thin blue line of smoke curling upward to the sky told that Marget was already within. When they reached the broken gateway, Mr. Lennox stopped his horse and assisted the ladies to alight. Then Miss Nesbit shook hands with him, and though she spoke never a word, the honest farmer understood her mute part- ing, and when he climbed into his gig his eyes were wet with unwonted tears. Slowly the Miss Nesbits wended thei> way up the grass-grown avenue, till they came face to face with the house. It was a great barn of a place, naked and deso- late looking, and crumbling to decay. A chill struck to the hearts of the two lonely women, the cont^'ast between the new home and the old was so painful. ' Let's get in as fast's we can, Tibbie,* said Miss Nesbit, * an' no stand breakin' oor hearts here.' Hearing voices, Marget hurried to the door, and stood on the threshold trying to smile. • Ye've gotten a fire on, I see, Marget,' said Miss Nesbit cheerfully. I y not great very e top indy- .f the there ;moke t was irokcn isisted shook :ver a part- 3 were esbits e, till "A i 'M ■Sf. QCSO- >truck |nt''ast iful. Miss :, and Miss -•'.• » ; ' , .■ . f /■■ h I ,\ t ■ i' I ■/ :i • ''X'.X. ■'',> i ■ ■ 1 1 a- •(' ; > 'it. I i M< • \' 1^ ' '.:, Ill' ■ > •Vf Om > 1 < 1 \ '':■ -.Vu' h .]:--r.. ill.! ll:' . . . . I ..V i: 'r -.11' in • ' i .1 ,. ' lu: .!■ P'vi •• '! '" ■>. u- jl '\'.'; a -TCMt ;• ii'H Til u , .;;>■•.:. !,,k ■.,' i,.'; i! 'Oi- 'li.f, .ill ' •. ••.iii;' "in '. •f <-..ev';vV A . i, ,; .■ ■ i iicic , , ! •■ ' ■ . L • . . ■ .- i ; - •I . '.h;-. li i; (,' >r ;,• ..I ; ..I y'.ii.j' ^->ir--. : ; Lm.. A M'.t ■' V o li' ■> 1 1- lick • ; ... ♦ ici:j ^W .[ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) 1.0 I.I 1.25 bi|2£ 125 ■so ^^™ n^i ■^ 1^ 122 S Itf 120 V] vQ ^>. '/a ^}' /A '^ '/ /A Photographic Sciences Corporation 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 I WINDYKNOWE. 8i 'It's in the dinin'-room. This way, mem,* said Marget, and ushered them throu^^h the wide hall into a large dingy room, only made tolerable by the glow and crackle of the fire. In order to make it look as much as possible like the dining-room at Aldersyde, Marget had set the furniture in the same way, and hung the pictures in the same places. For a moment Miss Nesbit's eyes brightened, it looked so like home. 'Ye haedune weel, Marget,* she said, and reaching out her hand, touched that of her faithful servant with a gentle appreciative touch which to Marget was sufficient reward. * Gin yeVe sutten a wee, and warmed yersels, ye'll maybe come ben tae the kitchen, an' syne up the stair, tae see if a* thing's as ye wad like it,' she said, and then withdrew. Tibbie sat down at the fire to warm her chilled fingers, while Miss Nesbit walked over to the window, and stood there, salt tears blinding her eyes. They were far up on the dreary moorland. Far away down in the hollow, the roof-trees of Aiders- hope clustered on the bank of the rushing Yarrow. Farther up the stream, the trees in the den of Aldersyde made a dark patch on the landscape, while oeyond them towered the solemn peak of Bourhopc. i f, .: t 82 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY, I! 1 By and by Miss Nesbit turned about, and coming over to the fire, knelt down before Tibbie, and put her arms round her waist, with the look on her face Tibbie had seen but once before. *We hae built up oor hame, Tibbie,' she said solemnly; 'an* since there's only you an* me, my dear, let*s stick close thegither, and thank God that in His mercy there are twa insted o* ane, though we hae neither father^ nor mother, nor Aldersyde/ 1 ■ t CHAPTER VI. * What though we cannot answer here, The wherefore and the why ? The tangled skein of life will be Unravelled by and by.* Jfj^^PON the Sabbath day, the Miss Nesbits .. -. 3 appeared in the parish kirk of Aldcrsliope. -^^^^ The high-backed pew with the crimson linings, where they had sat so many Sabbaths in time gone past, was not theirs to-day. Many eyes turned compassionately to an obscure pew near the door, where sat two figures in deep mourning, but whose faces could not be seen through their thick crape veils. Doctor Elliot oxupicd his pew opposite that of Aldersyde, having on each side his wife and daughter. Punctually at noon, Mr. Bourhill, preceded by Caleb Lyall the beadle, came out of the vestry and ascended the pulpit stair. When he stood 83 it iii I 84 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. up to pray, a late-comer entered the church, and a quick martial step echoed through the church as the few Laird of Aldcrsyde went down ilic stone passage to the crimson - lined pew. Many curious eyes were directed towards him, and it was whispered afterwards, that never once had hie bold black eyes left the sweet face of Mary Elliot, the Lily of Aldershope. At the close of the service, the Miss Nesbits made haste to get away before the rest of the congregation; but Mrs. Elliot and Mary, hurrying out also, overtook them at the churchyard gate. 'You will come and have dinner with us. Miss Nesbit,' said the doctor's wife in her motherly way. *Nay, my dear, you must not turn from your oldest friend,' she added, for Miss Nesbit had shaken her head. * Let's go, Janet,' pleaded Tibbie ; ' it's so dreary at Windyknowe.' * Thank you; Mrs. Elliot; then we'll come,' said Janet, and taking Mary's arm, was about to turn up the village street, when Doctor Elliot came out of the churchyard in company with Hugh Nesbit 'Captain Nesbit will dine with us to-day, Mrs. Elliot,' said the doctor in his stern, pompous way, and what could the shrinking little body do but sa,y she would be very glad to have his company. AFTER THE KIRK. 85 reary said turn :ame ugh Mrs. way, but Hugh Ncsbit shook hands with all the ladies, politely thanked the doctor's wife for her kind- ness, and then placed himself by the side of Mary Elliot, who kept a firm hold of Miss Ncsbit's arm. She had felt an unaccountable shrinking from Hugh Ncsbit that day at Aldersyde, and the reeling now returned to her more strongly than ever. *I enjoyed the service to-day immensely. Miss • Elliot,' said he by way of beginning the conver- sation. * Every one likes Mr. Bourhill,' she answered in her gentle way. Even to those she most dis- liked, the Lily of Aldcrshopc could not be any- thing but gentle. * I was not thinking of Mr. Bourhill, who, I daresay, is a very estimable person,' said Hugh Ncsbit meaningly, and bent his eyes again on the sweet face beside him. Miss Ncsbit felt her friend's fingers tremble on her arm, and hastened to chanije the theme. * Are ye like tae be settled in Aldersyde, Cousin Hugh?' she asked courteously. ' By and by. I expect to have an upholsterer coming from Edinburgh to make the place habitable,' he returned. *Ahem! I was much obliged to you. Cousin Janet, for leaving me a bed to sleep in, I did not expect it, and felt quile overwhelmed, I assure you.' ime life is almost always a species of martyrdom. None present at Doctor Elliot's dinner-table that Sabbath day, save perhaps Hugh Nesbit, enjoyed the meal. When it was over the ladies retired, and the Miss Nesbits begging to be excused, as Marget would be anxious about them, went away home at once. *What would you think if Mary Elliot became lady of Aldersyde, Janet.-" asked Tibbie as they turned up the steep road to Windyknowe. DOCTOR ELLIOTS PLANS. of that Dyed and rget ome ame they *I wadna wish tac sec her the wife o* Hugh Ncsbit, Tibbie.' *See it ye will, Janet,' said Tibbie shrewdly. 'Doctor Elliot has got the plan in his hcid. Did ye no see how he made Mary sit beside Hugh Nesbit, and scolded her for not speaking to him. It angers me to see how Mrs. Elliot and Mary fear Doctor Elliot : I never saw man that would fear me yet* ' He's maybe tae come yet, Tibbie,* said Miss Nesbit with a slight smile. ' I canna bide Doctor Elliot,* said Tibbie. * Can you?' 'There's some I like better,' answered Miss Nesbit with characteristic caution. * Like better 1 ' echoed Tibbie. * He's a mean, graspin*, ill-natured man. They say he married Mrs. Elliot for her gear, an he'll try tae make Mary do the same.' 'Wheesht, Tibbie,' said Miss Nesbit gently. *If ye canna say ony guid o' a body, dinna say ony ill.' * Look here, Janet,' said Tibbie suddenly. * I dinna ken what Mrs. Riddell o' Ravelaw said tae ye that day she came tae Aldersyde, but d'ye mean tae say ye bear her nae ill-will for the way she has treated us since we kenned her first ? ' H \M . JH 1 1 9P AI.DERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. h I *Wad it better us tac keep up a spite at her, Tibbie?' * Maybe no,* returned Tibbie impatiently. *An' I ken the Bible bids ye forf]^ive yer enemies. ]3ut for a' that, an' I must say'd though it anger ye, Janet, if Sandy Riddell had treated me as he has treated you, I would hate him, an* live but tae be revenged on him.' The fiery, implacable spirit of the Nesbits was roused in Tibbie's breast. Looking at her, Janet almost trembled. For what tribulation might it not lead her into in years to come ? ' Speak o' the deil, Janet,' cried Tibbie. * Here's Sandy Riddell comin* ridin' ower the brae, on that black beast o* his — a bonnie like thing on a Sabbath afternoon.* Miss Nesbit cast one glance at the horse and rider, and then helplessly round, as if seeking a way of escape from the inevitable meeting. * Janet, for ony sake dinna let the man see ye care sae much,' said Tibbie sharply. 'Wait till he comes up, an' I'll gie him a word he'll no forget in a hurry.* 'Tibbie, if ye daur!* said Janet, and gripped her sister's arm with fingers that had no falter- ing in them, and which effectually silenced Tibbie. The Laird of Ravelaw looked well on horse- SANDY KIDDELVS HUMILIATION. 91 11 back. lie roilc a great, powerful black animal, which chafed under bit and bridle, but carried his master superbly. His purpose in coniinj; that unfrequented way, was solely to see Janet Nesbit. It did not sufiicc him that he had treated her shamefully, he desired to sec for himself how she bore it. He actually drew rein in front of the Miss Nesbits, and lifting his cap, bade them good afternoon. Tibbie kept her head down, lest she should be tempted to forget Janet's 'daurl* But Miss Nesbit drew herself up in her proudest way, and putting- back her veil, looked straight into his face. The curl in her long upper lip, the matchless contempt in her clear eyes, the haughty calm of her whole demeanour, left him in no doubt of what she thought of him. This was scarcely what he had looked for, and it made him shrink into himself, and curse himself for coming in the way of such humiliation. After that one look, which had not the shadow of recognition in it, Miss Nesbit drew down her veil and passed on. Then the Laird of Ravelaw dug his spurs into the black charger's sleek sides, causing him to rear, and afterwards to plunge forward in a mad gallop. Faithless Riddell had got a lesson at the hands of a woman, which he would not forget for many a day. Not being a person of much discrimination, jlf: 1 1 - f ^ i •r1: f 92 ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. he concluded that Janet Nesbit must have received his attentions as they were offered, to wile away an idle hour. The first Sabbath evening in their new home passed but drearily for the Miss Nesbits. They had little in common, and did not talk much together, after the manner of other sisters. They lingered long over their early tea ; then Tibbie threw herself on the sofa, and foldinor her fair arms above her head, built her castles in the air. Miss Nesbit sat in the window, watching with yearning eyes the night creeping over Bour- hope to envelope Aldersyde in its grim shadows. Her feelings being like to get the better of her, she rang tne bell and bade Marget bring in the lamp, and took up a book. At nine o'clock it behoved her to call Marget again, to listen to the lesson she must read, as their father had done every Sabbath night since they were little toddling bairnies, who could not comprehend what it was all about. It was no wonder her voice faltered ; for it is a sore thing for a woman to feel that she is the head of a house, and responsible for the well-being of its inmates. But I trow not many take up the charge with so earnest a spirit as Janet Nes^>it. Thus the Sabbath closed. Upon the Monday afternoon, when Miss Nesbit MISS NESBIT'S FEARS. 93 was sitting alone in the dining-room, Tibbie having gone to Aldcrshope, Marget showed in Mr. Bourhill, the minister. Miss Ncsbit rose from her seat, and held out her hand to him in frank welcome, but for the moment neither cared to speak. The memory of bygone days, and other greetings never more to be heard this side the grave, rose up before them, and made words difficult to come. ' I met Miss Isabel at the manse gate,* said Mr. Bourhill after a little. 'She is looking well, Miss Nesbit' * Yes, she is weel. I was jist sittin' when ye cam* in, Mr. Bourhill, wonderin* what I wad dae wi* Tibbie. She's a restless, thochtless lassie ; I'm jist fear'd Windyknowe will be ower quiet a hame for her.* Mr. Bourhill's heart beat quicker at this evidence of her perfect faith and confidence in him. He knew well there was no other to whom she would have spoken with such unreservedness. * Could you not take her to Edinburgh for the winter months ? ' he suggested. * The change would do you both good.' Miss Nesbit lifted up her head and smiled slightly. * Sixty pounds a year '11 no pay for mony changes, Mr. Bourhill.' The minister heard her in no little surprise. ill i-r t! II I i sister Jean, who dwelt together in lonely poverty in the house of their fathers. But they just laughed at her, and asked her what else she could expect from a Riddell of Ravelaw. ' I heard he was after Nesbit's daughter of Aldersyde — a fine young woman, Lady Kate Scott of Scottrigg tells me, Harriet,' said Miss Jean. * Has she turned against him, that he has grown tired of ; ) " i I' I « 1 1 f 1 j !i 1 1 i t i i i ! ^t" 1 ■ i 5 1 1 ^ 1 i 104 AIDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. Ravclavv? That's the way men take disappointments in love, tlicy say.' This was the last drop in the cup of the lady of Ravel aw. 'Forsaken by Janet Nesbit indeed, Jean!* she exclaimed scornfully. ' It was the very opposite way: she would have taken him gladly. But Sandy was only playing with her, as so many young men play with silly girls. And I set my face against it from the first' 'Little cause ye had to do that, Harriet/ said Philip Napier grimly. 'Janet Nesbit's worth six of your big rough son. Take you care that such sinful pride doesn't get iis just reward. Ye'U maybe get a daughter - in - law ye'U have more cause to be ashamed of than Janet Nesbit. She would have been the making of Sandy.* Mrs. Riddell quitted the house in disgust. All the world was turning against her, surely. Stop a little, my lady ; the worst has not come yet I Other seven days passed, and still no word came from or of the Laird of Ravelaw. Then his mother took alarm lest some evil thing had befallen her one son, and on the Monday morning sent for Mr. Douglas the lawyer from Melrose, and deputed him to journey to London immediacely after the missing Laird. Mr. Douglas not being able to spare the time for such a journey, tried to allay her fears by THE M/SSrNG LAIRD. 10$ assurinjT her that he would be enjoying the novelty of London so much that he would not have time to write or send word, and would doubtless be home, safe and sound, before many days. But Mrs. Riddell was not to be assured. Then Mr. Douglas respectfully informed her that the claims of business would keep him in Melrose till Thursday of that week, but that on Friday morning he would be ready to depart on her mission of investigation. With that she was obliged to be content, and Mr. Douglas departed from Ravelaw fervently hoping the scapegrace would turn up before Friday, and thus save him a task for which he had neither time nor inclination. On the Wednesday evening, after having par- taken of her solitary dinner, Mrs. Riddell was sitting by the fire in her spacious drawing-room, turning her rings round and round on her slender fingers, and thinking of her absent son. Her face wore a restless, worried expression, and she did not seem in the best of health or spirits. Never- theless she was attired with her customary care, having on a gown of stiff mauve silk, and a cap of the same material trimmed with rich lace. The house was drearily silent. In spite of all its magnificence, Ravelaw had never been a home. If Harriet Riddell had been put to the test, after twenty-eight years' experience of it, she would have ■I 1 \ t, f- 1^: M K'r In- m m. i .1 « 3 t 8i 10$ ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY. infinitely preferred the poverty of Arngask to the loveless splendour of her husband's dwelling- place ; because, with her own kith and kin, she would not have had to endure the rough ways and coarse speech which had been her daily bread since her marriage. In the middle of these ruminations the mistress of Ravelaw was disturbed by the rumbling of carriage wheels on the ^.ravel, followed by a loud knock at the hall door. She rose up, her heart fluttering, and listened breathlessly. In a moment sh" heard Sandy's voice, then another, that of a woman ! What wonder that as she listened to the approaching footsteps on the stair, she should require to lean against the oaken mantel for support ! While she stood thus, the door was flung open wide, and the Laird of Ravelaw appeared on the threshold, having upon his arm a lady of tall and commanding presence, dressed in furs, beside which my lady's would have shrunk into insijnificance. They came forward into the room, and Sandy, in no way disconcerted, led the lady up to his mother. ' Permit me, mother, to introduce to you my wife, the mistress of Ravelaw.' Mrs. Riddell's soul failed within her, and for the moment her eyes drooped from sheer inability to meet either of the pairs fixed upon her. TAKEN BY STORM. 107 * Come, mother, give us a welcom'^ after our long journey,' repeated Sandy in his rough, impatient way. * Shake hands with my wife, and say you are glad to see her.* Then having somewhat recovered herself, Mrs. Riddell the elder lifted up her keen eyes, and looked the new wife over from head to foot. She was marvellously beautiful, with a subtle Eastern loveliness, unlike any Mrs. Riddell had ever seen in Scotland. Her hair and eyes were as black as the raven's wing, her face exquisitely featured and of a warm brown hue, as if it had been tanned by southern suns. She was smiling, and showing two rows of teeth like pearls ; and had also ungloved one dainty hand, and was offering it to the lady of Ravelaw. But Mrs. Riddell drew haughtily back, and keeping her hands clasped before her, said icily : * When I know who Mrs. Sandy Riddell is, I may touch her hand, /^;'//^/i-.' 'Take care, mother,' said Sandy meaningly, but the warning did not take effect. Mrs. Riddell's passion was at white heat, her eyes shone like stars, and her bosom heaved, only her face preserved its dead haughty calm. *Ah! I do not understand your Scotch ways,* said Mrs. Sandy with a shrug of her shoulders and a grimace. 'Madame your mother seems J !' (;- U s FJ ■'- r:: Ml I I f i| io8 ALDERSYDE- A BORDER STORY. vexed, Sandy ; why does she look as if she were made of stone ? * She spoke good English, though with a strong French accent, and her voice was musical indeed. 'Will you be good enough, Alexander/ said Mrs. Riddell the elder, fixing her blazing eyes on her son's face, ' to tell me who this woman is, whom you have forced upon me in the privacy of my own drawing - room at this unseemly hour?' ' Such talk will serve you no end, mother,* Sandy made answer. 'This iady is Honor^ Riddell, my lawful wife, and, I repeat, mistress of Ravelaw.' His mother waved her hand in scorn of his words. * I desire to know who she was, what she was before she became Mrs. Alexander Riddell of Ravelaw.' 'With that you have nothing to do,' said the Laird of Ravelaw, fast losing his temper. * Sufficient for you that she is my wife. Bid her welcome, or there is but one alternative.' Then Mrs. Sandy laughed merrily, as if heartily enjoying the tableau. ' Do not be so vexed with me, madame, although I have stolen a march upon you,' she said, flashing her black eyes on Mrs. Riddell's face. 'You will find me the most amiable of women, when I am PVIfO IS MISTRESS OF RAVELAW? 109 not crossed. I have no desire to make you feel not at home here with me ; though, as Sandy so often puts it, / am the mistress of Ravelavv. You shall have your own apartments, your own servants, if you will, provided they do not quarrel with mine, and we shall set an example to all mothers-in-law and daughters - in - law, by being the best of friends ! ' Again Sandy's wife offered her hand to Sandy's mother ; but my lady darted back as if she had been stung, and looked magnificent in her scorn and wrath. She turned her back upon her son's wife, and looked at him. Any man but Sandy Riddell would have quailed beneath that look. * To that woman I have nothing to say,' she said slowly, 'and only one word to you before I quit this cursed house for ever. It is simply this, that from this day I disclaim any connection with you, my son though ye be. You have disgraced your father's name and mine, and permitted a stranger to insult me upon my own hearthstone. For such awful sins Heaven reserves punishment heavy enough, therefore I forbear to leave my curse with you.* Then she swept from the room, and, calling her waiting-woman, commanded her to order a coach, then to come and help her to dress, and get her own goods together lor a journey to Arngask. ■)', l::j ^ I Ill 1 'i * I 1 f ■ i:. : 1:6 . i mi