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ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY

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ALDERSYDE

a 23ort»cr Storg of Scbcntu JTccUS a^o

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

DARKENING DOWN.

\ 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

*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

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

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.

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

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

1 1 >

?:?*■> C-

THE HONOUR OF THE NESBITS.

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/

'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

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.

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

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 i

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.

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

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.

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;

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M". I i

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.

, 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.

III

■III

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.

' 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.

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

BITTER MOMENTS.

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 :'

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ill!

I'h
'I'

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.

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

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111

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I! i

!|:lli

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.

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.

l;l

111

iiiii.

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.

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.

« ;

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ill

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

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

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

\-\

\ 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.

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

\i\

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.

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 *

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,

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.

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.

' r

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.

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

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•<•

IJlfl

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.

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

ALDEPSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

ull

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,

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

^Iri

5«

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

|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,

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

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.

:';

AI.DEKSYDE: A BORDER STORY,

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.

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

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,

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.'

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.

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\\

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.

)0t
lat

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,

AT.DERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

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.'

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Miss Ncsbit's lips parted in a bitter smile.

'Yc'll be glcd that a penniless dochtcr of the
Ncsbits will never get the chance tae reign at
Ravelaw, Mrs. Riddcll.'*' said she.

The lady of Ravelavv was nettled by the
young woman's half- scornful and wholly calm
demeanour.

'Well, since you take it for granted that such
are my feelings,' she said sharply, * I do think
that Ravelaw might bring home a bride whose
dower and name would do more honour to his
own.*

'Aldersyde ewes grew fat on Yarrow braes afore
there was a Riddell in Ravelaw or a iNapicr in
•Arngask,' said Miss Nesbit in a slow, dry way.
*An' for honour, it wadna be ill tae match the
honour o' Ravelaw in mony a lowlier biggin' than
Aldersyde. I'll bid ye guid-day, Mrs. Riddell, wi*
mony thanks for this kind and well-meant visit.
If ye'U be pleased tae sit a meenit, I'll bid my
servant show ye doon the stair.'

Mrs. Riddell, however, did not choose to wait for
Marget, but rose at once and got away down to her
coach, where she had time to digest the insults slie
had received from the penniless daughter of the
Nesbits. It was many a day since the proud
dame had been so humbled, and had felt so
wretchedly insignificant among all her splendour.

I'il

■: i

ALDEFSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

Coming out of tlic clrawinj;-ro )m, Miss Ncsbit
encountered Tibbie in the corridor, dressed in her
best, and lookinj^ very fair.

*Is that Mrs. Riddell away, Janet,' she exclaimed
in extreme surprise, 'an' me just comin' tae speak
to her ? '

Answer good or bad Miss Nesbl*- made none, but
passed by her sister, and entered the room where
their father had died. She locked the door after
her, and walking unsteadily over to the bed, sat
down by it and buried her face in the pillow. So
long did she remain there, that Tibbie and Marget
began to feel alarmed as well as astonished. By
and by, when it was getting near the early tea-time,
Tibbie crept to the door, and knocked softly. •

*Let me in, Janet,' she pleaded. Then Miss
Nesbit opened the door and bade her enter.

* What is it, Janet.''' cried she in affright, her sister
looked so unlike herself.

* I hae been at the burial o' dead hopes, Tibbie,'
she said with a wintry smile. * Like other burials,
it is sair tae thole. But it's past. I dinna need tae
tell ye mair, Tibbie.'

No, for Tibbie understood, and all the hot blood
of the Nesbits rushed to her face, and she clenched
her slender hands together, and was only restrained
from indignant speech by the look on Janet's face.
She made no moan, therefore Tibbie also must be

■I

^f/ss NESBirs tribulation.

silent. Miss Ncsbit's one love affiir ended here, and
having faced the tribulation bravily, and mastered it
at the first, she was ready to take up her life anu
live it as became a Christian woman and a daughter
of tlic house of Aldcrsyde,

f s-

(

i ■ ■ '*■'

M . "'

. {

CHAPTER V.

• My hame ! nae ither spot can be
Sae dear tae me on earth,
For hallowed memories entwine
/ bout thy sacred hearth.'

;HE Miss Nesbits were sitting by the study

fire talking soberly over their future. Mr.

Douglas the lawyer had just left Alders)^de

after a long interview, during which he had intimated

to them that their yearly income henceforth could

not amount to more than £60. To Miss Nesbit his

announcement was not a surprise ; but Tibbie, who

had never troubled her head about money matters,

and was quite ignorant cf her father's affairs, had

dreamed dreams of a goodly establishment at Windy-

knowe, and a life of ease and pleasure. From

thv^se dreams Mr. Douglas had rudely awakened

her, and her bonnie face wore a doleful and

discontented look.

■V

ALDERSYDR: A BORDER STORY.

< J.

Janet, what'U we do ? ' she asked for the third
time.

* Live and be happy thegither, my dear,' said Miss
Nesbit in a wonderfully cheerful voice. * Mony a
puir gentlewoman hasna that, wha has tae pay for a
roof-tree besides.'

I believe that this new turn of affairs, which
compelled Miss Ne.^bit to devote all her thoughts
to the subject of * living,' was the best thing which
could have happened at the time. Tibbie glanced
up at her sister's unruffled face, then down upon her
own slim, dainty hands, and said dismally :

'We'll need to turn house and kitchen maids
ourselves, Janet ; we can't keep Marget off £6q.^

Then, indeed, Miss Nesbit sighed.

* Marget '11 hae tae gang, Tibbie, an' that's the
hardest bit o'd.'

* We'll need to tell her, Janet'

* It's a task I dinna like, Tibbie ; but as you say,
v/e'U need tae daet, an' the suner the better.'

So saying, Miss Nesbit touched the bell, to
summon Marget, who came very slowly, as if she
guessed there was something unpleasant in store
for her.

' Come in an' sit doon, Marget,' said Miss Nesbit.

But Marget did not deem it a fitting thing for
her to sit down in the presence of her young
ladies, and therefore stood near the door, tvt^irling

* ■
If:

THE SUBJECT OF 'LIVING:

her apron round her thumbs, and waiting to hear
what was to be said to her.

'Ye've been a faithfu' freen tae us, Marget, an*
ye hae a perfcck richt tae ken a' oor affairs,' said
Miss Nesbit. 'Mr. Douglas has been tae tell us
hoo we stand wi' regaird tae money maitters.'

•Wcel, mem?* queried Margct with intense
interest

'There's no muckle left,' faltered Miss Nesbit,
for Margct's anxious, loving gaze broke her down.

* I'm vext for that, Miss Nesbit; but there's Windy-
knowe an' the bit gairden, an' gin we could keep
Crummie, I'd mak a penny aff the butter,' said
Marget breathlessly.

'Oh but, Marget, wi' only £60 a year atwecn
Tibbie an' me, hoo are we tae keep Crummie, my
wummin, or you either?' said Miss Nesbit mournfully.

Marget folded her arms, while a curious expression
of mingled wrath and grief and wounded pride
came on her honest face.

* Ye'll be gaun tae wash' yer claes, an' clean yer
hoose, an' mak yer meat, no tae speak o' howin*
the gairden, nae doot } ' she said scornfully.

' We'll need tae try, Marget,' said Miss Nisbet with
a smile and a tear.

* A bonnie like thing for the Nesbits o' Alder-
syde ! ' quoth Marget. * Wee^ gif ye think ye'll get
rid o' Marget Drysdale as easy's that, yer mista'en—

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

that's a'. Wha said I wanted wages ? Wha said I
wanted ony thing but a moothfu' o' kirn milk, an' a
bite o' pease bannock for my meat? Whaever said
it, or said I wad leave them that's mair than flesh
an* bluid tae me, telt a lee — that's a',' vvith which
Marget whisked out of the room, and clattered down
the kitchen stair with a great din.

After that, of course, there was no more said
anent Marget leaving ; but Miss Nesbit had a plan
of her own, whereby she would fmd the wherewithal
to pay her labour.

The days wore on, till the fortnight of Hugh
Nesbit's absence elapsed, and it came to be the Miss
Nesbits' last night in Aldersyde, the last time they
would sleep beneath their father's roof-tree. Ah me,
but that* last' has a dreary sound in it ! It is one of
the saddest words in any tongue. The house was
stripped of its furnishings, which i'.i<'c:r Marget's
supervision had been conveyed by degi ccs to Windy-
knowe. All that remained on the last night was the
study table and chairs, and the beds they three were
to occupy.

But there was one room furnished ready for
the use of the Laird of Aldersyde. Miss Nesbit
had ^elected some articles of later date, which
were .>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.

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,

1
t'i

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:

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

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.

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WINDYKNOWE.

'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.

.: t

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY,

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/

■ 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

iii

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.

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.'

i<i

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY,

*It was only common courtesy, Hugh Ncsbit,'
she said somewhat sharply, which speech brought
them to the gate of Doctor Elliot's dwelling. It
was a substantial, handsome house, standing back
from the road in a garden which was the pride
and admiration of Aldcrshope.

'Your family is considerably increased to-day,
Mrs. Elliot,' said Hugh Nesbit lightly. 'I am
afraid that if you once open your hospitable
doors to me, I may become a weariness to you.'

'You could scarcely be that, Captain Nisbet,'
said the doctor, thus saving his wife the trouble
of answering.

All the ladies went away ..p - stairs at once,
Mrs. Elliot going to her own room, and Mary
taking the Miss Nesbits to hers. Tibbie removed
her bonnet and cloak, and smoothing her hair,
said lightly she would just go down and leave
them to their secrets. When she was out of the
room, Mary Elliot sat down by the bed, and
covered her fair face with her hands.

'What is't, Mary.?' asked Miss Nesbit in anxious
surprise.

* Do you believe in presentiments, Janet ? ' asked
Mary very low.

' I canna say I dinna believe in them,* said
Miss Nesbit. ' I had a warnin' in' a fear o*
comin' evil baith afore my mother's death an' my

A PRESENTIMENT OF EVIL.

•7

father's. But what presentiment o* evil can you hac,
Mary ? *

* That man down-stairs, Janet,' said Mary, shiver-
ing ; * when he looks at me, I feel like to die. The
old fear of him I had when I was a child and
played with him at Aldersyde yon summer he
lived with you, has come back to me far stronger
and more real. What can it mean ? *

* Ye arena weel, Mary ; it's jist a fancy,' said Miss
Nesbit tenderly. * Come, my dear, let me help ye
off wi' yer things. We maunna keep Mrs. Elliot
waiting at the table.*

Then with a sigh, Mary Elliot rose, and taking off
her bonnet and cloak, smoothed her yellow hair,
and fastened her lace collar about her throat.

Doctor Elliot cast a keen glance at his daughter
when she entered the dining-room, and motioned
her to come and sit by his side, which also
happened to be the seat next Hugh Nesbit It
was a curious and painful thing to observe how
Doctor Elliot's women-folk relapsed into subdued
silence in his presence, and seemed to be in a state
of nervous dread and fear of him all the time. In
general he either remained silent, or monopolized
the conversation ; but that day he seemed anxious
that Mary, at least, should take part in it. She
answered Hugh Nesbit's remarks only in mono-
syllables, till her father said half jokingly :

[in

ALDERSYDE: A BONDER STORY,

I I

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* Unless you find something more to say, Mary,
Captain Ncsbit will come to the conclusion that
you are either an ignoramus or a painfully bashful
country girl.'

'Whether she speaks or remains silent, Miss
Elliot must always be charming,' said Hugh Nesbit
gallantly.

Mary knew well that her father's seemingly
playful speech was in reality a command, so with
her customary submission to his will, she forced
herself to carry on a conversation with the young
man beside her. Sitting by Mrs. Elliot at the foot
of the table. Miss Nesbit observed her dim eyes
fill with tears, which she strove to hide by bendiirg
over her plate.

You will notice that the feminine relatives of
coarse, unfeeling men, are generally women of
refined and acute sensibilities, to whom their hi>me
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.

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 ? '

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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.

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,

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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.

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.

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ALDERSYDE: A BOEDER STORY.

'Miss Nesbit, is it possible that is all youf
income ? '
She nodded.

* I'm no ashamed o'd ; why should I be ? As I
said tae Tibbie, tnony a puir gentlewoman hasna
as muckle. It's plenty for us if Tibbie ' —

She paused, and a sigh escaped her.

*She has a constant cravin* after a gay life, an'
a' the luxury that money can buy, Mr. Bourhill —
a very natural thing in a young an' bonnie lassie.'

* Is that work not trying for your eyes, Miss
Nesbit ? ' asked the minister in a queer, abrupt way.

Miss Nesbit laid her lace work down on her lap,
a little humorous smile rippling about the corners
of her mouth.

* I maun tell ye the meaning o' this, Mr. Bourhill.
When Mr. Douglas tell'd us what was left, Tibbie
an* me cam' tae the conclusion that we wad hae
tae let Marget gang, an' I said sae till her. I wish
ye had seen her, Mr. Bourhill : her honest wratli
fairly took the breath frae Tibbie an' me. She
just refused tae gang. So tae fill up my time, an'
help tae pay Marget's wages, I mak this lace,
which my mother learned me tae dae long ago,
an' send it tae a shop in Edinburgh. It's atween
you an' me, Mr. Bourhill ; for if Marget suspeckit it,
she wad tak my heid aff. I've tae stow'd away
in my apron pocket whenever I hear her comin',*

MR. BOURIIILL DECLARES HIS LOVE.

While she was speaking, the minister of Alders-
hope had risen and gone over to the window. He
could not always force back from outward sight
that which filled all his heart.

* We can see the den o' Aldersyde frae here, ye
see,' said Miss Nesbit cheerfully; 'no tae speak
o' Dryhope Tower, an* Bourhope. So we dinna
feel a' thegither awa frae hame.'

Then Mr. Bourhill turned about, and Miss Nesbit,
happening to look at him at the moment, knew
what was coming. She rose up trembling, and let
her work fall down to the floor.

The deepest feelings do not find their expression
in a multitude of words. Mr. Bourhill held out his
hands to Janec Nesbit, and said in tones which his
great emotion made hoarse and tremulous :

'Janet, I love you next to God. Let me make
your happiness my greatest earthly care I' That
was all.

A lesser nature might have misjudged him, and
thought his offer was the outcome of pity. But
Janet Nesbit's great heart read that other like an
open book, and knew, ah ! none better, the priceless
value of the love she could not take.

There was no coquetry about her, no shrinking
from telling the truth ; she answered the question
as it had been put, in words grave, true, and
earnest, coming from the heart.

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ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

* Mr. Bourhill, I would to God I could come,
kcnnin' what it is ye offer, an* that there's no
muckle love like yours in this weary world. But I
hae nanc tae gie, an' I could be wife tae nae man
unless my love could match his ain.' Then she
broke down and covered her face with her hands.

To a true woman it is terrible to refuse the offer
of a good man's love ; because, if she has loved
herself, she knows what her answer must mean to
him.

It was no light thing for the minister of Alders-
hope ; for, when love comes to a man for the
first time, late in life, it is no child's play, but
terrible earnest.

* In time to come,* he said slowly ; but Miss
Nesbit held up her hand deprecatingly.

'Never, never! Mr. Bourhill. I'm a woman to
whom love can come but aince. I hae gien mine
already, an' though unworthily for a',' she said.
* Ye ken what I think o* ye when I bri.ng mysel'
tae tell ye this ; but ye were my father's freend an'
mine.*

Then Mr. Bourhill went away over to the window,
and stood there for what seemed a very long time to
Miss Nesbit. Yet she dared not disturb him, nor go
away out of the room. These were sharp moments
for the minister of Aldershope. When he turned
about by and by, it seemed to Miss Nesbit that

iiii.

HARD TO BEAR.

ever before had Mr. Bourhill's face so reflected the
light of his great heart and meek, unselfish soul.
He went up to her, and taking both her hands in
his firm yet gentle clasp, looked full into her
eyes.

* It was too much happiness for me, and God has
willed it otherwise. Forgive me if I have distressed
you — nay, I know I have ; but there are moments
when a man is not altogether master of him-
self.'

'I wasna worthy,' faltered Janet, unable to say
more.

•You will forget this, Miss Nisbet, and let the
old friendship grow deeper and stronger between
us,' he said with his true bright smile ; * and only
remember me as the one to whom your father
ever accorded a warm welcome in happier days
at Aldcrsyde ? '

' I hinna that mony frcens that I should care tae
lose the best o' them,* Miss Nesbit made answer
with brimming eyes. ' God bless ye, Mr.
Bourhiil'

The minister bent low over the clasped hands, and
touched them with reverent iips ; * God bless you^
my friend 1 '

't (

)

CHAPTER VII.

• She was a leddy o* high degree,
An' she was prood as prood could be,
An' she had siller, an' gear, an' a',
An' mony a servant in her ha',
But aye her ife was dreary, dreary,
An' aye her heart was sad an' weary I *

-f/%^Fr£R meeting the M.ss Nesbits on the
yr^/rA\9y Sabbath afternoon, Sandy Riddell rode
rMi^-'jL^ home to Ravelaw in a great rage.
At the dinner-table he was so rude and sulky, like
some schoolboy who had been whipped for trans-
gression, that his mother found it necessary- to
remonstrate with him, and ask him what had
happened to ruffle his temper. Whereupon her
gentlemanly and respectful son swore at her, and
Mrs. Riddell retired to her chamber in hysterics.

In the lifetime of Sandy Riddell the elder, such
scenes had been of so frequent occurrence that the
domestics thought nothinpj of them. Since the young

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ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

I.aird had grown to manhood he had given large
evidence of having inherited his father's coarse, rough
nature, rather than the courtesy which had ever been
characteristic of his mother's family. This was the
price my lady had had to pay for the wealth and stately
home she had won. She did not appear down-
stairs again that evening, which mattered little to
lier son, he being in the stables smoking and talking
familiarly with the groom.

On Monday morning Mrs. RiddcU did not feel
herself equal to the exertion of rising at the
usual hour, but rang for her waiting - woman
to bring her a cup of strong tea, and thereafter
remain in the next room till she was again required.
At eleven, Mrs. Riddell pulled her bell-rope again,
and Rebecca, who had been down-stairs gossiping
with the maids, came running up in breathless haste.

* You've been down - stairs, Rebecca,* said her
mistress peevishly. *I might have fainted or died
while you were gone.'

* I had the toothache, ma'am,' said Rebecca,
telling her lie as glibly as her mistress could have
done, * and just ran down for a mouthful of whisky
to deaden it'

Mrs. Riddell did not believe her serving-woman's
statement. There are no greater suspecters of the
veracity of others than those who have little regard
for the truth themselves.

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KA VELA irS SUDDEN WHIM.

lOI

* Dress nic, then, Rebecca,* she said languidly,
* and then go down for some vinegar and water to
bathe my head ; it aches intolerably, the result of
the wretched night I have had.'

Rebecca had passed the night on a couch in her
mistress's bedroom, and knew she had slept soundly
till the dawning. But being only a poor waiting-
woman, it did not behove her to have any opinions
of her own. There was a bit of news burning her
tongue ; but she dared not breathe it, lest she should
betray that even in the agonies of toothache she had
been able to gossip down-stairs. Having got her
mistress into her clothes, she went away for the
vinegar and water, with which she bathed her lady's
head, she lying back in her easy chair the
while.

* When did the Laird breakfast, Rebecca } ' asked
my lady.

* At six o'clock, ma'am,' answered Rebecca ; * and
away driving to Galashiels to catch the coach for
London.*

Mrs. Riddell gave a faint scream.

*You are talking sheer nonsense, Rebecca,' said
she sharply.

' I beg pardon, ma'am ; I had it from Gibson's
own lips when I was down just now,* said Rebecca
smoothly.

' Go and send Gibson to me directly ; I cannot

I02

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

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comprehend what you tell me, Rebecca,' exclaimed
her mistress with considerable energy.

Rebecca departed at once, and returned nortly
with the housekeeper, a stately personage in stiff
black silk, with a bunch of keys jingling at her
side.

•What is this Rebecca tells me about the Laird,
Gibson?' asked Mrs. Riddell.

* I don't know what Rebecca may have told you,
ma'am,' said Gibson sullenly, who still resented
being ordered up-stairs by my lady's maid.

'Don't exasperate me, Gibson. Has the Laird
gone to London, or has he not } '

' I gave him his breakfast myself at six o'clock,
ma'am, and packed his bag while he ate it ; and
I saw him drive away at half-past six. Duncan has
just returned from Galashiels.'

Mrs. Riddell bit her lip.

* He must have taken a sudden whim in his head,*
said she. *Did he make any allusion to his
return } *

'As he was going out of the door, ma'am, he
turned about and said to me, "Gibson, tell my
mother I'm off for a holiday, and she may expect
me when I come." '

Again Mrs. Riddell bit her lip. To leave such a
message for her with a servant ; it was intoh able /

* He only took one change of linen, ma'am,' went

THE OPINION OF THE N A PIERS.

103

on Gibson, * and said he would get what he needed
in London.'

* You may go,' said Mrs. Riddell haughtily, and
Gibson withdrew, secretly delighting over her
mistress's humiliation.

No dependant ever became attached to the house
of Ravelaw, being made to feel that they were
dependants, and as such must keep their place.

Being left alone, Mrs. Riddell began to think over
this extraordinary proceeding of Sandy's. She
made her head ache in earnest, tiying to fathom
his motive for this sudden journey, but was obliged
in the end to give it up in despair.

A trying week dragged itself away, during which
Mrs. Riddell fretted night and day, and almost
resolved to journey to London herself, in search of
her truant boy.

But first she bethought herself of making a visit
to Arngask^ to seek advice in her extremity from
her bachelor brother Philip Napier, and her maiden>
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

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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

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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

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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.

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ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

The white set face and gleaming eyes of her
mistress feared Rebecca, and she dared not open
her mouth. She did not need to be told what had
passed in the drawing-room, having had her ear to
the keyhole all the time.

* Get yourself ready also, Rebecca/ said Mrs.
Riddell ; 'you will come with me.*

But Rebecca had other plans.

' Pardon, ma'am, but I engaged to serve the lady
of Ravelaw, at Ravelaw, so I shall stay,' she said
respectfully but firmly.

Mrs. Rjddell did not look surprised or angry.
This was a fitting termination to the night's tribula-
tion. Not many minutes later, the coach came
round to the door, and Mrs. Riddell went down-
stairs, her face growing dark as she passed the
drawing-room door, for she could hear within
Sandy's voice, and the mocking, sweet tones rf the
woman who had supplanted her. So in the dark-
ness of the night, alone and unattended, the lady of
Ravelaw crossed for the last time the threshold of
the home where she had never known a day's
happiness. During her solitary drive she had time
for reflection. She had scorned and flaunted that
true gentlewoman Janet Nesbit, only to be turned
out of Ravelaw by an impudent, mocking French-
woman, who, not 1 aving any name or family pride
of her own, had no respect for that of others.

HOME TO ARNGASK.

Oh but these were sharp moments, and the proud
head was bent low in the very depths of humiliation
and pain.

In the middle of the night, the slumbering
inmates of Arngask were aroused by a thundering
knock at the door, and when cautious Philip
Napier, pistol in hand, inquired from within
who desired admittance, what was his amaze-
ment to hear the voice of his sister, Mrs. RiddeU
of Ravelaw ! Thinking some grievous thing must
have befallen his scapegrace nephew, he made
haste to undo the bolts and let her in. She
staggered forward into the hall, white and haggard,
and immediately fell into a deathlike swoon. Then
Arngask ran for his sister, who aroused the women
of the house, and among them they managed
to get her to bed and restored to consciousness.
Then she told them of the evil that had befallen
the house of Ravelaw, and that henceforth her
home must be with them at Arngask.

All three remembered the warning words uttered
in careless unthinkingness by Philip Napier, and
which to-day had bitterly come to pass :

'Ye'U maybe get a daughter-in-law ye'U have
more cause to be ashamed of than Janet Nesbit I *

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CHAPTER VIII.

• They gied her hand withoot her heart.
An' oh, her heart was wae !
But she had learned her lesson weel.
And kent but tae obey.'

I PON the afternoon of the day before

Christmas, the Miss Nesbits were sitting

in their dining-room, Miss Nesbit at

her lace, and Tibbie altering a gown for herself.

Tibbie's work was always for herself. The first

snowstorm had swept over Ettrick vale. Minchmoor,

Broadlaw, and Bourhope wore their weird white

caps, and the headstones in the lonely chapel-yard

of St. Mary had all their rude letterings hidden

by frosted snow. To gay folk this was a season

of festivity and rejoicing, but to the two women

abiding in loneliness at Windyknowe it made

no difference, save in the contrast it presented

to happier Christmas times gone by.

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114

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

I'M

* Janet Ncsbit,' said Tibbie in a very wearicJ
voice, * I'm sick, sick to death of my life ! *

*Many a one's been sick, and had to grow
well again, Tibbie,* answered Miss Nesbit quietly,
though her heart sank. At times it grew very
heavy about her young sister.

'We rise up in the morning, and go through
the same round of weariness,' Tibbie continued.
'There is not a thing to brigliten our days.
What have we done, Janet, that we should be
shut out from what other women enjoy ? It's
not right*

'Wheesht, Tibbie!' said Miss Nesbit gently.
' We micht be waur.'

'No much, I'm thinkin*. I wish Sandy Riddcll's
wife would take us up. Whatever she may Le,
she can make gay doings in Ravelaw.'

Miss Nesbit's long upper lip curled slightly.

*I dinna think ye weigh your words, Tibbie,'
she said slowly.

Tibbie yawned and shrugged her shoulders,
then casting her half- finished gown upon the
floor, she sauntered over to the window, and
looked out on the whitened landscape with dis-
contented eyes.

' I see a coach comin' up the brae,' she exclaimed.
* O Janet, if it would but come here ! Ay, even
if Grizzie Oliphant was in it, I'd dance a reel.'

THE SCOTTS OF SCOTTRIGG.

Miss Nesbit laughed, and pausing in her work,
looked with tendercst eyes on her fair }oung
sister. Oh, but she was fair, with hair like
summer sunshine, eyes like the forget-me-not,
and bloom like the rose and lily combined!

' O Janet, Janet ! It's comin', and it's the bay
horses from Scottrigg. I know them,' she cried
in ecstasy, and without more ado danced out of
the room, and up-stairs, to adorn herself in her
best.

Miss Nesbit looked well pleased. Not only
for Tibbie's sake was she glad, but also relieved
to find that the hard things she had been thinking
of the Scotts, for their long neglect, were without
foundation. Very well pleased also was Marget
Drysdale to behold the splendid equipage of
Scottrigg at the door of Windyknowe, and to show
in, with many curtsies, Sir Walter with his lady
and their sweet daughter Marjorie.

Lady Kate Scott had been Mrs. Nesbit's friend
in girlhood, and had almost a mother's love for
her orphan girls. She took Miss Nesbit in her
arms without ado, and whispered a few words
of tenderness in her ears. Then somewhat to
Miss Nesbit's discomfiture. Sir Walter followed
suit, laughing heartily at his own audacity. Then
it was Marjorie's turn to clasp Miss Nesbit's hand,
and say, from her loving heart, ^ Dear Janet T

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ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

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She was a fair, winsome maiden, just what her
mother had been thirty years ago when slie was
bonnie Katie Graeme of Mosslee.

Presently Tibbie came down, and was warmly
greeted also, although Janet was the favourite
at Scott rigg.

* Before we say anything, my dears,' said Lady
Scott, * I must explain that I would have been
at Windyknowe long ago, bu*- I have had one
of my troublesome illnesses, and Marjorie had
to nurse me. But I'm come as soon as I'm able
to carry you both away to Scottrigg for Christmas.
You will come, Janet ? *

'Mony thanks, dear Leddy Scott,' returned
Miss Ncbjit, lifting grateful, pathetic eyes to the
motherly face. * Tibbie '11 gang wi' ye the day,
and I'll come when she comes hame. I couldna
leave Marget alane, ye ken, at Windyknowe.'

* Bring her tae,' suggested Sir Walter.
But Miss Nesbit shook her head.

* Let it be as I say, dear freens. I'm mair than
gled tae let Tibbie gang ; and I gie ye my faithfu*
promise tae come when she wins hame.*

* Knowing of yore that you are as immoveable
as Minchmoor, Janet,' laughed Lady Kate, *we
must be content. Well, now that's settled, how
have you been all this time? and how do you
like your new home?*

A TENDER SPOT.

117

* We strive to be content, Lcddy Scott,' an-
swered Miss Ncsbit, and seeing her lips quiver,
Lady Kate knew all that the words implied.

* Well, what do you think of the marriage of
the Laird of Ravelaw ? ' she asked, ' Have any
of you seen the new wife ? '

If Lady Scott had guessed what a tender
spot she was touching, she would never have asketl
the question ; but though she had heard many
rumours coupling the names of Sandy RidJell
and Janet Ncsbit, she had thought the thing to
be all of Riddell's seeking, not considering him
a likely person to win Janet Nesbit's regard.

* We saw her in the kirk one Sabbath day,'
answered Miss Ncsbit quietly. 'She is a very
beautiful woman.'

'Yes ; but hardly a fit mate for one of our oldest
families,* said her ladyship slightingly.

'Who is she. Lady Scott.-*' asked Tibbie. 'Did
the Laird of Ravelaw only meet her after he went
to London.*

' No ; they say he met her the last time he was
in London, two summers ago. She belongs to
a respectable enough French family, I understand,
but wretchedly poor. Her brothers and she are
mere adventurers, on the look - out to take
advantage of foolish folk like the Laird of
Ravelaw/

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Ii8

AirERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

MI.ivc you Called on her, Lady Scott?' asked
Tibbie.

Her ladyship smiled.

' My dear, you ask an absurd question. I had
the very slij^htest acquaintance with Mrs. Riddell
the elder, when she was Harriet Napier ; but even
if she had been my most intimate friend, I should
hardly have called on her new daughter-in-law.
Marjoric and I met a riding party from Ravclaw
on the Yair road yesterday. Mrs. Sandy looked
superb on horseback ; her brother was by her side,
a dark, heavily-moustached man. They rode up
to Arngask, they tell me, to be received with some
coolness, I assure you. I'm sorry for the young
man's mother. This has been a sore blow to her
pride.'

* Which gangs afore a fa',' put in Sir Walter.

* Where is Mrs. Riddell the elder i asked Miss
Nesbit.

' At Arngask, which she makes very unpeaceable
for Mr. Philip Napier and Miss Jean.'

* She's like a hen on a het girdle,' said Sir Walter
in his broad way. * If she hasna ae thing tae girn
aboot, she'll mak anither. I hae nae patience wi*
yon woman.'

'Hush, Walter!' said his wife gently. 'Let
the poor lady alone. Tibbie, my dear, run and
get your things together,' she added to Tibbie.

COUNTR Y GOSSIP.

119

*Wc must be goinf^, as we expect some friends
to dinner this cvcnin^^.'

*ril get Mary IClliot frae Aldcrshope tae bide
wi* me while Tibbie's awa/ said Miss Nesbit when
her sister left the room. *Ye ken Mary Elliot,
Lady Scott ? '

' Yes, a very sweet girl. I remember her at
Aldersydc, I heard an absurd rumour from your
kinswoman, Grizel Oliphant, at Yair yesterday,
that your cousin Hugh Nesbit is courting Doctor
Elliot's daughter.'

* Whaur does Miss Grizzie get a* the news ?* asked
Miss Nesbit with a smile.

' You may well ask,* laughed Lady Scott.

'She has naethin* else adae,* put in Sir Walter
drily, *but nurse her cat, an* thraw wi* yon
servin'-wummin, an' gether up the news.'

Presently Tibbie, having made good use of
her time, returned to the room dressed, ready for
her journey, and the visitors rose.

Marget had carried out her young lady's bag
to the coach, exchanged a civil good-day with the
stately individual in bottle-green livery on the
box, and stood ready to show the company out.

But Miss Nesbit herself came to the door, and
bade them all a hearty farewell. When she
returned to her deserted hearth, she wondered
why her heart should be so heavy, when it ought

I20

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

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to have been lightened by the loving kindness
of these true friends.

Early on the morrow she went away down
to Aldershope, to see about getting Mary Elliot
up to Windyknowe. At the manse gate she met
Mr. Bourhill, and told him her errand. In spite
of what had jeen between them, there never was
any constraint in their manner toward each other.
Having buried the past, they were indeed friends.
I am aware that some scout the idea of such a
friendship — Platonic, as it is called — in these days ;
but I, who have seen it in life, hold that it is
the most beautiful and perfect of any friend-
ship.

Mrs. Elliot's maid showed Miss Nesbit up to
the drawing-room, and went for her mistress.
But it was Mary who returned to greet the
visitor, and upon her entrance Miss Nesbit was
struck by her exceeding paleness.

' Mother is not well. You will come up and see
her, Janet ? ' said Mary in her gentle way.

* Ay ; hae ye been up a' the nicht tae, lassie ?
Ye dinna look very brisk.'

* When the heart's sore it's not easy to look
well, Janet. But come away up to mother : she will
be impatient,' said Mary, and without further
talk they proceeded up-stairs.

Mrs. Elliot was sitting in her dressmg-gown by

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AT DOCTOR ELLIOTS.

121

her chamber fire, looking very vorn and ill ; yet
she stretched out her thin hand to Miss Nesbit
with the old smile of welcome.

* I'm vext tae see ye lookin' sae ill, Mrs. Elliot,'
said Miss Nesbit. ' Mair especially as I cam thinkin'
tae get Mary back tae Windyknowe wi' me, Tibbie
bein' awa tae Scottrigg for Christmas.*

* My dear, you will certainly get Mary. I'm not
that ill but what I can do without her. I'll need
to learn to want her,' said Mrs. Elliot with a heavy
sigh. • Mary, my dear, go and get your things to-
gether ; I would speak a little with Janet.'

* Yes, mother,* said Mary in a very willing voice,
and whenever the door closed upon her, Mrs. Elliot
stretched out her hand to Miss Nesbit as if seeking
her help, and burst into tears.

* Oh, Miss Nesbit, my poor Mary ! *

* What ill has happened, or is gaun tae happen,
tae Mary, dear Mrs. Elliot ? *

* The worst thing that can happen tae a woman,*
she answered mournfully ; * being forced to give her
hand without her heart. In plain words, Mary is to
marry your cousin, Hugh Nesbit of Aldersyde, whom
I believe she dislikes above mortal man.*

* Oh, wha's gaun tae force her intae such an
unholy marriage, without affection or respect, Mrs.
Elliot .? ' asked Miss Nesbit sharply.

' Her father,'

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ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY,

No more would the loyal wife say. Whatever
were her thoughts of him, they would not be
uttered, even to Janet Nesbit.

* Hugh Nesbit an' your Mary are no weel matched,
Mrs. Elliot.'

* It will be her death, poor, timid, sensitive thing
as she is. But I can't make her father see it. He
thinks only of the honour it will be to have his
daughter lady of Aldersyde. It is a sad thing,
Miss Nesbit, when a man values the pomp of the
world above the happiness and well-being of his
child.'

* Is Mary bubmittin' tae this sacrifice o' herself
withoot a murmur.?* dsked Miss Nesbit.

'You know her gentle nature, Janet ; and she has
been brought up to obey her father in all things.
Besides, what would the protestations of two frail
women avail against such a will as Dr. Elliot's ? '

Miss Nisbet had nothing to say ; such an argu-
ment was unanswerable.

'What may be Hugh Nesbit's aim in this, Mrs.
Elliot } ' she asked by and by. ' I thocht he wad
hae marriet for gear.'

' He loves her, Janet, as such men love, with a
fierce, wild passion which cannot last. Her gentle
beauty has been her dool, as they say here. But
Mary will not be a tocherless bride. Her father
will give her five thousand pounds on her

THE LILY OF ALDERSHOPE.

123

wedding-day, and she inherits my fortune at my
death.'

* Was Hugh Nesbit aware o' this afore he socht
Mary ? ' asked Miss Nesbit drily.

Mary's entrance at the moment interrupted the
conversation. Miss Nesbit turned round to look at
her, and to feel a great rush of pitying tenderness go
out to her, such a feeling almost as a strong nian
might have for a little child. Hers was the fairness
of the lily, which lasts but till the wind comes and
breaks it on the stalk ; so v;as there not a mournful
fitness in the name they had given her, the Lily of
Aldershope } Janet Nesbit loved her well ; and if
Hugh Nesbit had been worthy of her, what a joy it
would have been to see them living together in
Ai ersyde, with toddling bairnies growing up about
their knees.

* I'm ready, Janet,' she said. * Mother, I'll leave
the bag, and Peter or one of the girls can bring it up
to vVindyknowe in the evening.'

* Very well, my dear. Good-bye ; I know you will
take care of her, Janet,' said Mrs. Elliot. ' God bless
you both.'

At Windyknowe, secure with her friend, Mary
Elliot abode in peace. The subject of the marriage
was never mentioned between them, until one night
when they had been about a week together. They
were sitting by the fire in the gloaming, when a

124

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

m
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I" I

shadow fell athwart the window, and there came a
knock at the door. Then, to the surprise of both,
they heard the voice of Hugh Nesbit in the hall.
Mary started to her feet and clung to Janet, lifting
beseeching eyes to her f?^e.

* Janet, Janet ! don't let him come in,' she whis-
pered brokenly.

* Keep quiet, my dear ; ye needna fear here wi*
me. Hugh Nesbit canna come in tae my rooms if
I want tae keep him oot. Bide here an' I'll speak
tae him,* said Miss Nesbit, and setting Mary down,
left the room, locking the door after her.

In the hall Hugh Nesbit was taking off his over-
coat, and Marget eyeing him suspiciously from the
kitchen door. He turned round quite unconcernedly
at sight of his cousin, and offered his hard.

*Ah, Cousin Janet, how do you do.**' he said
smoothly. * I have been long in coming to pay my
respects to you in your new home.'

* Ay, ye hinna been in a hurry,* she answered
drily, and led the way into the study, at the same
time desiring Marget to bring a candle. When it
was brought, she desired Hugh Nesbit to be seated,
and he looked round the room in a displeased way.
His welcome was cold enough.

* Hae ye gotten settled in Aldersyde, Cousin
Hugh ? ' asked Miss Nesbit politely.

*Yes, but it's dreary enough. I can't think how

SEEKING HIS BETROTHED.

125

you supported existence in such a place. It will be
chanfjed when the mistress comes home. You will
have heard, I suppose, that I am to be honoured with
the hand cf the young lady who is at present your
guest'

*Ay, I hae heard ye are tae get Mary Elliot's
hand' she said witii direct emphasis on the last word.

He knew well enough what it implied, but deemed
it wise to ignore it.

* Have you no congratulations to offer, Cousin
Janet?'

* If the winnin' o' an unwillin' bride be matter
for congratulation, ye hae mine,' she said
quietly.

' Who says she is unwilling ? ' asked Hugh Ncsbit
anp^rilv.

' Had I no kenned afore, her look when she heard
yer voice the noo wad hae telt me.'

'Well, to be plain. Cousin Janet, I came to see her
to-night. Since you are so plain with me, I need
not mince my words to you,' said Hugh Nesbit
sullenly. * Be good enough either to take me to her
presence, or ask her to come to mine.'

* I can dae neither,' answered Miss Nesbit without
hesitation. * Mary Elliot is my guest, and I maun
respect her wishes. She desired me tae keep ye frae
her ; and if ye be a man ava', ye'll gang awa withoot
insistin' on't'

126

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

i.'i '1

* I do insist upon it. I claim a right to see my
promised wife, no matter where she may be.'

* Against her will,tae,, I suppose/ said Miss Nesbit
Vv'ith a dry smile.

* It is mere imagination on your part, and that of
her silly mother, to think she is unwilling to become
iady of Aldcrsyde. Any woman would jump at
the offer.'

*An* you tae the bargain, I dinna doot,' said
Miss Nesbit sarcastically. Then it entered her
head to try and appeal to her cousin's better
nature to release Mary from a bond so irksome
to her.

*Ye ken brawly, Hugh, that Mary disna care
for ye,' she said with gentleness. *Be manly
enough tae refuse a wife wha has naething tae
bring tae ye but her haund wi' its tocher.'

*I don't care a rush for her tocher, as you
call it,' said Hugh Nesbit passionately. *It is
her I want, and her I mean to have. Once for
all, will you let me see her ? '

*No, I winna,' returned Miss Nesbit quietly.
Whereupon Hugh Nesbit with an oath made
haste from her presence, and lifting his coat
and hat from the hall, took an indignant departure
from Windyknowe.

'My certy, ye hae made quick wark o' the
Laird the nicht,' said Marget in well-pleased tones.

KINDLY COMFORT.

127

Miss Nesbit smiled somewhat sadly, and went
back to Mary.

' He's awa, my dear,' she said, taking the poor
fluttering thing in her brave arms, and soothing
her as a mother might have done. *Ay, greet,
my bairn ; it'll ease yer heart, for I ken there's
a sair load upon it. But mind through a', that
amang many sorrows there's aye a God wha
can help ye tae bear, as well as tae avenge
them I '

^C^'^

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CHAPTER IX.

* When once suspicion's seeds are sown,
P'arewell to peace of mind ! '

*^HREE weeks did Mary Elliot abidf
■r^yj at Windyknowe, for all that timo
\ was Tibbie absent at Scottrigg. Mary
never knew what her mother suffered at home,
between Doctor Elliot and Hugh Nesbit, to let
her have unmolested this time of peace. But
it ended at last. The coach from Scottrij^cr
brought Tibbie home, and Mary went back
to Aldershope to make her preparations for her
bridal.

*An' what hae ye been daein', Tibbie, a' this
time at Scottrigg?' asked Janet when they sat
alone again by their hearth.

*0h, I've had a grand time, Janet! I never
enjoyed anything half so much. So many people

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130

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

come and jjjo at Scottrigg, one never has time
to weary. Yon's the hfe I would hke.'

'Ye may get it yet, Tibbie/ said Miss Nesbit
shly, *if ye let young Walter Scott speak his
mind.'

Tibbie tossed her head.

'He's a very soft young man, Walter Scott, an*
just sits like a calf in a lady's presence.'

* Did ye see onything o' Miss Grizzie?' inquired
Janet, hastening to change the subject

Tibbie coloured slightly.

* She came up to Scottrigg one day an' lectured me
on the pomps and vanities, and bade me not think
too much of what I saw at Scottrigg, as it would
make me discontented at hame.'

* She micht no be very faur wrang, Tibbie,' said
Miss Nesbit with a sigh.

* Sandy Riddell an' his wife were three times at
Scottrigg when I was there, Janet'

Miss Nesbit looked much surprised.

* Bonnie wild Lady Scott was, I can tell ye, Janet.
What a handsome woman Mrs. Riddell is, and
how grandly dressed ! '

* I hardly thocht Sandy Riddell wad hae taen his
wife tae Scottrigg,' said Miss Nesbit musingly.

* She made him come, I think. She'll rule him if
ever woman rules man. Lady Scott was very dis-
tant and scornful, but Mrs. Riddell didna care.

S/STERLY TALK.

13 «

is-
re.

She'll mak a place for herself, yon vveman,
Janet'

' Are a' the strangers avva frae Ravelaw ? ' asked
Miss Ncsbit

*A' but her brother, Mr. Louis Reynaud, Janet/
answered Tibbie, and turned her face away, though
at the time Miss Nesbit did not take any notice of
it

* So Mary Elliot is to be lady of Aldersyde, after
all,' said Tibbie. 'Are ye no gled, Janet? We'll
can go often to Aldersyde when she's there.'

* It's no o' Mary's seekin', Tibbie. Hers '11 be a
dreary bridal.'

' It needna be, then. She's getting a fine man, an'
a bonnie hame. I think ye are too hard on Cousin
Hugh, Janet He came once to Scottrigg when I
was there, and I liked him very well. He's a very
gentlemanly young man.*

* Ay, he's a' that ; but he'll no make oor Mary
happy,* said Miss Nesbit sadly.

* Marjorie Scott's comin' for ye on Monday after-
noon, Janet ; and they'll £ ive you a warm welcome
to Scottrigg, and make a great fuss over you : I
found it very pleasant'

Tibbie got up and wandered restlessly up and
down the room, looking discontentedly on its plain,
old-fashioned furnishings. Evidently she was sigh-
ing after the flesh-pots of Egypt.

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AI.DERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

Agnin the old fear of somcthinf^, she could not tell
what, stole into Janet's heart as she looked on her
fair youn^ sister.

Next afternoon, when the Miss Ncsbits were
getting themselves dressed to go to Aldcrshope,
they were disturbed by a great clattering of hoofs on
the avenue, and two horses were reined up at the
door. Tibbie flew to the window and then turned
round, a wave of crimson sweeping over her
face.

* It's Mrs. Riddcll of Ravelaw and her brother,'
she said confusedly. * She said at Scottrigg she
would maybe call on me at Windyknowe.*

Miss Nesbit shut her lips together, and a red spot
began to burn on either cheek. Tills was not the
behaviour she had been taught to think fitting in a
newly-married gentlewoman. But as it behoved
them to get away down-stairs at once, she made no
remark.

No sooner had they got into the dining-room
than Marget announced * Mrs. Riddell an' a strange
gentleman.'

The lady came first, attired in an exquisitely
fitting riding - habit, and a coquettish hat with
nodding plumes. She approached Tibbie with a
great show of affection, and, to the horror of Miss
Nesbit, kissed her on both cheeks. Then she turned
to Miss Nesbit, and said prettily:

CALLERS FOR THE MISS N IS BETS.

113

* You arc Miss Ncsbit. Forgive the liberty I take,
but your charming sister won my heart at Scottrif^g;
so I made bold to come and see her, though they
tell me it is not the fashion in Scotland for a stranger
to call first. Ah ! one might wait for ever ; so I have
broken through the custom.'

Miss Nesbit bowed coldly not offering to touch
the outstretched hand.

'Permit me to introduce to you my brother, Louis
Reynaud, Miss Nesbit,' said the lady of Ravelavv,
looking towards the gentleman who had followed her
into the room.

He immediately stepped forward, and placing his
hand on his heart, almost bowed himself to the earth.

Miss Nesbit looked him over from head to
foot, and acknowledged him by a distant bow. His
resemblance to his sister was very marked, and he
was undeniably a handsome man. But his was not
the face of a good man, nor one likely to inspire
trust in man or woman. To the no little dismay of
Miss Nesbit, he greeted Tibbie after the manner of
an old friend, and then retired with her to the
farthest window. Never had Tibbie looked so beauti-
ful, so full of vivacity and life. Then the new lady
of Ravelaw, without being invited, sat down near
Miss Nesbit, and commenced to talk to her.

'You are so cool, so unlovable, in this bleak
Scotland,' she said in her most winning tone, 'If

^'i'

iiv

134

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

you see one kiss a friend, as I did your sister just
now, you look all so horrified as if you thought it
some great sin. I do lot know what you are made
of. In my dear country, if we love we show it ;
here it seems the right thing to hide it out of
sight.'

* It is the way of Scotch folk, Mrs. Riddell,* an-
swered Miss Nesbi«- stiffly, her eyes watching the
pair in the window.

The Frenchman was sitting much closer to Tibbie
than Janet's idea of propriety approved, and his hand-
some head was bent down on a level with hers.

* I came to your home to-day to see if you and
your sister would hono'ir us on Friday at Ravelaw.
We have a little dance — only a few in honour of my
brother, who leaves us next week ; then indeed I
shall be quite alone to make my home in Scot-
land.'

* I am obliged to you, Mrs. Riddell ; but the
mourning Tibbie and I wear forbid us takin' part
in ony gaiety,' said Miss Nesbit coldly.

* Pardon ; I had thought it was three months
since your dear parent died. In our country a quiet
party is permitted at the end of that time.'

Miss Nesbit made no answer.

* You refuse, then ? How cruel ! Well, you will
at least come and spend a quiet evening with us ? '
said Mrs. Riddell.

m c.

M/SS NESBirS HORROR.

?»

135

* I thank ye for yer offered kindness, Mrs. Riddell,'
said Miss Nesbit, rising ; * but neither Tibbie nor me
can accept it, now or at any other time.*

A curious gleam shot through Mrs. Riddell's dark
eyes, but she preserved her smiling exterior.

* Ah ! well, you are inexorable. I am sorry, be-
cause I think your sister would be my friend, if you
would let her,* said she, gathering her skirts in her
hand. *Come, Louis, we are dismissed. Your Scotch
way may be very good, Miss Nesbit, but I do not
appreciate it.*

Very deliberately Louis Reynaud bent over
Tibbie, and whispered something in her ear, then
bowing himself again to Miss Nesbit, preceded his
sister out of the room. She kissed Tibbie, and
Janet saw that her sister not only permitted the
caress, but returned it. When the door closed upon
the intruders, Janet looked toward Tibbie, her face
flushed with indignant anger.

'Tibbie!* she said almost roughly; 'hae ye
forgottin' what is befittin' a young gentlewoman, that
ye permit sic liberties in strangers ? '

* You are too strait-laced ! ' said Tibbie sullenly.
* Mrs. Riddell is a very nice lady. She knows how to
enjoy life, at any rate, which is more than you do.*

* What richt has that ill man tae sit as near tae
ye, an' whisper in yer ear ? * demanded Miss Nesbit

Hae ye seen him afore ? *

136

ALDERSVDE: A BORDER STORY.

*At Scottrigg, three times, I tclled ye, Janet*

*Ye telled me Sandy Riddell an' his wife cam
tae Scottrigg, but ye made nae mention o' the
brither,' said Miss Nesbit slowly.

*Ye needna scold me, Janet Nesbit,' said
Tibbie, firing up. Tm ol ' enough to take
care o' mysel'. I winna brook tae be called
to account for every word an' action as if I was a
bairn.'

Miss Nesbit turned about, and went away up-stairs,
dazed, bewildered, and half afraid to think what a
terrible responsibility Tibbie was. For the first
time in her life she realized that there might be
things worse than death.

* Father, father ! ' she whispered, bowing her
burdened head on her patient hands, *ye didna
ken hoo heavy a chairge ye left me when ye said,
" Tak care o' Tibbie." '

With this terrible new anxiety concerning Tibbie,
she could not go away to Scottrigg, unless she
could be assured that Louis Reynaud had gone
clean away from Ravel aw.

She never spoke a word on the subject to Tibbie,
but many an earnest talk she had with Marget.
On the Saturday, when Marget had been to
Aldershope for her weekly errands, she returned
with the news that Louis Reynaud had left
Ravelaw for London in the morning. So there

REASSURED.

seemed to be no just impediment in the way of
Miss Nesbit's visit to Scottrigg.

* I wonder ye would go away, Janet/ said Tibbie
saucily when she observed her sister making
preparations ; * I would have thought I couldna
be left my lane at Windyknowe ? '

Janet made no answer. Tibbie had spoken in
the same bitter manner since the Riddells had
called, and seemed bent on wounding Janet in every
possible way.

On the Monday afternoon, Marjorie Scott came
in the coach to Windyknowe in great glee to carry
off Miss Nesbit. She was aye full of nonsense
and fun, and while Janet went to get on her
bonnet, began to tease Tibbie about the French-
man's attention to her at Scottrigg. Tibbie took
the teasing in good part till she heard Janet's
foot in the passage, when she held up a warning
finger to let Marjorie know the subject must not
be mentioned in her presence.

Listening to Marjorie's blithe chatter as they
drove to Scottrigg, Janet forgot her worries, and
began almost to feel light of heart. Louis Reynaud
being gone from Ravelaw, she need have no fear
concerning Tibbie. As for Mrs. Riddell, it was not
likely that she would come to Windyknowe after
the way her frst call had been received. So it
was a very bright and peaceful-faced Janet Nesbit

i 1

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138

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY,

v/ho thanked Lady Kate for her motherly wel ^me,
and at the dinner-table she answered Sir Wc iter's
jokes in a mirthful way which no little delighted
him. These true friends took Janet Nesbit home
to their hearts, and made very much of her in their
quiet way — a new experience for her, having been
rather accustomed to take care of others than be
taken care of herself. The days passed pleasantly,
and Marjorie declared at the end of the week that
their guest looked years younger for the rest and
change. She had thought to be home on Saturday
aRcrnoon, but was persuaded to remain over the
Sabbath at Scottrigg. They walked to Yarrow Kirk
on Sabbath morning, the road being frozen hard,
and very pleasant to the feet. Miss Nesbit beheld
Grizel Oliphant sitting in grim state opposite to
them, and observed her face grow red when, at the
beginning of the discourse, Sir Walter very delibe-
rately composed himself for a nap in the corner.

After the service, Miss Grizzie stalked out of
the church in haste, and waited in the churchyard
for the party from Scottrigg. Marjorie Scott,
aye ready for fun, was so amused by the old
lady's appearance that she kept in behind Janet,
to hide the ripple of laughter on her face ; but
Miss Grizzie saw it for all that.

*Wcel, Miss Grizzie, hoo's the war Id usin' ye?*
asked Sir Walter heartily.

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AT YARROW KIRK.

139

*MiddlinV answered Miss Grizzle sourly. 'I
thocht it my duty tae wait here an' reprimand ye,
Waiter Scott, for sleepin* in the hoose o' God.
It's no seemly for a Laird, the heid o' a family,
an' an elder in the Kirk.*

* I thocht I saw ye winkin' i' the kirk yerscl'
the day, Miss Grizzle/ said Sir Walter with a
twinkle in his eye.

'That's but ill-timed mirth, Scottrigg,* said Miss
Grizzle with increased sourness. *Weel, Janet
Nesbit, ye look brawly ; but I misdoot yc'll
no get what godly inclinations ye may have
strengthened amang sic mockers as the Scotts o'
Scottrigg.'

'Canny, ca' canny, Miss Grizzle/ laughed Sir
Walter.

* I find my abode at Scottrigg very pleasant,
Miss Grizzle — sae pleasant, indeed, that I'll be wae
tae leave the morn,' said Janet.

* The morn ! Then I'm thinkin' ye wasna ettlin'
tae come tae my humble biggin' afore ye gaed
hame?' said Miss Grizzle in a highly-offended
voice.

* I didna tnink ye wantit me tae come, Miss
Grizzle/ said Janet truthfully.

' Wha said I did .'* No me, I'm sure. Weel, weel,
the day may come when you an' yer saucy sister 'II
be glad o' auld Grizel Oliphant's shelter.'

140

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY,

* Isabel called for you when she was at Scottrigg,
Miss Grizzle/ said Marjorie Scott.

' Oh, indeed ! I'm vext. I never set een on her.*
'You must forget, Miss Grizzle,' said Marjorie.

* She had tea with you, and told us you were quite

well when she came back.'

* Then she telt a lee, the biggest ane she ever telt,
for I've no set een on her since Janet Ncsbit there
put me oot o' Aldcrsyde at nine o'clock at nicht/
said Miss Grizzie triumphantly.

' Come awa, lassies ! ' cried Sir Walter. * Miss
Grizzie, ye maun come up tae Scottrigg an' end
yer crack ; it's ower cauld tae staund thrawin' here,
on the Sabbath day tae.*

Miss Grizzie turned her back on Scottrigg in

righteous ire*

' I'll mask tea for you an' Marjorie Scott the
morn's afternune, Janet Nesbit,' she called out ;
* an' if ye dinna come an' drink it, it'll be the
waur for ye — that's a'.'

So Miss Nesbit was in a i. anner obliged to
remain another day at Scottrigg ; and on the
Monday afternoon, Marjorie and she got themselves
ready to go and drink tea with Miss Grizzie. She
dwelt in a little cottage, standing in a well-tilled
garden, by the side of the beautiful and picturesque
road to Yair. There was a stable and coach-house
at the back, which Miss Grizzie had caused to be

TEA A T MISS GRIZZIES.

141

built immediately on her departure from Pitcairn,
for the receplion of the lean brown mare and the
yellow chariot, which had been specially betjuealhctl
to her in her father's will. The furnishini^s of iho
house had been mostly removed from Pitcairn also,
and were of a handsome and massive description,
apt to look cumbersome in the little apartments of
the cottage.

On her tea-table there was a goodly array of fine
china and silver, which Miss Grizzle regarded with
no small amount of affectionate pride, and which,
she was wont to say, were a thorn in the flesh of
her cousin's flighty wife at Pitcairn, who doubtless
expected they would be hers some day, but was
much mistaken.

She was dressed in her best that day to receive
the young ladies from Scottrigg, and though she
made use of no superfluous phrases, they felt that
they were made welcome.

Marjorie had much ado to restrain her mirth
sometimes ; but the time passed pleasantly till six
o'clock, when they were amazed by the arrival of
Walter in the coach, to bid them come home
immediately, Miss Nesbit's servant having arrived
from Windyknowe, desiring to see her mistress.

A terrible dread rushed into the heart of Janet
Nesbit, and her fingers trembled so, she could
hardly fasten her bonnet strings.

I4i

AT.DERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

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Miss Grizzle, who was devoured with curiosity
regarding Margct's mission, stood by the dressing-
table making all sorts of absurd surmises.

* I wadna wunncr, nae, if yon limmer, Tibbie,
has fa'cn intae Yarrow, or broken her neck at the
stair -fute, Janet Nesbit It was a great risk
leavin' her at hame hersel' ; I wunner ye had
the conscience tae daet. If anything happens
tae her, ye'll hae remorse a* yer days.*

Grey, grey grew the face of Janet Nesbit,
seeing which Marjorie's ire flew up.

* Miss Grizzie, you frightful old woman, if you
don't hold your tongue, I'll make you ! Never
mind her silly talk, Janet. Nothing will have
happened to Tibbie, only they would be very
anxious about you not returning on Saturday, and
Marget would come to see that you were all
right.'

For the life of her, Janet Nesbit could not have
spoken a word, neither did she hear Miss Grizzie
bidding her good-bye, and stating her intention
of coming over to Windyknowe to see what was
the matter.

The Scotts having more consideration than
Miss Grizzie, did not offer to speak to her during
the drive home ; and when they reached Scottrigg,
she almost flew into the house. The servant
who admitted them took her direct to the house-

IVI/AT MARGET TIAD TO TELL,

«43

keeper's room, where Margct sat, with her bonnet
and shawl on, the picture of impatience.

* Come awa hamc, Miss Ncsbit,' she said, getting
up at once.

'What's happened tae Tibbie?*

* Naething yet,* returned Marget grimly. ' But
Mrs. Riddell's brither's back at Ravelaw, an' there's
bonnie ongauns at Windyknowe, I can tell ye.'

Miss Nesbit sat down upon a chair and covered
her face with her hands. Her worst fears were
realized, and the danger was thickening round
Tibbie's path.

*Tell me first, Marget, an' syne we'll gang awa
hame.*

* Weel, Miss Nesbit,' began Marget with a curious
mixture of grief, and sympathy, and indignant
shame in her voice, 'nae suner were ye awa on
the Monday night than ower comes Mrs. Riddell
in her coach, an' wants Miss Tibbie awa tae
Ravelaw. God forgie me for settin' up tae my
betters, but I daured her tae gang, an' set the
leddy to the door.'

*God bless ye, Marget,' said Miss Nesbit
fervently.

'The bairn v/as in an unco rage, but I wasna
mindin' for that,* continued Marget. * I went about
my wark singin' neist mornin* thinkin' tJiat was
putten an* end till, when lo, in the afternune, up

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144

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

comes my Icddy again, an' that ill man, her brither,
wi' her. All' they cam in, in spite o* me ; an' Tibbie
ordered me tae the kitchen, an' bade me keep my
place. They bade a lang time. A' next day Tibbie
was up at Ravelaw frae mornin' till nicht, an' the
Frenchman brocht her hame. An' I dinna ken
hoo mony mair times they hae been thegither, an'
me poorless tae help. So I jist cam awa for ye,
Miss Nesbit, tae come an' pit a stop tae sic ongauns,
which hae been waesome tae me tae see, an' her
a Nesbit o' Aldersyde ! '

Miss Nesbit rose up, very white, and stern, and
sharp-looking.

* I'll get my bag, Marget, an' speer if Sir Walter
will gie us his coach. Can onything be happenin'
tae Tibbie while we're awa .-' '

* Na, na ; for I gaed down by Aldershope as
I walked the day, an' telt Miss Elliot a' about it,
an' askit her tae gang up tae Windyknowe till
we cam back ; an' there she is the noo, for I saw
her awa up i' the gig wi' my ain een.'

*God bless you, Marget,' repeated Miss Nesbit,
then she went to seek Lady Scott in her own
chamber, and kneeling down by her couch, told
the dear motherly woman all her trouble, and
begged that they might have a coach at once
to take them back to Windyknowe.

* My dear, of course. This is terrible . said her

BACK TO WINDYKNOWE.

»45

ladyship in much concern. * I may tell you now,
that that day Tibbie went from us, saying she
was going to Yair to see Miss Oliphant, she
met a strange gentleman and walked with him
up past Lochside. Mrs. Gray herself told me
she saw them from her window. I said nothing
about it to any one, but I make no doubt it was
Mrs. Riddell's brother.'

* Tibbie has fa'en frae her name as a Nesbit when
she stooped tae sic deceit,' said Janet almost in
a wail. *0h, Leddy Scott, there are things waur,
faur waur than death ! '

Before many minutes Miss Nesbit and Marget
had quitted the hospitable roof-tree of Scottrigg,
and were being whirled as fast as Sir Walter's
fleet thorough-breds could carry them over the long
miles to Windyknowe.

CHAPTER X.

• She's owre the Border an' awa.

JNSTEAD of looking pleased to see Mary
Elliot that morning, Isabel Nesbit did not
even show her the commonest courtesy.
A very disagreeable person could Tibbie be when
she liked ; she possessed the very knack of making
those about her uncomfortable. She felt that she
was being watched, and rcjcnted it ; besides, she was
not easy in her mind at the prospect of seeing Janet.
Mary, feeling instinctively that she was helping her
dear absent friend, did not mind Tibbie's sour looks,
but sat quite coolly at her sewing in the dining-
room, thereby compelling Tibbie to remain in the
house. But it was drearj'- work sitting opposite a
sulky face, and listening to the ticking of the clock,
and the soughing of the winds in the firs. Nine
o'clock struck before the sound of wheels broke on

14T

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148

ALDERSYDL : A BORDER STOk V.

her listening ear. She got up at once, and ran out
to open the door, and welcome Janet home.

Very white and haggard looked Miss Nesbit's face
in the flickering candle light, and she did not seem
to be able to utter a word, but pressing Mary's
hand, hurried past her to the dining-room. Tibbie
looked up quite unconcernedly, but her eyes did not
meet her sister's gaze.

* Tibbie I * said Janet.

Never in her life has Isabel Nesbit heard Janet
speak in such a voice.

* Well, Marget's got ye hame,' she said carelessly.
Then, to her amazement, Janet came over to her

in a swift, sudden way, and took her in her arms
with that terribly close grip with which she had
held her on the night her father died.

* Tibbie, my bairn, I hae come hame tae save ye.
Nay, dinna shrink frae me. We are twa orphan
lassies, but I'm the elder, an* ye were left in my
care,' said Janet, and holding up Tibbie's face, she
looked at it with passionate, yearning eyes. ' Tibbie,
it's no true,' she said hoarsely.

*What? Let me be; ye hurt me,* said Tibbie
pettishly. *Whaur's Mary Elliot, wha ye set tae
watch me ? *

* Bide there, see, till ye tell me,' said Miss Nesbit,
her manner changing from tender entreaty to stern
command. * What is there between you an' that ill

WHAT TIBBIE SAID.

149

man at Ravelaw ? It canna be that ye are gaun tae
leave me for him, Tibbie ? *

' Marget has been filling your head with nonsense,
Janet,' said Tibbie defiantly. 'Mrs. Riddell called
here with her brother once or twice, an* I was up at
Ravelaw — that's a*. I had to do something to keep
myself living when you vvere away.'

* Had I thocht he was jtill at Ravelaw, I wad
never hae gane to Scottiigg,' said Miss Ncsbit
passionately.

* Marget should hae been surer o* her news,' said
Tibbie maliciously. ' He only gaed tae Carlisle an*
cam back on Monday mornin'. As ye are the
mistress, Janet, I hope ye'U speak sharply tae
Marget for her outrageous treatment o' Mrs. Riddell.
She actually told her to go away.*

A wan smile flitted across Janet's face.

* As I wad hae dune, had I been at hame,' she said
drily. * It was weel Marget was here tae uphaud
the respeck o' the hoose. Ye are a puir dochter
o' Aldersyde, Tibbie.'

She could not keep back the half-pitiful, half-
scornful remark, she was so sorely driven. But
beyond curling her red lip and tossing her head,
Tibbie took no notice of it.

Seeing her young sister was only defiant and sullen,
Janet went away in search of Mary, whom she found
chatting with Marget at the kitchen fire. They went

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'50

A 2:.. ERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

away up-stairs together, and talked long over the
matter, and Mary's gentle sympathy did Janet's
tired heart good.

* Yer oridal is comin' very near noo, my Mary/
said she tenderly. * Is't aye a heavy thocht tae ye
yet ? '

* It's my weird, I think, Janet,' said Mary listlessly.
* I've ceased to fret about it. I'll make a good
wife to Hugh Nesbit, and try to be a worthy mistress
of your de£ir Aldersyde. Oh, Janet, you'll come and
see me often ? '

* Surely, M.'iry.'

Then their hands met, in seal of their friendship,
and they went down-stairs again to Tibbie's sulky
presence.

Early next morning Peter came up with the
gig for Mary, and she bade her last good-bye
to Windyknowe. Only one week, and the Lily of
Aldershope must go to bloom for Hugh Nesbit in
Aldersyde. She had indeed resigned herself to the
inevitable, and if she was not a glad-hearted bride,
she was at least a passive and uncomplaining one.

Her mother's health was failing every day. As
for Doctor Elliot, having the height of his ambition
to see his Mary a lady of high degree vv'ithin his
reach, he was to outward semblance a happy man.

Hugh Nesbit wis impatient for the day when he
could claim his wife. He loved her with all the

MISS NESBirS ANXIETY.

>Si

love of which his selfish heart was capable. But it was
not that steady, all-careful tenderness which makes
a woman's heart enduringly happy, but a fierce lava
tide of passion which would never last a lifetime.

The preparations moved on apace, for Doctor
Elliot insisted on Mary getting a marvellous
quantity of gear ; and she was distracted between
milliners and mantlemakers, when she would fain
have spent her last days in peace at home.

The Miss Nesbits were asked to the quiet wed-
ding. In Mrs. Elliot's state of health it did not
behove them to make a great fuss or grand display ;
so, excepting the Miss Nesbits, there were no
strangers to be at Mary's bridal.

During the week intervening between Miss
Nesbit's homecoming and the wedding, Janet
watched Tibbie night and day. The fear that was
in her heart would not give her a moment's peace.
Louis Reynaud was still at Ravelaw, but neither he
nor his sister ever came near Windyknowe ; and as
Tibbie was never beyord the garden, surely there
was nothing to fear.

On the Saturday before the wedding. Miss Nesbit
being very busy, she sent Tibbie in Marget's charge
down to Aldershope, with a wedding keepsake to
Mary, in the shape of a pair of massive silver candle-
sticks, which had stood on each end 9f the mantel-
piece in the drawing-room at Aldersyde. They came

■ti i

I5«

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

home to tea at six, Tibbie looking particularly defiant
and unconcerned, and Marget worried and anxious.
Instinctively Miss Nesbit went into the kitchen after
Marget, while Tibbie ran up-stairs.

• I took Miss '"ibbi o the door o' the doctor's, as
ye bade me, m. -m ' -^id Marget without preface,
•an* syne gaed de . ti\'^ toon for my errands. I
micht be aboot half an hour, I think, an' was com-
in' slow up, ettlin' tae gie her time for a crack wi'
Miss Mary, when tae my horror I sees her staunin'
speakin* tae the Frenchman at the heid o' the toon,
jist foment Robbie Harden's door. I jist flew up to
her, and grippin' her airm, says, " Come awa hame."
Syne the Frenchman maks his bows till her, an'
gangs awa; an' bonnie gled I was tae see his back,
but hoo lang they micht be staunin' I dinna
ken.*

Miss Nesbit sighed, and a sorely troubled look
came upon her face. She had been trying to lull
her fears to rest during the past few days ; but so
long as Louis Reynaud remained at Ravelaw, there
was abundant cause for apprehension.

* Oh, by the bye, Janet,' said Tibbie blithely when
they sat down to tea, ' has Marget been making
another long story to you ? I met Mrs. Riddell's
brother as I came out of Mary's, and he stopped to
say good-bye, as he's going back to France in the be-
ginning of the 'veek, called back to fight. He would

JANET AND TIBBIE,

153

have called to make his adieu, but was afraid of
Marget and j^ou.*

' I can verra weel dispense wi' his adieu, Tibbie,'
said Miss Ncsbit drily.

'Janet, I believe ye thocht I would have married
him,' said Tibbie with a smile of artless amusement,
which made Janet involuntarily give a sigho'^ dief.

After that, how could she mistrust Tib .e • for if
ever face expressed innocent amusemer'-, h s did
at that moment.

' I didna ken verra weel what tae thin , Tibbie,*
she said, and the subject was never 1 -^v'oned be-
tween them again.

On the morning of the wedding-day, Tibbie
complained of not feeling well, and indeed by down
on the sofa after breakfast.

* I'm afraid I can't go to the wedding, Janet,' she
said dolefully ; * I can't keep my head up. I'll need
to go to my bed, and let you go yourself*

This Miss Nesbit was very loth to do, and pro-
ceeded to doctor Tibbie to the best of her ability.
But when the hour came, Tibbie was looking so
white, and said so positively she was unable to go,
that Miss Nesbit was obliged to make ready to go
herself. When she was dressed, she came down
again to Tibbie, who lifted up her languid head, and
locked at her sister in genuine admiration.

* Oh, Janet, how nice you look ! '

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'54

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

Ji'i,

Ay ! she looked well in her neat mourning silk,
with its delicate lace rufifles at her wrists, and about
her graceful neck. Her soft hair was braided
smoothly into its coil behind, and rippled in sunny
ringlets on her brow. She was a sweeter woman
by far than Tibbie, and one to be held in re-
verence.

' Come here, Janet I ' said Tibbie in a queer,
hurried way. * Kneel down by me, never mind
your gown, and put your arms round me like you
did the first night we came here, till I whisper
something to you.*

In sore amazement Janet obeyed.

* I have been a wicked, ungrateful sister to you,
Janet/ sobbed Tibbie. ' I'll never be able to repay
all your love and care. Can you forgive me for all
the wae I have done to you ? *

* Ay, my bairn,' whispered Janet very low.

* In all your life, Janet, you'll never remember me
as a wicked, ungrateful girl, but only as I am to-
night, penitent, and very weary at heart ? Promise
me, Janet. Oh, I do love you, though I am such a
heartbreak to you.*

* My bairn, my bairn, I promise.'

Very close did Miss Nesbit hold her young sister,
and the whispered words were almost a benediction.
Tibbie felt hot tears on her clasped hands, and,
putting her arms about Janet's neck, kissed her for

THE BRIDE'S TOILET,

I5S

the first time for years. Such endearments had
never been frequent between them.

'Now run away an* see Mary made the lady
of Aldersyde, an' kiss her for me, an* wish her
joy. An* be sure an' bring me the bit bridecake
wi' the ring in it, so that I may dream of Walter
Scott'

Miss Nesbit rose up and departed into the
kitchen, to give certain charges to Marget con-
cerning Tibbie. Then, it being four o'clock, it
behoved her to get away down to Aldershope,
as the wedding was to be at half-past five.

When she reached the house, she found that
all the invited guests, chiefly relatives of the
Elliots, had already arrived.

The bride being in the hands of two aunts,
who were assisting her to get her gown on, Miss
Nesbit could not expect a private word with
her. But before she had got herself seated in the
drawing-room, one of the aunts, a grim spinster
from Kelso, came down-stairs and requested Miss
Nesbit to come with her, as the bride desired to
see her.

She followed the lady up-stairs to the room
where Mary stood, a lily indeed in her bridal
robes, which were no whiter than her face. She
shook hands with Janet, then looked toward the
aunts, as if desiring them to withdraw. They,

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ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

however, did not take the hint, whereupon Mary
took Janet's arm, and Icadinj^ her into the ad-
joining room, shut the door.

'Mary, will ye be able tae get through it?'
asked Janet anxiously.

*0h yes; I'm not one of the fainting maidens,*
said Mary with a wan smile. *I am a fair
bride, they say,' she added, pointing to her finery.
* Is it not a mockery to deck me in these
garments? Oh, Janet! better like I had been
nursing my dying mother, than decking me for
my bridal.*

'Wheesht, my lamb; yer dear mither will be
spared tae ye for mony a year yet, please God,'
said Janet tenderly.

Mary shook her head. Then an impatient
knock at the door warned them that time was
passing.

* Bless me, Janet 1 ' faltered Mary. ' Speak some
true, strong words to me. I am so weak and
frail ; you are so brave and stedfast. Oh ! Janet,
if I have you for a friend, and Aldersyde to live
for, I may be happier than I trow to-night.'

' In years tae come, my dear,' said Janet,
*ither ties will rise up tae mak ye strong, an*
gled o' heart, an' bairnies' hands will gie ye the
sunshine for the cloud.*

Then she laid her hand on the trembling girl's

• p

JANET'S BLESSING.

157

shoulder, and looked straight into her mournful
eyes, her own shining stcdfastly.

• The Lord bless ye, my freend, an' gic ye
peace in yer new hfc ; an* if there be tribulation,
help ye tac bear it ; an' sync in His guid time,
tak ye tae His rest.'

The solemn service was over, and Hugh Ncsbit
and Mary Elliot stood side by side, husband
and wife. She looked as if she were in a dream,
and when Hugh touched her arm and bade her
sign the register, she started and did not seem
to comprehend him.

Being sore afraid lest their nice.; should mar
the harmony of the proceedings by any display
of feeling, the grim aunts hurried her away,
reminding her she must change her gown to
travel to Carlisle.

Miss Nesb- . .saw her no more till she came
down-stairs to get into her husband's coach.

Then having a word to say to Hugh Nesbit,
Janei- slipped out of the open door, and touched
his arm.

*Ye hae gotten a dear young wife the day,
Hugh Nesbit ; be gentle wi' her,' she said alniO^:t
prayerfully.

No man is wholly bad. What bcttrr feelings
filumbered in Hugh Nesbit's heart were roused

158

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

then, and shone in his face, in the moment's
emotion.

* I'll try,' he whispered back in tones as earnest
as her own.

*Ye hae ta'en a heavy vow upon yerscl',' she
added solemnly. 'The Lord deal wi' you as
you deal wi' Mary, Hugh Nesbit. Fare ye weel.*

Then she had but time to clasp Mary's hand,
and bid her a broken God - speed, for already
the coachman was on the box, and the restive
horses impatient to be gone.

*What is often a pleasant duty, did not come
so pleasantly to me to-day,' said Mr. Bourhill
to Miss Nesbit as they returned up-stairs.

She looked at him questioningly, and saw that
he divined the nature of the marriage.

* I pray it may turn out better than we anticipate,
Mr. Bourhill,* she made answer, and she heard
him say under his breath, * Amen ! '

Miss Nesbit remained behind the other guests
to comfort awhile the ailing and desolate mother.
In his study alone sat the doctor, not greatly
caring to seek his wife.

About eight o'clock Miss Nesbit rose to go
away home, promising that if Tibbie were no
worse, she would come down to Aldershope early
in the morning, and spend part of the day with
Mrs. Elliot.

DOCTOR ELLIOTS QUESTION.

159

Peter had the gig ready at the door, and while
he went for another wrap, Doctor Elliot, who
was standing by the horse's head, turned round
to Miss Nesbit and said almost roughly :

'Are you one of those, Miss Nesbit, who think
and say that my daughter has been forced into
a marriage entirely against her wish or inclina-
tion.'

* I hae said naething, though I hae my ain
thochts,' answered Miss Nesbit quietly. 'But
noo since ye ask me, I'm no sweer tae say that
had Mary got her way, she wadna hae been Hugh
Nesbic's wife the day ; an' brawly ye ken that,
Doctor Elliot.'

Peter returned at this moitient, and the doctor
without answering, helped her into the gig, and
bade her good night.

It was a grand night. In a cloudless sky many
stars were shining, and above solemn Bourhope a
young moon was coming up shyly. A weird and
lovely light enveloped Aldersyde. No sound broke
the stillness, and the very air was redolent of
tranquillity and peace.

In Miss Nesbit's quiet heart there was no pre-
vision of sorrow, no foreshadowing of the cloud
which had already fallen upon her hearth.

Whenever Marget heard the sound of wheels
approaching Windyknowe, she ran to open the door.

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ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

ili!!

she

*Guid nicht, Peter/ said Miss Nesbit
alighted. * Weel, Marget, hoo's Tibbie ? '

' I hinna been up this while, ma'am. I gae her
her gruel as ye bade me, an' carried up a spunk o'
fire, an' left her sittin* beside it. She said she wad
sit up till ye cam hame ; so I jist gaed awa intae
the back kitchen tae my ironin', an' I never heard
a cheep sin' syne. If she had wantit ony thing, she
wad hae rung.*

Strange that to-night, also, Marget Drysdale
should be ironing, even as she had beeii the day the
Laird of Aldersyde died.

Without a thought of evil, Miss Nesbit ran lightly
up-stairs, and entered Tibbie's room. The fire had
burned low in the grate, but there was light
sufficient to see that the place was empty. A
strange chill fear crept into Janet's heart, though
she told herself Tibbie might be in the dining-room.
She was about to go in search of her, when her eye
fell on a scrap of paper lying on the little table
by Tibbie's chair on the hearth. She reached out a
trembling hand for it, and bent over the firelight to
decipher what was written on it.

' I am away,' it said. * Oh, Janet, try and think
kindly of poor wayward Tibbie ! *

* Gude Lord, whaur's the bairn .? * asked Marget's
voice in absolute dumfoundered amazement.

Then a cry ran through the quiet house, the like

!l:

ink

/ HINNA TA'EN CARE O' TIBBIE.

i6i

of which Margec Drysdale never heard before or
after, and Miss Nisbet turned round her ashen
face, and pressing her hands to her head, said in
a low, bewildered way :

' She's awa, Marget. I hinna ta'en care o' Tibbie;
I hinna ta'en care o* Tibbie I '

END OF BOOK L

. '.a

BOOK II

THE BAIRNS

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CHAPTER I.

'Lord, hae ye forgotten godly Walter Nesbit's bairns a' thegither?'

EBECCA FORD had been quarrelUng

with her mistress, and had received her

Ji^Jr^ji^ dismissal from Ravelaw. It was not

the first time that Mrs. Riddell, in a fit of passion,
had given her presuming attendant warning ; there-
fore, thinking it likely that her mistress would
once more repent when her temper cooled, Rebecca
discreetly quitted her presence, and wrapping a
shawl about her, went out for a breath of the
morning air.

It was nine o'clock, the servants' breakfast hour
at Ravelaw, but Rebecca did not sit down at their
table. The Laird had already breakfasted alone,
dinner being the only n ^al at which he might expect
the company of his wife.

Just as Rebecca stepped out of the hall door, she

i66

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

beheld, greatly to her astonishment, the figure of a
lady coming swiftly up the avenue towards the
house. Very composedly she stood leaning against
the lintel waiting for the visitor, and her astonish-
ment was considerably increased when she recognised
Miss Nesbit of Aldersyde.

'Can I see Mr. Riddell?' asked Miss Nesbit,
putting back her veil from her colourless face.

' He's not in, rna'am,' answered our Rebecca
with a very respectful curtsey. * Will the mistress
do.?'

* Yes ; be good enough to tell Mrs. Riddell that
Miss Nesbit of Wmdyknowe desires to speak with
her for a minute,' said Miss Nesbit, and being invited
to enter the house, followed Rebecca across the
handsome hall and into the library.

Magi lucent without and within was the home of
the Riddells ; but though Miss Nisbet had never
before set foot upon its threshold, the errand upon
which she had come diverted her thoughts from
what might have been interesting to her 2^ another
time.

Greatly exercised regarding Miss Nesbit's visit
to Ravelaw at so untimely an hour, Rebecca shut
the library door and went up-stairs to her mistress's
chamber, where that lady sat in an elegant morning
gown of pink cashmere, sipping her chocolate, and
gazing absently into the fire.

FACE TO FACE.

167

*Is that you, Rebecca?' she asked in clear,
sharp tones. *I thought I told you not to come
into my presence any more, you presuming
creature.'

* Miss Nesbit from Windyknowe is in the library,
ma'am, and would speak with you,' said Rebecca.
* I met her at the door, and was obliged to
announce her, the rest of the servants being at
breakfast.*

Mrs. Riddell changed colour, and then hastily
rose.

* Get me a cap, Rebecca, sharply, and come and
brush my hair,' she said ; and Rebecca, perceiving
that her mistress would likely again retract her
dismissal words, flew to obey.

A very fair picture made the lady of Ravelaw
when she swept into the presence of Miss Nesbit.
The bright rich colour of her gown became her
dark beauty well, and its ample train gave to
her figure the grace and dignity of a queen.
She was, indeed, a strong contrast to Miss Nesbit's
slight, insignificant, plainly-robed figure, standing
expectantly by the table.

But instinctively Sandy Riddell's brilliant wife
shrank into herself, for there was something in
the resolute face of Janet Nesbit which made her
•feel uncomfortably nervous. Nevertheless, she
went forward, and would have embra.:ed her, had

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ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

' i 1

not Miss Nesbit very pointedly taken a step back-
ward.

' What ! Not a greeting, when we are by this
time sisters - in - law ? ' she said with a pretty
grimace of surprise.

' Then, it is true, Mrs. Riddell,' said Miss Nesbit
in clear, sharp, forced tones ; * and I have come
tae the richt person tae seek my puir misguided
sister ? *

'You express yourselves so oddly here in Scot-
land,' said Mrs. Riddell, shrugging her shoulders,
* I don't quite understand what you say. Let
me tell you the charming little story correctly.
Louis loved your pretty sister to distraction,
she returned his passion, but we all knew you
would never consent to a union ; so we laid
our heads together, and decided to make your
sister happy without your leave. Was it not a
charitable ' —

' I'll dispense wi' sic questions, Mrs. Riddell,'
said Janet Nesbit in a strange stifled way. * Pro-
ceed, and be as brief as ye can.'

* There is no need to look so agonized, to
speak in that absurd way. Miss Nesbit. Your
sister has got a good husband, who loves her
tenderly, and their marriage is a charming romance.
They left Windyknowe last night in a coach
and pair from here, and were to change horses

A GA THERING STORM.

169

at Tushielaw Inn ; and all going well, they
hoped to be married this morning at that most
convenient place for runaway lovers — Gretna,
is it? There, then, that is all,' said Mrs.
Riddeli with a gleam of triumph in her black
eyes.

*I thank you for the truth, Mrs. Riddcll,' said
Miss Nesbit in a low voice, and began to move
toward the door.

'Stay,' said the lady of Ravelaw. 'Breakfast is
laid in the morning-room. You have had a long
walk ; rest awhile, and break bread at our
table.'

Miss Nesbit could almost have smiled. Break
bread beneath the roof-tree of the faithless Riddells,
and on this day of all days !

*I thank ye for yer offered kindness, Mrs.
Riddeli,' she made answer ; * it may be wecl
meant, but it is wasted on me. Permit me tac
wish ye guid-day.'

So saying, she very quietly passed the lady of
Ravelaw, and went away out of the house. Quietly,
did I say t The wildest storm which had ever swept
over Bourhope was nothing to the tempest in
Janet Nesbit's breast. But the old indomitable
spirit, the resolute will which had been handed
down to her from an iron-souled ancestry, enabled
her to show a front outwardly calm. She had

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ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

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not gone many yards along the avenue, and Mrs.
Riddell was still watching her from the window
of the morning-room, when out from among the
trees came the Laird of Ravelaw. He looked
haggard and ill at ease, but he stood in the
middle of the way, evidently for the purpose of
meeting Miss Nesbit, and she was obliged to
stand.

*I saw you go into the house, Janet,' he said
in a strange, low, humble voice, as if he expected
some punishment at her hands.

Then a change swept across the face of Janet
Nesbit, like the first wave of a great storm.

* Sandy Riddell I * she cried in a hoarse, bitter
wail. 'Was't no enough that ye made me
desolate in the simmer o* my days? Could
ye no leave me my sister, a' I had upon the
earth ? '

Down dropped Sandy Riddell's eyes beneath
the scathing rebuke.

*As I live, Janet, I had no hand in this, and
would have helped it if I could,' he said in tones
she could not doubt.

Only one question more she would fain ask
before she passed on, one which she had been too
proud to put to the lady of Ravelaw.

* I believe ye are speakin' truth, Sandy Riddell.
Weel, will ye tell me noo, if that man has the

WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN.

171

wherewithal tae keep Tibbie ; or has she gaen
tae beggary as weel's misery ? *

* He is able to keep her in comfort if he likes,
Janet — that's all I can tell you.'

* If he likes I * echoed Miss Nesbit in her heart.
Sandy Riddell knew the man well, and the words
implied much.

* I hae but anither thing tae ask at yer haunds,
Sandy Riddell/ she said with dreary calmness.
*If ye ever see Tibbie mair, maybe ye'U tell her
that I forgie her, an* that as lang as I live, she'll
find a hame ony day, an' a' days, at Windy-
knowe ? *

Then she bowed her head, and would have
passed on ; but the Laird of Ravelaw touched her
arm, and bent yearning, passionate eyes on her
face.

*I would to God, Janet, that ye had been my
wife this day, instead of yon black-browed woman
who has brought only trouble on Ravelaw. I
have sinned, but I have suffered, and the hardest
of my punishment is the thought of what might
have been.'

Ah, that mournful refrain, the saddest in any
tongue ; it has been echoed in desolate hearts
since the world began, and will till the world is
done.

'Life is fu' o' care,' returned Miss Nesbit in a

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I7«

ALDERSYDE : A BORDER STORY.

III

low, gentle way ; ' an' a'body maun bear their
ain. But let us mak the best o' the guid we
hae, an' keep oor minds set on the sure hope
which is tae come. God be wi' ye, Sandy Riddell,
an' mak ye mair mindfu* o* Him in time tae come
than ye hae been in time past.'

Then she went on her way, scarcely seeing
where she was going, only longing to place miles
between herself and Ravelaw. Despair had made
her feet swift and untiring for her early walk from
Windyknowe ; but now that suspense was ended,
physical strength failed, till her limbs could scarcely
sustain her tottering weight.

It was almost mid-day when Marget Drysdale's
anxious vigil at the gate of Windyknowe was
ended, and her strained eyes caught sight of her
beloved mistress toiling up the brae. Heedless of
the deserted house, and of the door left open to
all intruders, Marget flew down the road to offer
the support of her strong arm. She could endure
much, but the suspense of the last few hours had
been almost more than she could bear.

* My certy, yer legs '11 be braw tired noo,' she said
abruptly and sharply. * Weel, hae ye gotten ony-
thing for yer trail to Ravelaw ? '

* I hae gotten mair than I bargained for, Marget,'
returned Miss Nesbit, taking the offered arm, and
leaning very heavily upon it. * Tibbie's a marriet

A SAD DAY FOR THE NESBITS.

173

wife noo ; so we'll jist hae tae settle doon thcgithcr
at Windyknowe, you an' me, and leave the bairn
wi' a mercifu' God. I doot she'll hae sair need of
His help yet'

' She's made her bed, an' she can lie on't, noo, I
suppose,' said Marget snappishly, but turned her
face away, poor soul, to hide the tears raining down
her cheeks.

To think that Tibbie, 'her braw bairn,' whom
she had hoped to see reigning at Scottrigg,
should have chosen such a thorny path of life, so
different in all ways from that befitting a daughter
of Aldersyde, was more than she could bear. She
was glad to run away into the back kitchen, and
take her * greet,' while Miss Nesbit shut herself into
her own chamber. When Marget heard the key
turned in the lock, she knew that for a time
even she dare not intrude, and rocking herself to
and fro on her stool, she cried between her sobs :

* Lord I Lord ! hae ye forgotten godly Walter
Nesbit's bairns a* thegither ? '

In a little while she rose, and stirring up the
smouldering fire, set on the kettle to make tea for
Miss Nesbit, whose fast had not been broken since
she partook of Mary Elliot's bridal feast. When it
was ready and set out on a little table drawn close
up to the hearth, Marget slipped softly up-stairs
and tapped at the locked door.

174

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

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* I hae made a cup o tea, Miss Nesbit. For
guidsake, come doon an* tak a mouthful, or I'll hae
ye ill on my hands,' she whispered through the
keyhole.

* By and by, Marget,* Miss Nesbit made answer,
and with that Marget was forced to be content.

Nearly anothp*- hour slipped away, then the first
visitor came up to the door of Windyknowe. It was
Mr. Bourhill on his sturdy cob, which was flaked
with foam, as if it had ridden many miles that
day.

* I'll just leave Chestnut here, Marget ; he will
stand like a lamb,' said Mr. Bourhill. *Can I see
Miss Nesbit } '

* Come in, sir, an* 1*11 speer,' said Marget, and
ushering him into the dining-room, went up once
more to her mistress's door.

*Here*s the minister, mem. I hae put him i*
the ben end, an' ye maun come doon,* she said
desperately.

Miss Nesbit opened the door at once, and Marget
saw that though her face was haggard and worn,
she had shed no tears.

* Eh, mem, this is a waefu' day ! I never thocht I
wad hae leeved tae see sic a day for the Nesbits!*
she said, and putting out her hand, touched her
mistress's slender fingers with great gentleness.

Then Miss Nesbit took the rough red hand in her

MR. B OUR //ILL'S NEWS.

175

own, and laid her cheek against it a moment,
saying in a dry, weary voice, ' Oh ! A.Iarget,
Marget ! '

Then she went away down very quietly to Mr.
Bourhill in the dining-rurm. They shook hands in
silence, and Miss Ne-bit with difficulty motioned
him to a chair.

* Did you wonder why I delayed my coming so
long ? ' he asked, striving to speak calmly.

* No ; I hae thocht o' but ae thing the day, Mr.
Bourhill, an' it has been ower rnuckle for me,' she
answered. * I needna ask hae ye heard ? *

* Doctor Elliot told me this morning in Alders-
hope before seven o'clock,' returned the minister,
* and I set oft at once.*

Miss Nesbit visibly started.

* Where tae Mr. Bourhill ? '

*To follow them, and bring back news good or
bad for you.'
*Weel?'

* I had no difficulty in learning all I wanted to
know. They were married this morning at Gretna
about nine o'clock, and immediately afterwards con-
tinued their journey to London,' said Mr. Bourhill,
and turned away towards the window, not caring
at that moment to look upon the face of Miss
Nesbit

When he turned to her again, he saw that

t I

176

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

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she was weeping. Sod alone knew what it
was to him to see her thus, and be denied the
privilege of trying to comfort her as he longed
to do.

* God comfort you,' he said, using the words
which had fallen like balm on her heart that
dreary November morning, when her father lay
dead in the west bedroom at Aldersyde. Then
he went away out of the house.

By and by Marget slipped in, and to her delight
was desired to light the dining-room fire, and bring
in the tea-tray. 'For oor wark an* oor life maun
ganfT on,' said Miss Nesbit, 'though we Tt ■ nae
hr<. :ae pit in't.*

'vVhen Miss Nesbit was sitting at her solitary meal,
she was disturbed by a great rattling and rumbling
of wheels coming nearer the house, and shortly she
beheld the yellow chariot from Yair draw up at the
door.

Before she had time to recover from her
surprise, Miss Grizzie stalked into the room, having
on her usual satin gown and towering head-gear,
and positively trembling from head to foot with
curiosity and excitement. Miss Nesbit rose up, and
certainly the look on her face was hardly one of
welcome. Little cared Grizel Oliphant for that.
She had come to hear the details of Tibbie's flight,
and had no intention of departing without them.

GRIZEL OUPIFANT OIVCE MORE.

*So that glaiket sister o[ yours has gicn ye the
slip at last, Janet Nesbit,' she exclaimed slirilly.
* A bonnie doonfa' tae yer pride, this 11 be. I heard
it this forenune in Yair, from Dr. Elliot, an' cam
awa owre as sune as I got a bite o' denner. When
did she gang ? Whaur is she ? An' is she mairret,
think ye ? '

* Tibbie was mairret tae Louis Reynaud at Gretna
this morning, Miss Grizzle/ said Miss Nesbit, forcing
herself as of yore to answer her kinswoman's
questions calmly ; * an' she's awa tae Lunnon —
that's a' there is tae tell.'

* A* ye wull tell, ye mean,* said Miss Grizzle
savagely. * I'm yer bluid relation, an' though I got
nae muckle courtesy frae yer mother Isabel Shep-
herd o* Staunin-stane in her lifetime, for yer
faither's sake I hae an' interest in ye, an' maun
hae the oots an* ins o* this. I heard ye were
up at Ravelaw. What passed there, micht I
speer.?'

*Ye may speer, but that '11 be a' the length
ye'U get, Miss Grizzle,* said Miss Nesbit with
reddening cheek and kindling eye. * I kenna
what brings ye tae me aye in the middle
o' my tribulations, tae mak them waur tae
thole.'

* It wad seem that a' yer tribulations canna

humble that thrawn speerit o' yours, Janet

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JiLDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

I !

Ncsbit/ said Grizel Oliphant sourly. 'Wcel, I
dinna envy ye ycr conscience, when ye 'lihink
o^ the puir strayed bairn. Ye had nae richt
stravagin* aboot Scottrigg, an* her at hame
hersel'.'

' Oh, Miss Grizzie, wheesht I cried Miss Nesbit,
her voice sharp with pain.

To have such a stab given to her was more than
she could bear. Delighted was Miss Grizzie to
find that she had struck home.

* An* what for should I wheesht ? * she queried
shrilly. * It's nae mair than a' body '11 say, an* nae
mair than ye deserve.*

Miss Nesbit turned away a moment, and gathered
all her much tried patience to enable her to present
an outward appearance of calmness at least to hei
unfeeling kinswoman.

* Tak aff yer bannet, Miss Grizzie,* she said at
length, 'an* bid Tammas tak ootthe beast. Marget
will mask anither cup o* tea for ye.*

* Na, na I Muckle obleeged, I'm sure. Miss Ncsbit ;
but I hae a roof-tree o' my ain, thank the Lord,
and need tae be behauden tae naebody, let alane
you. I only cam tae express my neeborly sym-
pathy ; but happen tae ye what likes, ye'U see my
face nae mair this side o' Yair Brig,' with which
Grizel Oliphant, having for the second time
washed her hands of the Nesbits, took her wrathful

Al^AV IJ^CA' 70 YA/n.

«79

departure from VVindyknowc. As her coach drove
past the kitchen window, Marget very deliberately
shook her fist at its irate occupant, which very
nearly sent Miss Grizzle into hysterics.

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CHAPTER 11.

•A dreary home-coming, and a desolate hearth/

HEN Hugh Ncsbit brought his young
wife home to Aldersyde one evening
early in March, she found spring already
there to welcome her. Every tree and hedgerow
was delicately, freshly green, birds twittered and
sang on every budding bough, the early flowerets
nodded their heads cheerily in the gentle air.

She had seen the bloom of many spring times
in that lovely spot, and in her childish days had
helped Janet Nesbit to find the first violet and prim-
rose, and later the red-rowan and purple bramble,
in the den of Aldersyde. How little either of them
recked in these days of this home-coming.

They drove in a close carriage ; but when they
neared the house, she pulled down one of the
windows, and looked out with dim yearning eyes

upon her home.

181

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ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY,

* We will try to be worthy of Aldersyde, Hugh,'
she said^ turning to her husband, ^nd speaking
almost wistfully.

He laughed, and answered back that the first
thing was to make it ./orth possessing, as in its
poverty-stricken state it hardly repaid the trouble
it was to a man.

He spoke almost rudely, for already Hugh Nesbit
was tiriiig of his six weeks' bride. He was not a
man who could love unselfishly. It galled him to
see that, though gentleness itself, his wife never
assumed the love she did not feel. She showed
him plainly, indeed, that she would only give
him wifely duty, not wifely love.

A throng of new servants waited in the hall
of Aldersyde for their master and mistress.
Young Mrs. Nesbit glanced timidly round the
faces, which were all strange to her, then passed
on with a slight bow. At the door of the
dining-room Doctor Elliot met her, and held
out his hand in greeting ; but Mary looked
beyond him, and interrupted his words of
welcome by the question :

* Is mother here ? *

* No ; she has not been so well lately, and
was unable to come to Aldersyde to-day. She
will expect you to-morrow.

* Is she much worse, father ? *

i^^

MAKY'S NOME-COMING.

183

*She is very weak,' he was obliged to answer,
and turned to welcome profusely his son-in-law,
the Laird of Aldersyde.

Then one of the servants, an elderly person
with a pleasant face and kindly eyes, came for-
ward, curtseying respectfully.

* I am Susan Gordon, the housekeeper, ma'am ;
may I show you to your rooms ? They have been
made ready for you.*

Mrs. Nesbit made a gentle assent, and fol-
lowed her up the familiar staircase to the wjst
bedroom with the two windows, one looking up the
YarrovA', and the other on the Loch of the Lowes.

' This is the room where the old Laird died, I
believe, Mrs. Nesbit/ said the housekeeper. ' If
you do not like it' —

' Every room in Aldersyde is alike familiar to
me, Susan,* said her mistress with a faint smile.
*This one will do very well. Just leave me for
a little ; I shall ring if I want anything.*

* Can I not help you with your dressing,
ma'am } ' asked Susan, drawn to the gentle
young creature in a marvellous fashion.

' No, thanks ; I shall not change my gown
to-night I am much fatigued, and will retire
early. Let dinner be taken in at once,' returned
Mrs, Nesbit, and began to unfasten her bonnet
strings.

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ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

The servant respectfully withdrew, and her
mistress made haste with her dressing, not daring
to pause a moment to think. Countless memories
thronged about her heart, and countless fears of
the future.

The gentlemen were glad of her entrance into
the dining-room, for their conversation was con-
strained. Neither liked the other, though at all
times their behaviour was studiously courteous.

Very quietly did Mary take her place, for
the first time, at the head of her husband's
table, without any show of that glad pride which
might have been looked for in the mistress of lovely
Aldersyde. While the servant was in the room,
they talked chiefly about London and other places
they had visited ; but to her father's questions
Mary returned but indifferent answers, her heart
being in her mother's sick-room at Aldershope.
But when dessert was placed on the table, the
conversation turned immediately upon the secret
marriage of Isabel Nesbit.

' How does Janet bear it V Mary asked.

The doctor shrugged his shoulde.'s.

' Did anyb^uy ever see Janet Nesbit*s inner-
most self? I believe she is a woman devoid of
lecling of any kind. I shall never forget her
unnatural indifference at the time of her father's
death ' —

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A MESSAGE FROM TIBBIE.

i8s

Mary could have smiled. So the world judged
or rather misjudged Janet Nesbit. She was a
woman known to the few, not to the many.

* I saw Isabel in London/ she said by and by.
Hugh Nesbit looked up from the apple he was

paring, and looked suspiciously at his wife.

'You did not think it worth your while to
mention the fact to me,' he said with a slight
sneer.

* You guess correctly, Hugh,' she answered
serenely. * It was in Regent's Park one day,
father, while Hugh went to speak to a gentle-
man, and left me alone a few minutes. I saw
her pass in a coach.'

* Did she see you } ' asked Hugh Nesbit.
' Yes ; I spoke to her.'

* What did she say } ' asked Doctor Elliot in
the old commanding way.

* She only gave me a message for her sister,
which is not mine to repeat ; but she looked
well and happy,' returned Mary. *Hugh, if you
are quite ready, I shall retire, and leave father
and you to your wine.'

Hugh Nesbit rose and opened the door for
his wife. She bowed slightly in acknowledgment,
just as she would have done to the merest
stranger. Hugh Nesbit bit his lip, and an ugly
light crept into his eyes. His father-in-law looked

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ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

at his scowling face when he resumed his seat,
and smiled in a pleasant way, as if he enjoyed it.

*I am afraid you find your wife just a little
indifferent, shall I call it, Hugh?' he said, poising
a piece of apple neatly on his knife.

Whereupon the Laird of Aldersyde very
deliberately swore at his father-in-law, and bade
him mind his own concerns if he desired to keep
his seat at the table. Not thinking it desirable
to quarrel openly with his daughter's husband,
Doctor Elliot took the hint, and discreetly changed
the subject. They did not sit very long over
their wine, for presently the doctor rose, and
said he would bid his daughter good-night and
go home, as in all likelihood he would be in
request at some sick-bed.

Both went up -stairs to the drawing-room,
to find Mary sitting alone in the front
window, the long shadows of the twilight
falling all about her. She rose and bade hef
father a brief good-night ; then returned to hei

musing watching of the night creeping over
Bourhope. By and by she became aware that
she was not alone, and started to see her hus-
band standing close beside her. He was quick
to note how her face changed, and how she
seemed to shrink involuntarily from him.

' Well, Mary, we are likely to have a lively life if

v:i

HUSBAND AND WIFE.

T87

you are always to be as cheerful as you have been
to-night,' he said grimly.

* I am tired, Hugh,' she pleaded, and as she said
the words there rushed into her heart a wild
yearning to be able in all sincerity to turn to her
husband and find her best resting-place on his
breast. But love cannot be forced, so she sat
perfectly still, trying to conquer the impulse to
flee from his presence.

Oh, but theirs was a mockery of marriage, a dreary
home-coming, and a desolate, loveless hearth. God
pity and help them I I believe both felt it at that
moment.

*I think I must go up-stairs, Hugh,* she faltered,
feeling that she could not keep her composure much
longer. * To-morrow, perhaps, I shall be better
able to look at all you have done to make Aldcr-
syde comfortable for me.*

So passed their first evening at home.

Early next forenoon, while the Laird of Alder-
syde was riding round his estate, his wife went away
alone in the coach to Aldershope. She dismissed it
at her father's gate, and without knocking, entered
the house, and ran lightly up to her mother's room.
To her surprise she found her in bed, apparently
asleep. The weeks of Mary's absence had
wrought such a woful change in the dear face,
that for the moment the daughter, who loved her

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ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY

was well-nigh overwhelmed. She knelt down by
the bed, and hiding her face in the coverlet, gave
way to the pent-up grief of her heart. Thus Mrs.
Elliot found her on her awakening. For a moment
there was nothing said, but the long, close, lingering
clasp was enough.

* I have prayed, Mary, that I might be spared till
you come home,* said Mrs. Elliot feebly.

* Mother ! mother ! it is not so near as that ?*
whispered Mary brokenly.

* You can see for yourself, my darling; and save for
leaving you, I am content. Where is your husband ? *

*At home,* answered Mary with a sudden hard-
ness in her voice.

* Mary ! ' Feebly the weak hands pressed the
firm white fingers of the child she loved. * Are
you nearer to your husband in heart than you
were on your wedding-day, or have you drifted
farther apart } *

* We need not discuss my marriage ; whatever it
may be, neither of us can remedy it Let us
speak of you. I came to see you, to be with you,
to comfort you, as I used to do,* said Mary in the
same hard dry way, and rising up, laid aside her
bonnet and shawl. At that moment a servant
entered the room, saying that Miss Nesbit was in
the drawing-room.

* She's a faithful friend, Janet Nesbit, Mary,'

A SUPPORT IN TRIBULATION.

189

said Mrs. Elliot ; * hardly a day has passed without
bringing her to see me.'

A tear trembled on Mary's eyelid. None knew
better than she how faithful a heart beat in Janet
Nesbit's bosom.

* I'll go down and speak a moment with her,
mother,' said she, and went away to the drawing-
room, slipping in so softly that Janet was un-
aware of her presence till she felt a gentle arm
steal about her neck and a cheek pressed to hers.

* Mary,* she said, the word breaking from her
lips almost in a sob ; then she clasped her close
in her arms and added tremulously, * Welcome
hame, Mary, thrice welcome tae Aldersyde. Ye
look weel, my dear ; I wad fain believe ye happier
than ye thocht tae be.'

* Oh, I am quite well,' returned Mary, averting
her eyes for a moment. 'Janet, this trouble has
left its mark on you.^ You look twenty years older,
and there are grey threads among your hair which
J never saw before.'

* Ay, the storm will leave its mark even efter it
be past, Mary,* returned Miss Nesbit in a low voice.

* It is past, then ? ' said Mary inquiringly.

* I hae learned tae cast my care on God, Maryj
an' leave my bairn wi' Him. He can uphaud
through mony tribulations.*

There was a moment's silence. Looking upon

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ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY

the brave, stedfast face of Janet Nesbit, Mary
honoured and loved her at that moment above
anything on earth.

* I saw her in London, Janet,* she said by and
by.

A gleam of intense eagerness flashed into Janet's
eyes, and Mary answered the mute question at
once.

* She bid me tell you, Janet, that she was well
and happy, and but for you, did not regret
leaving Windyknowe.*

* The man, Mary ; was he wi' her ? ' asked Miss
Nesbit after a time.

*Yes, s'tting beside her in the coach. I do not
like his face, Janet*

* I wish his face be na the best o* him,* said Janet
shortly. * She lookit weel an' happy, ye say ? *

*Yes, and so gaily attired that I would not
have known her but for the h^nnie face under the
nodding feathers. I have seen none so bonnie
as Tibbie in all my travels, Janet*

Miss Nesbit sighed.

*A bonnie fac;e '11 no dae muckle for a body
without the grace o' God. Gaily attired, was she ?
Has she laid aside her mourning already ? *

' Yes.*

*Well, truly, a mourning gown would ill befit
a new married wife,' said Janet with a dry smile.

PORX TO TROUBI.E.

191

* I judge a body by my ain sombre fccHn's, which
are faur enough frae gay attire. How's Mrs. Elliot
the day ?*

*,Very weak. Ah, Janet, you and me have no
had much joyfuhiess in our lives ! We are not likely
to forget that man is born to trouble, as the Book
says.*

A faint smile flitted across the face of Miss
Nesbit.

* Ay ; but greater will be the reward, Mary.
Weel, I'll be awa again, an' no' disturb Mrs.
Elliot the day. Tell her I'm awa tae Scottrigg for a
bit, tae get the coddlin' she's aye tellin* me I need.
Oh, Mary ! Marjorie Scott's a blythe bairn, perfect
sunshine in a hoose.*

'Bring her back with you, and all come up
to me at Aldersyde, then,' said Mary. * It has
sore need of sunshine, though the spring is bonnie
all about it Now run away, and don't stay too
long : we in Aldershope cannot spare you,
Janet' Then with a warm hand clasp, the friends
parted once more.

At sundown the coach from Aldersyde drew up
at Doctor Elliot's gate, and the man said he had
been sent for Mrs. Nesbit She went down herself,
and bade him tell the Laird, that Mrs. Elliot
was so ill she would remain all night with her
—a messaiie which he seemed loth to take.

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ALDEKSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

* Wliat carriag[e was that, Mary ? ' asked hef
mother when she returned to the room.

*IIugh sent it for me, mother/ answered Mary
gently ; * but I returned a message, saying I could
not leave you.*

* You should not have done that, my child. Your
husband claims your first attention.*

' I do not know how other women feel, but to
me, in comparison with my mother, my husband
is as nothing. So here I stay in the meantime.
Do not let us talk of it, mother, if you please.'

But Mrs. Elliot could not rest.

*If he sends again, promise me you will go,
Mary,' she said uneasily. * You must try and live
at peace with Hugh Nesbit : you are his wife, and
owe him wifely duty.'

* It is not my nature to live at enmity, dear
mother,' answered Mary.

* I know it ; but there is a quiet warfare carried
on without words, which has more bitter issues
than open quarrelling. Avoid it, and ' —

Doctor Elliot's entrance at that moment inter-
rupted their talk. His brow darkened, and he cast
a look of displeased surprise on his daughter.

* Did you send your husband's carriage home ? '
he asked harshly.

* I did,' was all she answered, and busied herself
about her mother's pillows.

A SOLEM.V FAREWELL.

193

hef

i
go.
live

and

MIc will be angry — ^justly so,' he continued
sternly. * Your place is at Aldersyde.*

* Father ! * Mary drew herself to her full hei<(ht,
and looked at him as the Mary of old had never
dared to do. * My mother is dying, and my place
is by her side. The time is gone for you to tell
me what my duty is.'

Strange words to fall from the 'ips of the Lily
of Aldershope ! Little wonder .hat her father
turned away unable to answer, \^x she had struck
straight home.

Before ten o'clock next morning down came
the coach from Aldersyde again, and the servant
brought the message to Mrs. Nesbit, that she
must return to Aldersyde immediately, such being
the Laird's express desire.

For a moment she rebelled, but the dumb
entreaty in her mother's eyes conquered, and she
went to make herself ready without a word.
Then she knelt down by her mother's bed, and
bade her a solemn farewell, both feeling it was
the last. In the bitterness of her pain, she could
not re-echo her mother's assurance that sundered
hearts would be re-united in another and happier
world.

Strange thoughts chased each other through
her aching brain, during her lonely drive to her

home. She was only beginning to realize that

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194

ALPEKSYDEi A BORDER STORY,

she was bound to Hugh Ncsbit, tied down b/
the letter of her marriage vow to obey him
in all things. Therefore, whatever he might
require of her, — ay, to the very leaving of her
mother in her dying hour, — it behoved her to
submit. Galling were the fetters, but they must
be borne ; and as she drove up through the
budding trees to Aldersyde, she resolved to take
up anew the yoke of her unblessed wifehood,
and bear it with all meekness and patience. For
her it was the better way. With that thought
uppermost in her mind, she crossed the threshold
of her husband's home, and sought him in the
study.

He was sitting moodily by the table, evidently
nursing his wrath for a war of words.

* I have come home, Hugh, as you desired,*
she said simply, and bent her great sad eyes
on his face. ' I am sorry if I vexed you by
staying in Aldershope last night.*

'You ought to have come when the carriage
was sent,' he said sullenly.

'My mother is dying, Hugh,' she answered
with a break in her voice; 'is it a wonder that
I had no thought for anything but her ? *

He noted the deep, sad uhJertone of tenderness
in her voice, and the unspeakable yearning in
her eyes, and hated her for the love which

MEEK' SUPMISSION.

lOS

prompted it. She was his wife, but he had no
place in her heart. It needed no words to tell
him that, the commonest perception could not
have failed to read it in her face when he was by.
The brief passion of a day, kindled by her
gentle beauty, had long since burned out, and
her unconcealed dislike of him raised the devil
within him.

* You hate me, I know,' he said slowly ; * but
you are my wife — mine, do you hear ? — and I can
compel you to obey me. I forbid you to go
to Aldershope again, and you must make ready
for a journey to Edinburgh to-morrow. I am
sick to death of this dreary hole.'

Ashen pale grew the face of Mary Ncrsbit, but
she bowed her head meekly, and made answer in a
low, quiet voice :

* I shall be ready, as you wish, to-morrow.*
Then she turned about, and went away out of
the room, the burden of her yoke pressing very
heavily on her heart. How would it end ?

On the morrow, when a messenger came in
hot haste to Aldersyde, to summon Mrs. Nesbit
to her mother's death-bed, he was told that the
Laird and his lady had gone off in the early
morning to Edinburgh, leaving no message behind,
or any word concerning their return.

When they told Mrs. Elliot, she turned and

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ALDERSYDE : A BORDER STORY.

jaid to her husband, who stood stern and un-
moved by her bed :

*I pray, Robert, that you may never have
bitter cause to rue the day you forced your
daughter into unwilling wedlock.'

These were her last words.

When they bent over her by and by, wondering
why she lay so still, they found her gone.

! 1-^

CHAPTER III.

* In sadness and loneliness at Aldersyde.*

T Scottrig^, Miss Nesbit abode till March,
which, having come in like a lamb, went
out like a lion.
A night's keen frost and a wild blast of north
wind stripped trees and hedgerows of their tender
bloom, and blighted the early blossoms which
the New Year's spring had brought into life before
their time.

When she returned to Windyknowe in the
first week of April, she found Marget mourning
over the desolate garden, which was her special
care and pride. She had washed her hands
of it; but when she saw Miss Nesbit get her
hoe and her garden gloves the very afternoon
of her return, she followed her, and set to work,
grumbling all the time.

You needed to know Marget Drysdale well

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ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

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before you could appreciate her. She was hke
the chestnut, all burs outside, but sweet and
true and wholesome at heart. No sooner had
they got set to work, than up comes a carriage
with Aldersyde coachman on the box, bearing
a note for Miss Nesbit.

It was from Mary, saying they had returned
from Edinburgh, and begging her, if she was
home, to return with the carriage.

Marget tossed her head when the contents
of the note were made known to her and she
saw her mistress lay down her hoe and take
off her gloves.

*My certy, folk hae a guid stock o' impidence,
I'm thinkin'. It wad seem ye canna get sittin*
doon in peace at yer ain hearth-stane, noo-
a-days, for this ane an' the neist ane seekin'
ye.'

Miss Nesbit laughed, and went away up-stairs,
leaving Marget to grow cool again.

Janet had never been within the gate of
Aldersyde since that dreary morning Tibbie and
she had bidden good-bye to the only home they
had ever known. She had been often to the
burying-ground of St. Mary, but it could be
reached without entering the policies of Alder-
syde. Her heart was full when the coach swept
through the gates, and a sudden rush of bitter

AT ALDERSYDE AGAIN.

199

tears blinded her eyes when she saw that Hugh
Nesbit had fuh'illed his threat and felled some
of the stateliest trees in the park. Also, when
she approached the house, she observed that
it was stripped of its graceful foliage of ivy and
honeysuckle. But though sadly changed without
and within, it was Aldersyde still ; and oh, how
she loved it ! She could have kissed the very
doorstep as she stepped upon it, remembering
the dear feet that had crossed it in other days.

The servant who admitted her ushered her
up-stairs at once, saying her mistress was im-
patient for her coming.

She paused but a moment on the threshold of
the best bedroom, for memories, like to overwhelm
her, thronged about her heart. Then very gently
she opened the door, and went over to the sofa
on which Mary lay, and kneeling down by her,
drew the motherless head to her breast.

*Now, Janet, I am no more lonely when I feel
and know you are here,* said Mary by and by.
'Take off your bonnet, and come and sit down
by me, as if you meant to stay a long while.*

Miss Nesbit laid her bonnet and cloak on the
bed, and then coming back to the sofa, looked
with grieved eyes on the face of her friend.
Truly she was a lily now, for her face was as
white as the lace about her throat. There were

;

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200

ALDERSYDE : A BORDER STORY.

great shadows under her eyes, and about the
sweet mouth, which made Janet's heart sink.

If these things spoke truly, JIugh Nesbit's
young wife would not long live in sadness and
loneliness at Aldersyde.

'How things change!' said Mary by and by.

* Here am I, who used to be a kindly welcomed
guest at Aidersyde, its mistress, and you the
guest. That's not as it should be, Janet.'

'What makes you think it's no as it should
be?' asked Miss Nesbit.

* Oh ! I can hardly tell ; but in my mind, Janet,
you are inseparable from Aldersyde, and Alder-
syde from you. I never feel as if Hugh and I
had any right to be reigning here.'

At the very mention of her husband's name,
a shadow fell on Mary's face.

'Where is Hugh?' asked Janet abruptly.

* I have not seen him since breakfast, Janet.
There are two gentlemen, friends of Hugh's,
staying in the house, and he is always out
with them. I don't see much of him ; perhaps
just as well,' returned Mary, a little bitter smile
curling her lip.

'How did you like Edinburgh?' asked Miss
Nesbit, hastening to change the subject.

' It is very beautiful,' ansvered Mary listlessly ;

* far surpassing any of the cities I have ever seen.

HUGH NESBIT'S WIFE.

20I

I used to sit by tho window of our hotel in Princes
Street, and look out for hours at the Castle Rock.
Its rugged strength had a fascination for me. I
would rather look at it than the fairest smiling
landscape in all the world.'

* Ay, it's a braw rock the Castle Rock,' answered
Miss Nesbit with honest pride ; then for a little
there was nothing said.

* Janet, I fear Aldersyde will not be much the
better of Hugh/ said Mary by and by.

* We'll hope for the best, Mary,* returned Miss
Nesbit.

* Ay ; but hoping will not save us, either for time
or for eternity,' said Mary in a strange abrupt way.
'Janet, I suppose you know my husband is not a
man of blameless habits. He squanders his money
recklessly, in gambling, betting, and other wicked
ways.'

* I'm wae tae hear that,' said Miss Nesbit
mournfully. * Hae ye nae influence ower him ava,
Mary ? '

Mary laughed, and the sound grated on Miss
Nesbit's ear.

'You've seen a tree branch carried down the
Yarrow, Janet. Well, I have about as much influence
with Hugh as it has against the current of the
stream.'

No answer made Miss Nesbit

(i
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ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY,

* Do you remember long ago, Janet,' said Mary,
leaning forward and laying her thin hand on that of
her friend, * when Hugh Nesbit came to see you at
Aldersyde, when we were all children, and how cruel
he was to Tibbie because she was terrified for him ? *

Ay, Janet remembered well.

*An' how he used to torture all helpless things,
Janet ? Well, Hugh Nesbit has not changed since
then ; but instead of a baby cousin, he has a poor,
shrinking, delicate wife to torture — that's all the
difference,' said Mary bitterly, and covered her
face with her hands.

* Oh, Mary ! Mary ! ' said Miss Nesbit in low,
distressed tones.

* He used to be afraid of you, Janet,' continued
Mary by and by, ' and was always a better boy,
you'll mind, when you were by. If he had married
a woman like you, he would have been a better
man. But, you see, I am only a poor, weak, shrink-
ing body, whose very heart fails within her before
his anger. You could rise above your own misery,
and find something to live for, but I only succumb.
Do you despise me, Janet ? '

Despise her ! Miss Nesbit's whole soul was filled
with compassion unutterable for the poor unhappy
wife of her cousin.

' Surely them that's dune this thing will hae tae
answer for it/ she said solemnly.

II : H

tae

A VISIT TO THE CHAPEL YARD.

203

* I've told you all there is to tell now, I think/
said Mary, not seeming to hear what she said.
* Just ring the bell, and we'll have tea here ; then I'll
wrap up, and we'll go together up to the chapel yard.'

* Na, na, Mary. Sic a walk's no for you the day,'
returned Miss Nesbit as she rose to touch the bell.

*Well, perhaps not, but I am going, Janet.
Have you looked at all my grand furniture yet?
It might turn any young woman's head ; but to my
thinking the Aldersyde of old was a swctiter,
dearer place than it is now.*

* To my thinking also,' re-echoed Janet Nesbit.
Presently the maid entered with the tea tray.

It pleased Miss Nesbit to observe her care and
thoughtfulness for the comfort of her mistress.

It was a service of love, indeed ; for there was
not one in Aldersyde, save its master, who would
not have died to serve the fair and gentle mistress.

The two friends partook of their slender meal
almost in silence ; then seeing Mary seemed set upon
going to the burying-ground. Miss Nesbit forbore
to object further, and helped her on with her wraps.

Great was the astonishment of the domestics
to behold their mistress venturing out into the
evening air, which was as bleak and chill as
January's dreariest moods.

Out on the gravel in front of the house, Mary
pa»»sed and looked mournfully at her friend.

■II

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204

ALDERSYDE: A BOKDER STORY,

' This is not the Aldersyde of old, either,' she
said, pointing to the dismantled walls. * It made
my heart sore to see that when I came home, and
to see the great gaps in the park. I ' —

'Dinna speak o'd, Mary,' interrupted Janet in a
choking voice. * Come, ye mauna stand here in
the bitter air.'

So they turned about and took their way through
the park to the wicket, which opened out to the side
of the loch. From thence a steep path sloped up
the hill to the chapel of St. Mary. They had to
pause often on the brae, for Mary's breath came quick
and fast with the slightest exertion. But at length
they reached the ruin, and entered the gate into the
lonely God's acre where slept their best and dearest.

The graves did not lie far apart. Within
the Aldersyde enclosure the turf was green and
fresh, with here and there a pink-lipped daisy
and sturdy snowdrop, to tell that loving hands
aye tended it. Miss Nesbit stooped down, and
gathering one or two of the bonnie blossoms,
strewed them gently on Mrs. Elliot's neglected
grave.

* Thank you, Janet,' said Mary with a faint smile ;
* you'll do as much for me when I am sleeping here
too.*

*Ay, gin ye gang afore me/ answered Miss
Nesbit huskily.

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JANETS PROMISE.

205

'Before the year is out, I shall be at rest,* said
Mary dreamily. ' In case I may not be able to
come here again with you, Janet, promise me what
I am about to ask.'

Miss Nesbit bowed, unable to speak.

'You will see that I am laid here beside my
mother, no matter what they may say or wish.
I shall give you sufficient to erect a stone here, on
which you will cause to be written : " To the
memory of Margaret Elliot, and her daughter
Mary." When I am laid beside my mother, I am
her daughter, and belong to no one else. One last
request and I am done, Janet. It is that you will
come to me in the last days, and stay with me to
the end. I could die easier, I think, if I had a grip
of your faithful hand.*

* Mary, Mary, I fear sic fancies o* an' early
death may hasten it on. Ye're no that ill, my dear.'

' Not yet ; but it is coming, and is no fancy.
You have not promised, Janet'

* A' that ye may require o' me is yours at ony
time, an' a' times, ye ken brawly,' said Miss Nesbit
huskily.

* God bless you, Janet,' said Mary, and their
hands met in a long, close pressure.

* Now we'll go home ; I feel chilly. Oh, Janet,
look at the sunset on the loch. It minds one of
the sea of glass in the Bible.'

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206

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

The stillness and solemn beauty of that sunset
hour seemed to cast a spell over them, and they
descended the hill in silence. At the waterside
they parted, Miss Nesbit desiring to return home
before the dusk had fallen.

Not many minutes after she left Mary, Janet espied
the Laird of Aldersyle and his two friends coming
round from the other side of the loch. She would
fain have avoided them, but they were close upon
her before she turned into the upland path. Hugh
Nesbit stood still in front of her, but the other two
immediately passed on.

* How do you do, Cousin Janet ? ' he said
politely.

* I am weeV returned Miss Nesbit. * I needna
ask for your health. Ye look brawly, an' ye
hae been seekin* sport, I see.'

* Seeking it, indeed ; but we haven't found any.
The fish won't bite to-day. Have you been up
at the house } *

* Yes ; I hae been seein* Mary.*

* And left before I came home ; your first
visit, too — that was cous nly courtesy, Cousin Janet*

* I hr^e a lang road tae gang, an' the darkenin*
fa's quick in April,' she answered quietly.

* Um, Mary is in the blues ! I suppose she's
been giving you my character ? * said Hugh Nesbit
sarcastically.

said

MISS NESBIT'S PRA YER.

207

*I dinna need onybody tae gie me your cha-
racter, Hugh Nesbit,* said Janet drily. *I hae
kenned ye sin* ye were a laddie.*

* Is there anything wrong with Mary 1 * asked
he abruptly. 'Women always croak, you know,
when things don't agree with them. I suppose
you know we don't live like turtle-doves, Janet.*

' Wha's blame's that ! '

* Hers ! She hates me, and lets me see it in
her quiet way. Your quiet women are the worst
to live with. I'd rather have a thrashing from
your honest tongue than her everlasting tears.
Ugh, I am sick of them ! '

*Ye'll maybe mind what I said tae ye that
nicht ye cam seekin' Mary, when she was bidin*
wi* me at Windyknowe ? *

* No ; what was it ? *

*Fine ye ken what it was. Weel, I said ye
wad hae nae pleasure or happiness wi' an unwillin'
bride.'

* How was I to know she was unwilling } Women
always act no when they mean yes.'

Miss Nesbit lifted her eyes to his face, and
beneath their honest scorn his fell.

'Mary '11 no live lang tae trouble ye wi' tears
or ony ither thing, Hugh. Already her shadow
is lengthenin' tae a grave in St. Mary's. Oh, be
gentle wi' her, I pray ye again, as I prayed on

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208

ALDERSYDE : A BORDER STORY.

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yer wedding day. it'll maybe spare ye a remorse
which wad follow ye tae the grave/ said Miss
Nesbit passionately. Then without another word,
she passed the Laird, and took her lonely way up
past the chapel of St. Mary.

CHAPTER IV.

'This is the heir of Aldersyde.*

'ATURE never intended Hugh Nesbit

for the role of a country gentleman.

It bored him to talk to his factor, or

listen to complaints from his tenants anent the

damage done to cops by game. Even the sport

furnished by the moors and lochs could not

reconcile him to life at Aldersyde. He missed

the gay companionship, pleasant excitement, and

stirring activity of his old life in camp and

barracks ; and save that it exempted him from

the drawbacks of empty pockets, he could have

regretted the chance which had made him Laird

of Aldersyde. Disappointed in his marriage, tired

of his wife, sick of the dreary routine of his life,

he cast his eyes about for a means of release

from the chain which bound him. The army

was open to him still, where he could enjoy life

2IO

ALDERSYDEx A BORDER STORY,

with double zest, because the revenues of Aldcr-
syde would provide the wherewithal. What
though the world commented on his desertion of
his wife! She would feel nothing but relief, and
they would be better apart thar. living unhappily
together. So he reasoned, and made his arrange-
ments without consulting anybody.

The latter days of April made the world
beautiful once more, and the first month of
summer time came in with balmy breath and
sunshine which whitened all the hedgerows, and
surprised into bloom honeysuckle and sweetbriar
in the den of Aldersyde. Before it was half
gone, Hugh Nesbit announced to his wife his
intention of returning to his regiment without
delay, as it was being reorganized for early des-
patch to the Peninsula. She heard his decision
with calmness, but did not appear so happily
relieved as he had anticipated. She was simply
indifferent whether he went or stayed.

* You will return home sometimes, I suppose ? '
she said listlessly.

* The chances are I shall never see Aldersyde
again,' he said.

* Why rejoin the army if such risks are imminent?'
she asked faintly.

* Because I'm sick to death of this place,' he an-
swered rudely ; 'anything would be preferable to it,*

I J

•STRANGERS YET.*

211

There was nothing more said, and upon the
morrow they parted as strangers might have
parted, without a regret on either side. Ay,
truly their marriage was the grand mistake of
their lives.

Great was the astonishment in Aldershope and
the neighbourhood when it '■ranspired that Hugh
Nesbit was off to the wars. His intention had
been kept a close secret, and even Doctor Elliot
only learned of his departure one evening upon
coming to Aldersyde to see his daughter. His
indignation knew no bounds.

* What right has he to leave you in this great
house alone, to be pointed at as a deserted wife,
of whom her husband tired before the honeymoon
was well past ? *

*The world is very bitter in its judgment, but
generally correct, father/ said Mary quietly ; * and
you of all people have the least cause to marvel
at any phase of my domestic affairs.'

It was a direct reproach, and silenced him at
once.

*You had better dismiss the servants, and come
hom'^ to Aldershope, then,' he said by and by.

* I prefer to remain here,* she answered. * I
expect Miss Nesbit to be with me a good deal;
and the domestics are not mine to dismiss.'

Doctor Elliot found himself set aside at every

S'\

212

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

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point, and did not relish it. During his ride
home his thoughts dwelt upon his daughters
fragile appearance. Unless his professional eye
strangely deceived him, she was already in a
decline. Taking it all in all, the glory of being able
to say, * My daughter, Mrs. Nesbit of Aldersyde,'
had its drawbacks. Ay, without doubt the wind
was bending the lily, and the blast would break
it on the stalk.

Miss Nesbit was much at Aldersyde — so much,
indeed, that Marget began to wax indignant ; for
what was Windyknowe without her mistress?

The summer waned, but no word came from the
Laird. One day, having occasion to be in Melrose
on some business for her cousin's wife, Miss Nesbit
called at the office of Mr. Douglas the lawyer, to
ask if he knew anything of his client. He looked
surprised at the question.

* I had a letter yesterday, Miss Nesbit, concerning
the lease of the Mains, which expires at Martinmas.
He is on the eve of his departure with his regiment
for Gibraltar.'

* I thocht he wad hae been awa afore this, seein'
we hae gotten nae word,' said Miss Nesbit.

* Has he not written to Mrs. Nesbit since he left
Aldersyde?' asked tjie lawyer bluntly.

' No. Ye wull hae guessed, I dinna doot, that their
marriage has proved a mistake, Mr. Douglas.*

■'Hi

AT THE LAWYER'S OFFICE,

213

*I have surmised as much/ returned the lawyer.
* It is a wise arrangement for Mrs. Nesbit to have
control of her own income.*

* There should be plenty for baith, aff Aldersyde/
said Miss Nesbit.

* Do you remember Miss Oliphant of Yair's
speech about the new Laird of Aldersyde making
ducks and drakes of his inheritance before another
year went by ? '

* Ay, I mind/ answered Miss Nesbit with a sink-
ing heart.

* I regret to say that her prediction is likely to be
fulfilled. To my certain knowledge Captain Nesbit
has borrowed already to an extent which the
Martinmas rents will not do much more than
cover.*

* That's ill news, Mr. Douglas/

*To you it must be, remembering your mother's
life-work/ said the lawyer with true regret and
sympathy. * By the bye, the rent of the Mains is
to be raised a hundred pounds, and if Lennox is
unwilling to pay, the place is to be advertised.*

' I hae heard enough for ae day, Mr. Douglas/ said
Miss Nesbit, rising. ' As weel a'most micht Alder-
syde be withoot a Nesbir. as the Mains withoot a
Lennox.'

* I V avc seen many painful changefi in families,
Miss Nesbit, but none which affected me as the

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214

ALDERSYDE : A BORDER STORY,

mournful change in Aldeisyde/ said the lawyer as
they shook hands. * Good-bye. Give my respects
to Mrs. Nesbit*

Bitter were Janet Nesbit's thoughts during her
drive to Aldersyde. It was hard to think that her
nearest and dearest had denied themselves cease-
lessly in life, in order to redeem Aldersyde, only
to provide for a spendthrift kinsman who cared
no mor^ for Aldersyde than the merest stranger
could Ji-ive done. If the expected heir should live,
what a poor inheritance his father would bequeath to
him ! She had it in her heart almost to pray that
Mary's t hild might never open its eyes on Aldersyde.

The (lays wore on, till the month was August ;
and while grain was whitening to harvest in
bonnie L'.ttrick vale, all England rejoiced over her
heroes' triumphal entry into Madrid ; for it gave
birth to the hope that the long, wearing, disastrous
Peninsular war was nearing a close.

Little news of the doings in the great busy world
penetrated to quiet Aldersyde. Sometimes Dr. Elliot
would bring up a rare copy of a London newspaper
containinfx brief intelligence of the war ; but though
it might at any time contain the news of her
husband's wounding or death, it could not rouse
the lady of Aldersyde from her dreary listlessness.
She was fast drifting beyond all earthly interests, and
the cool, golden days of September found her con-

4;.
I!

C APT AIM NESBIT WOUNDED.

215

fined entirely to the west be J room, where she would
lie for hours looking out upon her mother's grave.

The world had many harsh things to say of
Hugh Nesbit, and nothing but pity for the sweet
young wife fading away alone in Aldersyde.
They would have it that she was breaking her heart
over his desertion, a report for which Miss Oliphant
of Yair was mainly responsible. For after calling
for the lady of Aldersyde one day, she went home
denouncing Hugh Nesbit in righteous wrath, and
praising the gentle wife without stint.

So amid peace and quietness, ministered unto by as
abiding a friend as ever woman had, Mary's life drew
to its close. Miss Nesbit would try to speak hope-
fully at times of brighter and stronger days to come,
when she would have her bairn to comfort her ; but
Mary always shook her head, and would say some-
times, * Your charge will not end with me, Janet ;
you will need to care for him as you have cared
for his mother all her days.'

In the first week of November, Captain Nesbit
was reported wounded. The newspaper list gave
no particulars ; but the army surgeon wrote, as
requested by the disabled soldier, to say the wound
was not dangerous, and that he hoped to be suffi-
ciently recovered to take advantage of leave at
New Year.

* I should like him to come before I died,' said

; I

3l6

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

I .

Mary absently. * If baby lives, I have a charge to
leave with him.'

B'it what the charge was, Janet Ncsbit did not
hear then, nor at any other time.

December swept in with a wild snowstorm ; and
upon a terrible afternoon, when the world seemed
a whirling mass of drifting snow, a son and heir was
born to the house of Aldersyde. The poor young
mother, whose life was fast ebbing, asked by and by
in a whisper that the child might be brought to her.
Miss Nesbit motioned the nurse from the room, and
herself laid the little one in the feeble arms which
could scarcely bear even so light a burden. Then
she laid her arms about them both, with the firm
protecting tenderness characteristic of the whole
woman.

' There is no word of Hugh, yet, I suppose ? * said
Mary.

* No yet ; but he is on his way, an* may be here
the nicht, Mary.'

' He will be too late, I doubt. Well, Janet, this
is the heir of Aldersyde,' said Mary with a iaint,
tremulous smile.

' Ay, Mary.'

' He is to be christened Walter Elliot, Janet.
Tell Hugh I desired that to be his name.'

' Take him now, Janet ; his poor mother 13
tired already, and would fain lie down.'

BKOKEI^ ON THE STAF.K.

217

not

Tenderly Miss Nesbit laid her back on her
pillows, and took the bairn in her arms.

'That's where I leave him, Janet, in your arms.
You will be a mother to him, and bring him
up to be a good man, so that he may bless
Aldersyde when he enters it*

Only a moment Janet Nesbit paused ere she
took so great a charge upon her. Then she
answered solemnly, great tears standing in her
faithful eyes :

' My Mary, I will.'

* Speak to him sometimes about his mother,
Janet ; keep my memory green in his heart —
that is all. Now give him back to Susan, and
come here : I shall need the grip in a little
while.'

Miss Nesbit carried the child into the next
room, signed to Doctor Elliot, and they returned
together.

He saw at a glance that the end was at
hand, and moving over to the bed, would have
raised his daughter in his arms ; but she motioned
him off, and looked toward the on 2 who had
befriended her through all.

Miss Nesbit leaned over her, gripping tHe
cold hands in her strong, warm clasp.

'The Lord can uphaud in the Jordan, my
Mary,' she whispered bravely.

! X

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ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STCRY.

Mary smiled and closed her eyes.

Doctor Elliot strode away over to the window,
with the iron entering into his soul. His one
child turned from him in her last extremity, and
clung to a stranger. Ay! it was a bitter re-
tribution.

Just then there came a great knocking at
the hall door, and they heard the voice of
Hugh Nesbit asking for his wife. Too late! for
even as his foot was upon the threshold of the
door, the wind rose, and bending the lily, broke
it on the stalk.

Once more Miss Nesbit performed the last
offices for the dead in the west bedroom at
Aldersyde. When it was over, and Mary lay
with lier white hands folded on her quiet breast,
her faithful friend bent over the bed, and bade
her a last farewell. Then she went into the
adjoining room, took the child from the nurse's
lap, and, wrapping a shawl about him, carried
him down to the dining-room.

Some refreshment for the Laird had been hastily
set on the table ; but he sat with folded arms
by the fire, and the repast remained untouched.

* This is yer first-born son, Hugh,' said Miss
Nesbit, and laying aside the wrap, held him
out.

%\h

Af/SS N/'ISB/T'S UNSELFISHNESS.

319

for

the

roke

Awkwardly enough Hu^^h Ncsbit took the
bairn in his arms, and looked down upon him
a moment in silence.

' I had no idea she had been ailing so long
as the housekeeper tells me,' he said in a
low voice. 'You might have written, Cousin
Janet'

' Where tac ?' she asked drily.

'Well, she's rid of her wretched marriage tie
now,' he continued in a reckless way. ' But what
on earth am I to do with the child ? It seems
a pity, seeing what manner of father he has,
that he should have lived.'

' Wheesht, Hugh Nesbit,' said his cousin sternly.

' Well, the servants are trustworthy, I suppose ;
so they must look after him,* he said. * I rejoin
my regiment immediately.'

'Mary desired me to care for the bairn, Hugh.
If ye like, I'll tak him hame tae Windyknowe,
an' see tae his upbringin' till ye come hame.'

Hugh Nesbit looked at his cousin in perfect
wonderment. He had been compelled to respect
her aye, but this was an unselfishness of heart
he could hardly understand.

*Do you mean to say you would undertake
the entire care of a child like this, from now to
an indefinite period ?'

Miss Nesbit bowed her head.

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220

ALDERSYDE : A BORDER STORY,

* I lo'ed his mither weel, an' I lo'e the name he
bears,* she said huskily.

*Well, there he is/ said Hu^^h Nesbit, replacing
the child in her arms. * You have relieved me
of a considerable- anxiety, cousin. I shall provide
the wherewithal to feed and clothe him, of course ,
but do you what you like with him, train him
in any creed you please, end he will grow up
a better man than his father, I don't doubt.
So you will have the future of Aldersyde in
your own hands, cousin.*

*I hardly think ye need fear for the bairn
wi* me, Hugh Nesbit ; but before God I pledge
ye my word tae mak him my first earthly care/
she said solemnly, and went away out of the
room holding the child very close to her heart.

She had accepted a great responsibility, but
she was not afraid The heir of Aldersyde left
in her sole care, to be trained, she prayed and
hoped, in the path of uprightness, sobriety, and
godliness! Oh! but it was a sweet and solemn
thought.

In the evening Marget Drysdale came up to
Aldersyde to inquire regarding the condition of
Mrs. Nesbit. She heard the sad tidings from
the lodge keeper, but went on to the house to
see the heir and have a word with Miss Nesbit
The maid took her up to the room where Miss

*TiiE WEE HEIR a aldersyde:

221

Nesbit sat by the fire with the bai.-ri on her
knee. There was no Hght save that given by
the fire ; but it was sufficient to show the traces
of tears on her face. Now that everything was
done, she had time to dwell upon her grief.

*So Miss Mary's at peace at last,' said Marget
softly ; * an* this is the wee h^ir o' Aldersyde ? *

*Ay, Marget,' said Miss Nesbit tremulously,
and put back with gentle hand the shawl from
the tiny head.

* Puir mitherless Iamb ! ' whispered Marget
tenderly.

*This is oor bairn, Marget — yours an' mine,*
said Miss Nesbit.

* Ay, mem; I'm thinking ye'll be mair than ever
at Aldersyde noo ? '

* Na, Marget ; the Laird's gaun aff tae the wars
again, an' I hae gotten the bairn tae keep. As
sune's the funeral's ower, I'll bring him hame tae
Windyknowe.*

*'0d save us a', that'll be an unco handiu* for
twa single weemin that never was marriet, an'
ken neist tae naething aboot bairns,* said Marget
doubtfully.

'We'll hae tae learn, Marget,' returned Miss
Nesbit.

Marget stood quite still, looking reflectively into
tbf fire. From the expression of her face, Miss

f:J

222

ALDERSYDE I A BORDER STORY

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Nesbit guessed she was not well pleased, but left
her alone, knowing she would come round by
and by.

* I was mindin' on the fecht I've seen my guid-
sister an' ither folk hae. D'ye think ye could be
fashed wi' a bairn girnin* in yer lug m^^nin', nune,
and nicht ? ' asked Marget grimly.

Again Miss Nesbit put back the shawl from
the bairn's sleeping head, and touched Marget's
gown to look at him.

'He's his mither's bairn, Marget, an' was left
tae me. Wull ye gar me leave him among frem
folk .? *

*Wha said I wantit ye tae leave him among
frem folk, mem } I was only makin' bold ta^
think that the wullint beast aye gets the load tae
draw,* said Marget ; then, wheeling round sud-
denly, she laid her rough hand on the bairn's
head, her honest eyes brimming with tears. 'Let
him come ; he'll be an ill bairn if we dinna get
him warstied through some way. God bless him,
an' mak him a blessin' an' a joy tae Aldersyde ! '

So did Marget Drysdale bind herself to the
service of Miss Mary's bairn.

It was a great speaking in the country side when
it transpired that Miss Nesbit had undertaken the
charge of Hugh Nesbit's motherless son. Sundry
wise and officious matrons bemoaned his fate, left

ylJVAV TO THE WARS AGAIN.

223

to the mercies of a woman ignorant of the ways
and needs of childhood ; but the majority of the
busybodies prophesied that he would find a com-
fortable home at Windyknowe.

Doctor Elliot was sternly displeased. He had
signified to his son-in-law his willingness to take
the child into his own house, and see that he was
well cared for, but his offer had been declined
with scant courtesy. After Mary's death there
was not even the semblance of friendship between
them.

So what joy or satisfaction, think you, had
Doctor Elliot in having the heir of Aldersyde for
a grandson? Already had he rued — ay, twice
over — forcing his daughter into unwilling wedlock.

After the burying of the young lady of Alder-
syde, Miss Nesbit departed to Windyknowe with
the bairn and all his belongings.

The Laird abode the best part of a month at
Aldersyde, and considerably exercised his tenants
by meddling with their concerns, and finding fault
with them on all hands. Mr. Lennox had paid
the desired increase of rent rather than quit the
dwelling-place of his forbears, but he felt very
sore against the Laird for his unjust greed.

All were relieved when he went off to the wars
again, and not a single regret followed him. He
came up to Windyknowe the night before his

II
1 1

224

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

departure, and informed his cousin that Mr.
Douglas would supply her with money at stated
intervals for the maintenance of the child. Then
he bade her good-bye, took his last careless look
at his son, and went his way. ^

So the inmates of the muirland dwelling settled
down in peace, and as the days went by, found,
because of the bairn, a new interest in life, a
brighter shining in the sunbeams, and a sweeter
note in the singing of the blackbird on the tliorn.

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CHAPTER V.

* At Waterloo.'

^^j^i^OUR years brought about many changes
in Ettrick Vale. Two children were
born to the house of Ravelaw, but
failed to make any link between the ill-matched
pair. Their unhappy life was the talk of the
country side. So also was the second marriage
of Mrs. Riddell the elder, to a London banker
and her removal to the metropolis.

About the same time Scottrigg lost its bonn;.
flower, sweet Marjorie, who became a great lady,
the Countess of Dryburgh. Her brother, true-
hearted young Walter, had loved Isabel Ncsbit too
dearly to seek another bride, and was therefore
likely to abide and comfort his father and mother
for the loss of Marjorie.

In tranquil happiness at Windyknowe abode
Miss Nesbit, Marget Drysdale, and the bairn. He

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226

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

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was the very sunshine of the house, ' Auntie's pet '
and Martlet's * ain, ain bairn.' He grew so like
his mother that many a time Miss Nesbit's eyes
filled with tears, thinking, if she had but lived,
what a gladness her boy would have infused into
her heart.

His soldier father was still fighting in a foreign
land, for there seemed to be no end to the wars
and rumours of wars. But the decisive blow which
restored peace to blood - stained and exhausted
Europe was struck at last.

On a fair June evening, when the air was heavy
with scent of hawthorn and sweetbriar, and a
great slumberous calm brooded over the earth,
Mr. Douglas the lawyer came in haste to Windy-
knowe. By the open dining-room window sat Miss
Nesbit at her sewing, with the bairn chattering at
his play by h^r side. It was her thirty-second
birthday, and she looked her age to the full. The
lovely hair was plentifully streaked with grey, and
though her face was sweet and tra quil as of
yore, there was a wistful drooping of the grave,
womanly mouth, and a continual yearning shadow
in the eyes, which told of the heart-sickness of
hope deferred. I do not believe Tibbie was ever
out of her heart for a moment at a time, and she
still looked forward to a day coming when she
should once more see her face to face. She rose

DEA TH OF HUGH NESBIT.

227

when the lawyer entered the room, and welcomed
him with a cordial smile. They were friends of long
standing, and each knew the 'other's worth. Then
the little Walter ran to him, clamouring for the
customary toss in the air which Mr. Douglas had
taught him to expect. After a minute's gay
banter with him, he turned to Miss Nesbit and
asked her to send him from the room for a little.

*Rin tae Marget, my pet ; Auntie '11 send for ye
by and by,' she said ; and the bairn, accustomed
to implicitly obey, ran off at once.

* Poor child, he is a very tiny Laird of Aldersyde,'
said the lawyer ; and Miss Nesbit rose up with a
deepening shadow in her eyes.

* Has onything happened tae Captain Nesbit, Mr.
Douglas ? '

* There was a great battle fought near Brussels
on Sunday, Miss Nesbit, and the Captain fell fight-
ing at the head of his regiment'

Miss Nesbit grew very pale. She could not
pretend to any great grief; yet such a sudden
death was a shock, though she had daily expected
it for months back.

* Near Brussels on Sunday, did ye say ? * she
said falteringly.

* Yes ; at Waterloo. Napoleon is utterly beaten,
but at awful cost. There'll be mourning in many a
home tO"day, Miss Nesbit'

; f

ElH

F''

9iS

ALDERSYDEi A BORDER STORY.

* So my mithcrlcss bairn's an orphan bairn noo I *
said Miss Ncsbit with mournful tenderness. ' Puif
wee Walter I '

' You will have an additional care on your
shoulders now, Miss Nesbit/ said the lawyer,
beginning to pace up and down the floor — * the
keeping of Aldersyde in trust for its unconscious
heir.'

*Ay/

Very low, almost inaudible, was the mono-
syllable, because at the moment she was renewing
in her heart the vow she had made to Mary in her
dying hour.

* How does Aldersyde stand at present, Mr.
Douglas ? ' she asked by and by.

* I regret to say that the affairs of Aldersyde have
relapsed into the state in which your father found
them. The estate is heavily mortgaged again,'
returned the lawyer with some hesitation.

* In sae short a time I ' echoed Miss Nesbit in
dismay. * Whaur did Hugh Nesbit pit its revenues ? '

* He was a man of extravagant habits, and
denied himself nothing,' answered Mr. Douglas.
* He could have spent double his income, and yet
been in debt.'

*God helping me, Mr. Douglas, Walter shall
enter on an unburdened heritage, as his faither did
afore him ; but I pray an' hope he'll mak a better

UNSEL FISrr DE VO TION.

229

use o't,* said Miss Ncsbit solemnly. 'Yc'll look
eftcr the interests o' Aldersyde as ye hae dune sac
faithfully in the past, an* lay by all the rents tae
pay aff the mortgages. I can keep the bairn
bravvly aff my ain.'

* Not many orphan children have such unselfish
devotion bestowed on them and their interests/
said the lawyer with a smile. ' Well, I'll bid you
good day : we can have a talk over matters another
time.'

Miss Nesbit scarcely heard. She was looking
away over in the direction of the chapel of St. Mary.

* The Laird '11 readily be buried where he fell/
she said musingly.

' Yes ; he and many thousands more have found
a grave on Waterloo,' returned Mr. Douglas.

An unbidden tear trembled in Miss Nesbit's eye
at the thought that the two brief lives which had
been so closely linked, and had drifted so far apart,
were united again by the great Leveller. She
showed the lawyer out herself, and then went to the
kitchen, where Marget was baking, assisted by the
bairn. It was marvellous to see how she let him
hinder her work, and tease her life out. Miss
Nesbit lifted him from his stool, and held him
close to her heart, while a dry sob broke from her
lips.

'Auntie's pet. Auntie's orphan bairn/ she whis-

»]•

230

ALDERSYDE ', A BORDER STORY.

pered ; and though the child could not understand
her, Marget was not slow to catch the meaning of
her words.

' What's an orphan bairn, Auntie ? * asked the
child wonderingly.

* It means that ye hae naebody in the world noo,
my pet, but me and Marget,' said Miss Nesbit, and
the child nestled his head on her shoulder, saying
ronlentedly that he wanted no more in the world.

By and by when the bairn was left alone again with
Marget, she wiped her floury hands, and gathered
him closely in her arms. In the ben end, Miss
Nesbit could hear the pitying tender words she said
over and over to him : ' Marget's ain, ain bairn ;
Marget's bonnie wee man: there's haunds and hearts
that'll work and lo'e ye mair than them that's awa,
my ain, ain bairn ! '

So the little Laird of Aldersyde was not likely
ever to know the innermost desolation of the word
'orphan.'

Next day, having some business in Melrose,
Miss Nesbit went down to Aldershope to catch the
morning coach. While she stood waiting at the inn
door, she beheld the Laird of Ravelaw coming
down the village on his black horse. She was
ready to acknowledge him by a bow ; but he
alighted at the inn door, threw his reins to an ostler,
and came towards her.

TIBBIE A WIDOW.

231

They shook hands in silence ; then Miss Nesbit
said inquiringly :

* Ye'U hae heard the news, I dinna doot ? *

* Yes ; Douglas told me/ returned Ravelaw.

* Did you know that my brother-in-law, Louis
Reynaud, fell also?'

Miss Nesbit paled to the lips.

* I didna ken he was a sodger,' she said with
difficulty.

* Every Frenchman is a soldier,* answered Rave-
law briefly, and then stood looking at her in silence
as if waiting for another question. It came at last
— two faltering, eager words wrung from the very
agony of her heart.

*Whaur's Tibbie?*

* In Paris ; at least, she was there with Reynaud
and their little daughter not many months ago.
I have many a time been on the point of speaking
to you about your sister, but you always avoided
me in a very pointed way,* said Ravelaw with a
slight bitterness in his Jeep voice.

'She could hardly come hame hersel* frae France?*
said Miss Nesbit more to herself than to him.

'Not alone in the present troubled state of the
country,' he made answer.

Then Janet Nesbit turned away from him, for
there was something in her heart like to overwhelm
her.

' III

■■ ■ S U M

i P

232

ALDERSYDE : A BORDER STORY.

Oh, why was life so hard ? The longing to flee
to her one sister, left widowed and friendless in a
. strange land, swept over her; and yet she had not
in all the world as much money as the journey
would cost. By and by she turned to the Laird
of Ravelaw again, and forced herself to change
the subject.

' Is Mrs. Riddell weel, an' the bairns ? ' she asked.

' Yes, pretty well ; but my wife is never strong,
you know,' said Sandy Riddell discontentedly.

'Your little Laird will be growing a big fellow
now, Janet ? '

' Ay; Walter thrives brawly, an' a dear bairn he is,'
returned Miss Nesbit from the fulness of her heart.
* The coach is unco late frae Rowantree the day,
surely ? *

' Five minutes behind,' said Ravelaw, glancing at
his watch. *Well, good-bye, Janet. Wish me luck
in my French journey : I go to-morrow.'

Miss Nesbit's startled eyes looked straight into
his, but she spake never a word.

* My wife desires me to learn some particulars
about her brother's death and his affairs ; and
besides, some one must see to Isabel,' he continued,
avoiding her keen glance.

Instinctively she guessed that Isabel was the
chief object of his journey.

* Sandy Riddell, I thank ye,' she said simply and

» 1

A GREAT RELIEF.

233

into

frankly. * Ye hae lifted a heavy load afif my heart
wi' these words.'

' If she is alive and able, Janet, I shall brin^^ her
back to you,' said Sandy Riddell, his voice slightly
tremulous. *I need no thanks. God knows,
anything I can do is little enough to atone
for my indirect hand in your sister's unhappy
marriage.*

* Nevertheless, I do thank ye, as only a sister can,*
repeated Miss Nesbit gently.

Looking upon the sweet, true womanly face, and
the tender, pathetic eyes uplifted to his, a great
agony of regret swept across the heart of the Laird
of Ravelaw ; and not knowing what thing he might
be tempted to say, it behoved him to get away out
of Janet Nesbit's presence as fast as possible.

•Well, I'm off!' he said with apparent careless-
ness. * In about a month from now, all being well,
you may expect Isabel at Windyknowe with
another charge for you. The house will be lively
enough, surely, with two little ones in it ? *

A tender smile crept about Miss Nesbit's lips
Tibbie's bairn ! Oh, what a treasure it would be
to her heart 1 — nearer, dearer even than the heir of
Aldersyde.

'God prosper yer journey, Sandj^ Riddell, an*
bring ye safely hame; an' if He permits me tae
look upon my sister's face again, maybe He'll

111

■

mamm

1 «!

Ri' 1 '

1 ■'

|J:.

I'
It' i^

a34

ALDRRSYDE : A BORDZR STORY.

help me tae thank ye better nor I can the
day,' she said in her earnest way.

Then they parted, as they had not parted for
many years, and she went on her v/ay, light
of heart, to Melrose.

The day seemed very long; for she was eager
to be at home to tell Marget the glad news, and
to speak to Walter about the little playmate he
would have by and by.

The afternoon was well past when the coach
again set her down in Aldershope ; and what
was her amazement to behold Marget and the
bairn standing hand in hand at the inn, waiting
for the coach !

Whenever she alighted, the bairn ran to her,
and hid his face in the folds of her gown. Never
in his life had * Auntie's pet' been so lon^ parted
from the being he loved most on earth, and his
little heart was full.

'Bless the bairn,' said Marget. with a smile
and a tear, * I hae haen a bonnie life o't
the day. Next time ye gang awa, ye'll tak
him wi' ye, I mak sure. For peace' sake, I was
oblecged tae bring him tae meet ye.*

Miss Nesbit lifted him in her arms, thanking
God for the clinging of the little hands about
her neck. Only He knew how rich she felt herself
in the love of the bairn.

ALONE IN A STRANGE LAND.

235

* The day's been a lang day tae me as weel,
Marget/ said Miss Nesbit as they turned their
steps towards Windyknowe. * I hae great news
tae tell. Tibbie's man was killed in the great
battle, an' she'll be comin* hame tae me by an' by,*

Marget looked dumfoundered and incredulous.

' The Lord be thankit I * she ejaculated at length.
* Whaur is she ? '

*Faur awa in France, Marget,' said Miss Nesbit
with a sigh. ^Left alane wi' her little bairn in
a stranr^e land in the time o' war.*

* Has she a bairn ? ' asked Marget in an awe-
struck voice.

*Ay, a wee lassie. It'll be grand, Marget, tae
see Walter and her play thegither ! '

* I canna think o' Tibbie wi' a bairn o' her ain.
She was but a bairn hersel' in my een,' said
Marget.

*I am thirty-twa past, and Tibbie's tv/enty-
seven. No sic a bairn after a' I ' Miss Nesbit
reminded her.

* Mercy me, hoo time flees ! Was't Mr. Dooglas
telt ye a' this the day ? '

*No, Marget; I met the Laird o' Ravelaw this
mornin' in Aldershope, an' he's gaun awa the
morn tae bring Tibbie hame.'

* That's very weel dune o' the Laird o' Ravelaw/
said Marget

iif

'.i <■

It I

;■ ?■

236

ALDERSYDE . 1 BORDER STORY,

* Ay, it's weel dune. If he hadna offered, I
wad hae been obleeged tae find ways an* means
tae gang mysel'/ said Miss Nesbit.

Marget lifted up her hands in honor and
surprise.

*My certy, ye're no feared. Gang awa amang
Hottentots in a foreign kintry, whaur there's
naething but wars an' wholesale murders, an'
that awfu' Bonapairt! That zvad be a gowk's
jaunt for a lane wummin ! *

Miss Nesbit laughed in the lightness of her
heart, and turned to talk to the bairn at her side
about the little strancjer from over the sea who
was coming by and by to share their home.

From that very day she began to make pre-
parations for Tibbie and her child. The erring
one would find a warm welcome waiting her,
and would see what loving hands had worked
for her, and what loving hearts had looked and
longed for her return.

There was no bitterness in her thought of the
sister who had so ill repaid her unselfish love
and care, only a great unspeakable thankfulness
thai, ill God's mercy she would be permitted to
shelter once more her own kin beneath her own
roof-tree.

Oh, but the days were long! — not only to
her, but to Marget and the bairn as well. It

ANOTHER CHARGE FOR JANET.

237

the

love

ness

id to

own

was an amusing and touching thing to see him
lay aside certain of his playthings for the expected
stranger, and to hear his constant earnest talk
of her.

Slowly for them July drew to its close. Again
the song of the reapers echoed over hill and
dale, and again a harvest moon shone on Ettrick's
silver stream, and on the rushing Yarrow. Then
they began to count hours instead of days, and
the bairn would sit half the time on the gate
watching for the coach which was so long in coming.

One evening, when August was half gone.
Miss Nesbit was sitting by the fire in the
gloaming, with Walter on her knee, when there
came a great rumbling of wheels on the avenue.
Marget flew to the door, like a being possessed.
Miss Nesbit set down the child, and rose, feeling
for the moment as if strength and consciousness
would leave her in the sickness of her suspense.
She could not move, even when the steps came
towards the room. She looked up when the
door opened ; then her eyes fell again, and she
pressed her hand to her heart, for the Laird of
Ravelaw entered alone. He came towards her,
carrying something wrapped in shawls in his
arms, and spoke a few brief, hurried words.

• I was obliged to leave h(

Janet.

child.

{■'

< • tl

838

ALDERSYDE : A BORDER STORY.

*Deid or Hvin', did ye leave her?* fell in a
whisper from Miss Nesbit's bloodless lips.

'She died two days after I reached her. 1
stayed but to bury her in the English corner
of Pe. i la Chaise, the ca' home with her
poor little child.'

There was a moment's int . ^e Sf'rnce.

* God's will be dune ! ' said Miss Nesbit, then,
in a strange broken voice, and stretched out her
arms to take home another orphan bairn.

%\. *

i ^,

CHAPTER VI.

* Thy will be dune.'

!HE child was asleep. With trembling
fingers Miss Nesbit put back the shaw*
from its head, and looked upon its face.
It was perfectly featured, but dark in hue, and
strongly resembling the face Miss Nesbit remem-
bered well — that of Louis Reynaud. Long dark
lashes swept the exquisitely rounded cheeks, and
dark hair curled about the brow in a wild disorder
of ringlets.

There was nothing about the little one which could
recall the fair young mother to the mind of the sister
who had loved her so well ; yet she bent low over it
anci laid her quivering lips to its brow, Walter
looking on wonderingly the while. Then she rose,
motioned to him, and went away to the kitchen,
where Marget was having her quiet greet to herself.
* Here, Marget ; there's the bairns. Keep them by

23d

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|ii^

! *■ -S

■♦40

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

ye till I speak tae the Laird o' Ravelavv,' said Miss
Ncsbit, and placing her sleeping burden in Margct's
arms, went back to the dining-room.

'Sit down, Janet,' said Sandy Riddell, offering"
her a chair.

' Tak it yersel',' she said wearily ; * I maun
stand while I hear what ye hae tae tell.'

* Well, I can be brief,* he said. ' I reached Paris
safely, and without much interruption considering
the state of the country. I had Isabel's address, and
found her at once.'

He paused a moment there, as if not liking his
task.

' I found her very ill, — dying, in fact, — but in the
care of a good, kind-hearted woman, who looked
after her and the children as if they had been her own.*

* Children 1' echoed Miss Nesbit.

' There were two. One had only been born a few
hours when I arrived ; but he did not survive the
night. The doctor said I might see Madame
Reynaud at once if I liked, for she could not live
many hours. She was perfectly conscious, and
knew me at once. Her first question was, had I
brought you, Janet. I would have given a world
to have been able to say yes. She asked me eagerly
how you were, and if you had forgotten or forgiven
her. Poor Isabel I she wept sore when I said you
were making ready for her at Windyknowc*

WHAT RAVELAW TOI.D.

241

* What did she look like ? * asked Miss Nesbit.
*A trifle older and thinner, pcrhai)s, but just as

fair as she was when she was the Flower of Yarrow/
returned the Laird, using a name which had been
Tibbie's when they were boys and girls together.
* I stayed with her as much as I was permitted :
she seemed happier when I was by. I never was
a great friend, Janet ; only mine was the " kent face
in the strange land." I promised her faithfully to
bring the child home to you. She had got this
nurse person to promise to journey to Scotland
with the child when she died ; but it was more
satisfaction '' to her, of course, to leave her charge
with me." '

* She died twa days later, ye say } '

* Yes ; quietly and painlessly,' said the Laird with
a gentleness and sympathy marvellous to see in
him. * She said you would find all her last
messages, everything you wanted to know, in this
packet, which she wrote before she became ill in
case of a fatal issue. The nurse was to bring it
also, to explain her presence and convince you
of the identity of the child.'

Miss Nesbit took the packet from his hands,
and there was a moment's silence.

* Ye wad remunerate the kind Christian soul,
of course .•* ' she said then.

* I did.'

143

ALDERSyOE : A BORDER STORY,

fi If

*Tae what extent, micht I specr? an' what ithcr
expenses did ye incur on Isabel's account ?' asked
Miss Nesbit quietly.

* Janet, will you deny me that mournful satis-
faction ? ' asked Sandy Riddell reproachfully.

She understood him at once, and coloured
slightly, for her pride was strong within her.

* The little one yonder,' said the Laird of Ravelaw,
motioning in the direction of the kitchen, ' will find
ways and means to use your superfluous bawbees.
What I did for Isabel was very little. Cannot you
let it pass, Janet ?'

Then Janet answered back simply and gracefully,
* Let it be as ye will,' and added, ' Is that a' ? *

* Yes ; only I would like to say that from what
I could gather from Isabel, I do not think Rey-
naud and she lived very unhappily together,' said
Ravelaw. 'And she seemed to be in comfortable
quarters. They had been living in a chateau near
Versailles, till he was drafted into a regiment ; then
he brought her to Paris, thinking she would be
safer. She seemed to feel his death ; but I have
no doubt the packet will explain everything.
Well, Janet, I will go now. Another day, perhaps,
you will admit me to Windyknowe to see the
little one : she has learned to call me Uncle already.
You'll not grudge me that, surely 1 '

' Surely no,* returned Miss Nesbit with a faint

£i

,11 ^' ;

A MOTHER, YET NO MOTHER.

«43

tlicr
sked

iatis-

)ured

■claw,
I find
vbces.
t you

efully,

what
: Rey-

said
table
,u near
then
uld be
I have
ything.
erhaps,
ee the
il ready.

faint

smile. * I thank ye aincc mair, Saiuly RicUIcll,
an* though my words are few, I am nanc the less
gratefu'. What ye hae dune for me an* mine, I
can never hope to repay.'

* Hush, Janet ! I wisJi I could have brought her
back to you/ said the Laird of Ravelaw passion-
ately.

* It wasna the Lord's will, ye see,' she returned
in a low voice. Then their hands met in a fervent

grip-

The Laird went away home to his peevish, ill-
tempered wife and ill-guided home ; and Miss Nesbit
betook herself to the kitchen to see what her bairns
were about. When she went in at the door, sb''
could almost have smiled at the picture presented on
the wide hearth. The little stranger was awake, and
having permitted Marget to remove all her wraps,
now stood on the floor, finger in mouth, eyeing
Walter, who was looking at her with mingled love
and awe on his face.

* Weel, Marget ? ' said Miss Nesbit.

Very downcast indeed was the face of Marget
Drysdale at that r oment

* Tm jist wunnenn', mem, whaur the Lord's gane,
that ye should hae sae mony heartbreaks } ' she
said sharply. 'He should ken weel ye had nae
need o* anither ane.*

* Wheesht, Marget ; I can say His will be dune/

i m mm

iw ifiHigi

244

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY,

la Fi , -,1 t'a.

said Miss Nesbit efentlv. * He kenned what a
grateful heart I wad hae uplifted to Him, had
He seen fit tae let me look on her face again.
But His way's the best, an' we hae the bairn, an*
mauna grumble.*

While Miss Nesbit was speaking, the little stranger
had been eyeing her intently, and now, as if drawn
by some magnet, came to her, clinging to the folds
of her gown, and lifting pleading eyes to her sweet
face.

Miss Nesbit gave a great start, for the eyes were
Tibbie's — the very blue depths which had been as
changeful in their loveliness as the summer sea.
With a great sob she lifted the child to her heart,
feeling almost as she used to leel long ago, when
Tibbie had been a timid, toddling thing, aye looking
for protecting care from her motherly elder sister.

Then Walter, with shadowing eyes, crept over to
her, and touching her gown, said in a frightened,
plead* '^ voice, as if he dreaded he was no longer
'Auntie's pet;*

' Auntie ! *

Then with her other arm Miss Nesbit drew him
to her side, feeling in the deepest depths of her heart
what a thing it was to have these two young lives
dependent on her, turning to her, and looking
up to her for guidance in all things. A mother,
a.*d yet no mother! Surely never had woman

THE LORD WILL PROVIDE.

245

been so strangely placed before. In that moment,
the shadows seemed to roll away from what had
been to her an inscrutable past, and the 'wherefore*
of many things was made plain to her. Well
might she say in her heart, God help me ! She
would need all His help.

' Weel, Marget,' she said cheerfully, ' we micht
as weel hae been mairret, you an' me, when oor
family's growin' sae fast. My certy, we'll be keepit
lively noo.*

* I wunner wha's bairn'U come next ? ' said
Marget, who had not yet got the better of her
d'sappointment.

* We dinna ken that, Marget ; but we'll open the
door tae them, kennin' the Lord '11 no send ony
mair without providin' for them. Come, get on
the kettle, my wummin, an' get Tibbie's bairn
something tae eat. Are ye no hungry, my pet.-**
Miss Nesbit added, longing to hear the little one
speak.

* No, no ; I want Uncle,' lisped the bairn, to Miss
Nesbit's great joy speaking good English, though
the foreign accent was marked.

* He'll come another day, my pet. Come, Walter,
an' speak tae her. I dinna ken what her name is
yet,' said Miss Nesbit, and set the little one down,
whereupon she stamped her feet, and screamed in
a perfect passion.

I-

. Ill 'Mttfim*mm»m

}>i

246

ALDERSYDE : A BORDER STORY.

* Lord hae mercy on us ! She's surely French/
said Marget. *A Scotch bairn never yelled like
that.'

* I doot she'll no be as easy tae bring up as
Walter was,' said Miss Nesbit, trying to quiet her.
* But she'll be tired, likely. We'll better ken what
mainner o' a bairn she'Jl be the morn.'

By and by, the supper past, and both the little
ones in bed, — Walter in his crib, and the stranger
in Miss Nesbit's bed, — she sat down by them in th-?
dim lamplight and opened out the packet she was
longing and yet afraid to read. It was written
carefully and clearly, though blotted here and there,
as if Isabel's tears had been falling while she wrote.
Thus it ran : —

*RuE ALnois, Paris, June 1815.
*My Sister,— For the first time since I scrawled
the few words I left behind at Windyknowe, I lift
my pen to write to you. Before I begin, let me
pray you to forgive my long neglect. It was not
willing on my part, for my heart has daily broken
for you since I leit you. I can hardly hope — and
yet I do hope, knowing what you are— that you
still love the wayward, erring being who so ill
repaid all vour love, and deceived you as I did up
to the very hour of my flight; but for that and
other sins I have borne my punishment. To begin

ISABELS LETTER.

247

at the beginning-, Janet. All my days I had a longing
after a life very different from ours at Aldersyde.
I aye loved fine dresses, and jewels, and all the
things money can buy, and used to be so sick of our
poverty that I could hardly live. When we went to
Windyknowe, it was worse ; and I used to be afraid,
I felt so desperate and wicked sometimes. So when
Mrs. Riddell and her brother made my acquaintance,
I was quite ready to be made ot by them ; for I
never had )^our high-souled pride, Janet: as you
said once, I was aye a poor Nesbit. From the first,
Louis Reynaud had a power over me, he was so
different from any man I had ever seen. He was
so handsome, and his talk was so fascinating, that
when he began to make love to me my head
seemed to be dazed. But I knew well enough that
the feeling I had for him was not a right one — not
the love which makes the happiness of married
life.

* Both of them did their best to feed my wicked
discontent ; but it was Mrs. Riddell first who
whispered to me, when I was at Ravelav/, that I
had a way of escape from your tyranny and the
dreariness of Windyknowe. I had only to say the
word, and Louis would take me away and make me
an adored wife, the mistress of a splendid establish-
ment, and give me my heart's desire — plenty of
luxury and gaiety and pleasure.

ii »m ii i i . i t) i .g |ii I . j i j i iBnHiU P M i nm-

248

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

'Ay, Janet, they called your dear, faithful love
tyranny ; and I believed them, and turned traitor to
you. I can't think what they wanted me for, for I
had no tocher ; but since, I have been convinced that
it was revenge on Mrs. Riddell's part for your
treatment of her, and the coolness of her reception
by other folk in the country side. She knew it
would be a blow to many besides you when I ran
away.

' Well, they arranged all the plans, and I agreed,
even with sore misgivings in my heart. I suppose
you would hear that I was married at Gretna, for I
know you would sift it to the bottom. I have often
pictured to myself your look when yo^ came home
from Mary's bridal that night and found me
away. Oh, Janet, though I have tried to shut it
out, your face will rise up before me — never in
anger, but white, and drawn, ,.nd trouble as I
have seen you look before. Let me hurry on, for I
am like to break down.

'We stayed in London awhile; and I sav.' Mary
there, as she would tell you. Then Louis was
called home, and we went away to France. Instead
of the magnificent castle they had promised me, I
founci iwy home a ruined old chateau at Versailles ;
instead of the ie:inue of servants, one deaf old
Frenchv. oma.i v ho did not know a word of English.
My hu.'bivi.d \\Ai}. no money, except what was made

'i.^:

ISABEL'S LETTER.

249

at gaming-tables ; and there were days, Janet, when
I knew what it was to be hungry, and not have a
bite to eat.

' I had to work, too — oh, if Marget could but see
my hands now ! I was proud of them once, but
never mind. Louis had expected some money with
me, and was constantly desiring me to write and
tell you to send my half of the income. But if
he had killed me, I would not have done that,
and he began to learn that I could be obstir.^e
too.

* Perhaps that will let you know what treatment %
had at his hands. I need not enlarge upon it: \^
was my husband, and he is dead. Let ihe matter
rest. But oh, that I could speak to the inmost soul
of every Scottish maiden, and bid her make her
home in her own country, and marry one ( f her
own nation ! There cannot be happincbs when ways
and tastes and habits are so far apart as the French
are from the Scotch.

* In time my baby was born. But for her, well, I
should not be alive to-day. She was my very life, my
all — my solace in home-sickness, in heart-yearnings
for you, in sorrows of which I cannot write. Ht r
name is Janet, but I called her Netta — that is the
name she knows. She has received no baptism.
When she comes home to Windyknowe, get Mr,
Bourhill to christen her by the name which is

V/Sf.

\n.

f., ,.

9 '

250

ALDERSYDE: A PORDER STORY.

heart.

God,

I write.

engraven on mj/

that she may grow up something Hke the one

whose name she bears.

'Well, I am nearly done. I am v^ry frail in
health, and will not survive the birth of my
second child, I know. I hope it will die with me
also. I have with me here in Paris a faithful
soul, Marie Loufrois, a comparative stranger to
me, but A/ho has shown me as mucn kindness as
I could lave experienced among my own country-
women. She has promised, and will perform what
I ask her, to take Netta home to Scotland when
I am gone. You will see that she does not go
unrewarded.

*And now, my sister, best of friends, dear, dear
Janet, just one little word about my bairn and I
will finish. Take her to your heart, if not for my
sake, for the sake of tliose who lie in the chapel-
yard of St. Mary. As I write these words, what
iiiemories throng about my heart ! But I must
LCt give way. I daresay you will know how I
feel. When she ;novvs to be a woman, tell her
as much of her motlier's life-story as you think
fit ; it may be a warning to her,,

* I cannot say anything to you, Janet, for my
heart fails me. Not on earth do such as you
have their re vard , but if there be a God, surely
He prepares a recompense for those who serve

ISABEL'S LETTER.

•s«

Him as you do. Pray for me, Janet. Perhaps in
some far-ofif time we may meet in a happier
world, where the agonies of earth are forgotten.

* I feel very dark ; it is so long since I have
heard of holy things, or read a Bible. This is
a terrible heathen land, where God is forgotten
altogether, and each one lives for himself and this
world. But I remember father used to read from
the Book at Aldersyde, that Christ died to save
sinners, and that though our sins were red like
crimson, they should be made white as snow. I
am trying humbly to trust in these words ; perhaps
at eventide there may be light for me.

* Good-bye, Janet, my sister. Oh, the love with
which I write down these words, you will never
know! Keep a little corner in your heart for
Tibbie, and when you look at Ndtta, remember
her mother only as she was when she was like
hsr — that is all I ask. TiBBlE.*

The paper fluttered from Miss Nesbit's hands
to the floor, and her head fell upon her breast.
At that moment there was in her heart a very
different feeling from that which had prompted
her gentle 'God's will be dune' little more than
an hour ago.

All her life Janet Nesbit remembered with horror
those minutes in that quiet, dimly-lighted room,

liiBaf aiiiiiiiBniiw ^r~' '""■"^

I I

ii I

252

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

beside the unconscious sleeping children. She
tottered to her feet by and by, lowered the lamp,
and went over to the window. The sky was dark
and lowering, the moon hidden by low-hanging
clouds ; only right above the chapel of St. Mary
shone, clea and bright, a solitary star.

It was a curious thing how that trivial incident
went straight to the heart of the stricken woman
who looked out into the night. It seemed to her
a direct message Irom above. She tell down upon
her knees, a wild rush of tears blinding her eyes,
and stretching out her hands, those words fell

om her lips in a low, sobbii

mgcry

' Lord, forgive ; it is past. Thy will be dune 1
Then there came a great peace.

'•.r*

CHAPTER VII.

' My cup runneth over ! '

;EFORE eleven o'clock next forenoon, Mrs.
Riddell of Ravelaw came in her coach
to Windyknowe. Marget showed her
gingerly into the dining-room, and went to seek
her mistress, who was up-stairs with the bairns.

When Miss Nesbit entered the room, she was
much struck with the change in the appearance
of the lady of Ravelaw. Her attire was costly,
but slovenly and negligent-looking, and the fresh-
ness of her beauty was gone. Her face was thin
and sallow, and wore a look of discontent and
peevishness painful to witness. She rose and
bowed slightly to Miss Nesbit, who, for the sake
of the Laird of Ravelaw, strove to be kind and
courteous to his wife.

* I regret tae see ye lookin' sae ill, Mrs. Riddell/

she said gently.

253

'ISfBf''":

a 1

1 '■'■■ •

it .;!

254

AT.DERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

'My health is wretched; my constitution lias
been utterly ruined by this vile Scotch climate,'
said Mrs. Riddell lan^juidly. * I presume you
will guess my errand to-day, Miss Nesbit I
have come to see my niece, Mademoiselle Rcy-
naud, and to arrange matters with you regarding
her.'

Miss Nesbit started. It had never occurred to
her that Sandy Riddell's wife could have any
claim upon Tibbie's bairn.

*Ye shall see her an' welcome,' Mrs. Riddell,
she said slowly ; ' but I hardly ken what ye mean
by arrangements wi' me aboot her.*

* Oh ! that is like you Scotch ; you never see
what you don't want to see,* said Mrs. Riddell
with her unpleasantly sarcastic smile. * I have
come, then, to see how often you will desire to
have my brother's child brought to see you, for I
do not suppose you will come to see her when
she is at Ravelaw.*

*I fail a' thegither tae understand ye yet, Mrs.
Riddell,' said Miss Nesbit quietly.

'Now you are absurd. The child ought to have
been brought to Ravelaw at once, as I told Sandy.
Of course you cannot afford the additional burden
of another child on your limited means ; besides,
she could not have the rearing befitting a Reynaud,
so I am quite willinsf to take her to Ravelaw.

M/SS A'ESBJrS RESOLVE.

^SS

has
late,'

you

Rcy-

sd to

any

ddell,
mean

lY see
.iddell

have
ire to
, for I

when

t, Mrs.

o have
Sandy,
burden
resides,
iynaud,
avelaw.

She will be a companion to Louis ; my poor
Marie, hke her mother, has so poor heaUh.*

Miss Ncsbit looked steadily into the face of
Mrs. RiddcU, and made answer low and clearly :

*Ye ask a thinj^ utterly oot o* the question,
Mrs. Riddcll. The bairn is mine, left a sacred
legacy by my sister. Please God, naething on
earth shall part us as lon^ as she needs my
care.'

Up rose the lady of Ravelaw in a towering
passion.

'You are a greater fool than I thought you.
Woman, are you blind to the advantages she
would have at Ravelaw? It* —

* A brawer hoose, finer meat an' claes, she micht
hae,* interrupted Miss Nesbit passionately, * but I
doot she micht come tae as waefu' an end as her
puir unhappy mither. Ye hae brocht enough
trouble on my nearest an' dearest already, Mrs.
Riddell ; an' as sure as I stand here, 111 keep my
sister's bairn awa frae ye if it can be dune.'

In an instant Mrs, Riddell's manner changed,
and she resumed her seat.

' May I see the child } ' she asked smoothly.

Miss Nesbit touched the bell, and desired Marget
to bring the little one down-stairs, which she did,
and, placing her on the threshold of the door, retired
very hastily to her own domain. In Mrs. Riddell's

I :

.^.^O:.

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3}

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1.25 1 1.4 I (.6

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Sciences
Corporation

^V^^^"""

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23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 149S0

(716) 872-4503

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25*

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

Li. \ I

presence Marfjet was more than likely to forget
discretion, so judged it best to keep out of the way.

Miss Nesbit held out her hand, and smiled at
the slender little thing, who came running to her
at once, but kept her eyes fixed on the face of the
strange lady.

Mrs. Riddell put back her veil, ungloved her
hands, and held them out to the child, saying
coaxingly :

* Come, petite ; come and kiss me ! *

But Netta held back. Then Mrs. Riddell ro?e,
and snatched her almost angrily in her arms.

' She has turned you against Aunt Honore
already, ma chcre^ she said. * Come with me,
petite, and you shall have bon-bons and so many
pretty things.*

But the child struggled in her arms, and held
out beseeching hands to Miss Nesbit, screaming
as she had done the night before. Then very
deliberately Mrs. Riddell administered a smart
slap on the child's bare arm, and set her roughly
to the floor.

* Ugly little thing, that evil temper never be-
longed to a Reynaud. Well, Miss Nesbit, you
have your work before you. Ah ! I would not
have her now at any cost ; she would be a perfect
plague in a house. Permit me to wish you good-
morning. Good-bye, little fury,' she said, showing

NETTA SETTLES THE QUESTION.

257

Drget
a: ay.
:d at
3 her
>f the

d her

laying

I roi^e,

lonore

h me,

many

d held
naming

1 very
smart

oughly

/er be-
lt, you
lid not
perfect
J good-
ihowing

her teeth in a little scornful laugh ; then she
flounced out of the room.

* Is she away ? * asked the child in terrified
tones. ' I fitened, Auntie ; hold me in your arms.
Don't let her come in any more/

The memory of that morning never faded from
the mind of Netta Reynaud, and even when she
no longer feared her black-browed aunt at Rave-
law, she shrank from and disliked her most
thoroughly.

Miss Nesbit drew a long breath of relief when
the rolling of Mrs. Riddell's coach wheels died
away in the distance. The bairn herself had
settled the matter beyond question, and again her
heart was at rest.

Since Tibbie had quitted her roof-tree, Miss
Kesbit had not required to work at her lace ; but
with the daily increasing wants of two children to
provide for, she would need to return to her only
means of adding to her slender income. What-
ever happened, the revenues of Aldersyde must
remain untouched.

She went very quietly about it, not saying any-
thing to Marget, knowing what a gnef it would
be to her. She might have taken trouble by
the forelock, and rendered herself unhappy with
gloomy thoughts of the future, when there woula

be education to pay for and innumerable addi-

258

ALDERSYDF : A BORDER STORY.

1 •

[' I

Si: I

tional expenses ; but she took the wiser way, and
left the future of her bairns with the God who
had never failed her yet.

Grizel Oliphant of Yair had truly washed her
hands of the Ncsbits, for Janet had never seen
her face since the memorable day succeeding
Tibbie's flight. She had heard occasionally
through the Scotts that she was still the same
sour, cankered old woman, and that her bodily
strength was failing every day.

Dear Lady Scott, who had indeed proved an
abiding friend to Janet Nesbit, came over one
day to give her tender sympathy in her new
tribulation, and to see the little one who had
found a home at Windyknowe. From her Miss
Nesbit learned that Grizel Oliphant was even
then lying hopelessly ill at Yair, unattended save
by her grim serving-woman.

* If ye'll gie me a seat in yer coach, Leddy
Scott, ril jist gang back tae Yair wi' ye an' see
the puir auld body,' said Miss Nesbit. ' Marget '11
mind the bairns brawly for ae nicht.*

' My dear, Dl be moie than delighted, and if
you could stay with us till Friday, you will see
Marjorie. We expect the Earl and her from
their Sussex home for a few days before they
proceed to the north for the shooting,* returned
Lady Scott.

NETTA CONQUERED,

259

', and

1 who

d her
seen

ceding

onally
same

bodily

ed an
;r one
r new
D had
r Miss
even
d save

Leddy
an' see
rget '11

and if
rill see
: from
e they
^turned

* I'll see aboot it/ Miss Ncsbit answered, her
heart yearning for a sight of bonnie Marjorie,
the blithe bairn she had aye loved.

Great was the consternation of the bairns when
they beheld Auntie come down dressed to go
away with the lady in her coach. Beyond a
quiver of his red lip, Walter made no sign of
his grief; but again, Netta stamped her small
feet, and went into a passion of tears and
crying.

Miss Nesbit took her up, and carrying her over
to the window, took the little doubled-up fists out
of the wet eyes, and looked gravely and sternly
into her face.

* Netta, you must be quiet and good, or Auntie
canna love ye ony main If ye mak sic a din,
I'll be forced tae punish ye, an* shut ye up away
frae Walter a* thegither.'

The child looked into her face in mute amaze-
ment. Hitherto she had been accustomed to rule
those about her, to have her own w^ay in every-
thing, and did not know the meaning of being
punished. But there was no smile on her aunt's
face : she had never seen her look so nearly angry
before ; and in a moment the little will was
broken, and Miss Nesbit's firmness had gained
the mastery. There was no more screaming or
stamping, but a very woful-faced little maiden

■ %

M '

260

ALDERSYDE : A BORDER STORY.

returned Auntie's kiss, and then climbed up in the
window to witch her drive away.

* I'm beginnin* tae hac some inklin' o' a milhcr's
battle, Leddy Scott,* said Miss Nesbit with a
smile. 'I couldna hae believed it was sic an ill
thing ♦^ae guide bairns.'

' It takes a deal of patience, I know,' returned
Lady Scott. ' And you are at a disadvantage,
Janet ; you have not the enduring mother-love
to fall back on.'

* I couldna lo'e them muckle mair, tho' they
were my ain,' returned Miss Nesbit.

Then they fell to talking in earnest about
the best way to train children, a subject which
was not exhausted when they reached the Brig
of Yair. Miss Nesbit was set down at the door
of Miss Oliphaht's dwelling, and bade Lady
Scott just go home. If she was not well received
by her kinswoman, she would walk up to Scottrigg
after the moon had risen.

Even in her sick-bed, Grizel Oliphant's sharp
ears had heard the coach stop at her gate, and
despatched her serving -woman Lisbeth to see
who it was, before Miss Nesbit had time to knock
at the door.

* Hoo's Miss Grizzie, Lisbeth } ' asked Miss
Nesbit. * D'ye think she'll let me see her } *

' Lord only kens, mem,' returned Lisbeth, usher-

MISS GRIZZIE'S ILLNESS.

261

1 the

ihcr's
til a
in ill

urncd
ntagc,
r-lovc

they

about
which

: door

Lady
ccivcd
bttrig',j

sharp
e, and
:o sec
knock

Miss

usher-

ing her into the sitting-room. ' Shc'''^ that thrawn,
there's nae leevin* \vi' her. Siie'U no dae a
thing the doctor bids her, an' whiles slie'll no let
me open the door till him efter he's cam a' the
way frae Aldershope ta^^ see her.'

* Lisbeth Harden., ye afif-pittcn body/ cried a
shrill, wheezy voice, 'how daur ye bide there
clashin' tae onybody. Fcsh them in whacver
they are, an' dinna staund there misca'in me the-
gither.'

Without more ado, Miss Nesbit, putting down
her gloves and veil, went away into Miss Grizzie's
bedroom. There was no fire in the place, — a
whim of the sick woman's, — though the doctor
had expressly ordered it, the autumn air being
so keen and chilly.

Although unable to sit without the support
of half-a-dozen pillows. Miss Grizzie refused to
lie down ; and there she was, propped up against
the head of the bed, with a shawl about her
shoulders, and a high, stiffly-starched muslin
cap on her head. Beneath its full plaited border,
the face was wofuUy thin and haggard and yellow,
the long thin lips pinched and blue-looking,
the bead-like eyes dim and glazed. But the old
temper had not abated its sharpness a jot ; for
when she saw Janet Nesbit enter, she immediately
went into a fit of passion.

\»

262

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

:ili

* Hoo daur ye come here, Janet Nesbit, tae
craw ower me wi' yer red cheeks and yer heahhy
step, when I'm brocht low on a sick-bed?' she
screamed. 'Get oot o* my sichtl If it's my
bits o* gear yer efter, or my twa three bawbees,
I may tell ye aince for a' ye'U no get nane o'd ;
an* I'm no gaun tae dee yet, — I winna dee, I say,
till I'm ready. I '—

She was obliged to stop through sheer exhaus-
tion ; then without ado, Janet Nesbit laid off
her bonnet and shawl, and greatly to Lisbeth's
amazement went over to the 1a,.', and throwing
all the pillows but one out *.n 'he floor, very
deliberately took the shawl from Miss Grizzle's
shoulders, and laid her down in her bed. She
was too weak to resist, and I believe she felt
the rest grateful to her weary body, though she
would not have admitted it

*Noo, Miss Grizzle, ye'U lie still, see. If ye're
no gaun tae dee, ye're takin' the surest way
tae yer end, sittin' up there shiverin' i' the
cauld. Lisbeth, licht a spunk o' fire, my wummin ;
it's fair Greenland in here.'

* Ye winna waste my peats, Janet Nesbit ; I'm
no cauld,' Miss Grizzle began ; but Miss Nesbit
took no notice of her. *I want tae ken what's
brocht ye here, Janet Nesbit?' she said by and
by^ though in a quieter voice.

V '

STILL THE OLD WOMAISr.

263

t, tae
ialthy
' she
s my
.vbces,
2 o'd ;
I say,

ichaus-
id off
ibeth's
rowing
, very
rizzie's
She
le felt
;h she

f ye're

t way

i' the

immin ;

it; I'm
Nesbit
what's

by and

*I cam tae see yc, of coorsc. Had I kent ye
were ill, I wad hae been afore noo. Dinna be
feared,' she added good humouredly, * I'm no
gaun tae bide. I'll just see the fire set, an' syne
I'll be awa up tae Scottrigg.'

* Scottrigg, again ! * groaned Miss Grizzle. * Lord
deliver her frae the flesh-pats o' Egypt. Wcel,
I suppose ye've gotten anither bairn hame. Yc'd
better set up a puirshouse at aince.'

'I'm quite wuUint, if the Lord ca's me tae the
wark, Miss Grizzle,' replied Janet cheerily. *Weel,
I'll come and bide wi' ye till ye're better,
if ye like. I'm a grand nurse, if ye'll but try
me.*

* Ou ay, ye can get roon' some folk ; but ye
canna get roon' me, Janet Nesbit,' said Miss
Grizzie sourly. ' I ken it's the bawbees ; but ye'll
no get them : ye necdna build yer houps on
that. The Kirk better deserves them than
you.'

' Let the Kirk get them an' welcome,* smiled
Miss Nesbit. * Brawly ye ken, Miss Grizzie
that bawbees never entered my heid. But ye're
jist the auld wife, I see, an' winna tak a kind-
ness as it's offered.'

* Weel, awa ye gang up tae Scottrigg among
yirls and coontesses, an' let auld Grizel Oliphant
dee in peace. When she wants you, Janet

U,[

I' If

264

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

Ncsbit, she'll no forget tae send for ye,' said tlic
old woman grimly.

So Miss Ncsbit put on her things again, and
bidding her farewell, left the house, wondering,
with a great pity in her heart, if she should ever
look on the unhappy old woman in life again.
No sooner was she out of the door than Lisbeth
was ordered to carry the blazing peats back
to the kitchen fire, which she did, being in great
awe of her sharp-tongued mistress.

At Scottrigg, to her surprise and pleasure.
Miss Nesbit found the Earl of Dryburgh and
his fair young wife, they having arrived earlier
than they were expected. Warmly she took
the blithe bairn to her heart, looking lovingly
into the happy face, and stroking down the sunny
hair which even the dignity of wifehood and
great rank could not induce to lie smooth and
straight on the broad white brow.

Then the Earl came forward to be introduced
to the lady of whom he had beard so much ;
and after one look into his noble, manly face
and true eyes. Miss Nesbit spoke to him as a
friend, because she said that Marjorie's husband
was worthy of her.

A happy evening was spent in that dear home
circle, and Miss Nesbit lay down in her bed
thanking God for this sunny spot in her life,

i*:

SUNNY //OURS AT SCOTTR/GG.

265

the

and for the blcssinj^ of such true friends. Ilavinj^
seen Marjorie, she did not require to stay another
day at Scottri.;g, much as they desired it ; and
her heart was at home with her bairns.

' I'm the heid o* a family noo, Marjorie,' she
said as she tied on her bonnet, 'an' hac mony claims
on me. When my bairns are awa tae hames o'
their ain, I'll come and bide an' help ye to bring up
yours.'

' All right, Janet ; I'll hold you to it,* laughed
Marjorie, and in after yeai 5 she claimed and
received part fulfilment of Janet's promise. Then
Miss Nesbit took her to her heart again, and
prayed God to bless an' keep her aye, for she was a
glint o* His ain sunshine in a weary world.

Such a welcome awaited Auntie at Windyknowe !
It was worth being away to see the look of perfect
content on Walter's face, and to hear, too, the more
boisterously expressive joy from Netta.

' She's been a wunnerfu' guid bairn,' Marget said.
' Never a cheep sin' ye gaed awa.*

So with gentle but firm management, Tibbie's
passionate little girl might not be so ill to guide
after all.

For some days Miss Nepbit heard no more of
Miss Grizzle's state, Doctor Elliot having ceased to
attend her. Drawing very near her end, Grizzel
Oliphant's heart went out yearningly to Janet

M 11

( '

t66

AT.DERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

Ncsbit, whose sweet face and tender womanly ways
would have made smooth her last hours ; but since
she had turned her from the door, she could not
humble herself to send for her again. Curious as it
may seem, Grizcl Oliphant's heart was not dead
yet, and it clung with what tenderness it possessed
to Janet Ncsbit. Even in her frequent fits of anger
which Janet's honest tongue had kindled, she had
felt drawn towards her, though nobody, least of all
Janet herself, could have guessed it. But the old
woman died as she had lived, trampling down all
softer impulses, and showing to the end the grim
exterior which had made her so unpopular all her
days.

Her last act was to scold Lisbeth for lighting the
fire when she found all other means inadequate to
warm the chilled frame of her mistress.

One day, about a week after her return from
Scottrigg, Miss Nesbit was surprised by a visit from
Mr. Douglas, who brought the news of Miss
Oliphant's death the previous morning. He carried
with him a document which he silently handed to
Miss Nesbit for perusal.

It was the last will and testament of Grizcl
Oliphant of Birkenshaws, Yair ; and after making
mention of a legacy to Lisbeth Harden, bequeathed
to her well - beloved kinswoman, Janet Hay
Nesbit of Windyknowei the house of Birkenshaws,

MISS GKIZZIE'S WILL,

267

with all gear and plenishing within its walls ;
also all moneys pertaining to the said Grizel
Oliphant, to be paid without reserve three days
after her decease.

' Amounting in all to fully three thousand pounds,
Miss Nesbit,' supplemented the lawyer when she
folded up the document with a strange expression
on her face.

' I had nae expectation o' this, Mr. Douglas/ she
said.

* I believe you ; but Miss Grizzle, in spite of her
scant courtesy, entertained for you a very profound
affection and respect. She told me the day before
she died there was not one in Ettrick Vale fit to
hold a candle to you.'

' Puir Miss Grizzie I ' said Miss Nesbit from the
depths of her heart. By and by when the lawyer
had gone, she sat down in the window to realize
how great a change this bequest would make in her
life. Henceforth she need have no anxiety, no fear
concerning the future of herself or her bairns. It
was assured.

* Auntie,' said Walter's earnest voice at her side,
*are you vexed about anything?'

She turned about and lifted him to her knee, and
made answer, more to herseli than to him :

* My cup runneth ever,'

'^ : :*

' ^E^

1 ;*i 1

£■ -i I ^^

i ^ 1 „„

III

CHAPTER VIII.

* Yell hae tae learn tae bear, an' mak nae sign.*

^^> AREFUL guidance needed Tibbie's bairn.

Passionate, impulsive, self-willed, and

$^^^%^ headstrong, she taxed all the energies

of Miss Nesbit. In the matter of right and wrong,

it was vain to appeal to her reason or her better

judgment. It was only by working upon her

feelings that she could be won to obedience.

One attribute of her character occasioned Miss

Nesbit much anxiety ; namely, the sudden growth

of her likes and dislikes. There was no middle

course for her : she either loved or hated. Seeing

what a hold the feelings of the heart had upon

her in childhood, Miss Nesbit trembled for the

womanhood of the bairn. It was possible that

the very intensity of her nature might make

shipwreck of her life.

She was indeed a child of many prayers.

369

'^\ S i

I ;

270

ALDERSYDE : A BORDER STOR Y.

Often Miss Nesbit longed to b^ able to keep her
aye a bairn, because of the tribulation and care
the later years might hold, and which she was
not by nature fitted to come through unscathed.

But regardless of all. Time hurried on, the
bairn grew apace, and Miss Nesbit continued to
watch and pray.

It is no exaggeration to say that Netta Reynaud
worshipped her Aunt Janet, and would have laid
down her life for her. Next in order came
Walter, whom she alternately teased and tyrannized
over in a way Miss Nesbit did not altogether
approve.

Walter was not without a will of his own, but
it was marvellously subservient to that of Netta.
His devotion to her, even in his boyish days, had
in it something of the chivalry of the knights
of old.

He had never occasioned Miss Nesbit s
moment's anxiety in his life. Gentle and yet
fearless, solicitous to obey and even to anticipate
her slightest wish, true and honourable to the
core even in the little things boys arc so apt to
regard beneath their notice, he did indeed
promise to be such a Laird as Aldersyde had
never seen before.

Both the bairns received lessons from Mr.
Bcurhill. Netta was a negligent, idle scholar ; but

ABOUT THE BAIRNS.

vt\

all her coaxing could not tempt Walter to devote
to play the time he owed to his studies. Mr.
Bourhill prophesied for him a glorious future at
the University, to which it was Miss Nesbit's
intention to send him in his sixteenth year.

She kept the word she passed to Mrs. Riddell ;
for when Netta was twelve years old, she had
never* set foot in Ravelaw, and knew her cousins
only by sight. But there came a day when
the child claimed for herself a right to make
the acquaintance of her father's kinsfolk, and then
Miss Nesbit judged it best to let her have her way.

She had been to Aldershope one day, and came
running into the house to her aunt, hei' cheeks
flushed, and her eyes dancing with excitement.

* Oh, Auntie I ' she burst out ; * I met Uncle
Riddell in Aldershope, and he asked why I never
came to see him, and said would I come to-
morrow, and bring Walter. Oh 1 may we. Auntie ?
Say yes ; I want so much to see the beautiful
house and all the fine things my cousins have
at Ravelaw.'

A pang shot to the heart of Miss Nesbit
Was this the beginning of the end ? Had she
inherited her mother's craving for the good
things of life? and would nature triumph at la:t
over the careful, prayerful training she had given
Tibbie's bairn ?

! !

»' !

'hi' !

272

AT.DERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

These thoughts chased each other through her
brain in an instant of time, and their seriousness
made her answer grave, and somewhat cold.

* I'll consider it, Netta, an* tell ye in the
mornin*,' she said, and turned to Walter, asking
him some question about his lessons.

Netta's under-lip fell ; but she knew her aunt too
well to venture to dispute her words. But -all the
evening Miss Nesbit noticed how restless and
excited she was, and her hfeart grew heavy
indeed.

* Lord, keep Thy arm aboot the bairn,' was her
inward prayer ; the last on her lips when she
sought her pillow that night. In the morning
her decision was made, and, Netta heard with
delight that she and Walter were to walk over
to Ravelaw after their early dinner.

' Tak care o' Netta, Walter, lad/ said Miss
Nesbit as she parted from them at the door,

*0f course I will, Auntie,' answered the boy,
looking back with beaming, earnest eyes ; and
as she went into the house, the hope which had
lain in her heart for years found vent in another
prayer.

* Lord, if it be Thy will, let him care for the bairn
a' his days.*

The house was very empty without the blithe
young presence of the bairns. She had bidden

ill'

NETTA'S EXPF.RIENCE OF RAVE LAW.

273

I her
sness

the
Lsking

nt too
ill the
} and
heavy

IS her
n she
orning
with
c over

Miss

e boy,
and
ch had
mother

le bairn

' blithe
bidden

them leave Ravelavv before sunset, so that they
might reach Windyknowe at the darkening. What
was her amazement, then, when she was finishing
her solitary tea, to hear a quick foot on the passage,
and behold Nefta bursting into the room. She did
not look like herself : her eyes were wet with tears,
and yet shone with strange brilliancy, her cheeks
burning, her black locks all dishevelled. Little
wonder Miss Nesbit started to her feet in affright at
the apparition.

* Bairn, what is't ? '

* I ran away from that horrid place. Auntie,*
fell thick and fast from Netta's lips. * I could
not even wait for Walter, I wanted so to get
home.'

Here a wild passion of tears choked her utter-
ance ; and drawing a stool to her aunt's side, she
leaned her head on her knees, and wept sore. Miss
Nesbit wisely let the tempest run its course, but
wondered sorely what had happened at Ravelaw so
to upset the bairn.

* Oh, Auntie, Uncle Riddell's wife said you were a

bad, wicked woman, and broke my mamma's heart ;

and she asked me would I not come and live with

her, or you would break mine too,' said Netta

through her sobs. ' And I got mad, Auntie. I could

have killed her, I hated her sc ; and I told her s/ie

was the bau, wicked woman, and that I would

'ii

>! i

.' 5

274

AT.DERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

never, never come near her any more. Oh, Auntie,
it is not true, is it ? '

* My bairn, my bairn, God forgi'e her,' fell very
low from Miss Nesbit's lips. Then there was a longr
silence.

*Tell me what you did at Ravelaw all afternoon,
Netta,' asked Miss Ncsbit by and by.

' Uncle Riddell met us at the gate, Auntie : he was
looking for us ; and, oh, I do love him, he is so good
and kind. He said my eyes were very like
mamma's ; and he said I must grow up like you, for
you were the best woman on God's earth. These
^re his very words. Auntie : I said them over and
over, so that I could tell them right ; and he looked
so solemn and sad when he said them, I am sure
he must love you very much. Well, he walked up
with us to the house — how big and grand it is,
Auntie ! I felt quite afraid in it ; but Walter looked
as if he was quite at home in it, and smiled because
I crept near to him and said I wa? afraid.'

A little smile crept about Miss Nesbit's lips.
Young though he was, Aldersyde's laird could hold
his own anywhere.

' Well, we went to see Aunt Honor^ in her own
room, and she kissed me. I didn't like it, Auntie :
I didn't love her, you see ; her face is so cross and
strange looking. Cousin Marie was with her. She
is very like her, and is not strong, I am sure, she is

N^TTA'S EXPERIENCE OF RA VELA l\ .

275

untie,

[ very
1 long:

moon,

lie was
) good
r like
ou, for
These
er and
looked

•

11 sure
ced up
I it is,
looked
)ecause

's lips.
Id hold

er own
Auntie :
>ss and
*. She
J, she is

so pale. She is cross, too : just like her mother ; an d
I was glad to get away out with Walter to see
Louis and the ponies.*

* I hope ye liked Louis better?'

* Oh yes ; he is the best, next to Uncle Riddcll, and
he fears nothing under the sun. He says he will
teach me to ride. I would like it, Auntie, but not if
I have to go up there to learn.*

Again there was a little silence.

* Cousin Marie came out after awhile, and spoiled
all our fun. Louis and she quarrelled all the time,
and he teased her, and tried to frighten her with the
horses. I don't think .hey are so happy as we
are, Auntie, though they have so many nice things.'

* They cann^ mak happiness, :^y bairn,' said
Auntie softly, thankful that already Netta's shrewd
eyes had learned the great truth.

* We went in after a bit, and got our dinner ; then
Uncle Riddell's wife took me up-stairs, and showed
me ever so many trinkets and things, and said I
should have them all if I would come and live with
her and play with Marie. I said no every time,
and then she got angry ; and Marie and she laughed
at my clothes, and said I was a pauper ; and fhen she
said all these wicked things about you, and I
screamed out at her, Auntie, and said I would kill
her, and then I ran out of the house, and ran all the
way home.'

276

AI.DERSYDE : A BORDER STORY.

:il-

St- \

ItiJ'

* My bairn, ye'll hae tae learn tae hear in silence,
an' bear an' mak nae sign,' said Miss Ncsbit.

* Not if wicked people say such things about you,
dear, dear Auntie/ cried Netta, in her impulsiveness
flinging her arms about her aunt's neck. * I
couldn't love them. You don't want me to love them,
Auntie ; for I couldn't, even to please you.'

Walter's entrance at that moment interrupted
their talk. Miss Nesbit looked up anxiously,
wondering what had been his experience of Rave-
law. He said very little, but Miss Nesbit knew
from the firm curve of his lips that it had not been
altogether pleasant. She hastened to begin a talk
about something else, and soon the unpleasant
memories of the visit to Ravelaw seemed to have
faded from Netta's mind. Walter lingered in the
dining-room after Netta had gone to bed, and
finally said to his aunt :

* You will not let Netta go any more to Ravelaw,
Aunt Janet?'

He spoke with a grave earnestness strange to see
in a boy.

* No, if I can help it, W^alter,' she answered with
a sigh.

' Oh, Auntie, I could not live as yon folk do,' he
said by and by. * I never thought Windyknowe
was such a dear place before.'

* Ye'll mind, then, Walter that it's no great riches

fc:i:i

BREAD UPON THE WATERS.

277

riches

nor a braw hoose that can mak happiness,' she said
gravely, ' but a contented soul.*

' I'll mind, Auntie,* fell low and earnestly from the
boy's lips. 'And when I'm a man, I'll try to live
as you would like me to live, and never do anything
you would be vexed to know.*

* I'm no feared for ye, my laddie. Ye hae the
grace o' God in yer heart, young as yc are,' said
Janet Ilesbit from the fulness of her heart.

Then Walter moved to her side, and putting one
arm about her, said with a break in his boyish
voice ;

' And if I ever forget you, and what you've
done and been to me, Auntie, I pray God may
punish me as I deserve, for I shall not be fit to
live.'

For a moment Janet Nesbit let her head fall
on the strong young arm, a song of thanksgiving
echoing in her heart. Surely this was recompense
indeed for all the years of toil and anxicus care:
already she could look to him for support and
comfort.

By and by she laid her two hands upon his
shoulders, and the solemn, beautiful blessing of
Holy Writ fell tremulously from her lips :

* The Lord bless thee and keep thee, and lift
up His countenance upon thee, and give thee
peace 1 *

^! n

CHAPTER IX.

'No other woman shall ever reign at Aldersyde.'

iN a golden August evening Netta Rey-
naud stood in the window of the dining-
room at Windyknowe, with her hands
idly clasped before her, and her bright eyes look-
ing eagerly and expectantly down the road to
Aldershope. Six years had wrought a great
change ; they had transformed the child into a
woman.

The sweet, gracious curves of cheek and lip and
chin, the changeful light of the lovely eyes, the
wealth of raven locks, and the nameless, indescrib-
able grace and charm which lingered about her,
and characterized her every movement, made her
indeed fair to see. In many respects she was the
Netta of old. The wilful, winning way, the loving
impulsiveness and quick exhibition of feeling,
were still her characteristics; but they were the

279

zSo

AIDERSYDE: A liOKDEi: STOKYl

!t ■

I'i!: S'^

m YW"

blossoms of her nature : the wecJs had been
rooted out.

Fitted to grace the hi!:][licst rank, there was no
more contented being in bonnie Scotland than
Netta Rcynaud, living simply and quietly in the
muirland dwelling. She went through her daily
round of duties with willing heart and hand, mak-
ing labour light with gay snatches of song, and
shedding God's own sunshine in the home she
loved.

During Walter's absence at Edinburgh she did
her utmost to make up to her aunt for his loss.
The parting had been a sore blow to Miss
Nesbit, for she knew that never again could
Walter fill the same place at Windyknowe. Wlien
his college days were over, Aldcrsyde would
claim its laird, and he would need to fill his
place, and do his share of work in the world.

On this August evening they were expecting
him home after his last summer term at Edin-
burgh. Miss Nesbit, in her arm-chair, thought of
his future ; and in the window Netta thought of
him also, with a strange softening in the lovely
eyes, and a tender curve of the sweet, proud
lips.

* He's surely late, Netta ? * said Miss Nesbit when
the clock struck five.

' No, Auntie ; the coach is only due at Alders-

LOVrS RIDDEIL.

aSi

hope, you know, at half-past four, and it is often
late,' answered Netta. ' I see Louis and Marie
cominjT up the road ; I wish they had not come
just now.'

A cloud flitted momentarily across the sweet
face, and it was reflected also on Miss Ncsbit's.
Never since that memorable day six years aj;o
had Netta Rcynaud set foot within Ravelaw, but
her cousins were constant visitors at VVindyknowc.

They were riding to-day ; and, like his father,
Louis RiddcU looked his best on horseback. He
was a tall, manly fellow, stroni^ly resembling
his father in appearance, and not a little in
nature.

A pale, sickly, delicate-looking bcin^^ was the
one daughter of the house of Ravelaw, with a
discontented, peevish look on her face, which
made it a perfect contrast to the brightness of
Netta's. There was no love between the two girls,
for each was the antipodes of the other.

But it only needed a glance at the face of
Louis Riddell, when he entered Netta's presence,
to tell even a careless observer that he loved her
with the fierce, all-absorbing passion of which his
nature was capable. He never took his eyes from
her face ; but she seemed unaware of his looks, for
she chattered to him frankly and unrestrainedly,
while Miss Nesbit inquired kindly for Marie's

w' !

at-1 Li

f -^-

m m

282

ALDERSYDE : A BORDER STORY.

delicate health, and listened patiently to her
grumbling about her want of strength and other
ailments.

In the middle of their talk, a quick, firm step
trod the gravel, and Netta's eyes drooped. Young
Riddell saw it, and grouiid his teeth, knowing full
well he had no power to bring that tender blush
to the face he loved.

*Aunt Janet! Netta ! where are you.?* called
out the deep, manly tones, the dearest on earth to
a*" least two in that room.

Miss Nesbit rose and slipped out for a word
with her boy away from strange eyes. When
they entered together, Netta rose, and offered
Walter her hand with the old, bright smile he
had treasured in his heart since his boyhood. He
held the slender fingers a moment in his manly
clasp, then turned to speak courteously to the
Rid dells.

A red flush mounted to Marie's pale face when
he touched her hand, and inquired gently and
compassionately if she had grown stronger while
he was away. It was Walter's way to be tender
to all women, especially to those who were frail
and delicate ; but to Netta's imaginative mind, his
greeting was needlessly warm. How had he so
many kind words for Marie, and not even one for
her? As for Marie herself, she read her own meaning

KETTA'S FEARS.

283

out of them, and her vain heart beat high with
hope.

* I hope we shall see you often at Ravelaw
now, Mr. Nesbit?* she said as she gathered her
skirts in her hand.

* I thank you, Miss Marie,' he answered cour-
teously. * I fear I shall not have much time for
visiting for long ; but rest >ssured, that when I
am at leisure, I shall not forget your kind words.'

A chill seemed to strike to the heart of Netta
Reynaud. A less sensitive, less imaginative nature
might have seen nothing beyond ordinary courtesy
in Walter's words ; but when Netta's heart had
awakened to the one love of her life, it had
awakened also to the miserable, jealous fear which
in some natures is love's inseparable companion.
She was glad to rise and go with her cousins to
the door, just to get away for a little from Walter's
presence.

* Ah, how handsome the Laird of Aidersyde has
grown ! ' whispered Marie while Louis went to ad-
just her saddle. ' It is not a month since we met
in Edinburgh, and I could fancy an improvement
almost since then.'

'You did not tell me you met in Edinburgh,
Marie?' said Netta coldly, and added to herself,
• nor did Walter.'

*Did I not? Impossible! Ah, what a time

k.^

284

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

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we had, driving, riding, sketching ; and best of
all, charming moonlight strolls round yon terrible
cliffs in the Park ! *

*I should not think that Aunt Honor^ would
have cared for the last mentioned ? ' said Netta,
hating herself for asking the indirect question.

* You little fool ! * laughed Marie coquettishly
* Mamma had her comfortable after-dinner nap
while we were out. Yes, Louis, I'm ready ! '

Then Louis helped his sister to her saddle,
and turned to bid Netta good-bye. She was
conscious that he was murmuring some passion-
ate nonsense about love, which she hastily
interrupted, and nodding to Marie, ran into the
house.

She had no intention of returning to the
dining-room ; but as she set her foot on the
stair, the door opened, and her aunt called her
So she was obliged to go in and sit down,
though she placed herself as far away from
V/alter as she could, and took not the slightest
part in the conversation.

Any question or remark which Walter addressed
to her, she either ignored or answered so stiffly
as to dumfounder him. This was not the Netta
of old !

They talked chiefly of Aldersyde, where Walter
was to take up his immediate abode; and when

MISS A'7^Sn/7"S PRAYERS A ATS WE RED.

285

Miss Nesbit said to him jokingly he would neei
to c^et a wife to reifrn in the old house, Netta
abruptly rose and fled up-stairs.

Then Walter changed the subject.

*Aunt Janet, there is something the matter
with Netta/ he said in a troubled way. * What
is it?'

* N< -isense, laddie ; she's only that gled tae
see ye she canna speak muckle.'

'That's not Netta's way; but she is a young
lady now, and I suppose I cannot expect her
to fly at me as she used to do.'

* She's a dear bairn ! ' said Miss Nesbit warmly,
'the very licht an' sunshine o' Windyknowe.'

'Ay, I know that. Aunt Janet,' returned Walter
in a queer, quick voice. 'Well, how do you
suppose I'm going to exist at Aldersyde alone?
Won't you and Netta take pity on me "

Miss Nesbit smiled.

* Na, na ; I maun keep my ain roof-tree, an*
tlie day'U come when yc'll no be yer lane at
Aldersyde. Eh, Walter, lad, my prayers are
answered this day when I see ye come hame,
ready and able tae claim yer ain ! '

The young man rose, and began to pace
restlessly up and down the floor. By and by
he stopped in front of her, and looked down
at her, his true eyes moist and tender.

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ALDERSYDE : A BORDER STORY.

* Aunt Janet, it was only to-day I learned from
Mr. Douglas all you have done for me. I can
hardly speak of it. It unmans me. There is
nothing I can do, or hope ever to do, which
could repay a tithe of il.*

*Ay, there's ae thing, my bairn,* said Aunt
Janet with kindling face; 'serve yer mither's
God wi' a' the strength o' yer manhood, an' lo'e
Aldersyde as she lo'ed it, an' as I hae lo'ed it a*
my days.'

*Aunt Janet, God helping me, I will try!'
said he, bending his manly head in humility
before her. * With you to help me as you have
done since you took pity on me when I was
a motherless infant, I have no fear for the future.'

Again, as it had done many, many times
before, Janet Nesbit's heart overflowed with the
fulness and joy of her recompense.

Not many days later Walter Nesbit took up
his abode at Aldersyde, which had been set
in readiness for him by the hands which had
laboured for him since his birth. The furnishings
which had been bought for his fair young mother
were as she had left them, and her sweet, gentle
influence seemed to linger in every room and
make it a hallowed spot to the son who
cherished her memory with a most passionate
devotion.

I-

DRIFTING APART.

287

Janet Nesbit had not forgotten that part of
her vow, for she had talked to Walter Nesbit
about his mother, and, as Mary herself expressed
it, kept her memory green in his heart.

It was lonely in the great house for the young
man, and it was little wonder that his horse's
feet turned very often in the direction of Windy-
knowe, where he was aye sure of a welcome
from his aunt at least.

He could not understand Netta. The old
frank confidence, the teasing, winning manner had
entirely disappeared. She was shy and reticent,
even to coldness, in his presence ; and the poor
fellow, not being versed in the logic of a maiden's
heart, could not read between the lines, but
fancied he was an object of aversion to her,
and that Louis Riddell was likely to win the
prize he would give a world to call his own.

Aunt Janet looked on, and saw them daily drift
farther apart in sorrowfulness of soul. She did
not know which was to blame; but when she
saw how Netta's face bric[htened and her tonjiue
loosed when her Cousin Louis came, and how
she would sit silent or slip out of the room
altogether when Walter paid his visits to Windy-
knowe, she began to fear her hopes were not
destined to be fulfilled.

In the country side the young Laird of Aldersyde

2S8

ATDEKSYDEi A BORDER STORY.

was made much of, and nowhere did he receive
a warmer welcome than at Ravelaw. For him,
Marie Riddell donned her most becoming attire,
and her sweetest smile ; for him even the bad-
tempered lady of Ravelaw had a courteous word,
and the Laird a warm welcome.

Louis Riddell never failed to tell Netta when
Walter Nesbit had been at Ravelaw, and laid
special stress on his devotion and attention to
Marie. And Netta would laugh her little clear,
scornful laugh, and say he " had soon tired of
bachelor loneliness at Aldersyde.

Upon a certain afternoon about six months
ifter Walter Nesbit took up his abode at Alder-
syde, Mrs. Riddell of Ravelaw called at Windy-
knowe — a very unusual thing for her, as she had
not crossed its threshold since Netta was a bairn.
Miss Nesbit, however, received her courteously,
and bade her be seated, knowing perfectly
well the lady had some end in view. She
had not very long to wait, for presently, after a
few common-place remarks, Mrs. Riddell said
abruptly :

* Well, Miss Nesbit, I have come over for a
friendly and confidential chat with you about our
young people.'

Miss Nesbit bowed, and waited for the rest.

'You must have seen, I suppose, how devotedly

MATCH-MAKING.

2«9

attached to Nettie my poor Louis is,' said
Kiddell with a little cunning smile.

* Maybe, an' maybe no,' returned ]Miss Nesbit
drily.

' Well, it is the truth. So I have come to talk
to you about it, as you stand in the place of a
parent to my brother's child. I am very willing
that they should marry, though Louis might have
found a richer bride. Ravelaw is willing to give
them Alderburn for a residence, and everything is
charmingly arranged, — with your consent*

* Has your son obtained Netta's word yet ? *
asked Miss Nesbit in tones which sounded cold
and hard.

* My dear, I have never asked, but no doubt it is
all settled between them. No girl could long resist
Louis, he is so charming in every way. Well, I
suppose you cannot have any objections ? *

* Whatever the bairn thinks best for her ain
happiness, I will agree tae, Mrs. Riddcll,' returned
Miss Nesbit in a low voice. 'She has come tae
woman's estate noc, an' can judge for hersel'.'

* Umph ! You do not even express any delight at
such a splendid settlement in life for her.*

The ghost of a smile flitted across the patient
face of Janet Nesbit ; but she kept to herself the
thought in her heart.

'I feel quite distrait, quite woe-begone, I assure

•90

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

\\t<

flit'-- 1

you,' said Mrs. Riddell with a pretty affectation of
pathos. * Marie will not be long behind her
brother, and I shall be left childless at Ravelavv.'

* Indeed ! ' said Miss Nesbit ' Is your daughter
contemplatin' changin' her state also } '

At that moment Netta came into the dining-
from, dressed for walking, and listlessly greeted her
aunt, Mrs. Riddell of Ravelaw.

* I am going to the Manse for a little while,
Aunt Janet,' she said. ' If Mrs. Ferguson and
Bessie are in, I shall likely stay to tea.'

* Very well, my dear,' said Miss Nesbit.

* You look pale, Netta love,' said Mrs. Riddell.

* You mope too much, I fear. Come up to Ravelaw,
and we will rouse you up.'

' Thank you. Aunt Honor^. I am very well
content at home,' returned Netta — an answer which
displeased highly the lady of Ravelaw.

* Marie will have a lot to tell you, I fancy,' she
said, smiling, though her eyes gleamed slightly.

* I was just saying to your aunt I would soon be
left childless at Ravelaw. I expect your young
Laird of Aldersyde will soon be stealing my sweet
Marie ; he is seldom from her side, and she seems to
have sec her heart upon him.'

Miss Nesbit started and grew pale ; as for Netta,
she turned her face away.

* God forbid I ' said Miss Nesbit, unable for the

ll'ff'l

•ALWAYS LEAVES TROUBLE BEHIND:

291

life of her to keep back the words ; but they did
not ruffle the composure of the lady of Ravclaw,
and even when Nctta suddenly walked out of
the room without a word of farewell, she kept a
smile upon her face.

* I think you should have advice about the dear
child, she really looks so ill and behaves so oddly/
she said, rising languidly from her chair. ' Well,
I will be going. Surely the happiness of our young
people will heal old sores and make us friends
once more } '

The words, merely words, found no echo in the
heart of Janet Nesbit, and she was too straight-
forward to make any pretence. Therefore ^vithout
remark at all she showed her visitor out, and,
returning to the dining-room, sat down by the fire
with her head on her hand, to face the complete
overthrow of all her hopes. ^

Coming in by and by to set the tea, Margct
Drysdale saw the despondent attitude, and mentally
shook the lady of Ravelaw.

* Confoond her 1 she never comes but, like the ill
east winds, she leaves trouble at her back,' she
muttered to herself. But somehow she could rot ask
her mistress any question concerning the business of
Mrs. Riddell's visit. She knew from past experience,
that, if necessary, Miss Nesbit would tell her, and
was content to bide that time.

•9«

ALDERSYDEi A BORDER STORY.

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Before the tea was ready, Walter Nesbit came
riding up to Windyknovve. He fastened his horse's
bridle to a post Marget had driven into the ground
at the door for that purpose ; then he strode into the
house, bidding her a cheery good afternoon, and
asking if his aunt were within. Miss Nesbit rose
when she heard him at the door, and went out to
the hall to bid him welcome.

His keen, affectionate eyes were quick to note
the sad and anxious expression on her face ; but,
like Marget, he knew that Miss Nesbit would tell
the trouble if need be, and if not, well, she would
bear it alone.

'Can I have a cup of Marget's tea. Auntie }' he
said, tossing off his gloves. ' I declare I'll nevef
get used to solitary meals at Aldersyde. Every
mouthful is like to choke me, when I remember
our merry meals at this table. Where's Netta .'' '

' At Mr. Bourhiil's. His sister and niece frae
Glasgow are staying at the Manse, an' the lassies
seem tae hae taen tae ane anither,* answered Miss
Nesbit. * Eh, Walter lad, what a big chield ye are 1
— SIX feet if ye're an inch, I'll be bound.*

' Six feet one in my stocking soles. Aunt Janet,*
said the young giant, drawing himself up. * And
two-and-twenty years of age. Can I answer any
more questions, mem } '

Miss Nesbit laughed.

SEEKING SOLACE.

-593

' No the noo. I hac haen a ca frac Mrs. Riddcll
the day.'

Walter looked surprised.

* What in the name of wonder brought her to
see you, Auntie ?'

* Ye may weel ask/ said Miss Nesbit with a sigh ;
then after a moment's silence, she added wistfully,
*Is't true that it's Marie Riddell that's tae be
mistress o* Aldersyde ? *

* Did she put that into your wise old head,
Aunt Janet ? ' asked the young man in tones which
might mean anything.

* Maybe.'

*Do you think Marie Riddell likely ever to be
mistress of Aldersyde ? '

* Oh, Walter 1 I dinna ken. What can I ken
o* the ways o' young men ? Ye hae paid her by
ordinar attention, I hae heard, and surely, unless
my prayers an' guidin' are tae fa* tae the ground,
that can hae but ae mean in' 1 '

*Who said I paid her by ordinar attention?'
asked Walter hotly.

* A'body ; no mony meenits syne, Mrs. Riddell
telt Netta an' me, ye are seldom frae Marie's side.'

* It is true I am often at Ravelaw, as I am at
Drumkerr and other places. I am obliged to seek
solace somewhere : I get so poor a welcome where
I most desire it'

894

ALDERSYDE : A BORDER STORY.

i iiiii

'Walter!' said Miss Ncsbit solemnly, *I hope
it'll never can be said o' ye that ye played \vi' a
lassie's heart. It is ane o' the cruellest an' wicked-
est sins a man can be guilty o'.'

'Aunt Janet, I swear that no man nor woman
can with truth say it of me now, and promise you
that my future will be as blameless in this respect
as the past has been,' returned Walter as solemnly.
Then he strode over to the window, and stood there
in silence.

* Come here. Aunt Janet,' he said by and by.

In much amazement, Miss Nesbit joined him at
the window.

Out in the garden^ fastening up a refractory rose
bush, was Netta, her fair young arm bare to the
dainty elbow, her face flushed with the exertion,
and beautiful exceedingly. Man's e/'^s never rested
on a sweeter or more loveworthy maiden than
Netta Reynaud in her gracious girlish loveliness.

* There is my wife, if she will have me, Aunt
Janet,' said Walter Nesbit passionately and
earnestly. 'If not, no other woman shall ever
reign at Aldersyde.*

, I

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/.Ci*

CHAPTER X.

'One in childhood and in later years.'

ETTA REYNAUD had been making a
call in Aldershope, and was walking
slowly up the road to Windyknowe in
the grey, solemn dusk of a September evening.
Her step was slow and listless, her head bent
upon her breast, as if she had some care at her
heart.

So absorbed in her own thoughts was she, that
she did not notice the approach of a pedestrian
from the opposite direction till he was close upon
her. Then she raised her bead, to see before her
the figure of her cousin Louis Riddell. She
offered him her hand frankly enough, without
blush or other sign of embarrassment, and asked
if he had been at Windyknowe.

•Yes, and your aunt told me you were in
Aldershope, Netta,' he said, bending his dark eyes

295

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296

ALDERSYDE : A BORDER STORY.

on her face, 'and gave me permission to meet you
and bring you home.'

' It is very kind of you to think of me, Louis,'
she said listlessly, and began to move on her
way.

The young man turned also, and walked by her
side.

'Are you glad to see me, Netta?' he asked
abruptly.

' Yes, I am always pleased to see you, Louis.
Is Marie well } '

* As usual. I left Nesbit at Ravelaw ; he is
becoming quite a member of our home circle.'

Swiftly Netta turned her head away, but not
before Louis Riddell saw the grey shadow creep
over cheek and brow, and the quiver of the sweet,
proud lips. More than a week had gone since
Walter had been at Windyknowe, and then he
had stayed but a few minutes, pleading want of
time. Probably he had an engagement with
Marie Riddell at Ravelaw.

* Are you likely to have a good hunting
season "i ' she asked, feeling that the subject must
b; changed and at once.

* Yes ; when did you begin to feel an interest
in the field ? ' asked Louis Riddell with the
slightest perceptible sneer.

'You had better go away home, Louis, if you

WHAT LOUIS RIDDELL SAID.

297

cannot answer me more courteously,' said Netta
with a flash of the old wilful way.

Then Louis humbly asked her pardon, and
promised better behaviour in future. The talk
was of general interest till they reached the gate
of Windyknowe ; then Louis Riddell placed him-
self up against the gatepost, as if he intended to
make a stand there for a considerable time.

* Good night, Louis. I must not stand, or Aunt
Janet will be out to look for me.'

The young man took her hand in that of his,
and bent his passionate eyes upon her fair face.

* Netta, do you grudge me a few minutes
here } *

' Don't talk nonsense, Louis,' said Netta sharply ;
* I can't bide to waste even a few minutes. Good
night'

* Not yet ; I swear you shall hear what I have
to say. Netta, I love you. You must be my
wife — must, I tell you. I ' —

*Who are you that you should command me,
Louis Riddell?* asked the maiden in her cool,
clear, sweet tones.

* Netta, don't answer me like that,' said the
young man hoarsely. * It is life or death almost
to me, I love you so dearly.'

Then a look of weariness and pain came on
the face of Netta Reynaud.

298

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

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* Don't talk in that wild way, Louis/ she said
more gently. *We are cousins, and I can be
nothing more to you. Let me go, or we shall
have Aunt Tanet out'

* Netta, it is impossible ! I can't leave you
without some little word of encouragement and
hope. You must care for me ; I can't live
without you.*

* I have no patierce to hear a man talk like
that,* said Netta sharply. * I do not care for you,
and I shall never be your wife.'

Very dark grew the face of Louis Riddell, and
he muttered something under his breath which it
was as well Netta did not hear.

' Dear Louis, don't be angry with me,* she said
by and by, her tone one of quiet wistfulness
now. * Let us be happy together as we have
been.'

* You think that will satisfy me ? * said Louis
Riddell hotly. * I don't need to be told that you
have set your heart on Nesbit, who cares no
more for you than for the meanest peasant girl
on his lands. No later than yesterday, I heard
him jesting about you to young Patrick Kerr
and the rest of his set when we met at Drumkerr.'

* Louis Riddell ! '

Clear, and sharp, and scornful the warning
words broke upon his ear, and he saw his cousin

CRUSHED TO THE DUST.

299

e said
an be
: shall

e you
it and
't live

k like
)r you,

11, and
hich it

le said

fulness

have

Louis
at you
'es no
nt girl

heard
Kerr
verr.'

earning
cousin

draw herself up and felt the flashing of her
indignant eyes.

' It is true,' he said sullenly. * Any way, he is
devoted to Marie.'

Without a word, Netta Reynaud turned from
him and fled into the house, up-stairs to her
own little chamber to let her passion have vent.
Humbled, insulted, crushed to the very dust, she
could only lie with her face buried in her pillows,
writhing in her tearless pain.

By and by she rose, and laying aside hat and
gloves, smoothed her hair, and went away down
to the dining-room. The lamp was not ' set,' but
the red glow of the firelight showed the figure of
Miss Nesbi^ sitting in her arm-chair, with her
hands idly folded on her lap. Sometimes now
Aunt Janet would take a rest, knowing that
willing young hands were aye ready to do what
had to be done in the house.

* Bairn, when did ye come in?* she asked in
some surprise.

* A little while ago, Auntie,* answered Netta,
and moved restlessly about the room.

'Did ye meet Louis Riddell?'

*Yes, Auntie,' said Netta very low. And then,
coming over to the hearth, she knelt down by
Miss Nesbit's chair, and hid her face on her
knee.

ill

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ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

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M'i I

' Oh, Auntie, life is very hard ! * she said brokenly,
and instinctively the elder woman's arm stole pro-
tectingly about the drooping figure, as if to keep
away all harm from the bairn.

'Are ye beginnin' tae find that oot, my bairn?*
she asked tremulously.

No answer made Netta, but her aunt felt her
trembling from head to foot. Was it possible
that her life-story was to be repeated again in
Netta's experience, and was one of the faithless
Riddells to rob the bright young life of all
sweetness, and make her desolate in the very
spring-time of her days ?

* Has Louis Riddell ocht tae dae wi' this,
Netta ? ' she asked in tones which her thought
made very stern.

* No, no ; don't ask me, Auntie ; perhaps I shall
tell you another time. Just let me lay my head
down here, where I know it's safe,' said Netta in
the same broken way.

Then there was a long silence. Very softly
Aunt Janet passed her hand to and fro on the
bowed head, her heart yearning unspeakably over
the bairn, who had at last crossed the threshold
where womanhood and childhood meet, and who
was finding the new path very thorny for her
feet.

From that day Netta was changed. Her work

Ivr- ' i

DRIFTING FARTHER APART.

301

was deftly and willingly performed, as it had aye
been ; but both Miss Nesbit and Marget missed the
blithe singing and the merry laugh which had been
the very sunshine of Windyknowe. She moved
about the house noiselessly and listlessly, and never
volunteered to go out of doors unless desired by her
aunt. So the days slip^^ed away till the last sheaf
was ingathered from Yarrow braes, and the grey-
ness of the winter began to settle down on the
earth.

Very seldom indeed did Walter Nesbit visit
Windyknowe. He could not bear to face Netta's
coldness and pointed avoidance of him, and found
it better for his own peace of mind to abide at
Aldersyde. Peace of mind, did I say ? Truly, when
love enters into the heart of a man, he may bid
farewell to his peace of mind, so long as he is
uncertain of the issue of his love. So Walter was
unhappy in Aldersyde, and Netta in Windyknowe,
wlien a word would have set matters right.

But there was none to speak that word, for Miss
Nesbit attributed Netta's melancholy to another cause
altogether. Well for us that a higher hand holds
the ravelled skein of life ; our poor fingers could
never make its threads smooth and straight. Louis
Riddell came no more to Windyknowe ; but Marie
called sometimes alone, and made no secret of her
expectations concerning the Laird of Aldersyde.

302

ALDERSYDE : A BORDER STORY.

f li: ; t

Jill. '^

Then Miss Nesbit grew very wroth with Walter,
thinking that he had wilfully misled and deceived
her regarding Marie. She looked back with painful
longing to the days when her bairns said their
prayers together at her knee, and when she could
shut her door at night with the feeling that all she
loved were safe beneath her own roof-tree.

One afternoon, towards the close of the year,
Walter Nesbit came on foot to Windyknowe. Miss
Nesbit was in the house alone, Netta having gone out
for a walk across the moor. Of late she had taken
a strange fancy to roaming over the desolate waste,
where there was not a living thing but wild fowls
and bright-eyed rabbits. The utter loneliness
suited her mood, and she could better battle with
her sorrow at home after fighting with the wild
nor'-easter which came roaring over the hills and
swept across the moor in a perfect hurricane.

Walter did not ask for her, being accustomed to
miss her from the house, as she seldom stayed in
the room when he paid his brief visits to Windy-
knowe. What a change from other days, when they
were one in heart and purpose, and when each was
nothing without the other !

* Ye are growin' tae be a fair stranger in yer auld
hame,' said Miss Nesbit when the first greetings
were over, trying to speak lightly, though her heart
was very sore.

WALTER'S LONELINESS.

303

* It is true, Aunt Janet,' returned the young man.

* Many a time I wish I had never quitted its roof-
tree.*

' What way that ?* she asked sharply. * Is Aldcr-
syde no sufficient for ye ? '

* Aldersyde ? — ay, it is the very apple of my eye.
Aunt Janet,* returned Walter almost passionately.

* But can't you see what a life it is for me in that
great house alone with not a soul to speak to ? *

' That'll be mended by an' by, when ye get the
dochter o* Ravelaw hame/ said Miss Nesbit
drily.

A hot flush mounted to the young man's brow.

'That's not fair, Aunt Janet. I thought I had
settled that in your mind long ago.'

* Seein's believin',' she returned with increased
dryness. * An' Marie comes here often. She makes
nae secret o'd, though ye dae. Is't honourable,
think ye, Walter Nesbit, — is't richt, — tae keep me
in the dark aboot your weddin'? I'm no askin'
ower muckle surely when I ask tae be telt the truth
concernin* this.'

Slowly Walter Nesbit rose from his chair, looking
with dazed and dumfoundered eyes on his aunt's
stern face.

* Aunt Janet ! *

That was all, but the sharp pain in his voice went
to her heart and broke her down.

304

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

^ 1 m

* Ay, I'm quick in my speech, my laddie ; but oh,
it tries me sair tae see this wacfu* gulf atvveen
Aldcrsyde and Windyknowe,' she said through her
tears.

'Aunt Janet, it is not of my seeking. God knows,
my whole heart is here. I swear to you before Him
whom you ha^e taught me to honour and love, that
there is nothing between Marie Riddell and me, and
that if I cannot have Netta for my wife, I will live
a single man at Aldersyde all my days/ said Walter
with most passionate earnestness.

It was impossible to doubt him ; it needed only a
look into the frank, true eyes to see his whole soul
mirrored there. The scales fell from her eyes in
that moment, and she wondered that she could have
been so blind.

Sandy Riddell's wife was at the bottom of all this
trouble, as she had been at the bottom of many
another, and had done her best to blight Netta's
life, and secure the Laird of Aldersyde for Marie.

What wonder that Netta had believed all that
was told to her, when even she had been deceived.
Although her own spring-time was past, she knew
how little a thing can make a barrier in love, and how
trifles are magnified till they seem insurmountable.

'Laddie, forgi'e me; I hae wranged ye sair,' faltered
Miss Nesbit, and she took him to her heart as she
used to do in his childish days.

£(

*0\VER Tin: MUIR."

305

So peace, an enduri.^g peace, was made between
them, and by and by Miss Ncsbit began to un-
burden her heart concerning Netta, and to express
her anxious fears about the bairn.

' Where is she ? ' asked Walter suddenly.

* Ower the muir. She's aye there when she's no i*
the hoose. An uncanny place for a lassie tae be
hersel' ; but I canna pit her past it/ returned Miss
Nesbit.

Then Walter rose up and took his hat from the
table.

* I'll go and meet her, Aunt Janet,' he said
hoarsely. ' I don't know what mad impulse this is
which has come upon me, but wish me God
speed.'

Ay, she wished him God speed with all her
heart, and prayed for him and for Netta while he

was gone.

Walter Nesbit strode across the bleak moor that

afternoon like a man who had some end in view.

The grey December twilight was already beginning

to fall, the air was chill and damp, and the keen

north wind had a warning of snow in its leeth.

Upon a piece of rising ground he paused, and took

a keen survey of the stretch of brown muirland.

Away in the distance, battling against the winds,

he beheld the slight figure he knew so well, and his

heart leaped within him with the great love he bore

306

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY,

il- ;■

to her. Surely this impulse was heaven-born, for
there was nothing but hope in his breast as he took
swift strides toward her. He was close upon her
ere she was aware of his approach, and then she
flung up her head and looked at him with startled
eyes. Surely a deeper crimson than that brought
by the rude caress of the winter wind mounted to
neck and cheek and brow, and surely that shy
drooping of the eyelids could have but one meaning.
But these fled in a moment, and she lifted her little
head proudly, and looked at him with clear, cold,
unfaltering eyes.

* Surely you are out of your way, Walter ? * she
said. * This is not the road to or from Aldersyde.*

*I have been at Windyknowc, and Aunt Janet
permitted me to come and look for you,* said
Walter quietly, using unconsciously almost the
same words which Louis Riddell had used the
last time Netta had spoken with him alone.

* I am accustomed to walk alone,' said Netta
coldly. * Aunt Janet knows I am not afraid.'

* Perhaps she does ; but I do not choose that
you should walk in this wild spot alone after
dusk,' said Walter daringly.

In the intensity of her amazement, Netta could
find no words to reply. Suddenly she became
aware that Walter was standing in front of her
looking at her, and she was compelled to lift

THE DAWN OF A NEW LIFE,

307

lier eyes to his. Little wonder they drooped
immediately, for if ever true, faithful love was
reflected in man's eyes, it shone in Walter Nesbit's
at that moment.

She was conscious of no feeling of surprise or
embarrassment, but an unutterable sense of rest
and peace seemed to steal over her, and make
her wish that moment might last for ever.

* Netta,* said Walter, speaking slowly and dis-
passionately like a man who had weighed his words,
* we were one in childhood, and I find it very hard to
realize that we must live our lives apart. I love you,
have loved you all my days, do love you now, as a
man loves but one woman in life. If there is no
hope for me, lift your eyes to my face, and tell
me so, as you would answer to God.*

The slight figure swayed in the wind, and
would have fallen, had not Walter's strong arm
taken her within its shelter.

She did not shrink from its clasp, but nioved
nearer to him, and laid her head upon his breast.
The only thought in her heart was a kind of
wondering surprise, that she had ever doubted
him for a moment ; it seemed so natural to
feel his arms about her, and to know that she was
the one woman in the world for him.

'Am I to have no answer, Netta?* asked
Walter by and by, scarcely daring to believe

rf I

30S

AI.DEKSYDE: A BOKDER STORY.

she was his* own, though he held her to his

heart.

It was a very shy whisper, but he caught it :

' I will be your wife, Walter, if you will take

me, for I have never loved anybody but you.'

Little wonder Aunt Janet grew anxious about
her bairns ; and yet their long absence was a sign
of hope. When she heard their footsteps at the
door, she rose up, living again an agony of suspense
the like of which she had not experienced since
the night the Laird of Ravelaw brought Netta
home. They came straight to the dining-room
and it needed only one look into their faces to tell
the woman, whose heart was still young, that they
had found the * new world which is the old.'

*Aunt Janet, this is my wife,' said Walter fondly
and proudly, though there was a tremor in his
brave young voice.

Then Netta drooped her head, for her face flushed
like the deepest tint of the apple-bloom.

Slowly the tears gathered in Janet Nesbit's
grateful eyes, and folding her hands above their
bended heads, she said solemnly:

* God be wi' my bairns for ever an* ever,* and then
she added under her breath, * Lord, now let Thy
servant depart in peace 1 '

JlU*

CHAPTER XI.

• Beside the still waters.'

;00, Mni^c^ct, is Miat a', think ye?*

These words Miss Ncsbit addressed
to Marget Drysdale in the dining-room
at Aldersyde, one glorious summer evening, when
the old house lay bathed in the golden light of
the sunset hour. Surely it was a gala day at
Aldersyde, for Miss Nesbit wore a rich satin gown,
with lace about the throat, which had not seen the
light for many a day ; and Marget was attired in
an old-fashioned brocade which had been be-
queathed to her by Mrs. Nesbit on her deathbed.
Ay, it was a gala day, indeed ; for within an hour,
the Laird of Aldersyde would bring home a fair
young wife to the home of his fathers, and Janet
Nesbit would behold the desire of her life fulfilled
in the happiness of her bairns, and in the building
up of Aldersyde.

309

3IO

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

\ i-

The table in the dining-room was, as Marget
expressed it, *a perfect sicht/ All the silver and
china and crystal ware which had been the pride
of the ladies of Aldersyde in other days, had been
brought forth in honour of the occasion. Miss
Nesbit had kept it a sacred trust at Windyknowe
for the wife of Walter Nesbit ; and it was no sacrifice
to her to let it out of /.er possession now, but an un-
speakable joy to see it restored to its rip^htful place,
and to know it' would pass into worthy hands. Her
eyes as she looked were moist and tender, and
her lips qu'vered, though there was a smile about
them too.

* Eh, mem, I'm perfect set up for life noo,' said
Marget, making no secret of her tears. * If it was
na' for the shame o' the thing, me bein* a sober
middle-aged wummin, I could dance a reel the
nicht'

*Ye'll get a chance the morn, Marget, at the
grand ball,' answered Miss Nesbit with a smile.
* Wheest ! I hear the wheels.*

Ay, sure enough, and in a few minutes the
high - stepping greys, which had been one of
Walter's wedding presents to his wife, came pranc-
ing round the bend in the avenue, and drew up
at the door. The hour of their home-coming had
been kept a secret, in order to avoid the demon-
stration which would certainly have awaited them.

JMl

THE LAIRD AND HIS LADY.

They wanted their first evening at home to be as
quiet as possible ; on the morrow the rejoicings
would begin in earnest.

Marget hurried out to the doer to welcome the
bairns, but Miss Nesbit lingered in the dining-room,
her feelings like to overwhelm her.

*Well, Marget, how are you? Where's Aunt
Janet ? * she heard Walter • say, and in a moment
more he was in the dining-room and had her in
his arms.

*The wife's just at hand,* he said with an
attempt to hide his emotion. ' Here she is I
Now, Aunt Janet, haven't I taken good care
of her?'

* Ye hae that ! * answered Miss Nesbit, and
turned to bid Tibbie's bairn thrice welcome to
Aldersyde. By and by she held her at arm's
length, and looked fondly and proudly into the
sweet, winsome face with its crown of black locks,
and at the slender, lissom figure in its faultless
attire. Then she looked to Walter, and said with
a smile, 'There never was a fairer leddy o'
Aldersyde than oor Netta, Walter.'

* Nor a more contented laird than I, I'll be
bound,' said Walter merrily.

Surely to see these two before her — such a
handsome, well-matched pair — was recompense
sufficient for all the anxious care of the past — -

312

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

ay, more than enough ; her cup was full to
overflowing.

* Aunt Janet, this is just like home,' whispered
Netta as she looked about the room, which had
been set in order for her by hands which had
found it a labour of love.

'What else could it be like, pray, when it is
home ? ' asked Walter teasingly.

* I was speaking to Aunt Janet, sir,' said Netta
with a dignity which seemed to amuse him
immensely.

* Well, will ye come up the stair, Netta, and
change yer goon ? The denner's jist ready tae
bring up ; and as ye ken, there's naething upsets
Margct like keepin' the denner waitin'.'

'You'll just need to hurry her, Aunt Janet, I
tell you,' said Walter in the same teasing way. * I
had such a time of it at the hotel in London, in
keeping the people at the table in good humour till
my lady completed her toilet. I ' —

' Never mind Walter's nonsense, Aunt Janet ;
come away,' laughed Netta. He talks incessantly,
you see, and can't always be expected to talk
sense.'

Truly this was the Netta of old, the sweet,
blithe, winsome bairn who could make sunshine in
the darkest place.

* I bade them make ready the west rooms for

iff! -

PERFECT HAPPINESS.

313

ye, NettL ; they wore Walter's mother's, an' tae
my thinkin' they are the dearest rooms in Alder-
syde,' said Miss Nesbit as they went up-stairs.

* Then, if you think so, I shall like them,*
answered Netta. And when the door was thrown
open, she could not repress a little cry of admira-
tion. Everything was of the best, and in ex-
quisite taste, for Walter had spared no expense to
make Aldersyde fair for his .vife.

With a quick, sudden gesture Netta closed the
door, and with all her old impulsiveness flung
herself into Miss Nesbit's arms.

* Oh, Auntie, I am so happy ! I never thought
there could be such perfect happiness in this world,*
she sobbed. * I am not worthy — I am not worthy.'

*Ay, my bairn, ye are worthy a' the love be-
stowed on ye, an' mair,* answered Miss Nesbit
fondly. * An' it will be my constant prayer, no
that ye may hae an unclouded sky a' yer days,
for in this world that is impossible, but that
through a' ye may cling the closer tae ane anithcr,
an' keep the love o* yer young days fresh in yer
hearts tae the end.'

Many sacred scenes had that chamber witnessed :
in it Janet Nesbit had experienced some of her
keenest joys and keenest pains ; but never before
had she seated herself there in such contentedness
of soul.

?VI«I

314

ALDERSYDE: A BORDER STORY.

The dinner was a pleasant meal, though poor
justice was done to the viands. Walter teased
Netta unmercifully when she shyly took her place
at the head of the table, but his eyes followed her
every movement with fond pride. She felt quite
at home at the head of her husband's table, for,
as I said before, Netta was fitted to grace any
rank.

In the drawing-room by and by the three sat,
too happy to speak much.

'Aunt Janet/ said Netta suddenly, 'who do you
think we saw in London ? *

* I never guessed onything in my life, bairn,'
said Aunt Janet with a quiet laugh.

* Well, Marie and her husband ; properly speak-
ing, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Kerr.'

'They hae mairried in haste,' said Miss Nesbit
with a sigh.

'And unless I am much mistaken, they will
repent at leisure,' said Walter. ' Patrick Kerr
could never make a woman happy, unless one like
his sister.'

' Have you seen Mrs. Riddell since the wedding,
Aunt ? '

' No ; but I met the Laird o* Ravelaw ae day
in Aldershope, an' he seemed sair against it. His
bairns are a great heartbreak: Louis is gaun a*
wrang thegither, he tells me.'

A HOME FOR AUNT JANET.

For a moment Netta turned her face away,
shuddering at the thought of what a life might
have been hers if she had married the heir of
Ravelaw. And yet at one time, in the bitterness
of her heart, she had felt tempted to recall him,
just to show Walter Nesbit she was not breaking
her heart for him. Oh, but it was a merciful God
who had guided her feet, and set them on a
rock!

'Aunt Janet!* said Walter by and by, * if we
knew how, Netta and I would thank you for what
we are to-night ; but when we have spoken about
it, we find words fail us altogether. Can you
understand how we feel ? '

* Brawly, brawly,' she answered hurriedly. * Dinna
speak o'd.'

* But only one thing I want to say. Aunt Janet.
It is to tell you what surely you do not need to
be told, that this is your home at any and all
times ; but for you it would never have been mine,
at least so freely and fully mine as it is to-nigat,'
continued Walter, striving to speak calmly. * And
if Netta and I ever forget for a moment what we
owe to you, I repeat what I said to you once
before, may God visit us as we shall deserve, for
we shall not be fit to live.'

' My bairn, I am mair than repaid,' was all Aunt
Janet could say.

3i6

ALDERSYDE : A BORDER STORY.

* And it will be our aim, Netta's and mine/ went
on Walter gravely, * not only to restore in some
measure the honour of Aldcrsyde, but to do with
our wealth all the good wc can in the world ; for
we both consider it only held in trust for God.
You will help us to spend it aright, Aunt Janet?'

* Lord, it is enough ! ' they heard her whisper
under her breath, and beyond that she spoke no
more. By and by she rose up, and stole out ol
the room, leaving husband and wife together to
talk and plan for the future which was so bright
with promise. She put a shawl about her, and
went down to the head of the kitchen stair.

' Marget ! ' she called softly.

In an instant Marget obeyed the summons.

* Pit a shawl aboot ye, my wummin,' said hei
mistress, ' an' come oot efter me, an' we'll tak a
turn i' the starlicht'

Marget nodded violently, and while she ran for
her shawl. Miss Nesbit softly opened the front door
and stole out into the night. Oh, but it was fair,
and calm, and peaceful ! No sound broke the still-
ness but the whisper of the summer wind among
the leave.c, and the breaking of the tiny waves of
the loch upon the pebbly shore. Slowly she
wended her way by the familiar path to the little
gate opening upon the edge of the loch. Her
heart was full — full to overflowing with peace,

'A PILLAR a STRENGTir

3»7

and joy, and thankfulness unspeakable. The past
had been dark oftentimes, and inscrutable to her
shadowed eyes. She had missed the chief joy and
completeness of womanhood, but she could look
back without regret, nay, rather with gratitude,
that it had been so ordered, for the crown of her
life had come to her now in tlje consecration of
her bairns to the service of the Lord, in the build-
ing "p of the house of her fathers, and in the
blossoming of lovely hopes for the future.

Marget found her with her arms folded on the
wicket, and her head bowed down upon them — not
in sorrow, Marget rejoiced to know, but in great
joy.

* Eh, mem, my heart's fair like tae rin ower the
nicht,* said the faithful soul, * for your sake an' for
the bairns'.' %

*Ay, Marget,* said Miss Nesbit, and turning
about suddenly, she took the rough hands in her
firm, gentle clasp, and looked straight into the
honest eyes. * Eh, wummin, but ye hae been a
faithfu' freen an' i pillar o' strength tae me a' my
days ! '

*Ye hinna regrettit, then, that I took the law
intil my ain hands yon time when ye set me awa?*
asked Marget bluntly.

* It was the Lord's daein', Marget. But for you
J couldna hae come through what 1 hae.*

Ill t

3i»

^1 L DERS YDE : A BORDER STOR Y.

' An* but for you, guid only kens whaur I micht
hae been,' said Margct tremulously. ' Weel, mem,
tae leeve a' my days wi* you at Windy knowe, an*
dee in't if the Lord wuU, is a' I seek ; an' syne a
buryin' up yonder aside them that's awa.*

Then a silence fell upon them, and the thoughts
of each went back to long gone days which were
fraught with most precious memories.

* The twenty-third was my mither's psalm,* said
Miss Nesbit dreamily. ' D'ye mind hoo she lo'ed
the words, " He leadeth me by the still waters"?'

'Ay, I mind,* answered Marget very low.

*A' this day, Marget, I hae heard her sayin't
ower an' ower. I think she kens a' up yonder, an'
sees the firm buildin' up o' Aldersyde,' continued
Miss Nesbit with a strange, far-off look on her
face. * Efter the swell o' tl^ warld's sea, we're
anchored in the still waters at last, Marget.*

* Tae His name be a' the praise,' Marget answered
reverently.

As they turned to go, the summer clouds cleared
away beyond the chapel of St. Mary, and the first
faint beams of the rising moon trembled on the
bosom of the loch. And above solemn Bourhope
many stars were shining.

THE END.

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