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diff --git a/6944-h/6944-h.htm b/6944-h/6944-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..93c3fa8 --- /dev/null +++ b/6944-h/6944-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,28805 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" +"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Heart of Mid-Lothian, by Walter Scott</title> +<link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> +<style type="text/css"> + + body { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify;} + p { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + +<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Heart of Mid-Lothian, by Sir Walter Scott</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and +most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms +of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online +at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you +are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the +country where you are located before using this eBook. +</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Heart of Mid-Lothian</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Sir Walter Scott</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: 23, 2006 [eBook #6944]<br /> +[Most recently updated: November 19, 2020]</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: David Widger</div> +<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HEART OF MID-LOTHIAN ***</div> + + + <h1> + The Heart of Mid-Lothian + </h1> + + <h2> + By Walter Sir Walter Scott + </h2> + <p> + <a name="image-0001" id="image-0001"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/cover.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="Bookcover " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + <a name="image-0002" id="image-0002"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/spines.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="Spines " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <h2> + THE HEART OF MID-LOTHIAN + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Walter Scott + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + TALES OF MY LANDLORD<br /> COLLECTED AND ARRANGED<br /> BY JEDEDIAH + CLEISHBOTHAM,<br /> SCHOOLMASTER AND PARISH CLERK <br />OF GANDERCLEUGH. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + SECOND SERIES. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="image-0003" id="image-0003"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="Frontispiece " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + <a name="image-0004" id="image-0004"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/titlepage1.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="Titlepage_1 " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + <a name="image-0005" id="image-0005"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/firstpoem.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="First Poem " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + CONTENTS + </h2> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> THE HEART OF MID-LOTHIAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> EDITOR’S INTRODUCTION TO THE HEART OF + MID-LOTHIAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION TO THE HEART OF MID-LOTHIAN—(1830). + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> POSTSCRIPT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> INTRODUCTORY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> THE HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER FIRST. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER SECOND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER THIRD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER FOURTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER FIFTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER SIXTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER SEVENTH </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER EIGHTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER NINTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER TENTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER ELEVENTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER TWELFTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER THIRTEENTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER FOURTEENTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER FIFTEENTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER SIXTEENTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER NINETEENTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER TWENTIETH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER TWENTY-FIRST. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER TWENTY-SECOND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER TWENTY-THIRD. </a> + </p> + <h3> + VOLUME II. + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2H_4_0004"> THE HEART OF MID-LOTHIAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0001"> CHAPTER FIRST. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0002"> CHAPTER SECOND </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0003"> CHAPTER THIRD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0004"> CHAPTER FOURTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0005"> CHAPTER FIFTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0006"> CHAPTER SIXTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0007"> CHAPTER SEVENTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0008"> CHAPTER EIGHTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0009"> CHAPTER NINTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0010"> CHAPTER TENTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0011"> CHAPTER ELEVENTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0012"> CHAPTER TWELFTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0013"> CHAPTER THIRTEETH </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0014"> CHAPTER FOURTEENTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0015"> CHAPTER FIFTEENTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0016"> CHAPTER SIXTEENTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0017"> CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0018"> CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0019"> CHAPTER NINETEENTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0020"> CHAPTER TWENTIETH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0021"> CHAPTER TWENTY-FIRST. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0022"> CHAPTER TWENTY-SECOND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0023"> CHAPTER TWENTY-THIRD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0024"> CHAPTER TWENTY-FOURTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0025"> CHAPTER TWENTY-FIFTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0026"> CHAPTER TWENTY-SIXTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0027"> CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVENTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2HCH0028"> CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHTH. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#notes">NOTES</a> + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#note_a"> NOTE A.—AUTHOR’S CONNECTION WITH QUAKERISM </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2H_4_0033"> NOTE B.—TOMBSTONE TO HELEN WALKER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2H_4_0034"> NOTE C.—THE OLD TOLBOOTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2H_4_0035"> NOTE D—THE PORTEOUS MOB. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2H_4_0036"> NOTE E.—CARSPHARN JOHN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2H_4_0037"> NOTE F.—PETER WALKER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2H_4_0038"> NOTE G.—MUSCHAT’S CAIRN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2H_4_0039"> NOTE H.—HANGMAN, OR LOCKMAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2H_4_0040"> NOTE I.—THE FAIRY BOY OF LEITH, </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2H_4_0041"> NOTE J.—COVENANTERS WITH THE INVISIBLE + WORLD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2H_4_0042"> NOTE K.—CHILD-MURDER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2H_4_0043"> NOTE L.—CALUMNIATOR OF THE FAIR SEX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2H_4_0044"> NOTE M.—Sir William Dick of Braid. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2H_4_0045"> NOTE N.—Doomster, or Dempster, of Court. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2H_4_0046"> NOTE O.—John Duke of Argyle and + Greenwich. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2H_4_0047"> NOTE P.—Expulsion of the Bishops. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2H_4_0048"> NOTE Q.—Half-hanged Maggie Dickson. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2H_4_0049"> NOTE R.—Madge Wildfire. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2H_4_0050"> NOTE S.—Death of Francis Gordon. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Alink2H_4_0051"> NOTE T.—Tolling to Service in Scotland. + </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + List of Illustrations + </h2> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0001"> Bookcover </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0002"> Spine </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0003"> Frontispiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0004"> Titlepage </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0005"> First Poem </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0006"> Tolbooth, Cannongate </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0007"> The Porteous Mob </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0008"> The Laird in Jeanie’s Cottage </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0009"> “Jeanie—I Say, Jeanie, Woman” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0010"> St. Anthony’s Chapel </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0011"> Muschat’s Cairn </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0012"> Jeanie and Effie </a> + </p> + <h3> + VOLUME II. + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Aimage-0004"> Jeanie and the Laird of Dumbiedykes </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Aimage-0005"> Jennie in the Outlaws Hut </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Aimage-0006"> Madge and Jennie </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Aimage-0007"> A “summat” to Eat and Drink </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Aimage-0008"> Jeanie and Queen Caroline </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Aimage-0009"> The Captain of Knockdunder </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Aimage-0010"> Death of Sir George Staunton </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#Aimage-0011"> Jeanie Dean’s Cottage </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE HEART OF MID-LOTHIAN. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Hear, Land o’ Cakes and brither Scots, + Frae Maidenkirk to Johnny Groat’s, + If there’s a hole in a’ your coats, + I rede ye tent it; + A chiel’s amang you takin’ notes, + An’ faith he’ll prent it! + Burns. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EDITOR’S INTRODUCTION TO THE HEART OF MID-LOTHIAN. + </h2> + <p> + SCOTT began to work on “The Heart of Mid-Lothian” almost before he had + completed “Rob Roy.” On Nov. 10, 1817, he writes to Archibald Constable + announcing that the negotiations for the sale of the story to Messrs. + Longman have fallen through, their firm declining to relieve the + Ballantynes of their worthless “stock.” “So you have the staff in your own + hands, and, as you are on the spot, can manage it your own way. Depend on + it that, barring unforeseen illness or death, these will be the best + volumes which have appeared. I pique myself on the first tale, which is + called ‘The Heart of Mid-Lothian.’” Sir Walter had thought of adding a + romance, “The Regalia,” on the Scotch royal insignia, which had been + rediscovered in the Castle of Edinburgh. This story he never wrote. Mr. + Cadell was greatly pleased at ousting the Longmans—“they have + themselves to blame for the want of the Tales, and may grumble as they + choose: we have Taggy by the tail, and, if we have influence to keep the + best author of the day, we ought to do it.”—[Archibald Constable, + iii. 104.] + </p> + <p> + Though contemplated and arranged for, “The Heart of Mid-Lothian” was not + actually taken in hand till shortly after Jan. 15, 1818, when Cadell + writes that the tracts and pamphlets on the affair of Porteous are to be + collected for Scott. “The author was in great glee . . . he says that he + feels very strong with what he has now in hand.” But there was much + anxiety concerning Scott’s health. “I do not at all like this illness of + Scott’s,” said James Ballantyne to Hogg. “I have eften seen him look jaded + of late, and am afraid it is serious.” “Hand your tongue, or I’ll gar you + measure your length on the pavement,” replied Hogg. “You fause, + down-hearted loon, that ye are, you daur to speak as if Scott were on his + death-bed! It cannot be, it must not be! I will not suffer you to speak + that gait.” Scott himself complains to Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe of + “these damned spasms. The merchant Abudah’s hag was a henwife to them when + they give me a real night of it.” + </p> + <p> + “The Heart of Mid-Lothian,” in spite of the author’s malady, was published + in June 1818. As to its reception, and the criticism which it received, + Lockhart has left nothing to be gleaned. Contrary to his custom, he has + published, but without the writer’s name, a letter from Lady Louisa + Stuart, which really exhausts what criticism can find to say about the new + novel. “I have not only read it myself,” says Lady Louisa, “but am in a + house where everybody is tearing it out of each other’s hands, and talking + of nothing else.” She preferred it to all but “Waverley,” and + congratulates him on having made “the perfectly good character the most + interesting. . . . Had this very story been conducted by a common hand, + Effie would have attracted all our concern and sympathy, Jeanie only cold + approbation. Whereas Jeanie, without youth, beauty, genius, warns + passions, or any other novel-perfection, is here our object from beginning + to end.” Lady Louisa, with her usual frankness, finds the Edinburgh + lawyers tedious, in the introduction, and thinks that Mr. Saddletree “will + not entertain English readers.” The conclusion “flags”; “but the chief + fault I have to find relates to the reappearance and shocking fate of the + boy. I hear on all sides ‘Oh, I do not like that!’ I cannot say what I + would have had instead, but I do not like it either; it is a lame, huddled + conclusion. I know you so well in it, by-the-by! You grow tired yourself, + want to get rid of the story, and hardly care how.” Lady Lousia adds that + Sir George Staunton would never have hazarded himself in the streets of + Edinburgh. “The end of poor Madge Wildfire is most pathetic. The meeting + at Muschat’s Cairn tremendous. Dumbiedikes and Rory Beau are delightful. . + . . I dare swear many of your readers never heard of the Duke of Argyle + before.” She ends: “If I had known nothing, and the whole world had told + me the contrary, I should have found you out in that one parenthesis, ‘for + the man was mortal, and had been a schoolmaster.’” + </p> + <p> + Lady Louisa omits a character who was probably as essential to Scott’s + scheme as any—Douce Davie Deans, the old Cameronian. He had almost + been annoyed by the criticism of his Covenanters in “Old Mortality,” “the + heavy artillery out of the Christian Instructor or some such obscure field + work,” and was determined to “tickle off” another. There are signs of a + war between literary Cavaliers and literary Covenanters at this time, + after the discharge of Dr. McCrie’s “heavy artillery.” Charles Kirkpatrick + Sharpe was presented by Surtees of Mainsforth with a manuscript of + Kirkton’s unprinted “History of the Church of Scotland.” This he set forth + to edite, with the determination not to “let the Whig dogs have the best + of it.” Every Covenanting scandal and absurdity, such as the old story of + Mess David Williamson—“Dainty Davie”—and his remarkable + prowess, and presence of mind at Cherrytrees, was raked up, and inserted + in notes to Kirkton. Scott was Sharpe’s ally in this enterprise. “I had in + the persons of my forbears a full share, you see, of religious persecution + . . . for all my greatgrandfathers were under the ban, and I think there + were hardly two of them out of jail at once.” “I think it would be most + scandalous to let the godly carry it oft thus.” “It” seems to have been + the editing of Kirkton. “It is very odd the volume of Wodrow, containing + the memoir of Russell concerning the murder, is positively vanished from + the library” (the Advocates’ Library). “Neither book nor receipt is to be + found: surely they have stolen it in the fear of the Lord.” The truth + seems to have been that Cavaliers and Covenanters were racing for the + manuscripts wherein they found smooth stones of the brook to pelt their + opponents withal. Soon after Scott writes: “It was not without exertion + and trouble that I this day detected Russell’s manuscript (the account of + the murder of Sharpe by one of the murderers), also Kirkton and one or two + others, which Mr. McCrie had removed from their place in the library and + deposited in a snug and secret corner.” The Covenanters had made a raid on + the ammunition of the Cavaliers. “I have given,” adds Sir Walter, “an + infernal row on the subject of hiding books in this manner.” Sharpe + replies that the “villainous biographer of John Knox” (Dr. McCrie), “that + canting rogue,” is about to edite Kirkton. Sharpe therefore advertised his + own edition at once, and edited Kirkton by forced marches as it were. + Scott reviewed the book in the Quarterly (Jan. 1818). He remarked that + Sharpe “had not escaped the censure of these industrious literary + gentlemen of opposite principles, who have suffered a work always relied + upon as one of their chief authorities to lie dormant for a hundred and + forty years.” Their “querulous outcries” (probably from the field-work of + the Christian Instructor) he disregards. Among the passions of this + literary “bicker,” which Scott allowed to amuse him, was Davie Deans + conceived. Scott was not going to be driven by querulous outcries off the + Covenanting field, where he erected another trophy. This time he was more + friendly to the “True Blue Presbyterians.” His Scotch patriotism was one + of his most earnest feelings, the Covenanters, at worst, were essentially + Scotch, and he introduced a new Cameronian, with all the sterling honesty, + the Puritanism, the impracticable ideas of the Covenant, in contact with + changed times, and compelled to compromise. + </p> + <p> + He possessed a curious pamphlet, Haldane’s “Active Testimony of the true + blue Presbyterians” (12mo, 1749). It is a most impartial work, “containing + a declaration and testimony against the late unjust invasion of Scotland + by Charles, Pretended Prince of Wales, and William, Pretended Duke of + Cumberland.” Everything and everybody not Covenanted, the House of Stuart, + the House of Brunswick, the House of Hapsburg, Papists, Prelatists and + Turks, are cursed up hill and down dale, by these worthy survivors of the + Auld Leaven. Everybody except the authors, Haldane and Leslie, “has broken + the everlasting Covenant.” The very Confession of Westminster is arraigned + for its laxity. “The whole Civil and Judicial Law of God,” as given to the + Jews (except the ritual, polygamy, divorce, slavery, and so forth), is to + be maintained in the law of Scotland. Sins are acknowledged, and since the + Covenant every political step—Cromwell’s Protectorate, the + Restoration, the Revolution, the accession of the “Dukes of Hanover”—has + been a sin. A Court of Elders is to be established to put in execution the + Law of Moses. All offenders against the Kirk are to be “capitally + punished.” Stage plays are to be suppressed by the successors of the + famous convention at Lanark, Anno 1682. Toleration of all religions is + “sinful,” and “contrary to the word of God.” Charles Edward and the Duke + of Cumberland are cursed. “Also we reckon it a great vice in Charles, his + foolish Pity and Lenity, in sparing these profane, blasphemous Redcoats, + that Providence delivered into his hand, when, by putting them to death, + this poor land might have been eased of the heavy burden of these vermin + of Hell.” The Auld Leaven swore terribly in Scotland. The atrocious + cruelties of Cumberland after Culloden are stated with much frankness and + power. The German soldiers are said to have carried off “a vast deal of + Spoil and Plunder into Germany,” and the Redcoats had Plays and Diversions + (cricket, probably) on the Inch of Perth, on a Sabbath. “The Hellish, + Pagan, Juggler plays are set up and frequented with more impudence and + audacity than ever.” Only the Jews, “our elder Brethren,” are exempted + from the curses of Haldane and Leslie, who promise to recover for them the + Holy Land. “The Massacre in Edinburgh” in 1736, by wicked Porteous, calls + for vengeance upon the authors and abettors thereof. The army and navy are + “the most wicked and flagitious in the Universe.” In fact, the True Blue + Testimony is very active indeed, and could be delivered, thanks to hellish + Toleration, with perfect safety, by Leslie and Haldane. The candour of + their eloquence assuredly proves that Davie Deans is not overdrawn; + indeed, he is much less truculent than those who actually were testifying + even after his decease. + </p> + <p> + In “The Heart of Mid-Lothian” Scott set himself to draw his own people at + their best. He had a heroine to his hand in Helen Walker, “a character so + distinguished for her undaunted love of virtue,” who, unlike Jeanie Deans, + “lived and died in poverty, if not want.” In 1831 he erected a pillar over + her grave in the old Covenanting stronghold of Irongray. The inscription + ends— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Respect the Grave of Poverty, + When combined with Love of Truth + And Dear Affection. +</pre> + <p> + The sweetness, the courage, the spirit, the integrity of Jeanie Deans have + made her, of all Scott’s characters, the dearest to her countrymen, and + the name of Jeanie was given to many children, in pious memory of the + blameless heroine. The foil to her, in the person of Effie, is not less + admirable. Among Scott’s qualities was one rare among modern authors: he + had an affectionate toleration for his characters. If we compare Effie + with Hetty in “Adam Bede,” this charming and genial quality of Scott’s + becomes especially striking. Hetty and Dinah are in very much the same + situation and condition as Effie and Jeanie Deans. But Hetty is a + frivolous little animal, in whom vanity and silliness do duty for passion: + she has no heart: she is only a butterfly broken on the wheel of the + world. Doubtless there are such women in plenty, yet we feel that her + creator persecutes her, and has a kind of spite against her. This was + impossible to Scott. Effie has heart, sincerity, passion, loyalty, despite + her flightiness, and her readiness, when her chance comes, to play the + fine lady. It was distasteful to Scott to create a character not human and + sympathetic on one side or another. Thus his robber “of milder mood,” on + Jeanie’s journey to England, is comparatively a good fellow, and the + scoundrel Ratcliffe is not a scoundrel utterly. “‘To make a Lang tale + short, I canna undertake the job. It gangs against my conscience.’ ‘Your + conscience, Rat?’ said Sharpitlaw, with a sneer, which the reader will + probably think very natural upon the occasion. ‘Ou ay, sir,’ answered + Ratcliffe, calmly, ‘just my conscience; a body has a conscience, though it + may be ill wunnin at it. I think mine’s as weel out o’ the gate as maist + folk’s are; and yet it’s just like the noop of my elbow, it whiles gets a + bit dirl on a corner.’” Scott insists on leaving his worst people in + possession of something likeable, just as he cannot dismiss even Captain + Craigengelt without assuring us that Bucklaw made a provision for his + necessities. This is certainly a more humane way of writing fiction than + that to which we are accustomed in an age of humanitarianism. Nor does + Scott’s art suffer from his kindliness, and Effie in prison, with a heart + to be broken, is not less pathetic than the heartless Hetty, in the same + condemnation. + </p> + <p> + As to her lover, Robertson, or Sir George Staunton, he certainly verges on + the melodramatic. Perhaps we know too much about the real George + Robertson, who was no heir to a title in disguise, but merely a “stabler + in Bristol” accused “at the instance of Duncan Forbes, Esq. of Culloden, + his Majesty’s advocate, for the crimes of Stouthrieff, Housebreaking, and + Robbery.” Robertson “kept an inn in Bristo, at Edinburgh, where the + Newcastle carrier commonly did put up,” and is believed to have been a + married man. It is not very clear that the novel gains much by the + elevation of the Bristo innkeeper to a baronetcy, except in so far as + Effie’s appearance in the character of a great lady is entertaining and + characteristic, and Jeanie’s conquest of her own envy is exemplary. The + change in social rank calls for the tragic conclusion, about which almost + every reader agrees with the criticism of Lady Louisa Stuart and her + friends. Thus the novel “filled more pages” than Mr. Jedediah Cleishbotham + had “opined,” and hence comes a languor which does not beset the story of + “Old Mortality.” Scott’s own love of adventure and of stirring incidents + at any cost is an excellent quality in a novelist, but it does, in this + instance, cause him somewhat to dilute those immortal studies of Scotch + character which are the strength of his genius. The reader feels a lack of + reality in the conclusion, the fatal encounter of the father and the lost + son, an incident as old as the legend of Odysseus. But this is more than + atoned for by the admirable part of Madge Wildfire, flitting like a <i>feu + follet</i> up and down among the douce Scotch, and the dour rioters. Madge + Wildfire is no repetition of Meg Merrilies, though both are unrestrained + natural things, rebels against the settled life, musical voices out of the + past, singing forgotten songs of nameless minstrels. Nowhere but in + Shakspeare can we find such a distraught woman as Madge Wildfire, so near + akin to nature and to the moods of “the bonny lady Moon.” Only he who + created Ophelia could have conceived or rivalled the scene where Madge + accompanies the hunters of Staunton on the moonlit hill and sings her + warnings to the fugitive. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + When the glede’s in the blue cloud, + The lavrock lies still; + When the hound’s in the green-wood, + The hind keeps the hill. + There’s a bloodhound ranging Tinwald wood, + There’s harness glancing sheen; + There’s a maiden sits on Tinwald brae, + And she sings loud between. + O sleep ye sound, Sir James, she said, + When ye suld rise and ride? + There’s twenty men, wi’ bow and blade, + Are seeking where ye hide. +</pre> + <p> + The madness of Madge Wildfire has its parallel in the wildness of Goethe’s + Marguerite, both of them lamenting the lost child, which, to Madge’s + fancy, is now dead, now living in a dream. But the gloom that hangs about + Muschat’s Cairn, the ghastly vision of “crying up Ailie Muschat, and she + and I will hae a grand bouking-washing, and bleach our claise in the beams + of the bonny Lady Moon,” have a terror beyond the German, and are + unexcelled by Webster or by Ford. “But the moon, and the dew, and the + night-wind, they are just like a caller kail-blade laid on my brow; and + whiles I think the moon just shines on purpose to pleasure me, when + naebody sees her but mysell.” Scott did not deal much in the facile pathos + of the death-bed, but that of Madge Wildfire has a grace of poetry, and + her latest song is the sweetest and wildest of his lyrics, the most + appropriate in its setting. When we think of the contrasts to her—the + honest, dull good-nature of Dumbiedikes; the common-sense and humour of + Mrs. Saddletree; the pragmatic pedantry of her husband; the Highland + pride, courage, and absurdity of the Captain of Knockdander—when we + consider all these so various and perfect creations, we need not wonder + that Scott was “in high glee” over “The Heart of Mid-Lothian,” “felt + himself very strong,” and thought that these would be “the best volumes + that have appeared.” The difficulty, as usual, is to understand how, in + all this strength, he permitted himself to be so careless over what is + really by far the easiest part of the novelist’s task—the + construction. But so it was; about “The Monastery” he said, “it was + written with as much care as the rest, that is, with no care at all.” His + genius flowed free in its own unconscious abundance: where conscious + deliberate workmanship was needed, “the forthright craftsman’s hand,” + there alone he was lax and irresponsible. In Shakspeare’s case we can + often account for similar incongruities by the constraint of the old plot + which he was using; but Scott was making his own plots, or letting them + make themselves. “I never could lay down a plan, or, having laid it down, + I never could adhere to it; the action of composition always diluted some + passages and abridged or omitted others; and personages were rendered + important or insignificant, not according to their agency in the original + conception of the plan, but according to the success or otherwise with + which I was able to bring them out. I only tried to make that which I was + actually writing diverting and interesting, leaving the rest to fate. . . + When I chain my mind to ideas which are purely imaginative—for + argument is a different thing—it seems to me that the sun leaves the + landscape, that I think away the whole vivacity and spirit of my original + conception, and that the results are cold, tame, and spiritless.” + </p> + <p> + In fact, Sir Walter was like the Magician who can raise spirits that, once + raised, dominate him. Probably this must ever be the case, when an + author’s characters are not puppets but real creations. They then have a + will and a way of their own; a free-will which their creator cannot + predetermine and correct. Something like this appears to have been Scott’s + own theory of his lack of constructive power. No one was so assured of its + absence, no one criticised it more severely than he did himself. The + Edinburgh Review about this time counselled the “Author of Waverley” to + attempt a drama, doubting only his powers of compression. Possibly work at + a drama might have been of advantage to the genius of Scott. He was + unskilled in selection and rejection, which the drama especially demands. + But he detested the idea of writing for actors, whom he regarded as + ignorant, dull, and conceited. “I shall not fine and renew a lease of + popularity upon the theatre. To write for low, ill-informed, and conceited + actors, whom you must please, for your success is necessarily at their + mercy, I cannot away with,” he wrote to Southey. “Avowedly, I will never + write for the stage; if I do, ‘call me horse,’” he remarks to Terry. He + wanted “neither the profit nor the shame of it.” “I do not think that the + character of the audience in London is such that one could have the least + pleasure in pleasing them.” He liked helping Terry to “Terryfy” “The Heart + of Mid-Lothian,” and his other novels, but he had no more desire than a + senator of Rome would have had to see his name become famous by the + Theatre. This confirmed repulsion in one so learned in the dramatic poets + is a curious trait in Scott’s character. He could not accommodate his + genius to the needs of the stage, and that crown which has most potently + allured most men of genius he would have thrust away, had it been offered + to him, with none of Caesar’s reluctance. At the bottom of all this lay + probably the secret conviction that his genius was his master, that it + must take him where it would, on paths where he was compelled to follow. + Terse and concentrated, of set purpose, he could not be. A notable + instance of this inability occurs in the Introductory Chapter to “The + Heart of Mid-Lothian,” which has probably frightened away many modern + readers. The Advocate and the Writer to the Signet and the poor Client are + persons quite uncalled for, and their little adventure at Gandercleugh is + unreal. Oddly enough, part of their conversation is absolutely in the + manner of Dickens. + </p> + <p> + “‘I think,’ said I, . . . ‘the metropolitan county may, in that case, be + said to have a sad heart.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Right as my glove, Mr. Pattieson,’ added Mr. Hardie; ‘and a close heart, + and a hard heart—Keep it up, Jack.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘And a wicked heart, and a poor heart,’ answered Halkit, doing his best. + </p> + <p> + “‘And yet it may be called in some sort a strong heart, and a high heart,’ + rejoined the advocate. ‘You see I can put you both out of heart.’” + </p> + <p> + Fortunately we have no more of this easy writing, which makes such very + melancholy reading. + </p> + <p> + The narrative of the Porteous mob, as given by the novelist, is not, it + seems, entirely accurate. Like most artists, Sir Walter took the liberty + of “composing” his picture. In his “Illustrations of the Author of + Waverley” (1825) Mr. Robert Chambers records the changes in facts made by + Scott. In the first place, Wilson did not attack his guard, and enable + Robertson to escape, after the sermon, but as soon as the criminals took + their seats in the pew. When fleeing out, Robertson tripped over “the + plate,” set on a stand to receive alms and oblations, whereby he hurt + himself, and was seen to stagger and fall in running down the stairs + leading to the Cowgate. Mr. McQueen, Minister of the New Kirk, was coming + up the stairs. He conceived it to be his duty to set Robertson on his feet + again, “and covered his retreat as much as possible from the pursuit of + the guard.” Robertson ran up the Horse Wynd, out at Potter Row Port, got + into the King’s Park, and headed for the village of Duddingston, beside + the loch on the south-east of Arthur’s Seat. He fainted after jumping a + dyke, but was picked up and given some refreshment. He lay in hiding till + he could escape to Holland. + </p> + <p> + The conspiracy to hang Porteous did not, in fact, develop in a few hours, + after his failure to appear on the scaffold. The Queen’s pardon (or a + reprieve) reached Edinburgh on Thursday, Sept. 2; the Riot occurred on the + night of Sept. 7. The council had been informed that lynching was + intended, thirty-six hours before the fatal evening, but pronounced the + reports to be “caddies’ clatters.” Their negligence, of course, must have + increased the indignation of the Queen. The riot, according to a very old + man, consulted by Mr. Chambers, was headed by two butchers, named Cumming, + “tall, strong, and exceedingly handsome men, who dressed in women’s + clothes as a disguise.” The rope was tossed out of a window in a “small + wares shop” by a woman, who received a piece of gold in exchange. This + extravagance is one of the very few points which suggest that people of + some wealth may have been concerned in the affair. Tradition, according to + Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe, believed in noble leaders of the riot. It is + certain that several witnesses of good birth and position testified very + strongly against Porteous, at his trial. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +According to Hogg, Scott’s “fame was now so firmly established that he +cared not a fig for the opinion of his literary friends beforehand.” He +was pleased, however, by the notice of “Ivanhoe,” “The Heart of +Mid-Lothian,” and “The Bride of Lammermoor” in the Edinburgh Review of +1820, as he showed by quoting part of its remarks. The Reviewer frankly +observed “that, when we began with one of these works, we were conscious +that we never knew how to leave off. The Porteous mob is rather heavily +described, and the whole part of George Robertson, or Staunton, is +extravagant and displeasing. The final catastrophe is needlessly +improbable and startling.” The critic felt that he must be critical, but +his praise of Effie and Jeanie Deans obviously comes from his heart. +Jeanie’s character “is superior to anything we can recollect in the +history of invention . . . a remarkable triumph over the greatest of all +difficulties in the conduct of a fictitious narrative.” The critique +ends with “an earnest wish that the Author would try his hand in the +lore of Shakspeare”; but, wiser than the woers of Penelope, Scott +refused to make that perilous adventure. + ANDREW LANG. +</pre> + <p> + An essay by Mr. George Ormond, based on manuscripts in the Edinburgh + Record office (Scottish Review, July, 1892), adds little to what is known + about the Porteous Riot. It is said that Porteous was let down alive, and + hanged again, more than once, that his arm was broken by a Lochaber axe, + and that a torch was applied to the foot from which the shoe had fallen. A + pamphlet of 1787 says that Robertson became a spy on smugglers in Holland, + returned to London, procured a pardon through the Butcher Cumberland, and + “at last died in misery in London.” It is plain that Colonel Moyle might + have rescued Porteous, but he was naturally cautious about entering the + city gates without a written warrant from the civil authorities. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + TO THE BEST OF PATRONS, + A PLEASED AND INDULGENT READER +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + JEDEDIAH CLEISHBOTHAM + WISHES HEALTH, AND INCREASE, AND CONTENTMENT. +</pre> + <p> + Courteous Reader, + </p> + <p> + If ingratitude comprehendeth every vice, surely so foul a stain worst of + all beseemeth him whose life has been devoted to instructing youth in + virtue and in humane letters. Therefore have I chosen, in this + prolegomenon, to unload my burden of thanks at thy feet, for the favour + with which thou last kindly entertained the Tales of my Landlord. Certes, + if thou hast chuckled over their factious and festivous descriptions, or + hadst thy mind filled with pleasure at the strange and pleasant turns of + fortune which they record, verily, I have also simpered when I beheld a + second storey with attics, that has arisen on the basis of my small + domicile at Gandercleugh, the walls having been aforehand pronounced by + Deacon Barrow to be capable of enduring such an elevation. Nor has it been + without delectation that I have endued a new coat (snuff-brown, and with + metal buttons), having all nether garments corresponding thereto. We do + therefore lie, in respect of each other, under a reciprocation of + benefits, whereof those received by me being the most solid (in respect + that a new house and a new coat are better than a new tale and an old + song), it is meet that my gratitude should be expressed with the louder + voice and more preponderating vehemence. And how should it be so + expressed?—Certainly not in words only, but in act and deed. It is + with this sole purpose, and disclaiming all intention of purchasing that + pendicle or poffle of land called the Carlinescroft, lying adjacent to my + garden, and measuring seven acres, three roods, and four perches, that I + have committed to the eyes of those who thought well of the former tomes, + these four additional volumes of the Tales of my Landlord. Not the less, + if Peter Prayfort be minded to sell the said poffle, it is at his own + choice to say so; and, peradventure, he may meet with a purchaser: unless + (gentle reader) the pleasing pourtraictures of Peter Pattieson, now given + unto thee in particular, and unto the public in general, shall have lost + their favour in thine eyes, whereof I am no way distrustful. And so much + confidence do I repose in thy continued favour, that, should thy lawful + occasions call thee to the town of Gandercleugh, a place frequented by + most at one time or other in their lives, I will enrich thine eyes with a + sight of those precious manuscripts whence thou hast derived so much + delectation, thy nose with a snuff from my mull, and thy palate with a + dram from my bottle of strong waters, called by the learned of + Gandercleugh, the Dominie’s Dribble o’ Drink. + </p> + <p> + It is there, O highly esteemed and beloved reader, thou wilt be able to + bear testimony, through the medium of thine own senses, against the + children of vanity, who have sought to identify thy friend and servant + with I know not what inditer of vain fables; who hath cumbered the world + with his devices, but shrunken from the responsibility thereof. Truly, + this hath been well termed a generation hard of faith; since what can a + man do to assert his property in a printed tome, saving to put his name in + the title-page thereof, with his description, or designation, as the + lawyers term it, and place of abode? Of a surety I would have such + sceptics consider how they themselves would brook to have their works + ascribed to others, their names and professions imputed as forgeries, and + their very existence brought into question; even although, peradventure, + it may be it is of little consequence to any but themselves, not only + whether they are living or dead, but even whether they ever lived or no. + Yet have my maligners carried their uncharitable censures still farther. + </p> + <p> + These cavillers have not only doubted mine identity, although thus plainly + proved, but they have impeached my veracity and the authenticity of my + historical narratives! Verily, I can only say in answer, that I have been + cautelous in quoting mine authorities. It is true, indeed, that if I had + hearkened with only one ear, I might have rehearsed my tale with more + acceptation from those who love to hear but half the truth. It is, it may + hap, not altogether to the discredit of our kindly nation of Scotland, + that we are apt to take an interest, warm, yea partial, in the deeds and + sentiments of our forefathers. He whom his adversaries describe as a + perjured Prelatist, is desirous that his predecessors should be held + moderate in their power, and just in their execution of its privileges, + when truly, the unimpassioned peruser of the annals of those times shall + deem them sanguinary, violent, and tyrannical. Again, the representatives + of the suffering Nonconformists desire that their ancestors, the + Cameronians, shall be represented not simply as honest enthusiasts, + oppressed for conscience’ sake, but persons of fine breeding, and valiant + heroes. Truly, the historian cannot gratify these predilections. He must + needs describe the cavaliers as proud and high-spirited, cruel, + remorseless, and vindictive; the suffering party as honourably tenacious + of their opinions under persecution; their own tempers being, however, + sullen, fierce, and rude; their opinions absurd and extravagant; and their + whole course of conduct that of persons whom hellebore would better have + suited than prosecutions unto death for high-treason. Natheless, while + such and so preposterous were the opinions on either side, there were, it + cannot be doubted, men of virtue and worth on both, to entitle either + party to claim merit from its martyrs. It has been demanded of me, + Jedediah Cleishbotham, by what right I am entitled to constitute myself an + impartial judge of their discrepancies of opinions, seeing (as it is + stated) that I must necessarily have descended from one or other of the + contending parties, and be, of course, wedded for better or for worse, + according to the reasonable practice of Scotland, to its dogmata, or + opinions, and bound, as it were, by the tie matrimonial, or, to speak + without metaphor, <i>ex jure sanguinis,</i> to maintain them in preference + to all others. + </p> + <p> + But, nothing denying the rationality of the rule, which calls on all now + living to rule their political and religious opinions by those of their + great-grandfathers, and inevitable as seems the one or the other horn of + the dilemma betwixt which my adversaries conceive they have pinned me to + the wall, I yet spy some means of refuge, and claim a privilege to write + and speak of both parties with impartiality. For, O ye powers of logic! + when the Prelatists and Presbyterians of old times went together by the + ears in this unlucky country, my ancestor (venerated be his memory!) was + one of the people called Quakers, and suffered severe handling from either + side, even to the extenuation of his purse and the incarceration of his + person. + </p> + <p> + Craving thy pardon, gentle Reader, for these few words concerning me and + mine, I rest, as above expressed, thy sure and obligated friend,* + </p> + <p> + J. C. GANDERCLEUGH, this 1st of April, 1818. + </p> + <p> + * Note A. Author’s connection with Quakerism. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION TO THE HEART OF MID-LOTHIAN—(1830). + </h2> + <p> + The author has stated, in the preface to the Chronicles of the Canongate, + 1827, that he received from an anonymous correspondent an account of the + incident upon which the following story is founded. He is now at liberty + to say, that the information was conveyed to him by a late amiable and + ingenious lady, whose wit and power of remarking and judging of character + still survive in the memory of her friends. Her maiden name was Miss Helen + Lawson, of Girthhead, and she was wife of Thomas Goldie, Esq. of + Craigmuie, Commissary of Dumfries. + </p> + <p> + Her communication was in these words:— + </p> + <p> + “I had taken for summer lodgings a cottage near the old Abbey of + Lincluden. It had formerly been inhabited by a lady who had pleasure in + embellishing cottages, which she found perhaps homely and even poor + enough; mine, therefore, possessed many marks of taste and elegance + unusual in this species of habitation in Scotland, where a cottage is + literally what its name declares. + </p> + <p> + “From my cottage door I had a partial view of the old Abbey before + mentioned; some of the highest arches were seen over, and some through, + the trees scattered along a lane which led down to the ruin, and the + strange fantastic shapes of almost all those old ashes accorded + wonderfully well with the building they at once shaded and ornamented. + </p> + <p> + “The Abbey itself from my door was almost on a level with the cottage; but + on coming to the end of the lane, it was discovered to be situated on a + high perpendicular bank, at the foot of which run the clear waters of the + Cluden, where they hasten to join the sweeping Nith, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Whose distant roaring swells and fa’s.’ +</pre> + <p> + As my kitchen and parlour were not very far distant, I one day went in to + purchase some chickens from a person I heard offering them for sale. It + was a little, rather stout-looking woman, who seemed to be between seventy + and eighty years of age; she was almost covered with a tartan plaid, and + her cap had over it a black silk hood, tied under the chin, a piece of + dress still much in use among elderly women of that rank of life in + Scotland; her eyes were dark, and remarkably lively and intelligent; I + entered into conversation with her, and began by asking how she maintained + herself, etc. + </p> + <p> + “She said that in winter she footed stockings, that is, knit feet to + country-people’s stockings, which bears about the same relation to + stocking-knitting that cobbling does to shoe-making, and is of course both + less profitable and less dignified; she likewise taught a few children to + read, and in summer she whiles reared a few chickens. + </p> + <p> + “I said I could venture to guess from her face she had never been married. + She laughed heartily at this, and said, ‘I maun hae the queerest face that + ever was seen, that ye could guess that. Now, do tell me, madam, how ye + cam to think sae?’ I told her it was from her cheerful disengaged + countenance. She said, ‘Mem, have ye na far mair reason to be happy than + me, wi’ a gude husband and a fine family o’ bairns, and plenty o’ + everything? for me, I’m the puirest o’ a’ puir bodies, and can hardly + contrive to keep mysell alive in a’ the wee bits o’ ways I hae tell’t ye.’ + After some more conversation, during which I was more and more pleased + with the old womans sensible conversation, and the <i>naivete</i> of her + remarks, she rose to go away, when I asked her name. Her countenance + suddenly clouded, and she said gravely, rather colouring, ‘My name is + Helen Walker; but your husband kens weel about me.’ + </p> + <p> + “In the evening I related how much I had been pleased, and inquired what + was extraordinary in the history of the poor woman. Mr. —— + said, there were perhaps few more remarkable people than Helen Walker. She + had been left an orphan, with the charge of a sister considerably younger + than herself, and who was educated and maintained by her exertions. + Attached to herby so many ties, therefore, it will not be easy to conceive + her feelings, when she found that this only sister must be tried by the + laws of her country for child-murder, and upon being called as principal + witness against her. The counsel for the prisoner told Helen, that if she + could declare that her sister had made any preparations, however slight, + or had given her any intimation on the subject, that such a statement + would save her sister’s life, as she was the principal witness against + her. Helen said, ‘It is impossible for me to swear to a falsehood; and, + whatever may be the consequence, I will give my oath according to my + conscience.’ + </p> + <p> + “The trial came on, and the sister was found guilty and condemned; but in + Scotland six weeks must elapse between the sentence and the execution, and + Helen Walker availed herself of it. The very day of her sister’s + condemnation she got a petition drawn, stating the peculiar circumstances + of the case, and that very night set out on foot to London. + </p> + <p> + “Without introduction or recommendation, with her simple (perhaps + ill-expressed) petition, drawn up by some inferior clerk of the court, she + presented herself, in her tartan plaid and country attire, to the late + Duke of Argyle, who immediately procured the pardon she petitioned for, + and Helen returned with it on foot just in time to save her sister. + </p> + <p> + “I was so strongly interested by this narrative, that I determined + immediately to prosecute my acquaintance with Helen Walker; but as I was + to leave the country next day, I was obliged to defer it till my return in + spring, when the first walk I took was to Helen Walker’s cottage. + </p> + <p> + “She had died a short time before. My regret was extreme, and I + endeavoured to obtain some account of Helen from an old woman who + inhabited the other end of her cottage. I inquired if Helen ever spoke of + her past history—her journey to London, etc., ‘Na,’ the old woman + said, ‘Helen was a wily body, and whene’er ony o’ the neebors asked + anything about it, she aye turned the conversation.’ + </p> + <p> + “In short, every answer I received only tended to increase my regret, and + raise my opinion of Helen Walker, who could unite so much prudence with so + much heroic virtue.” + </p> + <p> + This narrative was inclosed in the following letter to the author, without + date or signature— + </p> + <p> + “Sir,—The occurrence just related happened to me twenty-six years + ago. Helen Walker lies buried in the churchyard of Irongray, about six + miles from Dumfries. I once proposed that a small monument should have + been erected to commemorate so remarkable a character, but I now prefer + leaving it to you to perpetuate her memory in a more durable manner.” + </p> + <p> + The reader is now able to judge how far the author has improved upon, or + fallen short of, the pleasing and interesting sketch of high principle and + steady affection displayed by Helen Walker, the prototype of the + fictitious Jeanie Deans. Mrs. Goldie was unfortunately dead before the + author had given his name to these volumes, so he lost all opportunity of + thanking that lady for her highly valuable communication. But her + daughter, Miss Goldie, obliged him with the following additional + information:— + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Goldie endeavoured to collect further particulars of Helen Walker, + particularly concerning her journey to London, but found this nearly + impossible; as the natural dignity of her character, and a high sense of + family respectability, made her so indissolubly connect her sister’s + disgrace with her own exertions, that none of her neighbours durst ever + question her upon the subject. One old woman, a distant relation of + Helen’s, and who is still living, says she worked an harvest with her, but + that she never ventured to ask her about her sister’s trial, or her + journey to London; ‘Helen,’ she added, ‘was a lofty body, and used a high + style o’ language.’ The same old woman says, that every year Helen + received a cheese from her sister, who lived at Whitehaven, and that she + always sent a liberal portion of it to herself, or to her father’s family. + This fact, though trivial in itself, strongly marks the affection + subsisting between the two sisters, and the complete conviction on the + mind of the criminal that her sister had acted solely from high principle, + not from any want of feeling, which another small but characteristic trait + will further illustrate. A gentleman, a relation of Mrs. Goldie’s, who + happened to be travelling in the North of England, on coming to a small + inn, was shown into the parlour by a female servant, who, after cautiously + shutting the door, said, ‘Sir, I’m Nelly Walker’s sister.’ Thus + practically showing that she considered her sister as better known by her + high conduct than even herself by a different kind of celebrity. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Goldie was extremely anxious to have a tombstone and an inscription + upon it erected in Irongray Churchyard; and if Sir Walter Scott will + condescend to write the last, a little subscription could be easily raised + in the immediate neighbourhood, and Mrs. Goldie’s wish be thus fulfilled.” + </p> + <p> + It is scarcely necessary to add that the request of Miss Goldie will be + most willingly complied with, and without the necessity of any tax on the + public.* Nor is there much occasion to repeat how much the author + conceives himself obliged to his unknown correspondent, who thus supplied + him with a theme affording such a pleasing view of the moral dignity of + virtue, though unaided by birth, beauty, or talent. If the picture has + suffered in the execution, it is from the failure of the author’s powers + to present in detail the same simple and striking portrait exhibited in + Mrs. Goldie’s letter. + </p> + <p> + Abbotsford, April 1, 1830. + </p> + <p> + * [Note B. Tombstone to Helen Walker.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + POSTSCRIPT. + </h2> + <p> + Although it would be impossible to add much to Mrs. Goldie’s picturesque + and most interesting account of Helen Walker, the prototype of the + imaginary Jeanie Deans, the Editor may be pardoned for introducing two or + three anecdotes respecting that excellent person, which he has collected + from a volume entitled, <i>Sketches from Nature,</i> by John M’Diarmid, a + gentleman who conducts an able provincial paper in the town of Dumfries. + </p> + <p> + Helen was the daughter of a small farmer in a place called Dalwhairn, in + the parish of Irongray; where, after the death of her father, she + continued, with the unassuming piety of a Scottish peasant, to support her + mother by her own unremitted labour and privations; a case so common, that + even yet, I am proud to say, few of my countrywomen would shrink from the + duty. + </p> + <p> + Helen Walker was held among her equals <i>pensy,</i> that is, proud or + conceited; but the facts brought to prove this accusation seem only to + evince a strength of character superior to those around her. Thus it was + remarked, that when it thundered, she went with her work and her Bible to + the front of the cottage, alleging that the Almighty could smite in the + city as well as in the field. + </p> + <p> + Mr. M’Diarmid mentions more particularly the misfortune of her sister, + which he supposes to have taken place previous to 1736. Helen Walker, + declining every proposal of saving her relation’s life at the expense of + truth, borrowed a sum of money sufficient for her journey, walked the + whole distance to London barefoot, and made her way to John Duke of + Argyle. She was heard to say, that, by the Almighty strength, she had been + enabled to meet the Duke at the most critical moment, which, if lost, + would have caused the inevitable forfeiture of her sister’s life. + </p> + <p> + Isabella, or Tibby Walker, saved from the fate which impended over her, + was married by the person who had wronged her (named Waugh), and lived + happily for great part of a century, uniformly acknowledging the + extraordinary affection to which she owed her preservation. + </p> + <p> + Helen Walker died about the end of the year 1791, and her remains are + interred in the churchyard of her native parish of Irongray, in a romantic + cemetery on the banks of the Cairn. That a character so distinguished for + her undaunted love of virtue, lived and died in poverty, if not want, + serves only to show us how insignificant, in the sight of Heaven, are our + principal objects of ambition upon earth. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + INTRODUCTORY + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + So down thy hill, romantic Ashbourn, glides + The Derby dilly, carrying six insides. + Frere. +</pre> + <p> + The times have changed in nothing more (we follow as we were wont the + manuscript of Peter Pattieson) than in the rapid conveyance of + intelligence and communication betwixt one part of Scotland and another. + It is not above twenty or thirty years, according to the evidence of many + credible witnesses now alive, since a little miserable horse-cart, + performing with difficulty a journey of thirty miles <i>per diem,</i> + carried our mails from the capital of Scotland to its extremity. Nor was + Scotland much more deficient in these accommodations than our rich sister + had been about eighty years before. Fielding, in his Tom Jones, and + Farquhar, in a little farce called the Stage-Coach, have ridiculed the + slowness of these vehicles of public accommodation. According to the + latter authority, the highest bribe could only induce the coachman to + promise to anticipate by half-an-hour the usual time of his arrival at the + Bull and Mouth. + </p> + <p> + But in both countries these ancient, slow, and sure modes of conveyance + are now alike unknown; mail-coach races against mail-coach, and high-flyer + against high-flyer, through the most remote districts of Britain. And in + our village alone, three post-coaches, and four coaches with men armed, + and in scarlet cassocks, thunder through the streets each day, and rival + in brilliancy and noise the invention of the celebrated tyrant:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Demens, qui nimbos et non imitabile fulmen, + AEre et cornipedum pulsu, simularat, equorum. +</pre> + <p> + Now and then, to complete the resemblance, and to correct the presumption + of the venturous charioteers, it does happen that the career of these + dashing rivals of Salmoneus meets with as undesirable and violent a + termination as that of their prototype. It is on such occasions that the + Insides and Outsides, to use the appropriate vehicular phrases, have + reason to rue the exchange of the slow and safe motion of the ancient + Fly-coaches, which, compared with the chariots of Mr. Palmer, so ill + deserve the name. The ancient vehicle used to settle quietly down, like a + ship scuttled and left to sink by the gradual influx of the waters, while + the modern is smashed to pieces with the velocity of the same vessel + hurled against breakers, or rather with the fury of a bomb bursting at the + conclusion of its career through the air. The late ingenious Mr. Pennant, + whose humour it was to set his face in stern opposition to these speedy + conveyances, had collected, I have heard, a formidable list of such + casualties, which, joined to the imposition of innkeepers, whose charges + the passengers had no time to dispute, the sauciness of the coachman, and + the uncontrolled and despotic authority of the tyrant called the guard, + held forth a picture of horror, to which murder, theft, fraud, and + peculation, lent all their dark colouring. But that which gratifies the + impatience of the human disposition will be practised in the teeth of + danger, and in defiance of admonition; and, in despite of the Cambrian + antiquary, mail-coaches not only roll their thunders round the base of + Penman-Maur and Cader-Idris, but + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Frighted Skiddaw hears afar + The rattling of the unscythed car. +</pre> + <p> + And perhaps the echoes of Ben Nevis may soon be awakened by the bugle, not + of a warlike chieftain, but of the guard of a mail-coach. + </p> + <p> + It was a fine summer day, and our little school had obtained a + half-holiday, by the intercession of a good-humoured visitor.* + </p> + <p> + * His honour Gilbert Goslinn of Gandercleugh; for I love to be precise in + matters of importance.—J. C. + </p> + <p> + I expected by the coach a new number of an interesting periodical + publication, and walked forward on the highway to meet it, with the + impatience which Cowper has described as actuating the resident in the + country when longing for intelligence from the mart of news.— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The grand debate, + The popular harangue,—the tart reply,— + The logic, and the wisdom, and the wit, + And the loud laugh,—I long to know them all;— + I burn to set the imprisoned wranglers free, + And give them voice and utterance again. +</pre> + <p> + It was with such feelings that I eyed the approach of the new coach, + lately established on our road, and known by the name of the Somerset, + which, to say truth, possesses some interest for me, even when it conveys + no such important information. The distant tremulous sound of its wheels + was heard just as I gained the summit of the gentle ascent, called the + Goslin-brae, from which you command an extensive view down the valley of + the river Gander. The public road, which comes up the side of that stream, + and crosses it at a bridge about a quarter of a mile from the place where + I was standing, runs partly through enclosures and plantations, and partly + through open pasture land. It is a childish amusement perhaps,—but + my life has been spent with children, and why should not my pleasures be + like theirs?—childish as it is then, I must own I have had great + pleasure in watching the approach of the carriage, where the openings of + the road permit it to be seen. The gay glancing of the equipage, its + diminished and toy-like appearance at a distance, contrasted with the + rapidity of its motion, its appearance and disappearance at intervals, and + the progressively increasing sounds that announce its nearer approach, + have all to the idle and listless spectator, who has nothing more + important to attend to, something of awakening interest. The ridicule may + attach to me, which is flung upon many an honest citizen, who watches from + the window of his villa the passage of the stage-coach; but it is a very + natural source of amusement notwithstanding, and many of those who join in + the laugh are perhaps not unused to resort to it in secret. + </p> + <p> + On the present occasion, however, fate had decreed that I should not enjoy + the consummation of the amusement by seeing the coach rattle past me as I + sat on the turf, and hearing the hoarse grating voice of the guard as he + skimmed forth for my grasp the expected packet, without the carriage + checking its course for an instant. I had seen the vehicle thunder down + the hill that leads to the bridge with more than its usual impetuosity, + glittering all the while by flashes from a cloudy tabernacle of the dust + which it had raised, and leaving a train behind it on the road resembling + a wreath of summer mist. But it did not appear on the top of the nearer + bank within the usual space of three minutes, which frequent observation + had enabled me to ascertain was the medium time for crossing the bridge + and mounting the ascent. When double that space had elapsed, I became + alarmed, and walked hastily forward. As I came in sight of the bridge, the + cause of delay was too manifest, for the Somerset had made a summerset in + good earnest, and overturned so completely, that it was literally resting + upon the ground, with the roof undermost, and the four wheels in the air. + The “exertions of the guard and coachman,” both of whom were gratefully + commemorated in the newspapers, having succeeded in disentangling the + horses by cutting the harness, were now proceeding to extricate the + insides by a sort of summary and Caesarean process of delivery, forcing + the hinges from one of the doors which they could not open otherwise. In + this manner were two disconsolate damsels set at liberty from the womb of + the leathern conveniency. As they immediately began to settle their + clothes, which were a little deranged, as may be presumed, I concluded + they had received no injury, and did not venture to obtrude my services at + their toilette, for which, I understand, I have since been reflected upon + by the fair sufferers. The <i>outsides,</i> who must have been discharged + from their elevated situation by a shock resembling the springing of a + mine, escaped, nevertheless, with the usual allowance of scratches and + bruises, excepting three, who, having been pitched into the river Gander, + were dimly seen contending with the tide like the relics of AEneas’s + shipwreck,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Rari apparent mantes in gurgite vasto. +</pre> + <p> + I applied my poor exertions where they seemed to be most needed, and with + the assistance of one or two of the company who had escaped unhurt, easily + succeeded in fishing out two of the unfortunate passengers, who were stout + active young fellows; and, but for the preposterous length of their + greatcoats, and the equally fashionable latitude and longitude of their + Wellington trousers, would have required little assistance from any one. + The third was sickly and elderly, and might have perished but for the + efforts used to preserve him. + </p> + <p> + When the two greatcoated gentlemen had extricated themselves from the + river, and shaken their ears like huge water-dogs, a violent altercation + ensued betwixt them and the coachman and guard, concerning the cause of + their overthrow. In the course of the squabble, I observed that both my + new acquaintances belonged to the law, and that their professional + sharpness was likely to prove an overmatch for the surly and official tone + of the guardians of the vehicle. The dispute ended in the guard assuring + the passengers that they should have seats in a heavy coach which would + pass that spot in less than half-an-hour, provided it were not full. + Chance seemed to favour this arrangement, for when the expected vehicle, + arrived, there were only two places occupied in a carriage which professed + to carry six. The two ladies who had been disinterred out of the fallen + vehicle were readily admitted, but positive objections were stated by + those previously in possession to the admittance of the two lawyers, whose + wetted garments being much of the nature of well-soaked sponges, there was + every reason to believe they would refund a considerable part of the water + they had collected, to the inconvenience of their fellow-passengers. On + the other hand, the lawyers rejected a seat on the roof, alleging that + they had only taken that station for pleasure for one stage, but were + entitled in all respects to free egress and regress from the interior, to + which their contract positively referred. After some altercation, in which + something was said upon the edict <i>Nautae caupones stabularii,</i> the + coach went off, leaving the learned gentlemen to abide by their action of + damages. + </p> + <p> + They immediately applied to me to guide them to the next village and the + best inn; and from the account I gave them of the Wallace Head, declared + they were much better pleased to stop there than to go forward upon the + terms of that impudent scoundrel the guard of the Somerset. All that they + now wanted was a lad to carry their travelling bags, who was easily + procured from an adjoining cottage; and they prepared to walk forward, + when they found there was another passenger in the same deserted situation + with themselves. This was the elderly and sickly-looking person, who had + been precipitated into the river along with the two young lawyers. He, it + seems, had been too modest to push his own plea against the coachman when + he saw that of his betters rejected, and now remained behind with a look + of timid anxiety, plainly intimating that he was deficient in those means + of recommendation which are necessary passports to the hospitality of an + inn. + </p> + <p> + I ventured to call the attention of the two dashing young blades, for such + they seemed, to the desolate condition of their fellow-traveller. They + took the hint with ready good-nature. + </p> + <p> + “O, true, Mr. Dunover,” said one of the youngsters, “you must not remain + on the pave’ here; you must go and have some dinner with us—Halkit + and I must have a post-chaise to go on, at all events, and we will set you + down wherever suits you best.” + </p> + <p> + The poor man, for such his dress, as well as his diffidence, bespoke him, + made the sort of acknowledging bow by which says a Scotsman, “It’s too + much honour for the like of me;” and followed humbly behind his gay + patrons, all three besprinkling the dusty road as they walked along with + the moisture of their drenched garments, and exhibiting the singular and + somewhat ridiculous appearance of three persons suffering from the + opposite extreme of humidity, while the summer sun was at its height, and + everything else around them had the expression of heat and drought. The + ridicule did not escape the young gentlemen themselves, and they had made + what might be received as one or two tolerable jests on the subject before + they had advanced far on their peregrination. + </p> + <p> + “We cannot complain, like Cowley,” said one of them, “that Gideon’s fleece + remains dry, while all around is moist; this is the reverse of the + miracle.” + </p> + <p> + “We ought to be received with gratitude in this good town; we bring a + supply of what they seem to need most,” said Halkit. + </p> + <p> + “And distribute it with unparalleled generosity,” replied his companion; + “performing the part of three water-carts for the benefit of their dusty + roads.” + </p> + <p> + “We come before them, too,” said Halkit, “in full professional force—counsel + and agent”— + </p> + <p> + “And client,” said the young advocate, looking behind him; and then added, + lowering his voice, “that looks as if he had kept such dangerous company + too long.” + </p> + <p> + It was, indeed, too true, that the humble follower of the gay young men + had the threadbare appearance of a worn-out litigant, and I could not but + smile at the conceit, though anxious to conceal my mirth from the object + of it. + </p> + <p> + When we arrived at the Wallace Inn, the elder of the Edinburgh gentlemen, + and whom I understood to be a barrister, insisted that I should remain and + take part of their dinner; and their inquiries and demands speedily put my + landlord and his whole family in motion to produce the best cheer which + the larder and cellar afforded, and proceed to cook it to the best + advantage, a science in which our entertainers seemed to be admirably + skilled. In other respects they were lively young men, in the hey-day of + youth and good spirits, playing the part which is common to the higher + classes of the law at Edinburgh, and which nearly resembles that of the + young Templars in the days of Steele and Addison. An air of giddy gaiety + mingled with the good sense, taste, and information which their + conversation exhibited; and it seemed to be their object to unite the + character of men of fashion and lovers of the polite arts. A fine + gentleman, bred up in the thorough idleness and inanity of pursuit, which + I understand is absolutely necessary to the character in perfection, might + in all probability have traced a tinge of professional pedantry which + marked the barrister in spite of his efforts, and something of active + bustle in his companion, and would certainly have detected more than a + fashionable mixture of information and animated interest in the language + of both. But to me, who had no pretensions to be so critical, my + companions seemed to form a very happy mixture of good-breeding and + liberal information, with a disposition to lively rattle, pun, and jest, + amusing to a grave man, because it is what he himself can least easily + command. + </p> + <p> + The thin pale-faced man, whom their good-nature had brought into their + society, looked out of place as well as out of spirits; sate on the edge + of his seat, and kept the chair at two feet distance from the table; thus + incommoding himself considerably in conveying the victuals to his mouth, + as if by way of penance for partaking of them in the company of his + superiors. A short time after dinner, declining all entreaty to partake of + the wine, which circulated freely round, he informed himself of the hour + when the chaise had been ordered to attend; and saying he would be in + readiness, modestly withdrew from the apartment. + </p> + <p> + “Jack,” said the barrister to his companion, “I remember that poor + fellow’s face; you spoke more truly than you were aware of; he really is + one of my clients, poor man.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor man!” echoed Halkit—“I suppose you mean he is your one and + only client?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s not my fault, Jack,” replied the other, whose name I discovered + was Hardie. “You are to give me all your business, you know; and if you + have none, the learned gentleman here knows nothing can come of nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “You seem to have brought something to nothing though, in the case of that + honest man. He looks as if he were just about to honour with his residence + the Heart of Mid-Lothian.” + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken—he is just delivered from it.—Our friend + here looks for an explanation. Pray, Mr. Pattieson, have you been in + Edinburgh?” + </p> + <p> + I answered in the affirmative. + </p> + <p> + “Then you must have passed, occasionally at least, though probably not so + faithfully as I am doomed to do, through a narrow intricate passage, + leading out of the north-west corner of the Parliament Square, and passing + by a high and antique building with turrets and iron grates, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Making good the saying odd, + ‘Near the church and far from God’”— +</pre> + <p> + Mr. Halkit broke in upon his learned counsel, to contribute his moiety to + the riddle—“Having at the door the sign of the Red man”— + </p> + <p> + “And being on the whole,” resumed the counsellor interrupting his friend + in his turn, “a sort of place where misfortune is happily confounded with + guilt, where all who are in wish to get out”— + </p> + <p> + “And where none who have the good luck to be out, wish to get in,” added + his companion. + </p> + <p> + “I conceive you, gentlemen,” replied I; “you mean the prison.” + </p> + <p> + “The prison,” added the young lawyer—“You have hit it—the very + reverend Tolbooth itself; and let me tell you, you are obliged to us for + describing it with so much modesty and brevity; for with whatever + amplifications we might have chosen to decorate the subject, you lay + entirely at our mercy, since the Fathers Conscript of our city have + decreed that the venerable edifice itself shall not remain in existence to + confirm or to confute its.” + </p> + <p> + “Then the Tolbooth of Edinburgh is called the Heart of Mid-Lothian?” said + I. + </p> + <p> + “So termed and reputed, I assure you.” + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said I, with the bashful diffidence with which a man lets slip + a pun in presence of his superiors, “the metropolitan county may, in that + case, be said to have a sad heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Right as my glove, Mr. Pattieson,” added Mr. Hardie; “and a close heart, + and a hard heart—Keep it up, Jack.” + </p> + <p> + “And a wicked heart, and a poor heart,” answered Halkit, doing his best. + </p> + <p> + “And yet it may be called in some sort a strong heart, and a high heart,” + rejoined the advocate. “You see I can put you both out of heart.” + </p> + <p> + “I have played all my hearts,” said the younger gentleman. + </p> + <p> + “Then we’ll have another lead,” answered his companion.—“And as to + the old and condemned Tolbooth, what pity the same honour cannot be done + to it as has been done to many of its inmates. Why should not the Tolbooth + have its ‘Last Speech, Confession, and Dying Words?’ The old stones would + be just as conscious of the honour as many a poor devil who has dangled + like a tassel at the west end of it, while the hawkers were shouting a + confession the culprit had never heard of.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid,” said I, “if I might presume to give my opinion, it would be + a tale of unvaried sorrow and guilt.” + </p> + <p> + “Not entirely, my friend,” said Hardie; “a prison is a world within + itself, and has its own business, griefs, and joys, peculiar to its + circle. Its inmates are sometimes short-lived, but so are soldiers on + service; they are poor relatively to the world without, but there are + degrees of wealth and poverty among them, and so some are relatively rich + also. They cannot stir abroad, but neither can the garrison of a besieged + fort, or the crew of a ship at sea; and they are not under a dispensation + quite so desperate as either, for they may have as much food as they have + money to buy, and are not obliged to work, whether they have food or not.” + </p> + <p> + “But what variety of incident,” said I (not without a secret view to my + present task), “could possibly be derived from such a work as you are + pleased to talk of?” + </p> + <p> + “Infinite,” replied the young advocate. “Whatever of guilt, crime, + imposture, folly, unheard-of misfortunes, and unlooked-for change of + fortune, can be found to chequer life, my Last Speech of the Tolbooth + should illustrate with examples sufficient to gorge even the public’s + all-devouring appetite for the wonderful and horrible. The inventor of + fictitious narratives has to rack his brains for means to diversify his + tale, and after all can hardly hit upon characters or incidents which have + not been used again and again, until they are familiar to the eye of the + reader, so that the development, <i>enle’vement,</i> the desperate wound + of which the hero never dies, the burning fever from which the heroine is + sure to recover, become a mere matter of course. I join with my honest + friend Crabbe, and have an unlucky propensity to hope, when hope is lost, + and to rely upon the cork-jacket, which carries the heroes of romance safe + through all the billows of affliction.” He then declaimed the following + passage, rather with too much than too little emphasis:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Much have I feared, but am no more afraid, + When some chaste beauty by some wretch betrayed, + Is drawn away with such distracted speed, + That she anticipates a dreadful deed. + Not so do I—Let solid walls impound + The captive fair, and dig a moat around; + Let there be brazen locks and bars of steel, + And keepers cruel, such as never feel; + With not a single note the purse supply, + And when she begs, let men and maids deny; + Be windows there from which she dare not fall, + And help so distant, ‘tis in vain to call; + Still means of freedom will some Power devise, + And from the baffled ruffian snatch his prize. +</pre> + <p> + “The end of uncertainty,” he concluded, “is the death of interest; and + hence it happens that no one now reads novels.” + </p> + <p> + “Hear him, ye gods!” returned his companion. “I assure you, Mr. Pattieson, + you will hardly visit this learned gentleman, but you are likely to find + the new novel most in repute lying on his table,—snugly intrenched, + however, beneath Stair’s Institutes, or an open volume of Morrison’s + Decisions.” + </p> + <p> + “Do I deny it?” said the hopeful jurisconsult, “or wherefore should I, + since it is well known these Delilahs seduce my wisers and my betters? May + they not be found lurking amidst the multiplied memorials of our most + distinguished counsel, and even peeping from under the cushion of a + judge’s arm-chair? Our seniors at the bar, within the bar, and even on the + bench, read novels; and, if not belied, some of them have written novels + into the bargain. I only say, that I read from habit and from indolence, + not from real interest; that, like ancient Pistol devouring his leek, I + read and swear till I get to the end of the narrative. But not so in the + real records of human vagaries—not so in the State Trials, or in the + Books of Adjournal, where every now and then you read new pages of the + human heart, and turns of fortune far beyond what the boldest novelist + ever attempted to produce from the coinage of his brain.” + </p> + <p> + “And for such narratives,” I asked, “you suppose the History of the Prison + of Edinburgh might afford appropriate materials?” + </p> + <p> + “In a degree unusually ample, my dear sir,” said Hardie—“Fill your + glass, however, in the meanwhile. Was it not for many years the place in + which the Scottish parliament met? Was it not James’s place of refuge, + when the mob, inflamed by a seditious preacher, broke, forth, on him with + the cries of ‘The sword of the Lord and of Gideon—bring forth the + wicked Haman?’ Since that time how many hearts have throbbed within these + walls, as the tolling of the neighbouring bell announced to them how fast + the sands of their life were ebbing; how many must have sunk at the sound—how + many were supported by stubborn pride and dogged resolution—how many + by the consolations of religion? Have there not been some, who, looking + back on the motives of their crimes, were scarce able to understand how + they should have had such temptation as to seduce them from virtue; and + have there not, perhaps, been others, who, sensible of their innocence, + were divided between indignation at the undeserved doom which they were to + undergo, consciousness that they had not deserved it, and racking anxiety + to discover some way in which they might yet vindicate themselves? Do you + suppose any of these deep, powerful, and agitating feelings, can be + recorded and perused without exciting a corresponding depth of deep, + powerful, and agitating interest?—Oh! do but wait till I publish the + <i>Causes Ce’le’bres</i> of Caledonia, and you will find no want of a + novel or a tragedy for some time to come. The true thing will triumph over + the brightest inventions of the most ardent imagination. <i>Magna est + veritas, et praevalebit.</i>” + </p> + <p> + “I have understood,” said I, encouraged by the affability of my rattling + entertainer, “that less of this interest must attach to Scottish + jurisprudence than to that of any other country. The general morality of + our people, their sober and prudent habits”— + </p> + <p> + “Secure them,” said the barrister, “against any great increase of + professional thieves and depredators, but not against wild and wayward + starts of fancy and passion, producing crimes of an extraordinary + description, which are precisely those to the detail of which we listen + with thrilling interest. England has been much longer a highly civilised + country; her subjects have been very strictly amenable to laws + administered without fear or favour, a complete division of labour has + taken place among her subjects, and the very thieves and robbers form a + distinct class in society, subdivided among themselves according to the + subject of the depredations, and the mode in which they carry them on, + acting upon regular habits and principles, which can be calculated and + anticipated at Bow Street, Hatton Garden, or the Old Bailey. Our sister + kingdom is like a cultivated field,—the farmer expects that, in + spite of all his care, a certain number of weeds will rise with the corn, + and can tell you beforehand their names and appearance. But Scotland is + like one of her own Highland glens, and the moralist who reads the records + of her criminal jurisprudence, will find as many curious anomalous facts + in the history of mind, as the botanist will detect rare specimens among + her dingles and cliffs.” + </p> + <p> + “And that’s all the good you have obtained from three perusals of the + Commentaries on Scottish Criminal Jurisprudence?” said his companion. “I + suppose the learned author very little thinks that the facts which his + erudition and acuteness have accumulated for the illustration of legal + doctrines, might be so arranged as to form a sort of appendix to the + half-bound and slip-shod volumes of the circulating library.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll bet you a pint of claret,” said the elder lawyer, “that he will not + feel sore at the comparison. But as we say at the bar, ‘I beg I may not be + interrupted;’ I have much more to say, upon my Scottish collection of <i>Causes + Ce’le’bres.</i> You will please recollect the scope and motive given for + the contrivance and execution of many extraordinary and daring crimes, by + the long civil dissensions of Scotland—by the hereditary + jurisdictions, which, until 1748, rested the investigation of crises in + judges, ignorant, partial, or interested—by the habits of the + gentry, shut up in their distant and solitary mansion-houses, nursing + their revengeful Passions just to keep their blood from stagnating—not + to mention that amiable national qualification, called the <i>perfervidum + ingenium Scotorum,</i> which our lawyers join in alleging as a reason for + the severity of some of our enactments. When I come to treat of matters so + mysterious, deep, and dangerous, as these circumstances have given rise + to, the blood of each reader shall be curdled, and his epidermis crisped + into goose skin.—But, hist!—here comes the landlord, with + tidings, I suppose, that the chaise is ready.” + </p> + <p> + It was no such thing—the tidings bore, that no chaise could be had + that evening, for Sir Peter Plyem had carried forward my landlord’s two + pairs of horses that morning to the ancient royal borough of Bubbleburgh, + to look after his interest there. But as Bubbleburgh is only one of a set + of five boroughs which club their shares for a member of parliament, Sir + Peter’s adversary had judiciously watched his departure, in order to + commence a canvass in the no less royal borough of Bitem, which, as all + the world knows, lies at the very termination of Sir Peter’s avenue, and + has been held in leading-strings by him and his ancestors for time + immemorial. Now Sir Peter was thus placed in the situation of an ambitious + monarch, who, after having commenced a daring inroad into his enemy’s + territories, is suddenly recalled by an invasion of his own hereditary + dominions. He was obliged in consequence to return from the half-won + borough of Bubbleburgh, to look after the half-lost borough of Bitem, and + the two pairs of horses which had carried him that morning to Bubbleburgh + were now forcibly detained to transport him, his agent, his valet, his + jester, and his hard-drinker, across the country to Bitem. The cause of + this detention, which to me was of as little consequence as it may be to + the reader, was important enough to my companions to reconcile them to the + delay. Like eagles, they smelled the battle afar off, ordered a magnum of + claret and beds at the Wallace, and entered at full career into the + Bubbleburgh and Bitem politics, with all the probable “Petitions and + complaints” to which they were likely to give rise. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of an anxious, animated, and, to me, most unintelligible + discussion, concerning provosts, bailies, deacons, sets of boroughs, + leets, town-clerks, burgesses resident and non-resident, all of a sudden + the lawyer recollected himself. “Poor Dunover, we must not forget him;” + and the landlord was despatched in quest of the <i>pauvre honteux,</i> + with an earnestly civil invitation to him for the rest of the evening. I + could not help asking the young gentlemen if they knew the history of this + poor man; and the counsellor applied himself to his pocket to recover the + memorial or brief from which he had stated his cause. + </p> + <p> + “He has been a candidate for our <i>remedium miserabile,</i>” said Mr. + Hardie, “commonly called a <i>cessio bonorum.</i> As there are divines who + have doubted the eternity of future punishments, so the Scotch lawyers + seem to have thought that the crime of poverty might be atoned for by + something short of perpetual imprisonment. After a month’s confinement, + you must know, a prisoner for debt is entitled, on a sufficient statement + to our Supreme Court, setting forth the amount of his funds, and the + nature of his misfortunes, and surrendering all his effects to his + creditors, to claim to be discharged from prison.” + </p> + <p> + “I had heard,” I replied, “of such a humane regulation.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Halkit, “and the beauty of it is, as the foreign fellow said, + you may get the <i>cessio,</i> when the <i>bonorums</i> are all spent—But + what, are you puzzling in your pockets to seek your only memorial among + old play-bills, letters requesting a meeting of the Faculty, rules of the + Speculative Society,* syllabus’ of lectures—all the miscellaneous + contents of a young advocate’s pocket, which contains everything but + briefs and bank-notes? + </p> + <p> + * [A well-known debating club in Edinburgh.] + </p> + <p> + Can you not state a case of <i>cessio</i> without your memorial? Why, it + is done every Saturday. The events follow each other as regularly as + clock-work, and one form of condescendence might suit every one of them.” + </p> + <p> + “This is very unlike the variety of distress which this gentleman stated + to fall under the consideration of your judges,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “True,” replied Halkit; “but Hardie spoke of criminal jurisprudence, and + this business is purely civil. I could plead a <i>cessio</i> myself + without the inspiring honours of a gown and three-tailed periwig—Listen.—My + client was bred a journeyman weaver—made some little money—took + a farm—(for conducting a farm, like driving a gig, comes by nature)—late + severe times—induced to sign bills with a friend, for which he + received no value—landlord sequestrates—creditors accept a + composition—pursuer sets up a public-house—fails a second time—is + incarcerated for a debt of ten pounds seven shillings and sixpence—his + debts amount to blank—his losses to blank—his funds to blank—leaving + a balance of blank in his favour. There is no opposition; your lordships + will please grant commission to take his oath.” + </p> + <p> + Hardie now renounced this ineffectual search, in which there was perhaps a + little affectation, and told us the tale of poor Dunover’s distresses, + with a tone in which a degree of feeling, which he seemed ashamed of as + unprofessional, mingled with his attempts at wit, and did him more honour. + It was one of those tales which seem to argue a sort of ill-luck or + fatality attached to the hero. A well-informed, industrious, and + blameless, but poor and bashful man, had in vain essayed all the usual + means by which others acquire independence, yet had never succeeded beyond + the attainment of bare subsistence. During a brief gleam of hope, rather + than of actual prosperity, he had added a wife and family to his cares, + but the dawn was speedily overcast. Everything retrograded with him + towards the verge of the miry Slough of Despond, which yawns for insolvent + debtors; and after catching at each twig, and experiencing the protracted + agony of feeling them one by one elude his grasp, he actually sunk into + the miry pit whence he had been extricated by the professional exertions + of Hardie. + </p> + <p> + “And, I suppose, now you have dragged this poor devil ashore, you will + leave him half naked on the beach to provide for himself?” said Halkit. + “Hark ye,”—and he whispered something in his ear, of which the penetrating + and insinuating words, “Interest with my Lord,” alone reached mine. + </p> + <p> + “It is <i>pessimi exempli,</i>” said Hardie, laughing, “to provide for a + ruined client; but I was thinking of what you mention, provided it can be + managed—But hush! here he comes.” + </p> + <p> + The recent relation of the poor man’s misfortunes had given him, I was + pleased to observe, a claim to the attention and respect of the young men, + who treated him with great civility, and gradually engaged him in a + conversation, which, much to my satisfaction, again turned upon the <i>Causes + Ce’le’bres</i> of Scotland. Imboldened by the kindness with which he was + treated, Mr. Dunover began to contribute his share to the amusement of the + evening. Jails, like other places, have their ancient traditions, known + only to the inhabitants, and handed down from one set of the melancholy + lodgers to the next who occupy their cells. Some of these, which Dunover + mentioned, were interesting, and served to illustrate the narratives of + remarkable trials, which Hardie had at his finger-ends, and which his + companion was also well skilled in. This sort of conversation passed away + the evening till the early hour when Mr. Dunover chose to retire to rest, + and I also retreated to take down memorandums of what I had learned, in + order to add another narrative to those which it had been my chief + amusement to collect, and to write out in detail. The two young men + ordered a broiled bone, Madeira negus, and a pack of cards, and commenced + a game at picquet. + </p> + <p> + Next morning the travellers left Gandercleugh. I afterwards learned from + the papers that both have been since engaged in the great political cause + of Bubbleburgh and Bitem, a summary case, and entitled to particular + despatch; but which, it is thought, nevertheless, may outlast the duration + of the parliament to which the contest refers. Mr. Halkit, as the + newspapers informed me, acts as agent or solicitor; and Mr. Hardie opened + for Sir Peter Plyem with singular ability, and to such good purpose, that + I understand he has since had fewer play-bills and more briefs in his + pocket. And both the young gentlemen deserve their good fortune; for I + learned from Dunover, who called on me some weeks afterwards, and + communicated the intelligence with tears in his eyes, that their interest + had availed to obtain him a small office for the decent maintenance of his + family; and that, after a train of constant and uninterrupted misfortune, + he could trace a dawn of prosperity to his having the good fortune to be + flung from the top of a mail-coach into the river Gander, in company with + an advocate and a writer to the Signet. The reader will not perhaps deem + himself equally obliged to the accident, since it brings upon him the + following narrative, founded upon the conversation of the evening. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER FIRST. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Whoe’er’s been at Paris must needs know the Gre’ve, + The fatal retreat of the unfortunate brave, + Where honour and justice most oddly contribute, + To ease heroes’ pains by an halter and gibbet. + + There death breaks the shackles which force had put on, + And the hangman completes what the judge but began; + There the squire of the poet, and knight of the post, + Find their pains no more baulked, and their hopes no more + crossed. + Prior. +</pre> + <p> + In former times, England had her Tyburn, to which the devoted victims of + justice were conducted in solemn procession up what is now called Oxford + Street. In Edinburgh, a large open street, or rather oblong square, + surrounded by high houses, called the Grassmarket, was used for the same + melancholy purpose. It was not ill chosen for such a scene, being of + considerable extent, and therefore fit to accommodate a great number of + spectators, such as are usually assembled by this melancholy spectacle. On + the other hand, few of the houses which surround it were, even in early + times, inhabited by persons of fashion; so that those likely to be + offended or over deeply affected by such unpleasant exhibitions were not + in the way of having their quiet disturbed by them. The houses in the + Grassmarket are, generally speaking, of a mean description; yet the place + is not without some features of grandeur, being overhung by the southern + side of the huge rock on which the Castle stands, and by the moss-grown + battlements and turreted walls of that ancient fortress. + </p> + <p> + It was the custom, until within these thirty years or thereabouts, to use + this esplanade for the scene of public executions. The fatal day was + announced to the public by the appearance of a huge black gallows-tree + towards the eastern end of the Grassmarket. This ill-omened apparition was + of great height, with a scaffold surrounding it, and a double ladder + placed against it, for the ascent of the unhappy criminal and executioner. + As this apparatus was always arranged before dawn, it seemed as if the + gallows had grown out of the earth in the course of one night, like the + production of some foul demon; and I well remember the fright with which + the schoolboys, when I was one of their number, used to regard these + ominous signs of deadly preparation. On the night after the execution the + gallows again disappeared, and was conveyed in silence and darkness to the + place where it was usually deposited, which was one of the vaults under + the Parliament House, or courts of justice. This mode of execution is now + exchanged for one similar to that in front of Newgate,—with what + beneficial effect is uncertain. The mental sufferings of the convict are + indeed shortened. He no longer stalks between the attendant clergymen, + dressed in his grave-clothes, through a considerable part of the city, + looking like a moving and walking corpse, while yet an inhabitant of this + world; but, as the ultimate purpose of punishment has in view the + prevention of crimes, it may at least be doubted, whether, in abridging + the melancholy ceremony, we have not in part diminished that appalling + effect upon the spectators which is the useful end of all such + inflictions, and in consideration of which alone, unless in very + particular cases, capital sentences can be altogether justified. + </p> + <p> + On the 7th day of September 1736, these ominous preparations for execution + were descried in the place we have described, and at an early hour the + space around began to be occupied by several groups, who gazed on the + scaffold and gibbet with a stern and vindictive show of satisfaction very + seldom testified by the populace, whose good nature, in most cases, + forgets the crime of the condemned person, and dwells only on his misery. + But the act of which the expected culprit had been convicted was of a + description calculated nearly and closely to awaken and irritate the + resentful feelings of the multitude. The tale is well known; yet it is + necessary to recapitulate its leading circumstances, for the better + understanding what is to follow; and the narrative may prove long, but I + trust not uninteresting even to those who have heard its general issue. At + any rate, some detail is necessary, in order to render intelligible the + subsequent events of our narrative. + </p> + <p> + Contraband trade, though it strikes at the root of legitimate government, + by encroaching on its revenues,—though it injures the fair trader, + and debauches the mind of those engaged in it,—is not usually looked + upon, either by the vulgar or by their betters, in a very heinous point of + view. On the contrary, in those countries where it prevails, the + cleverest, boldest, and most intelligent of the peasantry, are uniformly + engaged in illicit transactions, and very often with the sanction of the + farmers and inferior gentry. Smuggling was almost universal in Scotland in + the reigns of George I. and II.; for the people, unaccustomed to imposts, + and regarding them as an unjust aggression upon their ancient liberties, + made no scruple to elude them whenever it was possible to do so. + </p> + <p> + The county of Fife, bounded by two firths on the south and north, and by + the sea on the east, and having a number of small seaports, was long famed + for maintaining successfully a contraband trade; and, as there were many + seafaring men residing there, who had been pirates and buccaneers in their + youth, there were not wanting a sufficient number of daring men to carry + it on. Among these, a fellow called Andrew Wilson, originally a baker in + the village of Pathhead, was particularly obnoxious to the revenue + officers. He was possessed of great personal strength, courage, and + cunning,—was perfectly acquainted with the coast, and capable of + conducting the most desperate enterprises. On several occasions he + succeeded in baffling the pursuit and researches of the king’s officers; + but he became so much the object of their suspicions and watchful + attention, that at length he was totally ruined by repeated seizures. The + man became desperate. He considered himself as robbed and plundered; and + took it into his head that he had a right to make reprisals, as he could + find opportunity. Where the heart is prepared for evil, opportunity is + seldom long wanting. This Wilson learned that the Collector of the Customs + at Kirkcaldy had come to Pittenweem, in the course of his official round + of duty, with a considerable sum of public money in his custody. As the + amount was greatly within the value of the goods which had been seized + from him, Wilson felt no scruple of conscience in resolving to reimburse + himself for his losses, at the expense of the Collector and the revenue. + He associated with himself one Robertson, and two other idle young men, + whom, having been concerned in the same illicit trade, he persuaded to + view the transaction in the same justifiable light in which he himself + considered it. They watched the motions of the Collector; they broke + forcibly into the house where he lodged,—Wilson, with two of his + associates, entering the Collector’s apartment, while Robertson, the + fourth, kept watch at the door with a drawn cutlass in his hand. The + officer of the customs, conceiving his life in danger, escaped out of his + bedroom window, and fled in his shirt, so that the plunderers, with much + ease, possessed themselves of about two hundred pounds of public money. + The robbery was committed in a very audacious manner, for several persons + were passing in the street at the time. But Robertson, representing the + noise they heard as a dispute or fray betwixt the Collector and the people + of the house, the worthy citizens of Pittenweem felt themselves no way + called on to interfere in behalf of the obnoxious revenue officer; so, + satisfying themselves with this very superficial account of the matter, + like the Levite in the parable, they passed on the opposite side of the + way. An alarm was at length given, military were called in, the + depredators were pursued, the booty recovered, and Wilson and Robertson + tried and condemned to death, chiefly on the evidence of an accomplice. + </p> + <p> + Many thought that, in consideration of the men’s erroneous opinion of the + nature of the action they had committed, justice might have been satisfied + with a less forfeiture than that of two lives. On the other hand, from the + audacity of the fact, a severe example was judged necessary; and such was + the opinion of the Government. When it became apparent that the sentence + of death was to be executed, files, and other implements necessary for + their escape, were transmitted secretly to the culprits by a friend from + without. By these means they sawed a bar out of one of the prison-windows, + and might have made their escape, but for the obstinacy of Wilson, who, as + he was daringly resolute, was doggedly pertinacious of his opinion. His + comrade, Robertson, a young and slender man, proposed to make the + experiment of passing the foremost through the gap they had made, and + enlarging it from the outside, if necessary, to allow Wilson free passage. + Wilson, however, insisted on making the first experiment, and being a + robust and lusty man, he not only found it impossible to get through + betwixt the bars, but, by his struggles, he jammed himself so fast, that + he was unable to draw his body back again. In these circumstances + discovery became unavoidable, and sufficient precautions were taken by the + jailor to prevent any repetition of the same attempt. Robertson uttered + not a word of reflection on his companion for the consequences of his + obstinacy; but it appeared from the sequel, that Wilson’s mind was deeply + impressed with the recollection that, but for him, his comrade, over whose + mind he exercised considerable influence, would not have engaged in the + criminal enterprise which had terminated thus fatally; and that now he had + become his destroyer a second time, since, but for his obstinacy, + Robertson might have effected his escape. Minds like Wilson’s, even when + exercised in evil practices, sometimes retain the power of thinking and + resolving with enthusiastic generosity. His whole thoughts were now bent + on the possibility of saving Robertson’s life, without the least respect + to his own. The resolution which he adopted, and the manner in which he + carried it into effect, were striking and unusual. + </p> + <p> + Adjacent to the tolbooth or city jail of Edinburgh, is one of three + churches into which the cathedral of St. Giles is now divided, called, + from its vicinity, the Tolbooth Church. It was the custom that criminals + under sentence of death were brought to this church, with a sufficient + guard, to hear and join in public worship on the Sabbath before execution. + It was supposed that the hearts of these unfortunate persons, however + hardened before against feelings of devotion, could not but be accessible + to them upon uniting their thoughts and voices, for the last time, along + with their fellow-mortals, in addressing their Creator. And to the rest of + the congregation, it was thought it could not but be impressive and + affecting, to find their devotions mingling with those, who, sent by the + doom of an earthly tribunal to appear where the whole earth is judged, + might be considered as beings trembling on the verge of eternity. The + practice, however edifying, has been discontinued, in consequence of the + incident we are about to detail. + </p> + <p> + The clergyman, whose duty it was to officiate in the Tolbooth Church, had + concluded an affecting discourse, part of which was particularly directed + to the unfortunate men, Wilson and Robertson, who were in the pew set + apart for the persons in their unhappy situation, each secured betwixt two + soldiers of the city guard. The clergyman had reminded them, that the next + congregation they must join would be that of the just, or of the unjust; + that the psalms they now heard must be exchanged, in the space of two + brief days, for eternal hallelujahs, or eternal lamentations; and that + this fearful alternative must depend upon the state to which they might be + able to bring their minds before the moment of awful preparation: that + they should not despair on account of the suddenness of the summons, but + rather to feel this comfort in their misery, that, though all who now + lifted the voice, or bent the knee in conjunction with them, lay under the + same sentence of certain death, <i>they</i> only had the advantage of + knowing the precise moment at which it should be executed upon them. + “Therefore,” urged the good man, his voice trembling with emotion, “redeem + the time, my unhappy brethren, which is yet left; and remember, that, with + the grace of Him to whom space and time are but as nothing, salvation may + yet be assured, even in the pittance of delay which the laws of your + country afford you.” + </p> + <p> + Robertson was observed to weep at these words; but Wilson seemed as one + whose brain had not entirely received their meaning, or whose thoughts + were deeply impressed with some different subject;—an expression so + natural to a person in his situation, that it excited neither suspicion + nor surprise. + </p> + <p> + The benediction was pronounced as usual, and the congregation was + dismissed, many lingering to indulge their curiosity with a more fixed + look at the two criminals, who now, as well as their guards, rose up, as + if to depart when the crowd should permit them. A murmur of compassion was + heard to pervade the spectators, the more general, perhaps, on account of + the alleviating circumstances of the case; when all at once, Wilson, who, + as we have already noticed, was a very strong man, seized two of the + soldiers, one with each hand, and calling at the same time to his + companion, “Run, Geordie, run!” threw himself on a third, and fastened his + teeth on the collar of his coat. Robertson stood for a second as if + thunderstruck, and unable to avail himself of the opportunity of escape; + but the cry of “Run, run!” being echoed from many around, whose feelings + surprised them into a very natural interest in his behalf, he shook off + the grasp of the remaining soldier, threw himself over the pew, mixed with + the dispersing congregation, none of whom felt inclined to stop a poor + wretch taking his last chance for his life, gained the door of the church, + and was lost to all pursuit. + </p> + <p> + The generous intrepidity which Wilson had displayed on this occasion + augmented the feeling of compassion which attended his fate. The public, + where their own prejudices are not concerned, are easily engaged on the + side of disinterestedness and humanity, admired Wilson’s behaviour, and + rejoiced in Robertson’s escape. This general feeling was so great, that it + excited a vague report that Wilson would be rescued at the place of + execution, either by the mob or by some of his old associates, or by some + second extraordinary and unexpected exertion of strength and courage on + his own part. The magistrates thought it their duty to provide against the + possibility of disturbance. They ordered out, for protection of the + execution of the sentence, the greater part of their own City Guard, under + the command of Captain Porteous, a man whose name became too memorable + from the melancholy circumstances of the day, and subsequent events. It + may be necessary to say a word about this person, and the corps which he + commanded. But the subject is of importance sufficient to deserve another + chapter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER SECOND. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And thou, great god of aquavitae! + Wha sways the empire of this city + (When fou we’re sometimes capernoity), + + Be thou prepared, + To save us frae that black banditti, + + The City Guard! + Fergusson’s <i>Daft Days.</i> +</pre> + <p> + Captain John Porteous, a name memorable in the traditions of Edinburgh, as + well as in the records of criminal jurisprudence, was the son of a citizen + of Edinburgh, who endeavoured to breed him up to his own mechanical trade + of a tailor. The youth, however, had a wild and irreclaimable propensity + to dissipation, which finally sent him to serve in the corps long + maintained in the service of the States of Holland, and called the Scotch + Dutch. Here he learned military discipline; and, returning afterwards, in + the course of an idle and wandering life, to his native city, his services + were required by the magistrates of Edinburgh in the disturbed year 1715, + for disciplining their City Guard, in which he shortly afterwards received + a captain’s commission. It was only by his military skill and an alert and + resolute character as an officer of police, that he merited this + promotion, for he is said to have been a man of profligate habits, an + unnatural son, and a brutal husband. He was, however, useful in his + station, and his harsh and fierce habits rendered him formidable to + rioters or disturbers of the public peace. + </p> + <p> + The corps in which he held his command is, or perhaps we should rather say + <i>was,</i> a body of about one hundred and twenty soldiers divided into + three companies, and regularly armed, clothed, and embodied. They were + chiefly veterans who enlisted in this cogs, having the benefit of working + at their trades when they were off duty. These men had the charge of + preserving public order, repressing riots and street robberies, acting, in + short, as an armed police, and attending on all public occasions where + confusion or popular disturbance might be expected.* + </p> + <p> + * The Lord Provost was ex-officio commander and colonel of the corps, + which might be increased to three hundred men when the times required it. + No other drum but theirs was allowed to sound on the High Street between + the Luckenbooths and the Netherbow. + </p> + <p> + Poor Fergusson, whose irregularities sometimes led him into unpleasant + rencontres with these military conservators of public order, and who + mentions them so often that he may be termed their poet laureate,* thus + admonishes his readers, warned doubtless by his own experience:— + </p> + <p> + * [Robert Fergusson, the Scottish Poet, born 1750, died 1774.] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Gude folk, as ye come frae the fair, + Bide yont frae this black squad: + There’s nae sic savages elsewhere + Allowed to wear cockad.” + </pre> + <p> + In fact, the soldiers of the City Guard, being, as we have said, in + general discharged veterans, who had strength enough remaining for this + municipal duty, and being, moreover, for the greater part, Highlanders, + were neither by birth, education, nor former habits, trained to endure + with much patience the insults of the rabble, or the provoking petulance + of truant schoolboys, and idle debauchees of all descriptions, with whom + their occupation brought them into contact. On the contrary, the tempers + of the poor old fellows were soured by the indignities with which the mob + distinguished them on many occasions, and frequently might have required + the soothing strains of the poet we have just quoted— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “O soldiers! for your ain dear sakes, + For Scotland’s love, the Land o’ Cakes, + Gie not her bairns sic deadly paiks, + Nor be sae rude, + Wi’ firelock or Lochaber-axe, + As spill their bluid!” + </pre> + <p> + On all occasions when a holiday licensed some riot and irregularity, a + skirmish with these veterans was a favourite recreation with the rabble of + Edinburgh. These pages may perhaps see the light when many have in fresh + recollection such onsets as we allude to. But the venerable corps, with + whom the contention was held, may now be considered as totally extinct. Of + late the gradual diminution of these civic soldiers reminds one of the + abatement of King Lear’s hundred knights. The edicts of each succeeding + set of magistrates have, like those of Goneril and Regan, diminished this + venerable band with the similar question, “What need we five-and-twenty?—ten?—or + five?” And it is now nearly come to, “What need one?” A spectre may indeed + here and there still be seen, of an old grey-headed and grey-bearded + Highlander, with war-worn features, but bent double by age; dressed in an + old fashioned cocked-hat, bound with white tape instead of silver lace; + and in coat, waistcoat, and breeches, of a muddy-coloured red, bearing in + his withered hand an ancient weapon, called a Lochaber-axe; a long pole, + namely, with an axe at the extremity, and a hook at the back of the + hatchet.* + </p> + <p> + * This hook was to enable the bearer of the Lochaber-axe to scale a + gateway, by grappling the top of the door, and swinging himself up by the + staff of his weapon. + </p> + <p> + Such a phantom of former days still creeps, I have been informed, round + the statue of Charles the Second, in the Parliament Square, as if the + image of a Stuart were the last refuge for any memorial of our ancient + manners; and one or two others are supposed to glide around the door of + the guardhouse assigned to them in the Luckenbooths, when their ancient + refuge in the High Street was laid low.* + </p> + <p> + * This ancient corps is now entirely disbanded. Their last march to do + duty at Hallowfair had something in it affecting. Their drums and fifes + had been wont on better days to play, on this joyous occasion, the lively + tune of “Jockey to the fair;” but on his final occasion the afflicted + veterans moved slowly to the dirge of + </p> + <p> + “The last time I came ower the muir.” + </p> + <p> + But the fate of manuscripts bequeathed to friends and executors is so + uncertain, that the narrative containing these frail memorials of the old + Town Guard of Edinburgh, who, with their grim and valiant corporal, John + Dhu (the fiercest-looking fellow I ever saw), were, in my boyhood, the + alternate terror and derision of the petulant brood of the High School, + may, perhaps, only come to light when all memory of the institution has + faded away, and then serve as an illustration of Kay’s caricatures, who + has preserved the features of some of their heroes. In the preceding + generation, when there was a perpetual alarm for the plots and activity of + the Jacobites, some pains were taken by the magistrates of Edinburgh to + keep this corps, though composed always of such materials as we have + noticed, in a more effective state than was afterwards judged necessary, + when their most dangerous service was to skirmish with the rabble on the + king’s birthday. They were, therefore, more the objects of hatred, and + less that of scorn, than they were afterwards accounted. + </p> + <p> + To Captain John Porteous, the honour of his command and of his corps seems + to have been a matter of high interest and importance. He was exceedingly + incensed against Wilson for the affront which he construed him to have put + upon his soldiers, in the effort he made for the liberation of his + companion, and expressed himself most ardently on the subject. He was no + less indignant at the report, that there was an intention to rescue Wilson + himself from the gallows, and uttered many threats and imprecations upon + that subject, which were afterwards remembered to his disadvantage. In + fact, if a good deal of determination and promptitude rendered Porteous, + in one respect, fit to command guards designed to suppress popular + commotion, he seems, on the other, to have been disqualified for a charge + so delicate, by a hot and surly temper, always too ready to come to blows + and violence; a character void of principle; and a disposition to regard + the rabble, who seldom failed to regale him and his soldiers with some + marks of their displeasure, as declared enemies, upon whom it was natural + and justifiable that he should seek opportunities of vengeance. Being, + however, the most active and trustworthy among the captains of the City + Guard, he was the person to whom the magistrates confided the command of + the soldiers appointed to keep the peace at the time of Wilson’s + execution. He was ordered to guard the gallows and scaffold, with about + eighty men, all the disposable force that could be spared for that duty. + </p> + <p> + But the magistrates took farther precautions, which affected Porteous’s + pride very deeply. They requested the assistance of part of a regular + infantry regiment, not to attend upon the execution, but to remain drawn + up on the principal street of the city, during the time that it went + forward, in order to intimidate the multitude, in case they should be + disposed to be unruly, with a display of force which could not be resisted + without desperation. It may sound ridiculous in our ears, considering the + fallen state of this ancient civic corps, that its officer should have + felt punctiliously jealous of its honour. Yet so it was. Captain Porteous + resented, as an indignity, the introducing the Welsh Fusileers within the + city, and drawing them up in the street where no drums but his own were + allowed to be sounded without the special command or permission of the + magistrates. As he could not show his ill-humour to his patrons the + magistrates, it increased his indignation and his desire to be revenged on + the unfortunate criminal Wilson, and all who favoured him. These internal + emotions of jealousy and rage wrought a change on the man’s mien and + bearing, visible to all who saw him on the fatal morning when Wilson was + appointed to suffer. Porteous’s ordinary appearance was rather favourable. + He was about the middle size, stout, and well made, having a military air, + and yet rather a gentle and mild countenance. His complexion was brown, + his face somewhat fretted with the sears of the smallpox, his eyes rather + languid than keen or fierce. On the present occasion, however, it seemed + to those who saw him as if he were agitated by some evil demon. His step + was irregular, his voice hollow and broken, his countenance pale, his eyes + staring and wild, his speech imperfect and confused, and his whole + appearance so disordered, that many remarked he seemed to be <i>fey,</i> a + Scottish expression, meaning the state of those who are driven on to their + impending fate by the strong impulse of some irresistible necessity. + </p> + <p> + One part of his conduct was truly diabolical, if indeed it has not been + exaggerated by the general prejudice entertained against his memory. When + Wilson, the unhappy criminal, was delivered to him by the keeper of the + prison, in order that he might be conducted to the place of execution, + Porteous, not satisfied with the usual precautions to prevent escape, + ordered him to be manacled. This might be justifiable from the character + and bodily strength of the malefactor, as well as from the apprehensions + so generally entertained of an expected rescue. But the handcuffs which + were produced being found too small for the wrists of a man so big-boned + as Wilson, Porteous proceeded with his own hands, and by great exertion of + strength, to force them till they clasped together, to the exquisite + torture of the unhappy criminal. Wilson remonstrated against such + barbarous usage, declaring that the pain distracted his thoughts from the + subjects of meditation proper to his unhappy condition. + </p> + <p> + “It signifies little,” replied Captain Porteous; “your pain will soon be + at an end.” + </p> + <p> + “Your cruelty is great,” answered the sufferer. “You know not how soon you + yourself may have occasion to ask the mercy which you are now refusing to + a fellow-creature. May God forgive you!” + </p> + <p> + These words, long afterwards quoted and remembered, were all that passed + between Porteous and his prisoner; but as they took air, and became known + to the people, they greatly increased the popular compassion for Wilson, + and excited a proportionate degree of indignation against Porteous; + against whom, as strict, and even violent in the discharge of his + unpopular office, the common people had some real, and many imaginary + causes of complaint. + </p> + <p> + When the painful procession was completed, and Wilson, with the escort, + had arrived at the scaffold in the Grassmarket, there appeared no signs of + that attempt to rescue him which had occasioned such precautions. The + multitude, in general, looked on with deeper interest than at ordinary + executions; and there might be seen, on the countenances of many, a stern + and indignant expression, like that with which the ancient Cameronians + might be supposed to witness the execution of their brethren, who + glorified the Covenant on the same occasion, and at the same spot. But + there was no attempt at violence. Wilson himself seemed disposed to hasten + over the space that divided time from eternity. The devotions proper and + usual on such occasions were no sooner finished than he submitted to his + fate, and the sentence of the law was fulfilled. + </p> + <p> + He had been suspended on the gibbet so long as to be totally deprived of + life, when at once, as if occasioned by some newly received impulse, there + arose a tumult among the multitude. Many stones were thrown at Porteous + and his guards; some mischief was done; and the mob continued to press + forward with whoops, shrieks, howls, and exclamations. A young fellow, + with a sailor’s cap slouched over his face, sprung on the scaffold, and + cut the rope by which the criminal was suspended. Others approached to + carry off the body, either to secure for it a decent grave, or to try, + perhaps, some means of resuscitation. Captain Porteous was wrought, by + this appearance of insurrection against his authority, into a rage so + headlong as made him forget, that, the sentence having been fully + executed, it was his duty not to engage in hostilities with the misguided + multitude, but to draw off his men as fast as possible. He sprung from the + scaffold, snatched a musket from one of his soldiers, commanded the party + to give fire, and, as several eye-witnesses concurred in swearing, set + them the example, by discharging his piece, and shooting a man dead on the + spot. Several soldiers obeyed his command or followed his example; six or + seven persons were slain, and a great many were hurt and wounded. + </p> + <p> + After this act of violence, the Captain proceeded to withdraw his men + towards their guard-house in the High Street. The mob were not so much + intimidated as incensed by what had been done. They pursued the soldiers + with execrations, accompanied by volleys of stones. As they pressed on + them, the rearmost soldiers turned, and again fired with fatal aim and + execution. It is not accurately known whether Porteous commanded this + second act of violence; but of course the odium of the whole transactions + of the fatal day attached to him, and to him alone. He arrived at the + guard-house, dismissed his soldiers, and went to make his report to the + magistrates concerning the unfortunate events of the day. + </p> + <p> + Apparently by this time Captain Porteous had began to doubt the propriety + of his own conduct, and the reception he met with from the magistrates was + such as to make him still more anxious to gloss it over. He denied that he + had given orders to fire; he denied he had fired with his own hand; he + even produced the fusee which he carried as an officer for examination; it + was found still loaded. Of three cartridges which he was seen to put in + his pouch that morning, two were still there; a white handkerchief was + thrust into the muzzle of the piece, and re-turned unsoiled or blackened. + To the defence founded on these circumstances it was answered, that + Porteous had not used his own piece, but had been seen to take one from a + soldier. Among the many who had been killed and wounded by the unhappy + fire, there were several of better rank; for even the humanity of such + soldiers as fired over the heads of the mere rabble around the scaffold, + proved in some instances fatal to persons who were stationed in windows, + or observed the melancholy scene from a distance. The voice of public + indignation was loud and general; and, ere men’s tempers had time to cool, + the trial of Captain Porteous took place before the High Court of + Justiciary. After a long and patient hearing, the jury had the difficult + duty of balancing the positive evidence of many persons, and those of + respectability, who deposed positively to the prisoner’s commanding his + soldiers to fire, and himself firing his piece, of which some swore that + they saw the smoke and flash, and beheld a man drop at whom it was + pointed, with the negative testimony of others, who, though well stationed + for seeing what had passed, neither heard Porteous give orders to fire, + nor saw him fire himself; but, on the contrary, averred that the first + shot was fired by a soldier who stood close by him. A great part of his + defence was also founded on the turbulence of the mob, which witnesses, + according to their feelings, their predilections, and their opportunities + of observation, represented differently; some describing as a formidable + riot, what others represented as a trifling disturbance such as always + used to take place on the like occasions, when the executioner of the law, + and the men commissioned to protect him in his task, were generally + exposed to some indignities. The verdict of the jury sufficiently shows + how the evidence preponderated in their minds. It declared that John + Porteous fired a gun among the people assembled at the execution; that he + gave orders to his soldiers to fire, by which many persons were killed and + wounded; but, at the same time, that the prisoner and his guard had been + wounded and beaten, by stones thrown at them by the multitude. Upon this + verdict, the Lords of Justiciary passed sentence of death against Captain + John Porteous, adjudging him, in the common form, to be hanged on a gibbet + at the common place of execution, on Wednesday, 8th September 1736, and + all his movable property to be forfeited to the king’s use, according to + the Scottish law in cases of wilful murder.* + </p> + <p> + * The signatures affixed to the death-warrant of Captain Porteous were— + Andrew Fletcher of Milton, Lord Justice-Clerk. Sir James Mackenzie, Lord + Royston. David Erskine, Lord Dun. Sir Walter Pringle, Lord Newhall. Sir + Gilbert Elliot, Lord Minto. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER THIRD. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The hour’s come, but not the man.” * +</pre> + <p> + * There is a tradition, that while a little stream was swollen into a + torrent by recent showers, the discontented voice of the Water Spirit was + heard to pronounce these words. At the some moment a man, urged on by his + fate, or, in Scottish language, <i>fey,</i> arrived at a gallop, and + prepared to cross the water. No remonstrance from the bystanders was of + power to stop him—he plunged into the stream, and perished. + </p> + <p> + Kelpie. + </p> + <p> + On the day when the unhappy Porteous was expected to suffer the sentence + of the law, the place of execution, extensive as it is, was crowded almost + to suffocation. There was not a window in all the lofty tenements around + it, or in the steep and crooked street called the Bow, by which the fatal + procession was to descend from the High Street, that was not absolutely + filled with spectators. The uncommon height and antique appearance of + these houses, some of which were formerly the property of the Knights + Templars, and the Knights of St. John, and still exhibit on their fronts + and gables the iron cross of these orders, gave additional effect to a + scene in itself so striking. The area of the Grassmarket resembled a huge + dark lake or sea of human heads, in the centre of which arose the fatal + tree, tall, black, and ominous, from which dangled the deadly halter. + Every object takes interest from its uses and associations, and the erect + beam and empty noose, things so simple in themselves, became, on such an + occasion, objects of terror and of solemn interest. + </p> + <p> + Amid so numerous an assembly there was scarcely a word spoken, save in + whispers. The thirst of vengeance was in some degree allayed by its + supposed certainty; and even the populace, with deeper feeling than they + are wont to entertain, suppressed all clamorous exultation, and prepared + to enjoy the scene of retaliation in triumph, silent and decent, though + stern and relentless. It seemed as if the depth of their hatred to the + unfortunate criminal scorned to display itself in anything resembling the + more noisy current of their ordinary feelings. Had a stranger consulted + only the evidence of his ears, he might have supposed that so vast a + multitude were assembled for some purpose which affected them with the + deepest sorrow, and stilled those noises which, on all ordinary occasions, + arise from such a concourse; but if he had gazed upon their faces, he + would have been instantly undeceived. The compressed lip, the bent brow, + the stern and flashing eye of almost everyone on whom he looked, conveyed + the expression of men come to glut their sight with triumphant revenge. It + is probable that the appearance of the criminal might have somewhat + changed the temper of the populace in his favour, and that they might in + the moment of death have forgiven the man against whom their resentment + had been so fiercely heated. It had, however, been destined, that the + mutability of their sentiments was not to be exposed to this trial. + </p> + <p> + The usual hour for producing the criminal had been past for many minutes, + yet the spectators observed no symptom of his appearance. “Would they + venture to defraud public justice?” was the question which men began + anxiously to ask at each other. The first answer in every case was bold + and positive,—“They dare not.” But when the point was further + canvassed, other opinions were entertained, and various causes of doubt + were suggested. Porteous had been a favourite officer of the magistracy of + the city, which, being a numerous and fluctuating body, requires for its + support a degree of energy in its functionaries, which the individuals who + compose it cannot at all times alike be supposed to possess in their own + persons. It was remembered, that in the Information for Porteous (the + paper, namely, in which his case was stated to the Judges of the criminal + court), he had been described by his counsel as the person on whom the + magistrates chiefly relied in all emergencies of uncommon difficulty. It + was argued, too, that his conduct, on the unhappy occasion of Wilson’s + execution, was capable of being attributed to an imprudent excess of zeal + in the execution of his duty, a motive for which those under whose + authority he acted might be supposed to have great sympathy. And as these + considerations might move the magistrates to make a favourable + representation of Porteous’s case, there were not wanting others in the + higher departments of Government, which would make such suggestions + favourably listened to. + </p> + <p> + The mob of Edinburgh, when thoroughly excited, had been at all times one + of the fiercest which could be found in Europe; and of late years they had + risen repeatedly against the Government, and sometimes not without + temporary success. They were conscious, therefore, that they were no + favourites with the rulers of the period, and that, if Captain Porteous’s + violence was not altogether regarded as good service, it might certainly + be thought, that to visit it with a capital punishment would render it + both delicate and dangerous for future officers, in the same + circumstances, to act with effect in repressing tumults. There is also a + natural feeling, on the part of all members of Government, for the general + maintenance of authority; and it seemed not unlikely, that what to the + relatives of the sufferers appeared a wanton and unprovoked massacre, + should be otherwise viewed in the cabinet of St. James’s. It might be + there supposed, that upon the whole matter, Captain Porteous was in the + exercise of a trust delegated to him by the lawful civil authority; that + he had been assaulted by the populace, and several of his men hurt; and + that, in finally repelling force by force, his conduct could be fairly + imputed to no other motive than self-defence in the discharge of his duty. + </p> + <p> + These considerations, of themselves very powerful, induced the spectators + to apprehend the possibility of a reprieve; and to the various causes + which might interest the rulers in his favour, the lower part of the + rabble added one which was peculiarly well adapted to their comprehension. + It was averred, in order to increase the odium against Porteous, that + while he repressed with the utmost severity the slightest excesses of the + poor, he not only overlooked the license of the young nobles and gentry, + but was very willing to lend them the countenance of his official + authority, in execution of such loose pranks as it was chiefly his duty to + have restrained. This suspicion, which was perhaps much exaggerated, made + a deep impression on the minds of the populace; and when several of the + higher rank joined in a petition, recommending Porteous to the mercy of + the Crown, it was generally supposed he owed their favour not to any + conviction of the hardship of his case, but to the fear of losing a + convenient accomplice in their debaucheries. It is scarcely necessary to + say how much this suspicion augmented the people’s detestation of this + obnoxious criminal, as well as their fear of his escaping the sentence + pronounced against him. + </p> + <p> + While these arguments were stated and replied to, and canvassed and + supported, the hitherto silent expectation of the people became changed + into that deep and agitating murmur, which is sent forth by the ocean + before the tempest begins to howl. The crowded populace, as if their + motions had corresponded with the unsettled state of their minds, + fluctuated to and fro without any visible cause of impulse, like the + agitation of the waters, called by sailors the ground-swell. The news, + which the magistrates had almost hesitated to communicate to them, were at + length announced, and spread among the spectators with a rapidity like + lightning. A reprieve from the Secretary of State’s office, under the hand + of his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, had arrived, intimating the pleasure + of Queen Caroline (regent of the kingdom during the absence of George II. + on the Continent), that the execution of the sentence of death pronounced + against John Porteous, late Captain-Lieutenant of the City Guard of + Edinburgh, present prisoner in the Tolbooth of that city, be respited for + six weeks from the time appointed for his execution. + </p> + <p> + The assembled spectators of almost all degrees, whose minds had been wound + up to the pitch which we have described, uttered a groan, or rather a roar + of indignation and disappointed revenge, similar to that of a tiger from + whom his meal has been rent by his keeper when he was just about to devour + it. This fierce exclamation seemed to forbode some immediate explosion of + popular resentment, and, in fact, such had been expected by the + magistrates, and the necessary measures had been taken to repress it. But + the shout was not repeated, nor did any sudden tumult ensue, such as it + appeared to announce. The populace seemed to be ashamed of having + expressed their disappointment in a vain clamour, and the sound changed, + not into the silence which had preceded the arrival of these stunning + news, but into stifled mutterings, which each group maintained among + themselves, and which were blended into one deep and hoarse murmur which + floated above the assembly. + </p> + <p> + Yet still, though all expectation of the execution was over, the mob + remained assembled, stationary, as it were, through very resentment, + gazing on the preparations for death, which had now been made in vain, and + stimulating their feelings, by recalling the various claims which Wilson + might have had on royal mercy, from the mistaken motives on which he + acted, as well as from the generosity he had displayed towards his + accomplice. “This man,” they said,—“the brave, the resolute, the + generous, was executed to death without mercy for stealing a purse of + gold, which in some sense he might consider as a fair reprisal; while the + profligate satellite, who took advantage of a trifling tumult, inseparable + from such occasions, to shed the blood of twenty of his fellow-citizens, + is deemed a fitting object for the exercise of the royal prerogative of + mercy. Is this to be borne?—would our fathers have borne it? Are not + we, like them, Scotsmen and burghers of Edinburgh?” + </p> + <p> + The officers of justice began now to remove the scaffold, and other + preparations which had been made for the execution, in hopes, by doing so, + to accelerate the dispersion of the multitude. The measure had the desired + effect; for no sooner had the fatal tree been unfixed from the large stone + pedestal or socket in which it was secured, and sunk slowly down upon the + wain intended to remove it to the place where it was usually deposited, + than the populace, after giving vent to their feelings in a second shout + of rage and mortification, began slowly to disperse to their usual abodes + and occupations. + </p> + <p> + The windows were in like manner gradually deserted, and groups of the more + decent class of citizens formed themselves, as if waiting to return + homewards when the streets should be cleared of the rabble. Contrary to + what is frequently the case, this description of persons agreed in general + with the sentiments of their inferiors, and considered the cause as common + to all ranks. Indeed, as we have already noticed, it was by no means + amongst the lowest class of the spectators, or those most likely to be + engaged in the riot at Wilson’s execution, that the fatal fire of + Porteous’s soldiers had taken effect. Several persons were killed who were + looking out at windows at the scene, who could not of course belong to the + rioters, and were persons of decent rank and condition. The burghers, + therefore, resenting the loss which had fallen on their own body, and + proud and tenacious of their rights, as the citizens of Edinburgh have at + all times been, were greatly exasperated at the unexpected respite of + Captain Porteous. + </p> + <p> + It was noticed at the time, and afterwards more particularly remembered, + that, while the mob were in the act of dispersing, several individuals + were seen busily passing from one place and one group of people to + another, remaining long with none, but whispering for a little time with + those who appeared to be declaiming most violently against the conduct of + Government. These active agents had the appearance of men from the + country, and were generally supposed to be old friends and confederates of + Wilson, whose minds were of course highly excited against Porteous. + </p> + <p> + If, however, it was the intention of these men to stir the multitude to + any sudden act of mutiny, it seemed for the time to be fruitless. The + rabble, as well as the more decent part of the assembly, dispersed, and + went home peaceably; and it was only by observing the moody discontent on + their brows, or catching the tenor of the conversation they held with each + other, that a stranger could estimate the state of their minds. We will + give the reader this advantage, by associating ourselves with one of the + numerous groups who were painfully ascending the steep declivity of the + West Bow, to return to their dwellings in the Lawnmarket. + </p> + <p> + “An unco thing this, Mrs. Howden,” said old Peter Plumdamas to his + neighbour the rouping-wife, or saleswoman, as he offered her his arm to + assist her in the toilsome ascent, “to see the grit folk at Lunnon set + their face against law and gospel, and let loose sic a reprobate as + Porteous upon a peaceable town!” + </p> + <p> + “And to think o’ the weary walk they hae gien us,” answered Mrs. Howden, + with a groan; “and sic a comfortable window as I had gotten, too, just + within a penny-stane-cast of the scaffold—I could hae heard every + word the minister said—and to pay twalpennies for my stand, and a’ + for naething!” + </p> + <p> + “I am judging,” said Mr. Plumdamas, “that this reprieve wadna stand gude + in the auld Scots law, when the kingdom was a kingdom.” + </p> + <p> + “I dinna ken muckle about the law,” answered Mrs. Howden; “but I ken, when + we had a king, and a chancellor, and parliament men o’ our ain, we could + aye peeble them wi’ stanes when they werena gude bairns—But + naebody’s nails can reach the length o’ Lunnon.” + </p> + <p> + “Weary on Lunnon, and a’ that e’er came out o’t!” said Miss Grizel + Damahoy, an ancient seamstress; “they hae taen away our parliament, and + they hae oppressed our trade. Our gentles will hardly allow that a Scots + needle can sew ruffles on a sark, or lace on an owerlay.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye may say that—Miss Damahoy, and I ken o’ them that hae gotten + raisins frae Lunnon by forpits at ance,” responded Plumdamas; “and then + sic an host of idle English gaugers and excisemen as hae come down to vex + and torment us, that an honest man canna fetch sae muckle as a bit anker + o’ brandy frae Leith to the Lawnmarket, but he’s like to be rubbit o’ the + very gudes he’s bought and paid for.—Weel, I winna justify Andrew + Wilson for pitting hands on what wasna his; but if he took nae mair than + his ain, there’s an awfu’ difference between that and the fact this man + stands for.” + </p> + <p> + “If ye speak about the law,” said Mrs. Howden, “here comes Mr. Saddletree, + that can settle it as weel as ony on the bench.” + </p> + <p> + The party she mentioned, a grave elderly person, with a superb periwig, + dressed in a decent suit of sad-coloured clothes, came up as she spoke, + and courteously gave his arm to Miss Grizel Damahoy. + </p> + <p> + It may be necessary to mention, that Mr. Bartoline Saddletree kept an + excellent and highly-esteemed shop for harness, saddles, &c. &c., + at the sign of the Golden Nag, at the head of Bess Wynd.* + </p> + <p> + * [Maitland calls it Best’s Wynd, and later writers Beth’s Wynd. As the + name implies, it was an open thoroughfare or alley leading from the + Lawnmarket, and extended in a direct line between the old Tolbooth to near + the head of the Cowgate. It was partly destroyed by fire in 1786, and was + totally removed in 1809, preparatory to the building of the new libraries + of the Faculty of Advocates and writers to the Signet.] + </p> + <p> + His genius, however (as he himself and most of his neighbours conceived), + lay towards the weightier matters of the law, and he failed not to give + frequent attendance upon the pleadings and arguments of the lawyers and + judges in the neighbouring square, where, to say the truth, he was oftener + to be found than would have consisted with his own emolument; but that his + wife, an active painstaking person, could, in his absence, make an + admirable shift to please the customers and scold the journeymen. This + good lady was in the habit of letting her husband take his way, and go on + improving his stock of legal knowledge without interruption; but, as if in + requital, she insisted upon having her own will in the domestic and + commercial departments which he abandoned to her. Now, as Bartoline + Saddletree had a considerable gift of words, which he mistook for + eloquence, and conferred more liberally upon the society in which he lived + than was at all times gracious and acceptable, there went forth a saying, + with which wags used sometimes to interrupt his rhetoric, that, as he had + a golden nag at his door, so he had a grey mare in his shop. This reproach + induced Mr. Saddletree, on all occasions, to assume rather a haughty and + stately tone towards his good woman, a circumstance by which she seemed + very little affected, unless he attempted to exercise any real authority, + when she never failed to fly into open rebellion. But such extremes + Bartoline seldom provoked; for, like the gentle King Jamie, he was fonder + of talking of authority than really exercising it. This turn of mind was, + on the whole, lucky for him; since his substance was increased without any + trouble on his part, or any interruption of his favourite studies. + </p> + <p> + This word in explanation has been thrown in to the reader, while + Saddletree was laying down, with great precision, the law upon Porteous’s + case, by which he arrived at this conclusion, that, if Porteous had fired + five minutes sooner, before Wilson was cut down, he would have been <i>versans + in licito;</i> engaged, that is, in a lawful act, and only liable to be + punished <i>propter excessum,</i> or for lack of discretion, which might + have mitigated the punishment to <i>poena ordinaria.</i> + </p> + <p> + “Discretion!” echoed Mrs. Howden, on whom, it may well be supposed, the + fineness of this distinction was entirely thrown away,—“whan had + Jock Porteous either grace, discretion, or gude manners?—I mind when + his father” + </p> + <p> + “But, Mrs. Howden,” said Saddletree— + </p> + <p> + “And I,” said Miss Damahoy, “mind when his mother” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Damahoy,” entreated the interrupted orator + </p> + <p> + “And I,” said Plumdamas, “mind when his wife” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Plumdamas—Mrs. Howden—Miss Damahoy,” again implored the + orator,—“Mind the distinction, as Counsellor Crossmyloof says—‘I,’ + says he, ‘take a distinction.’ Now, the body of the criminal being cut + down, and the execution ended, Porteous was no longer official; the act + which he came to protect and guard, being done and ended, he was no better + than <i>cuivis ex populo.</i>” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Quivis—quivis,</i> Mr. Saddletree, craving your pardon,” said + (with a prolonged emphasis on the first syllable) Mr. Butler, the + deputy-schoolmaster of a parish near Edinburgh, who at that moment came up + behind them as the false Latin was uttered. + </p> + <p> + “What signifies interrupting me, Mr. Butler?—but I am glad to see ye + notwithstanding—I speak after Counsellor Crossmyloof, and he said <i>cuivis.</i>” + </p> + <p> + “If Counsellor Crossmyloof used the dative for the nominative, I would + have crossed his loof with a tight leathern strap, Mr. Saddletree; there + is not a boy on the booby form but should have been scourged for such a + solecism in grammar.” + </p> + <p> + “I speak Latin like a lawyer, Mr. Butler, and not like a schoolmaster,” + retorted Saddletree. + </p> + <p> + “Scarce like a schoolboy, I think,” rejoined Butler. + </p> + <p> + “It matters little,” said Bartoline; “all I mean to say is, that Porteous + has become liable to the <i>poena extra ordinem,</i> or capital punishment—which + is to say, in plain Scotch, the gallows—simply because he did not + fire when he was in office, but waited till the body was cut down, the + execution whilk he had in charge to guard implemented, and he himself + exonered of the public trust imposed on him.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Mr. Saddletree,” said Plumdamas, “do ye really think John Porteous’s + case wad hae been better if he had begun firing before ony stanes were + flung at a’?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed do I, neighbour Plumdamas,” replied Bartoline, confidently, “he + being then in point of trust and in point of power, the execution being + but inchoat, or, at least, not implemented, or finally ended; but after + Wilson was cut down it was a’ ower—he was clean exauctorate, and had + nae mair ado but to get awa wi’ his guard up this West Bow as fast as if + there had been a caption after him—And this is law, for I heard it + laid down by Lord Vincovincentem.” + </p> + <p> + “Vincovincentem?—Is he a lord of state, or a lord of seat?” inquired + Mrs. Howden.* + </p> + <p> + * A nobleman was called a Lord of State. The Senators of the College * of + Justice were termed Lords of Seat, or of the Session. + </p> + <p> + “A lord of seat—a lord of session.—I fash mysell little wi’ + lords o’ state; they vex me wi’ a wheen idle questions about their + saddles, and curpels, and holsters and horse-furniture, and what they’ll + cost, and whan they’ll be ready—a wheen galloping geese—my + wife may serve the like o’ them.” + </p> + <p> + “And so might she, in her day, hae served the best lord in the land, for + as little as ye think o’ her, Mr. Saddletree,” said Mrs. Howden, somewhat + indignant at the contemptuous way in which her gossip was mentioned; “when + she and I were twa gilpies, we little thought to hae sitten doun wi’ the + like o’ my auld Davie Howden, or you either, Mr. Saddletree.” + </p> + <p> + While Saddletree, who was not bright at a reply, was cudgelling his brains + for an answer to this homethrust, Miss Damahoy broke in on him. + </p> + <p> + “And as for the lords of state,” said Miss Damahoy, “ye suld mind the + riding o’ the parliament, Mr. Saddletree, in the gude auld time before the + Union,—a year’s rent o’ mony a gude estate gaed for horse-graith and + harnessing, forby broidered robes and foot-mantles, that wad hae stude by + their lane wi’ gold brocade, and that were muckle in my ain line.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, and then the lusty banqueting, with sweetmeats and comfits wet and + dry, and dried fruits of divers sorts,” said Plumdamas. “But Scotland was + Scotland in these days.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll tell ye what it is, neighbours,” said Mrs. Howden, “I’ll ne’er + believe Scotland is Scotland ony mair, if our kindly Scots sit doun with + the affront they hae gien us this day. It’s not only the blude that <i>is</i> + shed, but the blude that might hae been shed, that’s required at our + hands; there was my daughter’s wean, little Eppie Daidle—my oe, ye + ken, Miss Grizel—had played the truant frae the school, as bairns + will do, ye ken, Mr. Butler—” + </p> + <p> + “And for which,” interjected Mr. Butler, “they should be soundly scourged + by their well-wishers.” + </p> + <p> + “And had just cruppen to the gallows’ foot to see the hanging, as was + natural for a wean; and what for mightna she hae been shot as weel as the + rest o’ them, and where wad we a’ hae been then? I wonder how Queen + Carline (if her name be Carline) wad hae liked to hae had ane o’ her ain + bairns in sic a venture?” + </p> + <p> + “Report says,” answered Butler, “that such a circumstance would not have + distressed her majesty beyond endurance.” + </p> + <p> + “Aweel,” said Mrs. Howden, “the sum o’ the matter is, that, were I a man, + I wad hae amends o’ Jock Porteous, be the upshot what like o’t, if a’ the + carles and carlines in England had sworn to the nay-say.” + </p> + <p> + “I would claw down the Tolbooth door wi’ my nails,” said Miss Grizel, “but + I wad be at him.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye may be very right, ladies,” said Butler, “but I would not advise you + to speak so loud.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak!” exclaimed both the ladies together, “there will be naething else + spoken about frae the Weigh-house to the Water-gate, till this is either + ended or mended.” + </p> + <p> + The females now departed to their respective places of abode. Plumdamas + joined the other two gentlemen in drinking their <i>meridian</i> (a + bumper-dram of brandy), as they passed the well-known low-browed shop in + the Lawnmarket, where they were wont to take that refreshment. Mr. + Plumdamas then departed towards his shop, and Mr. Butler, who happened to + have some particular occasion for the rein of an old bridle (the truants + of that busy day could have anticipated its application), walked down the + Lawnmarket with Mr. Saddletree, each talking as he could get a word thrust + in, the one on the laws of Scotland, the other on those of syntax, and + neither listening to a word which his companion uttered. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER FOURTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Elswhair he colde right weel lay down the law, + But in his house was meek as is a daw. + Davie Lindsay. +</pre> + <p> + “There has been Jock Driver the carrier here, speering about his new + graith,” said Mrs. Saddletree to her husband, as he crossed his threshold, + not with the purpose, by any means, of consulting him upon his own + affairs, but merely to intimate, by a gentle recapitulation, how much duty + she had gone through in his absence. + </p> + <p> + “Weel,” replied Bartoline, and deigned not a word more. + </p> + <p> + “And the laird of Girdingburst has had his running footman here, and ca’d + himsell (he’s a civil pleasant young gentleman), to see when the broidered + saddle-cloth for his sorrel horse will be ready, for he wants it agane the + Kelso races.” + </p> + <p> + “Weel, aweel,” replied Bartoline, as laconically as before. + </p> + <p> + “And his lordship, the Earl of Blazonbury, Lord Flash and Flame, is like + to be clean daft, that the harness for the six Flanders mears, wi’ the + crests, coronets, housings, and mountings conform, are no sent hame + according to promise gien.” + </p> + <p> + “Weel, weel, weel—weel, weel, gudewife,” said Saddletree, “if he + gangs daft, we’ll hae him cognosced—it’s a’ very weel.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s weel that ye think sae, Mr. Saddletree,” answered his helpmate, + rather nettled at the indifference with which her report was received; + “there’s mony ane wad hae thought themselves affronted, if sae mony + customers had ca’d and naebody to answer them but women-folk; for a’ the + lads were aff, as soon as your back was turned, to see Porteous hanged, + that might be counted upon; and sae, you no being at hame—” + </p> + <p> + “Houts, Mrs. Saddletree,” said Bartoline, with an air of consequence, + “dinna deave me wi’ your nonsense; I was under the necessity of being + elsewhere—<i>non omnia</i>—as Mr. Crossmyloof said, when he + was called by two macers at once—<i>non omnia possumus—pessimus—possimis</i>—I + ken our law-latin offends Mr. Butler’s ears, but it means, Naebody, an it + were the Lord President himsell, can do twa turns at ance.” + </p> + <p> + “Very right, Mr. Saddletree,” answered his careful helpmate, with a + sarcastic smile; “and nae doubt it’s a decent thing to leave your wife to + look after young gentlemen’s saddles and bridles, when ye gang to see a + man, that never did ye nae ill, raxing a halter.” + </p> + <p> + “Woman,” said Saddletree, assuming an elevated tone, to which the <i>meridian</i> + had somewhat contributed, “desist,—I say forbear, from intromitting + with affairs thou canst not understand. D’ye think I was born to sit here + brogging an elshin through bend-leather, when sic men as Duncan Forbes, + and that other Arniston chield there, without muckle greater parts, if the + close-head speak true, than mysell maun be presidents and king’s + advocates, nae doubt, and wha but they? Whereas, were favour equally + distribute, as in the days of the wight Wallace—” + </p> + <p> + “I ken naething we wad hae gotten by the wight Wallace,” said Mrs. + Saddletree, “unless, as I hae heard the auld folk tell, they fought in + thae days wi’ bend-leather guns, and then it’s a chance but what, if he + had bought them, he might have forgot to pay for them. And as for the + greatness of your parts, Bartley, the folk in the close-head* maun ken + mair about them than I do, if they make sic a report of them.” + </p> + <p> + * [<i>Close-head,</i> the entrance of a blind alley.] + </p> + <p> + “I tell ye, woman,” said Saddletree, in high dudgeon, “that ye ken + naething about these matters. In Sir William Wallace’s days there was nae + man pinned down to sic a slavish wark as a saddler’s, for they got ony + leather graith that they had use for ready-made out of Holland.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Butler, who was, like many of his profession, something of a + humorist and dry joker, “if that be the case, Mr. Saddletree, I think we + have changed for the better; since we make our own harness, and only + import our lawyers from Holland.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s ower true, Mr. Butler,” answered Bartoline, with a sigh; “if I had + had the luck—or rather, if my father had had the sense to send me to + Leyden and Utrecht to learn the Substitutes and Pandex—” + </p> + <p> + “You mean the Institutes—Justinian’s Institutes, Mr. Saddletree?” + said Butler. + </p> + <p> + “Institutes and substitutes are synonymous words, Mr. Butler, and used + indifferently as such in deeds of tailzie, as you may see in Balfour’s + Practiques, or Dallas of St. Martin’s Styles. I understand these things + pretty weel, I thank God but I own I should have studied in Holland.” + </p> + <p> + “To comfort you, you might not have been farther forward than you are now, + Mr. Saddletree,” replied Mr. Butler; “for our Scottish advocates are an + aristocratic race. Their brass is of the right Corinthian quality, and <i>Non + cuivis contigit adire Corinthum</i>—Aha, Mr. Saddletree?” + </p> + <p> + “And aha, Mr. Butler,” rejoined Bartoline, upon whom, as may be well + supposed, the jest was lost, and all but the sound of the words, “ye said + a gliff syne it was <i>quivis,</i> and now I heard ye say <i>cuivis</i> + with my ain ears, as plain as ever I heard a word at the fore-bar.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me your patience, Mr. Saddletree, and I’ll explain the discrepancy + in three words,” said Butler, as pedantic in his own department, though + with infinitely more judgment and learning, as Bartoline was in his + self-assumed profession of the law—“Give me your patience for a + moment—You’ll grant that the nominative case is that by which a + person or thing is nominated or designed, and which may be called the + primary case, all others being formed from it by alterations of the + termination in the learned languages, and by prepositions in our modern + Babylonian jargons—You’ll grant me that, I suppose, Mr. Saddletree?” + </p> + <p> + “I dinna ken whether I will or no—<i>ad avisandum,</i> ye ken—naebody + should be in a hurry to make admissions, either in point of law, or in + point of fact,” said Saddletree, looking, or endeavouring to look, as if + he understood what was said. + </p> + <p> + “And the dative case,” continued Butler + </p> + <p> + “I ken what a tutor dative is,” said Saddletree, “readily enough.” + </p> + <p> + “The dative case,” resumed the grammarian, “is that in which anything is + given or assigned as properly belonging to a person or thing—You + cannot deny that, I am sure.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure I’ll no grant it, though,” said Saddletree. + </p> + <p> + “Then, what the <i>deevil</i> d’ye take the nominative and the dative + cases to be?” said Butler, hastily, and surprised at once out of his + decency of expression and accuracy of pronunciation. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll tell you that at leisure, Mr. Butler,” said Saddletree, with a very + knowing look; “I’ll take a day to see and answer every article of your + condescendence, and then I’ll hold you to confess or deny as accords.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, Mr. Saddletree,” said his wife, “we’ll hae nae confessions + and condescendences here; let them deal in thae sort o’ wares that are + paid for them—they suit the like o’ us as all as a demipique saddle + would suit a draught ox.” + </p> + <p> + “Aha!” said Mr. Butler, “<i>Optat ephippia bos piger,</i> nothing new + under the sun—But it was a fair hit of Mrs. Saddletree, however.” + </p> + <p> + “And it wad far better become ye, Mr. Saddletree,” continued his helpmate, + “since ye say ye hae skeel o’ the law, to try if ye can do onything for + Effie Deans, puir thing, that’s lying up in the tolbooth yonder, cauld, + and hungry, and comfortless—A servant lass of ours, Mr. Butler, and + as innocent a lass, to my thinking, and as usefu’ in the shop—When + Mr. Saddletree gangs out,—and ye’re aware he’s seldom at hame when + there’s ony o’ the plea-houses open,—poor Effie used to help me to + tumble the bundles o’ barkened leather up and down, and range out the + gudes, and suit a’ body’s humours—And troth, she could aye please + the customers wi’ her answers, for she was aye civil, and a bonnier lass + wasna in Auld Reekie. And when folk were hasty and unreasonable, she could + serve them better than me, that am no sae young as I hae been, Mr. Butler, + and a wee bit short in the temper into the bargain. For when there’s ower + mony folks crying on me at anes, and nane but ae tongue to answer them, + folk maun speak hastily, or they’ll ne’er get through their wark—Sae + I miss Effie daily.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>De die in diem,</i>” added Saddletree. + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said Butler, after a good deal of hesitation, “I have seen the + girl in the shop—a modest-looking, fair-haired girl?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, that’s just puir Effie,” said her mistress. “How she was + abandoned to hersell, or whether she was sackless o’ the sinful deed, God + in Heaven knows; but if she’s been guilty, she’s been sair tempted, and I + wad amaist take my Bible-aith she hasna been hersell at the time.” + </p> + <p> + Butler had by this time become much agitated; he fidgeted up and down the + shop, and showed the greatest agitation that a person of such strict + decorum could be supposed to give way to. “Was not this girl,” he said, + “the daughter of David Deans, that had the parks at St. Leonard’s taken? + and has she not a sister?” + </p> + <p> + “In troth has she,—puir Jeanie Deans, ten years aulder than hersell; + she was here greeting a wee while syne about her tittie. And what could I + say to her, but that she behoved to come and speak to Mr. Saddletree when + he was at hame? It wasna that I thought Mr. Saddletree could do her or ony + ither body muckle good or ill, but it wad aye serve to keep the puir + thing’s heart up for a wee while; and let sorrow come when sorrow maun.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye’re mistaen though, gudewife,” said Saddletree scornfully, “for I could + hae gien her great satisfaction; I could hae proved to her that her sister + was indicted upon the statute saxteen hundred and ninety, chapter one—For + the mair ready prevention of child-murder—for concealing her + pregnancy, and giving no account of the child which she had borne.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope,” said Butler,—“I trust in a gracious God, that she can + clear herself.” + </p> + <p> + “And sae do I, Mr. Butler,” replied Mrs. Saddletree. “I am sure I wad hae + answered for her as my ain daughter; but wae’s my heart, I had been tender + a’ the simmer, and scarce ower the door o’ my room for twal weeks. And as + for Mr. Saddletree, he might be in a lying-in hospital, and ne’er find out + what the women cam there for. Sae I could see little or naething o’ her, + or I wad hae had the truth o’ her situation out o’ her, I’se warrant ye—But + we a’ think her sister maun be able to speak something to clear her.” + </p> + <p> + “The haill Parliament House,” said Saddletree, “was speaking o’ naething + else, till this job o’ Porteous’s put it out o’ head—It’s a + beautiful point of presumptive murder, and there’s been nane like it in + the Justiciar Court since the case of Luckie Smith the howdie, that + suffered in the year saxteen hundred and seventy-nine.” + </p> + <p> + “But what’s the matter wi’ you, Mr. Butler?” said the good woman; “ye are + looking as white as a sheet; will ye tak a dram?” + </p> + <p> + “By no means,” said Butler, compelling himself to speak. “I walked in from + Dumfries yesterday, and this is a warm day.” + </p> + <p> + “Sit down,” said Mrs. Saddletree, laying hands on him kindly, “and rest ye—yell + kill yoursell, man, at that rate.—And are we to wish you joy o’ + getting the scule, Mr. Butler?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—no—I do not know,” answered the young man vaguely. But + Mrs. Saddletree kept him to point, partly out of real interest, partly + from curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “Ye dinna ken whether ye are to get the free scule o’ Dumfries or no, + after hinging on and teaching it a’ the simmer?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Mrs. Saddletree—I am not to have it,” replied Butler, more + collectedly. “The Laird of Black-at-the-Bane had a natural son bred to the + kirk, that the Presbytery could not be prevailed upon to license; and so—” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ye need say nae mair about it; if there was a laird that had a puir + kinsman or a bastard that it wad suit, there’s enough said.—And + ye’re e’en come back to Liberton to wait for dead men’s shoon?—and + for as frail as Mr. Whackbairn is, he may live as lang as you, that are + his assistant and successor.” + </p> + <p> + “Very like,” replied Butler, with a sigh; “I do not know if I should wish + it otherwise.” + </p> + <p> + “Nae doubt, it’s a very vexing thing,” continued the good lady, “to be in + that dependent station; and you that hae right and title to sae muckle + better, I wonder how ye bear these crosses.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Quos diligit castigat,</i>” answered Butler; “even the pagan Seneca + could see an advantage in affliction, The Heathens had their philosophy, + and the Jews their revelation, Mrs. Saddletree, and they endured their + distresses in their day. Christians have a better dispensation than either—but + doubtless—” + </p> + <p> + He stopped and sighed. + </p> + <p> + “I ken what ye mean,” said Mrs. Saddletree, looking toward her husband; + “there’s whiles we lose patience in spite of baith book and Bible—But + ye are no gaun awa, and looking sae poorly—ye’ll stay and take some + kale wi’ us?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Saddletree laid aside Balfour’s Practiques (his favourite study, and + much good may it do him), to join in his wife’s hospitable importunity. + But the teacher declined all entreaty, and took his leave upon the spot. + </p> + <p> + “There’s something in a’ this,” said Mrs. Saddletree, looking after him as + he walked up the street; “I wonder what makes Mr. Butler sae distressed + about Effie’s misfortune—there was nae acquaintance atween them that + ever I saw or heard of; but they were neighbours when David Deans was on + the Laird o’ Dumbiedikes’ land. Mr. Butler wad ken her father, or some o’ + her folk.—Get up, Mr. Saddletree—ye have set yoursell down on + the very brecham that wants stitching—and here’s little Willie, the + prentice.—Ye little rin-there-out deil that ye are, what takes you + raking through the gutters to see folk hangit?—how wad ye like when + it comes to be your ain chance, as I winna ensure ye, if ye dinna mend + your manners?—And what are ye maundering and greeting for, as if a + word were breaking your banes?—Gang in by, and be a better bairn + another time, and tell Peggy to gie ye a bicker o’ broth, for ye’ll be as + gleg as a gled, I’se warrant ye.—It’s a fatherless bairn, Mr. + Saddletree, and motherless, whilk in some cases may be waur, and ane would + take care o’ him if they could—it’s a Christian duty.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true, gudewife,” said Saddletree in reply, “we are <i>in loco + parentis</i> to him during his years of pupillarity, and I hae had + thoughts of applying to the Court for a commission as factor <i>loco + tutoris,</i> seeing there is nae tutor nominate, and the tutor-at-law + declines to act; but only I fear the expense of the procedure wad not be + <i>in rem versam,</i> for I am not aware if Willie has ony effects whereof + to assume the administration.” + </p> + <p> + He concluded this sentence with a self-important cough, as one who has + laid down the law in an indisputable manner. + </p> + <p> + “Effects!” said Mrs. Saddletree, “what effects has the puir wean?—he + was in rags when his mother died; and the blue polonie that Effie made for + him out of an auld mantle of my ain, was the first decent dress the bairn + ever had on. Poor Effie! can ye tell me now really, wi’ a’ your law, will + her life be in danger, Mr. Saddletree, when they arena able to prove that + ever there was a bairn ava?” + </p> + <p> + “Whoy,” said Mr. Saddletree, delighted at having for once in his life seen + his wife’s attention arrested by a topic of legal discussion—“Whoy, + there are two sorts of <i>murdrum</i> or <i>murdragium,</i> or what you <i>populariter + et vulgariser</i> call murther. I mean there are many sorts; for there’s + your <i>murthrum per vigilias et insidias,</i> and your <i>murthrum</i> + under trust.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure,” replied his moiety, “that murther by trust is the way that + the gentry murther us merchants, and whiles make us shut the booth up—but + that has naething to do wi’ Effie’s misfortune.” + </p> + <p> + “The case of Effie (or Euphemia) Deans,” resumed Saddletree, “is one of + those cases of murder presumptive, that is, a murder of the law’s + inferring or construction, being derived from certain <i>indicia</i> or + grounds of suspicion.” + </p> + <p> + “So that,” said the good woman, “unless poor Effie has communicated her + situation, she’ll be hanged by the neck, if the bairn was still-born, or + if it be alive at this moment?” + </p> + <p> + “Assuredly,” said Saddletree, “it being a statute made by our Sovereign + Lord and Lady, to prevent the horrid delict of bringing forth children in + secret—The crime is rather a favourite of the law, this species of + murther being one of its ain creation.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, if the law makes murders,” said Mrs. Saddletree, “the law should be + hanged for them; or if they wad hang a lawyer instead, the country wad + find nae faut.” + </p> + <p> + A summons to their frugal dinner interrupted the farther progress of the + conversation, which was otherwise like to take a turn much less favourable + to the science of jurisprudence and its professors, than Mr. Bartoline + Saddletree, the fond admirer of both, had at its opening anticipated. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER FIFTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + But up then raise all Edinburgh. + They all rose up by thousands three. + Johnnie Armstrang’s <i>Goodnight.</i> +</pre> + <p> + Butler, on his departure from the sign of the Golden Nag, went in quest of + a friend of his connected with the law, of whom he wished to make + particular inquiries concerning the circumstances in which the unfortunate + young woman mentioned in the last chapter was placed, having, as the + reader has probably already conjectured, reasons much deeper than those + dictated by mere humanity for interesting himself in her fate. He found + the person he sought absent from home, and was equally unfortunate in one + or two other calls which he made upon acquaintances whom he hoped to + interest in her story. But everybody was, for the moment, stark-mad on the + subject of Porteous, and engaged busily in attacking or defending the + measures of Government in reprieving him; and the ardour of dispute had + excited such universal thirst, that half the young lawyers and writers, + together with their very clerks, the class whom Butler was looking after, + had adjourned the debate to some favourite tavern. It was computed by an + experienced arithmetician, that there was as much twopenny ale consumed on + the discussion as would have floated a first-rate man-of-war. + </p> + <p> + Butler wandered about until it was dusk, resolving to take that + opportunity of visiting the unfortunate young woman, when his doing so + might be least observed; for he had his own reasons for avoiding the + remarks of Mrs. Saddletree, whose shop-door opened at no great distance + from that of the jail, though on the opposite or south side of the street, + and a little higher up. He passed, therefore, through the narrow and + partly covered passage leading from the north-west end of the Parliament + Square. + </p> + <p> + He stood now before the Gothic entrance of the ancient prison, which, as + is well known to all men, rears its ancient front in the very middle of + the High Street, forming, as it were, the termination to a huge pile of + buildings called the Luckenbooths, which, for some inconceivable reason, + our ancestors had jammed into the midst of the principal street of the + town, leaving for passage a narrow street on the north; and on the south, + into which the prison opens, a narrow crooked lane, winding betwixt the + high and sombre walls of the Tolbooth and the adjacent houses on the one + side, and the butresses and projections of the old Cathedral upon the + other. To give some gaiety to this sombre passage (well known by the name + of the Krames), a number of little booths, or shops, after the fashion of + cobblers’ stalls, are plastered, as it were, against the Gothic + projections and abutments, so that it seemed as if the traders had + occupied with nests, bearing the same proportion to the building, every + buttress and coign of vantage, as the martlett did in Macbeth’s Castle. Of + later years these booths have degenerated into mere toy-shops, where the + little loiterers chiefly interested in such wares are tempted to linger, + enchanted by the rich display of hobby-horses, babies, and Dutch toys, + arranged in artful and gay confusion; yet half-scared by the cross looks + of the withered pantaloon, or spectacled old lady, by whom these tempting + stores are watched and superintended. But, in the times we write of, the + hosiers, the glovers, the hatters, the mercers, the milliners, and all who + dealt in the miscellaneous wares now termed haberdasher’s goods, were to + be found in this narrow alley. + </p> + <p> + To return from our digression. Butler found the outer turnkey, a tall thin + old man, with long silver hair, in the act of locking the outward door of + the jail. He addressed himself to this person, and asked admittance to + Effie Deans, confined upon accusation of child-murder. The turnkey looked + at him earnestly, and, civilly touching his hat out of respect to Butler’s + black coat and clerical appearance, replied, “It was impossible any one + could be admitted at present.” + </p> + <p> + “You shut up earlier than usual, probably on account of Captain Porteous’s + affair?” said Butler. + </p> + <p> + The turnkey, with the true mystery of a person in office, gave two grave + nods, and withdrawing from the wards a ponderous key of about two feet in + length, he proceeded to shut a strong plate of steel, which folded down + above the keyhole, and was secured by a steel spring and catch. Butler + stood still instinctively while the door was made fast, and then looking + at his watch, walked briskly up the street, muttering to himself, almost + unconsciously— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Porta adversa, ingens, solidoque adamante columnae; + Vis ut nulla virum, non ipsi exscindere ferro + Coelicolae valeant—Stat ferrea turris ad auras—etc.* + Dryden’s <i>Virgil,</i> Book vi. +</pre> + <p> + * Wide is the fronting gate, and, raised on high, With adamantine columns + threats the sky; Vain is the force of man, and Heaven’s as vain, To crush + the pillars which the pile sustain: Sublime on these a tower of steel is + reard. + </p> + <p> + Having wasted half-an-hour more in a second fruitless attempt to find his + legal friend and adviser, he thought it time to leave the city and return + to his place of residence, in a small village about two miles and a half + to the southward of Edinburgh. The metropolis was at this time surrounded + by a high wall, with battlements and flanking projections at some + intervals, and the access was through gates, called in the Scottish + language <i>ports,</i> which were regularly shut at night. A small fee to + the keepers would indeed procure egress and ingress at any time, through a + wicket left for that purpose in the large gate; but it was of some + importance, to a man so poor as Butler, to avoid even this slight + pecuniary mulct; and fearing the hour of shutting the gates might be near, + he made for that to which he found himself nearest, although, by doing so, + he somewhat lengthened his walk homewards. Bristo Port was that by which + his direct road lay, but the West Port, which leads out of the + Grassmarket, was the nearest of the city gates to the place where he found + himself, and to that, therefore, he directed his course. He reached the + port in ample time to pass the circuit of the walls, and entered a suburb + called Portsburgh, chiefly inhabited by the lower order of citizens and + mechanics. Here he was unexpectedly interrupted. + </p> + <p> + He had not gone far from the gate before he heard the sound of a drum, + and, to his great surprise, met a number of persons, sufficient to occupy + the whole front of the street, and form a considerable mass behind, moving + with great speed towards the gate he had just come from, and having in + front of them a drum beating to arms. While he considered how he should + escape a party, assembled, as it might be presumed, for no lawful purpose, + they came full on him and stopped him. + </p> + <p> + “Are you a clergyman?” one questioned him. + </p> + <p> + Butler replied that “he was in orders, but was not a placed minister.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s Mr. Butler from Liberton,” said a voice from behind, “he’ll + discharge the duty as weel as ony man.” + </p> + <p> + “You must turn back with us, sir,” said the first speaker, in a tone civil + but peremptory. + </p> + <p> + “For what purpose, gentlemen?” said Mr. Butler. “I live at some distance + from town—the roads are unsafe by night—you will do me a + serious injury by stopping me.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall be sent safely home—no man shall touch a hair of your + head—but you must and shall come along with us.” + </p> + <p> + “But to what purpose or end, gentlemen?” said Butler. “I hope you will be + so civil as to explain that to me.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall know that in good time. Come along—for come you must, by + force or fair means; and I warn you to look neither to the right hand nor + the left, and to take no notice of any man’s face, but consider all that + is passing before you as a dream.” + </p> + <p> + “I would it were a dream I could awaken from,” said Butler to himself; but + having no means to oppose the violence with which he was threatened, he + was compelled to turn round and march in front of the rioters, two men + partly supporting and partly holding him. During this parley the + insurgents had made themselves masters of the West Port, rushing upon the + Waiters (so the people were called who had the charge of the gates), and + possessing themselves of the keys. They bolted and barred the folding + doors, and commanded the person, whose duty it usually was, to secure the + wicket, of which they did not understand the fastenings. The man, + terrified at an incident so totally unexpected, was unable to perform his + usual office, and gave the matter up, after several attempts. The rioters, + who seemed to have come prepared for every emergency, called for torches, + by the light of which they nailed up the wicket with long nails, which, it + seemed probable, they had provided on purpose. + </p> + <p> + While this was going on, Butler could not, even if he had been willing, + avoid making remarks on the individuals who seemed to lead this singular + mob. The torch-light, while it fell on their forms and left him in the + shade, gave him an opportunity to do so without their observing him. + Several of those who seemed most active were dressed in sailors’ jackets, + trousers, and sea-caps; others in large loose-bodied greatcoats, and + slouched hats; and there were several who, judging from their dress, + should have been called women, whose rough deep voices, uncommon size, and + masculine, deportment and mode of walking, forbade them being so + interpreted. They moved as if by some well-concerted plan of arrangement. + They had signals by which they knew, and nicknames by which they + distinguished each other. Butler remarked, that the name of Wildfire was + used among them, to which one stout Amazon seemed to reply. + </p> + <p> + The rioters left a small party to observe the West Port, and directed the + Waiters, as they valued their lives, to remain within their lodge, and + make no attempt for that night to repossess themselves of the gate. They + then moved with rapidity along the low street called the Cowgate, the mob + of the city everywhere rising at the sound of their drum, and joining + them. When the multitude arrived at the Cowgate Port, they secured it with + as little opposition as the former, made it fast, and left a small party + to observe it. It was afterwards remarked, as a striking instance of + prudence and precaution, singularly combined with audacity, that the + parties left to guard those gates did not remain stationary on their + posts, but flitted to and fro, keeping so near the gates as to see that no + efforts were made to open them, yet not remaining so long as to have their + persons closely observed. The mob, at first only about one hundred strong, + now amounted to thousands, and were increasing every moment. They divided + themselves so as to ascend with more speed the various narrow lanes which + lead up from the Cowgate to the High Street; and still beating to arms as + they went, an calling on all true Scotsmen to join them, they now filled + the principal street of the city. + </p> + <p> + The Netherbow Port might be called the Temple Bar of Edinburgh, as, + intersecting the High Street at its termination, it divided Edinburgh, + properly so called, from the suburb named the Canongate, as Temple Bar + separates London from Westminster. It was of the utmost importance to the + rioters to possess themselves of this pass, because there was quartered in + the Canongate at that time a regiment of infantry, commanded by Colonel + Moyle, which might have occupied the city by advancing through this gate, + and would possess the power of totally defeating their purpose. The + leaders therefore hastened to the Netherbow Port, which they secured in + the same manner, and with as little trouble, as the other gates, leaving a + party to watch it, strong in proportion to the importance of the post. + </p> + <p> + The next object of these hardy insurgents was at once to disarm the City + Guard, and to procure arms for themselves; for scarce any weapons but + staves and bludgeons had been yet seen among them. The Guard-house was a + long, low, ugly building (removed in 1787), which to a fanciful + imagination might have suggested the idea of a long black snail crawling + up the middle of the High Street, and deforming its beautiful esplanade. + This formidable insurrection had been so unexpected, that there were no + more than the ordinary sergeant’s guard of the city-corps upon duty; even + these were without any supply of powder and ball; and sensible enough what + had raised the storm, and which way it was rolling, could hardly be + supposed very desirous to expose themselves by a valiant defence to the + animosity of so numerous and desperate a mob, to whom they were on the + present occasion much more than usually obnoxious. + </p> + <p> + There was a sentinel upon guard, who (that one town-guard soldier might do + his duty on that eventful evening) presented his piece, and desired the + foremost of the rioters to stand off. The young Amazon, whom Butler had + observed particularly active, sprung upon the soldier, seized his musket, + and after a struggle succeeded in wrenching it from him, and throwing him + down on the causeway. One or two soldiers, who endeavoured to turn out to + the support of their sentinel, were in the same manner seized and + disarmed, and the mob without difficulty possessed themselves of the + Guard-house, disarming and turning out of doors the rest of the men on + duty. It was remarked, that, notwithstanding the city soldiers had been + the instruments of the slaughter which this riot was designed to revenge, + no ill usage or even insult was offered to them. It seemed as if the + vengeance of the people disdained to stoop at any head meaner than that + which they considered as the source and origin of their injuries. + </p> + <p> + On possessing themselves of the guard, the first act of the multitude was + to destroy the drums, by which they supposed an alarm might be conveyed to + the garrison in the castle; for the same reason they now silenced their + own, which was beaten by a young fellow, son to the drummer of Portsburgh, + whom they had forced upon that service. Their next business was to + distribute among the boldest of the rioters the guns, bayonets, partisans, + halberts, and battle or Lochaber axes. Until this period the principal + rioters had preserved silence on the ultimate object of their rising, as + being that which all knew, but none expressed. Now, however, having + accomplished all the preliminary parts of their design, they raised a + tremendous shout of “Porteous! Porteous! To the Tolbooth! To the + Tolbooth!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="image-0006" id="image-0006"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/pa079.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="Tolbooth, Cannongate " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + They proceeded with the same prudence when the object seemed to be nearly + in their grasp, as they had done hitherto when success was more dubious. A + strong party of the rioters, drawn up in front of the Luckenbooths, and + facing down the street, prevented all access from the eastward, and the + west end of the defile formed by the Luckenbooths was secured in the same + manner; so that the Tolbooth was completely surrounded, and those who + undertook the task of breaking it open effectually secured against the + risk of interruption. + </p> + <p> + The magistrates, in the meanwhile, had taken the alarm, and assembled in a + tavern, with the purpose of raising some strength to subdue the rioters. + The deacons, or presidents of the trades, were applied to, but declared + there was little chance of their authority being respected by the + craftsmen, where it was the object to save a man so obnoxious. Mr. + Lindsay, member of parliament for the city, volunteered the perilous task + of carrying a verbal message, from the Lord Provost to Colonel Moyle, the + commander of the regiment lying in the Canongate, requesting him to force + the Netherbow Port, and enter the city to put down the tumult. But Mr. + Lindsay declined to charge himself with any written order, which, if found + on his person by an enraged mob, might have cost him his life; and the + issue, of the application was, that Colonel Moyle having no written + requisition from the civil authorities, and having the fate of Porteous + before his eyes as an example of the severe construction put by a jury on + the proceedings of military men acting on their own responsibility, + declined to encounter the risk to which the Provost’s verbal communication + invited him. + </p> + <p> + More than one messenger was despatched by different ways to the Castle, to + require the commanding officer to march down his troops, to fire a few + cannon-shot, or even to throw a shell among the mob, for the purpose of + clearing the streets. But so strict and watchful were the various patrols + whom the rioters had established in different parts of the streets, that + none of the emissaries of the magistrates could reach the gate of the + Castle. They were, however, turned back without either injury or insult, + and with nothing more of menace than was necessary to deter them from + again attempting to accomplish their errand. + </p> + <p> + The same vigilance was used to prevent everybody of the higher, and those + which, in this case, might be deemed the more suspicious orders of + society, from appearing in the street, and observing the movements, or + distinguishing the persons, of the rioters. Every person in the garb of a + gentleman was stopped by small parties of two or three of the mob, who + partly exhorted, partly required of them, that they should return to the + place from whence they came. Many a quadrille table was spoilt that + memorable evening; for the sedan chairs of ladies; even of the highest + rank, were interrupted in their passage from one point to another, in + spite of the laced footmen and blazing flambeaux. This was uniformly done + with a deference and attention to the feelings of the terrified females, + which could hardly have been expected from the videttes of a mob so + desperate. Those who stopped the chair usually made the excuse, that there + was much disturbance on the streets, and that it was absolutely necessary + for the lady’s safety that the chair should turn back. They offered + themselves to escort the vehicles which they had thus interrupted in their + progress, from the apprehension, probably, that some of those who had + casually united themselves to the riot might disgrace their systematic and + determined plan of vengeance, by those acts of general insult and license + which are common on similar occasions. + </p> + <p> + Persons are yet living who remember to have heard from the mouths of + ladies thus interrupted on their journey in the manner we have described, + that they were escorted to their lodgings by the young men who stopped + them, and even handed out of their chairs, with a polite attention far + beyond what was consistent with their dress, which was apparently that of + journeymen mechanics.* + </p> + <p> + * A near relation of the author’s used to tell of having been stopped by + the rioters, and escorted home in the manner described. On reaching her + own home one of her attendants, in the appearance a <i>baxter</i>, a + baker’s lad, handed her out of her chair, and took leave with a bow, + which, in the lady’s opinion, argued breeding that could hardly be learned + at the oven’s mouth. + </p> + <p> + It seemed as if the conspirators, like those who assassinated Cardinal + Beatoun in former days, had entertained the opinion, that the work about + which they went was a judgment of Heaven, which, though unsanctioned by + the usual authorities, ought to be proceeded in with order and gravity. + </p> + <p> + While their outposts continued thus vigilant, and suffered themselves + neither from fear nor curiosity to neglect that part of the duty assigned + to them, and while the main guards to the east and west secured them + against interruption, a select body of the rioters thundered at the door + of the jail, and demanded instant admission. No one answered, for the + outer keeper had prudently made his escape with the keys at the + commencement of the riot, and was nowhere to be found. The door was + instantly assailed with sledge-hammers, iron crows, and the coulters of + ploughs, ready provided for the purpose, with which they prized, heaved, + and battered for some time with little effect; for the door, besides being + of double oak planks, clenched, both endlong and athwart, with + broad-headed nails, was so hung and secured as to yield to no means of + forcing, without the expenditure of much time. The rioters, however, + appeared determined to gain admittance. Gang after gang relieved each + other at the exercise, for, of course, only a few could work at once; but + gang after gang retired, exhausted with their violent exertions, without + making much progress in forcing the prison door. Butler had been led up + near to this the principal scene of action; so near, indeed, that he was + almost deafened by the unceasing clang of the heavy fore-hammers against + the iron-bound portal of the prison. He began to entertain hopes, as the + task seemed protracted, that the populace might give it over in despair, + or that some rescue might arrive to disperse them. There was a moment at + which the latter seemed probable. + </p> + <p> + The magistrates, having assembled their officers, and some of the citizens + who were willing to hazard themselves for the public tranquillity, now + sallied forth from the tavern where they held their sitting, and + approached the point of danger. Their officers went before them with links + and torches, with a herald to read the riot-act, if necessary. They easily + drove before them the outposts and videttes of the rioters; but when they + approached the line of guard which the mob, or rather, we should say, the + conspirators, had drawn across the street in the front of the + Luckenbooths, they were received with an unintermitted volley of stones, + and, on their nearer approach, the pikes, bayonets, and Lochaber-axes, of + which the populace had possessed themselves, were presented against them. + One of their ordinary officers, a strong resolute fellow, went forward, + seized a rioter, and took from him a musket; but, being unsupported, he + was instantly thrown on his back in the street, and disarmed in his turn. + The officer was too happy to be permitted to rise and run away without + receiving any farther injury; which afforded another remarkable instance + of the mode in which these men had united a sort of moderation towards all + others, with the most inflexible inveteracy against the object of their + resentment. The magistrates, after vain attempts to make themselves heard + and obeyed, possessing no means of enforcing their authority, were + constrained to abandon the field to the rioters, and retreat in all speed + from the showers of missiles that whistled around their ears. + </p> + <p> + The passive resistance of the Tolbooth gate promised to do more to baffle + the purpose of the mob than the active interference of the magistrates. + The heavy sledge-hammers continued to din against it without intermission, + and with a noise which, echoed from the lofty buildings around the spot, + seemed enough to have alarmed the garrison in the Castle. It was + circulated among the rioters, that the troops would march down to disperse + them, unless they could execute their purpose without loss of time; or + that, even without quitting the fortress, the garrison might obtain the + same end by throwing a bomb or two upon the street. + </p> + <p> + Urged by such motives for apprehension, they eagerly relieved each other + at the labour of assailing the Tolbooth door: yet such was its strength, + that it still defied their efforts. At length, a voice was heard to + pronounce the words, “Try it with fire.” The rioters, with an unanimous + shout, called for combustibles, and as all their wishes seemed to be + instantly supplied, they were soon in possession of two or three empty + tar-barrels. A huge red glaring bonfire speedily arose close to the door + of the prison, sending up a tall column of smoke and flame against its + antique turrets and strongly-grated windows, and illuminating the + ferocious and wild gestures of the rioters, who surrounded the place, as + well as the pale and anxious groups of those, who, from windows in the + vicinage, watched the progress of this alarming scene. The mob fed the + fire with whatever they could find fit for the purpose. The flames roared + and crackled among the heaps of nourishment piled on the fire, and a + terrible shout soon announced that the door had kindled, and was in the + act of being destroyed. The fire was suffered to decay, but, long ere it + was quite extinguished, the most forward of the rioters rushed, in their + impatience, one after another, over its yet smouldering remains. Thick + showers of sparkles rose high in the air, as man after man bounded over + the glowing embers, and disturbed them in their passage. It was now + obvious to Butler, and all others who were present, that the rioters would + be instantly in possession of their victim, and have it in their power to + work their pleasure upon him, whatever that might be.* + </p> + <p> + * Note C. The Old Tolbooth. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER SIXTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The evil you teach us, + We will execute; and it shall go hard, but we will + Better the instruction. + Merchant of Venice. +</pre> + <p> + The unhappy object of this remarkable disturbance had been that day + delivered from the apprehension of public execution, and his joy was the + greater, as he had some reason to question whether Government would have + run the risk of unpopularity by interfering in his favour, after he had + been legally convicted by the verdict of a jury, of a crime so very + obnoxious. Relieved from this doubtful state of mind, his heart was merry + within him, and he thought, in the emphatic words of Scripture on a + similar occasion, that surely the bitterness of death was past. Some of + his friends, however, who had watched the manner and behaviour of the + crowd when they were made acquainted with the reprieve, were of a + different opinion. They augured, from the unusual sternness and silence + with which they bore their disappointment, that the populace nourished + some scheme of sudden and desperate vengeance; and they advised Porteous + to lose no time in petitioning the proper authorities, that he might be + conveyed to the Castle under a sufficient guard, to remain there in + security until his ultimate fate should be determined. Habituated, + however, by his office, to overawe the rabble of the city, Porteous could + not suspect them of an attempt so audacious as to storm a strong and + defensible prison; and, despising the advice by which he might have been + saved, he spent the afternoon of the eventful day in giving an + entertainment to some friends who visited him in jail, several of whom, by + the indulgence of the Captain of the Tolbooth, with whom he had an old + intimacy, arising from their official connection, were even permitted to + remain to supper with him, though contrary to the rules of the jail. + </p> + <p> + It was, therefore, in the hour of unalloyed mirth, when this unfortunate + wretch was “full of bread,” hot with wine, and high in mistimed and + ill-grounded confidence, and alas! with all his sins full blown, when the + first distant’ shouts of the rioters mingled with the song of merriment + and intemperance. The hurried call of the jailor to the guests, requiring + them instantly to depart, and his yet more hasty intimation that a + dreadful and determined mob had possessed themselves of the city gates and + guard-house, were the first explanation of these fearful clamours. + </p> + <p> + Porteous might, however, have eluded the fury from which the force of + authority could not protect him, had he thought of slipping on some + disguise, and leaving the prison along with his guests. It is probable + that the jailor might have connived at his escape, or even that in the + hurry of this alarming contingency, he might not have observed it. But + Porteous and his friends alike wanted presence of mind to suggest or + execute such a plan of escape. The former hastily fled from a place where + their own safety seemed compromised, and the latter, in a state resembling + stupefaction, awaited in his apartment the termination of the enterprise + of the rioters. The cessation of the clang of the instruments with which + they had at first attempted to force the door, gave him momentary relief. + The flattering hopes, that the military had marched into the city, either + from the Castle or from the suburbs, and that the rioters were + intimidated, and dispersing, were soon destroyed by the broad and glaring + light of the flames, which, illuminating through the grated window every + corner of his apartment, plainly showed that the mob, determined on their + fatal purpose, had adopted a means of forcing entrance equally desperate + and certain. + </p> + <p> + The sudden glare of light suggested to the stupified and astonished object + of popular hatred the possibility of concealment or escape. To rush to the + chimney, to ascend it at the risk of suffocation, were the only means + which seemed to have occurred to him; but his progress was speedily + stopped by one of those iron gratings, which are, for the sake of + security, usually placed across the vents of buildings designed for + imprisonment. The bars, however, which impeded his farther progress, + served to support him in the situation which he had gained, and he seized + them with the tenacious grasp of one who esteemed himself clinging to his + last hope of existence. The lurid light which had filled the apartment, + lowered and died away; the sound of shouts was heard within the walls, and + on the narrow and winding stair, which, eased within one of the turrets, + gave access to the upper apartments of the prison. The huzza of the + rioters was answered by a shout wild and desperate as their own, the cry, + namely, of the imprisoned felons, who, expecting to be liberated in the + general confusion, welcomed the mob as their deliverers. By some of these + the apartment of Porteous was pointed out to his enemies. The obstacle of + the lock and bolts was soon overcome, and from his hiding place the + unfortunate man heard his enemies search every corner of the apartment, + with oaths and maledictions, which would but shock the reader if we + recorded them, but which served to prove, could it have admitted of doubt, + the settled purpose of soul with which they sought his destruction. + </p> + <p> + A place of concealment so obvious to suspicion and scrutiny as that which + Porteous had chosen, could not long screen him from detection. He was + dragged from his lurking-place, with a violence which seemed to argue an + intention to put him to death on the spot. More than one weapon was + directed towards him, when one of the rioters, the same whose female + disguise had been particularly noticed by Butler, interfered in an + authoritative tone. “Are ye mad?” he said, “or would ye execute an act of + justice as if it were a crime and a cruelty? This sacrifice will lose half + its savour if we do not offer it at the very horns of the altar. We will + have him die where a murderer should die, on the common gibbet—We + will have him die where he spilled the blood of so many innocents!” + </p> + <p> + A loud shout of applause followed the proposal, and the cry, “To the + gallows with the murderer!—to the Grassmarket with him!” echoed on + all hands. + </p> + <p> + “Let no man hurt him,” continued the speaker; “let him make his peace with + God, if he can; we will not kill both his soul and body.” + </p> + <p> + “What time did he give better folk for preparing their account?” answered + several voices. “Let us mete to him with the same measure he measured to + them.” + </p> + <p> + But the opinion of the spokesman better suited the temper of those he + addressed, a temper rather stubborn than impetuous, sedate though + ferocious, and desirous of colouring their cruel and revengeful action + with a show of justice and moderation. + </p> + <p> + For an instant this man quitted the prisoner, whom he consigned to a + selected guard, with instructions to permit him to give his money and + property to whomsoever he pleased. A person confined in the jail for debt + received this last deposit from the trembling hand of the victim, who was + at the same time permitted to make some other brief arrangements to meet + his approaching fate. The felons, and all others who, wished to leave the + jail, were now at full liberty to do so; not that their liberation made + any part of the settled purpose of the rioters, but it followed as almost + a necessary consequence of forcing the jail doors. With wild cries of + jubilee they joined the mob, or disappeared among the narrow lanes to seek + out the hidden receptacles of vice and infamy, where they were accustomed + to lurk and conceal themselves from justice. + </p> + <p> + Two persons, a man about fifty years old and a girl about eighteen, were + all who continued within the fatal walls, excepting two or three debtors, + who probably saw no advantage in attempting their escape. The persons we + have mentioned remained in the strong room of the prison, now deserted by + all others. One of their late companions in misfortune called out to the + man to make his escape, in the tone of an acquaintance. “Rin for it, + Ratcliffe—the road’s clear.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be sae, Willie,” answered Ratcliffe, composedly, “but I have taen + a fancy to leave aff trade, and set up for an honest man.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay there, and be hanged, then, for a donnard auld deevil!” said the + other, and ran down the prison stair. + </p> + <p> + The person in female attire whom we have distinguished as one of the most + active rioters, was about the same time at the ear of the young woman. + “Flee, Effie, flee!” was all he had time to whisper. She turned towards + him an eye of mingled fear, affection, and upbraiding, all contending with + a sort of stupified surprise. He again repeated, “Flee, Effie, flee! for + the sake of all that’s good and dear to you!” Again she gazed on him, but + was unable to answer. A loud noise was now heard, and the name of Madge + Wildfire was repeatedly called from the bottom of the staircase. + </p> + <p> + “I am coming,—I am coming,” said the person who answered to that + appellative; and then reiterating hastily, “For God’s sake—for your + own sake—for my sake, flee, or they’ll take your life!” he left the + strong room. + </p> + <p> + The girl gazed after him for a moment, and then, faintly muttering, + “Better tyne life, since tint is gude fame,” she sunk her head upon her + hand, and remained, seemingly, unconscious as a statue of the noise and + tumult which passed around her. + </p> + <p> + That tumult was now transferred from the inside to the outside of the + Tolbooth. The mob had brought their destined victim forth, and were about + to conduct him to the common place of execution, which they had fixed as + the scene of his death. The leader, whom they distinguished by the name of + Madge Wildfire, had been summoned to assist at the procession by the + impatient shouts of his confederates. + </p> + <p> + “I will insure you five hundred pounds,” said the unhappy man, grasping + Wildfire’s hand,—“five hundred pounds for to save my life.” + </p> + <p> + The other answered in the same undertone, and returning his grasp with one + equally convulsive, “Five hundredweight of coined gold should not save + you.—Remember Wilson!” + </p> + <p> + A deep pause of a minute ensued, when Wildfire added, in a more composed + tone, “Make your peace with Heaven.—Where is the clergyman?” + </p> + <p> + Butler, who in great terror and anxiety, had been detained within a few + yards of the Tolbooth door, to wait the event of the search after + Porteous, was now brought forward, and commanded to walk by the prisoner’s + side, and to prepare him for immediate death. His answer was a + supplication that the rioters would consider what they did. “You are + neither judges nor jury,” said he. “You cannot have, by the laws of God or + man, power to take away the life of a human creature, however deserving he + may be of death. If it is murder even in a lawful magistrate to execute an + offender otherwise than in the place, time, and manner which the judges’ + sentence prescribes, what must it be in you, who have no warrant for + interference but your own wills? In the name of Him who is all mercy, show + mercy to this unhappy man, and do not dip your hands in his blood, nor + rush into the very crime which you are desirous of avenging!” + </p> + <p> + “Cut your sermon short—you are not in your pulpit,” answered one of + the rioters. + </p> + <p> + “If we hear more of your clavers,” said another, “we are like to hang you + up beside him.” + </p> + <p> + “Peace—hush!” said Wildfire. “Do the good man no harm—he + discharges his conscience, and I like him the better.” + </p> + <p> + He then addressed Butler. “Now, sir, we have patiently heard you, and we + just wish you to understand, in the way of answer, that you may as well + argue to the ashlar-work and iron stanchels of the Tolbooth as think to + change our purpose—Blood must have blood. We have sworn to each + other by the deepest oaths ever were pledged, that Porteous shall die the + death he deserves so richly; therefore, speak no more to us, but prepare + him for death as well as the briefness of his change will permit.” + </p> + <p> + They had suffered the unfortunate Porteous to put on his night-gown and + slippers, as he had thrown off his coat and shoes, in order to facilitate + his attempted escape up the chimney. In this garb he was now mounted on + the hands of two of the rioters, clasped together, so as to form what is + called in Scotland, “The King’s Cushion.” Butler was placed close to his + side, and repeatedly urged to perform a duty always the most painful which + can be imposed on a clergyman deserving of the name, and now rendered more + so by the peculiar and horrid circumstances of the criminal’s case. + Porteous at first uttered some supplications for mercy, but when he found + that there was no chance that these would be attended to, his military + education, and the natural stubbornness of his disposition, combined to + support his spirits. + </p> + <p> + “Are you prepared for this dreadful end?” said Butler, in a faltering + voice. “O turn to Him, in whose eyes time and space have no existence, and + to whom a few minutes are as a lifetime, and a lifetime as a minute.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe I know what you would say,” answered Porteous sullenly. “I was + bred a soldier; if they will murder me without time, let my sins as well + as my blood lie at their door.” + </p> + <p> + “Who was it,” said the stern voice of Wildfire, “that said to Wilson at + this very spot, when he could not pray, owing to the galling agony of his + fetters, that his pains would soon be over?—I say to you to take + your own tale home; and if you cannot profit by the good man’s lessons, + blame not them that are still more merciful to you than you were to + others.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="image-0007" id="image-0007"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/pa095.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="The Porteous Mob " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + The procession now moved forward with a slow and determined pace. It was + enlightened by many blazing, links and torches; for the actors of this + work were so far from affecting any secrecy on the occasion, that they + seemed even to court observation. Their principal leaders kept close to + the person of the prisoner, whose pallid yet stubborn features were seen + distinctly by the torch-light, as his person was raised considerably above + the concourse which thronged around him. Those who bore swords, muskets, + and battle-axes, marched on each side, as if forming a regular guard to + the procession. The windows, as they went along, were filled with the + inhabitants, whose slumbers had been broken by this unusual disturbance. + Some of the spectators muttered accents of encouragement; but in general + they were so much appalled by a sight so strange and audacious, that they + looked on with a sort of stupified astonishment. No one offered, by act or + word, the slightest interruption. + </p> + <p> + The rioters, on their part, continued to act with the same air of + deliberate confidence and security which had marked all their proceedings. + When the object of their resentment dropped one of his slippers, they + stopped, sought for it, and replaced it upon his foot with great + deliberation.* + </p> + <p> + * This little incident, characteristic of the extreme composure of this + extraordinary mob, was witnessed by a lady, who, disturbed like others + from her slumbers, had gone to the window. It was told to the Author by + the lady’s daughter. + </p> + <p> + As they descended the Bow towards the fatal spot where they designed to + complete their purpose, it was suggested that there should be a rope kept + in readiness. For this purpose the booth of a man who dealt in cordage was + forced open, a coil of rope fit for their purpose was selected to serve as + a halter, and the dealer next morning found that a guinea had been left on + his counter in exchange; so anxious were the perpetrators of this daring + action to show that they meditated not the slightest wrong or infraction + of law, excepting so far as Porteous was himself concerned. + </p> + <p> + Leading, or carrying along with them, in this determined and regular + manner, the object of their vengeance, they at length reached the place of + common execution, the scene of his crime, and destined spot of his + sufferings. Several of the rioters (if they should not rather be described + as conspirators) endeavoured to remove the stone which filled up the + socket in which the end of the fatal tree was sunk when it was erected for + its fatal purpose; others sought for the means of constructing a temporary + gibbet, the place in which the gallows itself was deposited being reported + too secure to be forced, without much loss of time. Butler endeavoured to + avail himself of the delay afforded by these circumstances, to turn the + people from their desperate design. “For God’s sake,” he exclaimed, + “remember it is the image of your Creator which you are about to deface in + the person of this unfortunate man! Wretched as he is, and wicked as he + may be, he has a share in every promise of Scripture, and you cannot + destroy him in impenitence without blotting his name from the Book of Life—Do + not destroy soul and body; give time for preparation.” + </p> + <p> + “What time had they,” returned a stern voice, “whom he murdered on this + very spot?—The laws both of God and man call for his death.” + </p> + <p> + “But what, my friends,” insisted Butler, with a generous disregard to his + own safety—“what hath constituted you his judges?” + </p> + <p> + “We are not his judges,” replied the same person; “he has been already + judged and condemned by lawful authority. We are those whom Heaven, and + our righteous anger, have stirred up to execute judgment, when a corrupt + Government would have protected a murderer.” + </p> + <p> + “I am none,” said the unfortunate Porteous; “that which you charge upon me + fell out in self-defence, in the lawful exercise of my duty.” + </p> + <p> + “Away with him—away with him!” was the general cry. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you trifle away time in making a gallows?—that dyester’s + pole is good enough for the homicide.” + </p> + <p> + The unhappy man was forced to his fate with remorseless rapidity. Butler, + separated from him by the press, escaped the last horrors of his + struggles. Unnoticed by those who had hitherto detained him as a prisoner,—he + fled from the fatal spot, without much caring in what direction his course + lay. A loud shout proclaimed the stern delight with which the agents of + this deed regarded its completion. Butler, then, at the opening into the + low street called the Cowgate, cast back a terrified glance, and, by the + red and dusky light of the torches, he could discern a figure wavering and + struggling as it hung suspended above the heads of the multitude, and + could even observe men striking at it with their Lochaber-axes and + partisans. The sight was of a nature to double his horror, and to add + wings to his flight. + </p> + <p> + The street down which the fugitive ran opens to one of the eastern ports + or gates of the city. Butler did not stop till he reached it, but found it + still shut. He waited nearly an hour, walking up and down in inexpressible + perturbation of mind. At length he ventured to call out, and rouse the + attention of the terrified keepers of the gate, who now found themselves + at liberty to resume their office without interruption. Butler requested + them to open the gate. They hesitated. He told them his name and + occupation. + </p> + <p> + “He is a preacher,” said one; “I have heard him preach in Haddo’s-hole.” + </p> + <p> + “A fine preaching has he been at the night,” said another “but maybe least + said is sunest mended.” + </p> + <p> + Opening then the wicket of the main gate, the keepers suffered Butler to + depart, who hastened to carry his horror and fear beyond the walls of + Edinburgh. His first purpose was instantly to take the road homeward; but + other fears and cares, connected with the news he had learned in that + remarkable day, induced him to linger in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh + until daybreak. More than one group of persons passed him as he was + whiling away the hours of darkness that yet remained, whom, from the + stifled tones of their discourse, the unwonted hour when they travelled, + and the hasty pace at which they walked, he conjectured to have been + engaged in the late fatal transaction. + </p> + <p> + Certain it was, that the sudden and total dispersion of the rioters, when + their vindictive purpose was accomplished, seemed not the least remarkable + feature of this singular affair. In general, whatever may be the impelling + motive by which a mob is at first raised, the attainment of their object + has usually been only found to lead the way to farther excesses. But not + so in the present case. They seemed completely satiated with the vengeance + they had prosecuted with such stanch and sagacious activity. When they + were fully satisfied that life had abandoned their victim, they dispersed + in every direction, throwing down the weapons which they had only assumed + to enable them to carry through their purpose. At daybreak there remained + not the least token of the events of the night, excepting the corpse of + Porteous, which still hung suspended in the place where he had suffered, + and the arms of various kinds which the rioters had taken from the city + guard-house, which were found scattered about the streets as they had + thrown them from their hands when the purpose for which they had seized + them was accomplished. + </p> + <p> + The ordinary magistrates of the city resumed their power, not without + trembling at the late experience of the fragility of its tenure. To march + troops into the city, and commence a severe inquiry into the transactions + of the preceding night, were the first marks of returning energy which + they displayed. But these events had been conducted on so secure and + well-calculated a plan of safety and secrecy, that there was little or + nothing learned to throw light upon the authors or principal actors in a + scheme so audacious. An express was despatched to London with the tidings, + where they excited great indignation and surprise in the council of + regency, and particularly in the bosom of Queen Caroline, who considered + her own authority as exposed to contempt by the success of this singular + conspiracy. Nothing was spoke of for some time save the measure of + vengeance which should be taken, not only on the actors of this tragedy, + so soon as they should be discovered, but upon the magistrates who had + suffered it to take place, and upon the city which had been the scene + where it was exhibited. On this occasion, it is still recorded in popular + tradition, that her Majesty, in the height of her displeasure, told the + celebrated John Duke of Argyle, that, sooner than submit to such an + insult, she would make Scotland a hunting-field. “In that case, Madam,” + answered that high-spirited nobleman, with a profound bow, “I will take + leave of your Majesty, and go down to my own country to get my hounds + ready.” + </p> + <p> + The import of the reply had more than met the ear; and as most of the + Scottish nobility and gentry seemed actuated by the same national spirit, + the royal displeasure was necessarily checked in mid-volley, and milder + courses were recommended and adopted, to some of which we may hereafter + have occasion to advert.* + </p> + <p> + * Note D. Memorial concerning the murder of Captain Porteous. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER SEVENTH + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Arthur’s Seat shall be my bed, + The sheets shall ne’er be pressed by me, + St. Anton’s well shall be my drink, + Sin’ my true-love’s forsaken me. + Old Song. +</pre> + <p> + If I were to choose a spot from which the rising or setting sun could be + seen to the greatest possible advantage, it would be that wild path + winding around the foot of the high belt of semicircular rocks, called + Salisbury Crags, and marking the verge of the steep descent which slopes + down into the glen on the south-eastern side of the city of Edinburgh. The + prospect, in its general outline, commands a close-built, high-piled city, + stretching itself out beneath in a form, which, to a romantic imagination, + may be supposed to represent that of a dragon; now, a noble arm of the + sea, with its rocks, isles, distant shores, and boundary of mountains; and + now, a fair and fertile champaign country, varied with hill, dale, and + rock, and skirted by the picturesque ridge of the Pentland mountains. But + as the path gently circles around the base of the cliffs, the prospect, + composed as it is of these enchanting and sublime objects, changes at + every step, and presents them blended with, or divided from, each other, + in every possible variety which can gratify the eye and the imagination. + When a piece of scenery so beautiful, yet so varied,—so exciting by + its intricacy, and yet so sublime,—is lighted up by the tints of + morning or of evening, and displays all that variety of shadowy depth, + exchanged with partial brilliancy, which gives character even to the + tamest of landscapes, the effect approaches near to enchantment. This path + used to be my favourite evening and morning resort, when engaged with a + favourite author, or new subject of study. It is, I am informed, now + become totally impassable; a circumstance which, if true, reflects little + credit on the taste of the Good Town or its leaders.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +* A beautiful and solid pathway has, within a few years, been formed +around these romantic rocks; and the Author has the pleasure to think, +that the passage in the text gave rise to the undertaking. + + It was from this fascinating path—the scene to me of so much delicious +musing, when life was young and promised to be happy, that I have been +unable to pass it over without an episodical description—it was, I say, +from this romantic path that Butler saw the morning arise the day after +the murder of Porteous. It was possible for him with ease to have found a +much shorter road to the house to which he was directing his course, and, +in fact, that which he chose was extremely circuitous. But to compose his +own spirits, as well as to while away the time, until a proper hour for +visiting the family without surprise or disturbance, he was induced to +extend his circuit by the foot of the rocks, and to linger upon his way +until the morning should be considerably advanced. While, now standing +with his arms across, and waiting the slow progress of the sun above the +horizon, now sitting upon one of the numerous fragments which storms had +detached from the rocks above him, he is meditating, alternately upon the +horrible catastrophe which he had witnessed, and upon the melancholy, and +to him most interesting, news which he had learned at Saddletree’s, we +will give the reader to understand who Butler was, and how his fate was +connected with that of Effie Deans, the unfortunate handmaiden of the +careful Mrs. Saddletree. +</pre> + <p> + Reuben Butler was of English extraction, though born in Scotland. His + grandfather was a trooper in Monk’s army, and one of the party of + dismounted dragoons which formed the forlorn hope at the storming of + Dundee in 1651. Stephen Butler (called from his talents in reading and + expounding, Scripture Stephen, and Bible Butler) was a stanch Independent, + and received in its fullest comprehension the promise that the saints + should inherit the earth. As hard knocks were what had chiefly fallen to + his share hitherto in the division of this common property, he lost not + the opportunity which the storm and plunder of a commercial place afforded + him, to appropriate as large a share of the better things of this world as + he could possibly compass. It would seem that he had succeeded + indifferently well, for his exterior circumstances appeared, in + consequence of this event, to have been much mended. + </p> + <p> + The troop to which he belonged was quartered at the village of Dalkeith, + as forming the bodyguard of Monk, who, in the capacity of general for the + Commonwealth, resided in the neighbouring castle. When, on the eve of the + Restoration, the general commenced his march from Scotland, a measure + pregnant with such important consequences, he new-modelled his troops, and + more especially those immediately about his person, in order that they + might consist entirely of individuals devoted to himself. On this occasion + Scripture Stephen was weighed in the balance, and found wanting. It was + supposed he felt no call to any expedition which might endanger the reign + of the military sainthood, and that he did not consider himself as free in + conscience to join with any party which might be likely ultimately to + acknowledge the interest of Charles Stuart, the son of “the last man,” as + Charles I. was familiarly and irreverently termed by them in their common + discourse, as well as in their more elaborate predications and harangues. + As the time did not admit of cashiering such dissidents, Stephen Butler + was only advised in a friendly way to give up his horse and accoutrements + to one of Middleton’s old troopers who possessed an accommodating + conscience of a military stamp, and which squared itself chiefly upon + those of the colonel and paymaster. As this hint came recommended by a + certain sum of arrears presently payable, Stephen had carnal wisdom enough + to embrace the proposal, and with great indifference saw his old corps + depart for Coldstream, on their route for the south, to establish the + tottering Government of England on a new basis. + </p> + <p> + The <i>zone</i> of the ex-trooper, to use Horace’s phrase, was weighty + enough to purchase a cottage and two or three fields (still known by the + name of Beersheba), within about a Scottish mile of Dalkeith; and there + did Stephen establish himself with a youthful helpmate, chosen out of the + said village, whose disposition to a comfortable settlement on this side + of the grave reconciled her to the gruff manners, serious temper, and + weather-beaten features of the martial enthusiast. Stephen did not long + survive the falling on “evil days and evil tongues,” of which Milton, in + the same predicament, so mournfully complains. At his death his consort + remained an early widow, with a male child of three years old, which, in + the sobriety wherewith it demeaned itself, in the old-fashioned and even + grim cast of its features, and in its sententious mode of expressing + itself, would sufficiently have vindicated the honour of the widow of + Beersheba, had any one thought proper to challenge the babe’s descent from + Bible Butler. + </p> + <p> + Butler’s principles had not descended to his family, or extended + themselves among his neighbours. The air of Scotland was alien to the + growth of independency, however favourable to fanaticism under other + colours. But, nevertheless, they were not forgotten; and a certain + neighbouring Laird, who piqued himself upon the loyalty of his principles + “in the worst of times” (though I never heard they exposed him to more + peril than that of a broken head, or a night’s lodging in the main guard, + when wine and cavalierism predominated in his upper storey), had found it + a convenient thing to rake up all matter of accusation against the + deceased Stephen. In this enumeration his religious principles made no + small figure, as, indeed, they must have seemed of the most exaggerated + enormity to one whose own were so small and so faintly traced, as to be + well nigh imperceptible. In these circumstances, poor widow Butler was + supplied with her full proportion of fines for nonconformity, and all the + other oppressions of the time, until Beersheba was fairly wrenched out of + her hands, and became the property of the Laird who had so wantonly, as it + had hitherto appeared, persecuted this poor forlorn woman. When his + purpose was fairly achieved, he showed some remorse or moderation, of + whatever the reader may please to term it, in permitting her to occupy her + husband’s cottage, and cultivate, on no very heavy terms, a croft of land + adjacent. Her son, Benjamin, in the meanwhile, grew up to mass estate, + and, moved by that impulse which makes men seek marriage, even when its + end can only be the perpetuation of misery, he wedded and brought a wife, + and, eventually, a son, Reuben, to share the poverty of Beersheba. + </p> + <p> + The Laird of Dumbiedikes* had hitherto been moderate in his exactions, + perhaps because he was ashamed to tax too highly the miserable means of + support which remained to the widow Butler. + </p> + <p> + * Dumbiedikes, selected as descriptive of the taciturn character of the + imaginary owner, is really the name of a house bordering on the King’s + Park, so called because the late Mr. Braidwood, an instructor of the deaf + and dumb, resided there with his pupils. The situation of the real house + is different from that assigned to the ideal mansion. + </p> + <p> + But when a stout active young fellow appeared as the labourer of the croft + in question, Dumbiedikes began to think so broad a pair of shoulders might + bear an additional burden. He regulated, indeed, his management of his + dependants (who fortunately were but few in number) much upon the + principle of the carters whom he observed loading their carts at a + neighbouring coal-hill, and who never failed to clap an additional brace + of hundredweights on their burden, so soon as by any means they had + compassed a new horse of somewhat superior strength to that which had + broken down the day before. However reasonable this practice appeared to + the Laird of Dumbiedikes, he ought to have observed, that it may be + overdone, and that it infers, as a matter of course, the destruction and + loss of both horse, and cart, and loading. Even so it befell when the + additional “prestations” came to be demanded of Benjamin Butler. A man of + few words, and few ideas, but attached to Beersheba with a feeling like + that which a vegetable entertains to the spot in which it chances to be + planted, he neither remonstrated with the Laird, nor endeavoured to escape + from him, but, toiling night and day to accomplish the terms of his + taskmaster, fell into a burning fever and died. His wife did not long + survive him; and, as if it had been the fate of this family to be left + orphans, our Reuben Butler was, about the year 1704-5, left in the same + circumstances in which his father had been placed, and under the same + guardianship, being that of his grandmother, the widow of Monk’s old + trooper. + </p> + <p> + The same prospect of misery hung over the head of another tenant of this + hardhearted lord of the soil. This was a tough true-blue Presbyterian, + called Deans, who, though most obnoxious to the Laird on account of + principles in church and state, contrived to maintain his ground upon the + estate by regular payment of mail-duties, kain, arriage, carriage, dry + multure, lock, gowpen, and knaveship, and all the various exactions now + commuted for money, and summed up in the emphatic word rent. But the years + 1700 and 1701, long remembered in Scotland for dearth and general + distress, subdued the stout heart of the agricultural whig. Citations by + the ground-officer, decreets of the Baron Court, sequestrations, poindings + of outside and inside plenishing, flew about his ears as fast as the tory + bullets whistled around those of the Covenanters at Pentland, Bothwell + Brigg, or Airsmoss. Struggle as he might, and he struggled gallantly, + “Douce David Deans” was routed horse and foot, and lay at the mercy of his + grasping landlord just at the time that Benjamin Butler died. The fate of + each family was anticipated; but they who prophesied their expulsion to + beggary and ruin were disappointed by an accidental circumstance. + </p> + <p> + On the very term-day when their ejection should have taken place, when all + their neighbours were prepared to pity, and not one to assist them, the + minister of the parish, as well as a doctor from Edinburgh, received a + hasty summons to attend the Laird of Dumbiedikes. Both were surprised, for + his contempt for both faculties had been pretty commonly his theme over an + extra bottle, that is to say, at least once every day. The leech for the + soul, and he for the body, alighted in the court of the little old + manor-house at almost the same time; and when they had gazed a moment at + each other with some surprise, they in the same breath expressed their + conviction that Dumbiedikes must needs be very ill indeed, since he + summoned them both to his presence at once. Ere the servant could usher + them to his apartment, the party was augmented by a man of law, Nichil + Novit, writing himself procurator before the sheriff-court, for in those + days there were no solicitors. This latter personage was first summoned to + the apartment of the Laird, where, after some short space, the soul-curer + and the body-curer were invited to join him. + </p> + <p> + Dumbiedikes had been by this time transported into the best bedroom, used + only upon occasions of death and marriage, and called, from the former of + these occupations, the Dead-Room. There were in this apartment, besides + the sick person himself and Mr. Novit, the son and heir of the patient, a + tall gawky silly-looking boy of fourteen or fifteen, and a housekeeper, a + good buxom figure of a woman, betwixt forty and fifty, who had kept the + keys and managed matters at Dumbiedikes since the lady’s death. It was to + these attendants that Dumbiedikes addressed himself pretty nearly in the + following words; temporal and spiritual matters, the care of his health + and his affairs, being strangely jumbled in a head which was never one of + the clearest. + </p> + <p> + “These are sair times wi’ me, gentlemen and neighbours! amaist as ill as + at the aughty-nine, when I was rabbled by the collegeaners.* + </p> + <p> + * Immediately previous to the Revolution, the students at the Edinburgh + College were violent anti-catholics. They were strongly suspected of + burning the house of Prestonfield, belonging to Sir James Dick, the Lord + Provost; and certainly were guilty of creating considerable riots in + 1688-9. + </p> + <p> + —They mistook me muckle—they ca’d me a papist, but there was + never a papist bit about me, minister.—Jock, ye’ll take warning—it’s + a debt we maun a’ pay, and there stands Nichil Novit that will tell ye I + was never gude at paying debts in my life.—Mr. Novit, ye’ll no + forget to draw the annual rent that’s due on the yerl’s band—if I + pay debt to other folk, I think they suld pay it to me—that equals + aquals.—Jock, when ye hae naething else to do, ye may be aye + sticking in a tree; it will be growing, Jock, when ye’re sleeping.* + </p> + <p> + * The Author has been flattered by the assurance, that this <i>naive</i> + mode of recommending arboriculture (which was actually delivered in these + very words by a Highland laird, while on his death-bed, to his son) had so + much weight with a Scottish earl as to lead to his planting a large tract + of country. + </p> + <p> + “My father tauld me sae forty years sin’, but I ne’er fand time to mind + him—Jock, ne’er drink brandy in the morning, it files the stamach + sair; gin ye take a morning’s draught, let it be aqua mirabilis; Jenny + there makes it weel—Doctor, my breath is growing as scant as a + broken-winded piper’s, when he has played for four-and-twenty hours at a + penny wedding—Jenny, pit the cod aneath my head—but it’s a’ + needless!—Mass John, could ye think o’ rattling ower some bit short + prayer, it wad do me gude maybe, and keep some queer thoughts out o’ my + head, Say something, man.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot use a prayer like a rat-rhyme,” answered the honest clergyman; + “and if you would have your soul redeemed like a prey from the fowler, + Laird, you must needs show me your state of mind.” + </p> + <p> + “And shouldna ye ken that without my telling you?” answered the patient. + “What have I been paying stipend and teind, parsonage and vicarage, for, + ever sin’ the aughty-nine, and I canna get a spell of a prayer for’t, the + only time I ever asked for ane in my life?—Gang awa wi’ your + whiggery, if that’s a’ ye can do; auld Curate Kilstoup wad hae read half + the prayer-book to me by this time—Awa wi’ ye!—Doctor, let’s + see if ye can do onything better for me.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor, who had obtained some information in the meanwhile from the + housekeeper on the state of his complaints, assured him the medical art + could not prolong his life many hours. + </p> + <p> + “Then damn Mass John and you baith!” cried the furious and intractable + patient. “Did ye come here for naething but to tell me that ye canna help + me at the pinch? Out wi’ them, Jenny—out o’ the house! and, Jock, my + curse, and the curse of Cromwell, go wi’ ye, if ye gie them either fee or + bountith, or sae muckle as a black pair o’ cheverons!”* + </p> + <p> + *<i>Cheverons</i>—gloves. + </p> + <p> + The clergyman and doctor made a speedy retreat out of the apartment, while + Dumbiedikes fell into one of those transports of violent and profane + language, which had procured him the surname of Damn-me-dikes. “Bring me + the brandy bottle, Jenny, ye b—,” he cried, with a voice in which + passion contended with pain. “I can die as I have lived, without fashing + ony o’ them. But there’s ae thing,” he said, sinking his voice—“there’s + ae fearful thing hings about my heart, and an anker of brandy winna wash + it away.—The Deanses at Woodend!—I sequestrated them in the + dear years, and now they are to flit, they’ll starve—and that + Beersheba, and that auld trooper’s wife and her oe, they’ll starve—they’ll + starve! —Look out, Jock; what kind o’ night is’t?” + </p> + <p> + “On-ding o’ snaw, father,” answered Jock, after having opened the window, + and looked out with great composure. + </p> + <p> + “They’ll perish in the drifts!” said the expiring sinner—“they’ll + perish wi’ cauld!—but I’ll be het eneugh, gin a’ tales be true.” + </p> + <p> + This last observation was made under breath, and in a tone which made the + very attorney shudder. He tried his hand at ghostly advice, probably for + the first time in his life, and recommended as an opiate for the agonised + conscience of the Laird, reparation of the injuries he had done to these + distressed families, which, he observed by the way, the civil law called + <i>restitutio in integrum.</i> But Mammon was struggling with Remorse for + retaining his place in a bosom he had so long possessed; and he partly + succeeded, as an old tyrant proves often too strong for his insurgent + rebels. + </p> + <p> + “I canna do’t,” he answered, with a voice of despair. “It would kill me to + do’t—how can ye bid me pay back siller, when ye ken how I want it? + or dispone Beersheba, when it lies sae weel into my ain plaid-nuik? Nature + made Dumbiedikes and Beersheba to be ae man’s land—She did, by + Nichil, it wad kill me to part them.” + </p> + <p> + “But ye maun die whether or no, Laird,” said Mr. Novit; “and maybe ye wad + die easier—it’s but trying. I’ll scroll the disposition in nae + time.” + </p> + <p> + “Dinna speak o’t, sir,” replied Dumbiedikes, “or I’ll fling the stoup at + your head.—But, Jock, lad, ye see how the warld warstles wi’ me on + my deathbed—be kind to the puir creatures, the Deanses and the + Butlers—be kind to them, Jock. Dinna let the warld get a grip o’ ye, + Jock—but keep the gear thegither! and whate’er ye do, dispone + Beersheba at no rate. Let the creatures stay at a moderate mailing, and + hae bite and soup; it will maybe be the better wi’ your father whare he’s + gaun, lad.” + </p> + <p> + After these contradictory instructions, the Laird felt his mind so much at + ease, that he drank three bumpers of brandy continuously, and “soughed + awa,” as Jenny expressed it, in an attempt to sing “Deil stick the + Minister.” + </p> + <p> + His death made a revolution in favour of the distressed families. John + Dumbie, now of Dumbiedikes, in his own right, seemed to be close and + selfish enough, but wanted the grasping spirit and active mind of his + father; and his guardian happened to agree with him in opinion, that his + father’s dying recommendation should be attended to. The tenants, + therefore, were not actually turned out of doors among the snow-wreaths, + and were allowed wherewith to procure butter-milk and peas-bannocks, which + they ate under the full force of the original malediction. The cottage of + Deans, called Woodend, was not very distant from that at Beersheba. + Formerly there had been but little intercourse between the families. Deans + was a sturdy Scotsman, with all sort of prejudices against the southern, + and the spawn of the southern. Moreover, Deans was, as we have said, a + stanch Presbyterian, of the most rigid and unbending adherence to what he + conceived to be the only possible straight line, as he was wont to express + himself, between right-hand heats and extremes and left-hand defections; + and, therefore, he held in high dread and horror all Independents, and + whomsoever he supposed allied to them. + </p> + <p> + But, notwithstanding these national prejudices and religious professions, + Deans and the widow Butler were placed in such a situation, as naturally + and at length created some intimacy between the families. They had shared + a common danger and a mutual deliverance. They needed each other’s + assistance, like a company, who, crossing a mountain stream, are compelled + to cling close together, lest the current should be too powerful for any + who are not thus supported. + </p> + <p> + On nearer acquaintance, too, Deans abated some of his prejudices. He found + old Mrs. Butler, though not thoroughly grounded in the extent and bearing + of the real testimony against the defections of the times, had no opinions + in favour of the Independent party; neither was she an Englishwoman. + Therefore, it was to be hoped, that, though she was the widow of an + enthusiastic corporal of Cromwell’s dragoons, her grandson might be + neither schismatic nor anti-national, two qualities concerning which + Goodman Deans had as wholesome a terror as against papists and malignants, + Above all (for Douce Davie Deans had his weak side), he perceived that + widow Butler looked up to him with reverence, listened to his advice, and + compounded for an occasional fling at the doctrines of her deceased + husbands to which, as we have seen, she was by no means warmly attached, + in consideration of the valuable counsels which the Presbyterian afforded + her for the management of her little farm. These usually concluded with + “they may do otherwise in England, neighbour Butler, for aught I ken;” or, + “it may be different in foreign parts;” or, “they wha think differently on + the great foundation of our covenanted reformation, overturning and + mishguggling the government and discipline of the kirk, and breaking down + the carved work of our Zion, might be for sawing the craft wi’ aits; but I + say peace, peace.” And as his advice was shrewd and sensible, though + conceitedly given, it was received with gratitude, and followed with + respect. + </p> + <p> + The intercourse which took place betwixt the families at Beersheba and + Woodend became strict and intimate, at a very early period, betwixt Reuben + Butler, with whom the reader is already in some degree acquainted, and + Jeanie Deans, the only child of Douce Davie Deans by his first wife, “that + singular Christian woman,” as he was wont to express himself, “whose name + was savoury to all that knew her for a desirable professor, Christian + Menzies in Hochmagirdle.” The manner of which intimacy, and the + consequences thereof, we now proceed to relate. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER EIGHTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Reuben and Rachel, though as fond as doves, + Were yet discreet and cautious in their loves, + Nor would attend to Cupid’s wild commands, + Till cool reflection bade them join their hands; + When both were poor, they thought it argued ill + Of hasty love to make them poorer still. + Crabbe’s <i>Parish Register.</i> +</pre> + <p> + While widow Butler and widower Deans struggled with poverty, and the hard + and sterile soil of “those parts and portions” of the lands of Dumbiedikes + which it was their lot to occupy, it became gradually apparent that Deans + was to gain the strife, and his ally in the conflict was to lose it. The + former was a Man, and not much past the prime of life—Mrs. Butler a + woman, and declined into the vale of years, This, indeed, ought in time to + have been balanced by the circumstance, that Reuben was growing up to + assist his grandmothers labours, and that Jeanie Deans, as a girl, could + be only supposed to add to her father’s burdens. But Douce Davie Deans + know better things, and so schooled and trained the young minion, as he + called her, that from the time she could walk, upwards, she was daily + employed in some task or other, suitable to her age and capacity; a + circumstance which, added to her father’s daily instructions and lectures, + tended to give her mind, even when a child, a grave, serious, firm, and + reflecting cast. An uncommonly strong and healthy temperament, free from + all nervous affection and every other irregularity, which, attacking the + body in its more noble functions, so often influences the mind, tended + greatly to establish this fortitude, simplicity, and decision of + character. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, Reuben was weak in constitution, and, though not timid + in temper might be safely pronounced anxious, doubtful, and apprehensive. + He partook of the temperament of his mother, who had died of a consumption + in early age. He was a pale, thin, feeble, sickly boy, and somewhat lame, + from an accident in early youth. He was, besides, the child of a doting + grandmother, whose too solicitous attention to him soon taught him a sort + of diffidence in himself, with a disposition to overrate his own + importance, which is one of the very worst consequences that children + deduce from over-indulgence. + </p> + <p> + Still, however, the two children clung to each other’s society, not more + from habit than from taste. They herded together the handful of sheep, + with the two or three cows, which their parents turned out rather to seek + food than actually to feed upon the unenclosed common of Dumbiedikes. It + was there that the two urchins might be seen seated beneath a blooming + bush of whin, their little faces laid close together under the shadow of + the same plaid drawn over both their heads, while the landscape around was + embrowned by an overshadowing cloud, big with the shower which had driven + the children to shelter. On other occasions they went together to school, + the boy receiving that encouragement and example from his companion, in + crossing the little brooks which intersected their path, and encountering + cattle, dogs, and other perils, upon their journey, which the male sex in + such cases usually consider it as their prerogative to extend to the + weaker. But when, seated on the benches of the school-house, they began to + con their lessons together, Reuben, who was as much superior to Jeanie + Deans in acuteness of intellect, as inferior to her in firmness of + constitution, and in that insensibility to fatigue and danger which + depends on the conformation of the nerves, was able fully to requite the + kindness and countenance with which, in other circumstances, she used to + regard him. He was decidedly the best scholar at the little parish school; + and so gentle was his temper and disposition, that he was rather admired + than envied by the little mob who occupied the noisy mansion, although he + was the declared favourite of the master. Several girls, in particular + (for in Scotland they are taught with the boys), longed to be kind to and + comfort the sickly lad, who was so much cleverer than his companions. The + character of Reuben Butler was so calculated as to offer scope both for + their sympathy and their admiration, the feelings, perhaps, through which + the female sex (the more deserving part of them at least) is more easily + attached. + </p> + <p> + But Reuben, naturally reserved and distant, improved none of these + advantages; and only became more attached to Jeanie Deans, as the + enthusiastic approbation of his master assured him of fair prospects in + future life, and awakened his ambition. In the meantime, every advance + that Reuben made in learning (and, considering his opportunities, they + were uncommonly great) rendered him less capable of attending to the + domestic duties of his grandmother’s farm. While studying the <i>pons + asinorum</i> in Euclid, he suffered every <i>cuddie</i> upon the common to + trespass upon a large field of peas belonging to the Laird, and nothing + but the active exertions of Jeanie Deans, with her little dog Dustiefoot, + could have saved great loss and consequent punishment. Similar + miscarriages marked his progress in his classical studies. He read + Virgil’s Georgics till he did not know bere from barley; and had nearly + destroyed the crofts of Beersheba while attempting to cultivate them + according to the practice of Columella and Cato the Censor. + </p> + <p> + These blunders occasioned grief to his grand-dame, and disconcerted the + good opinion which her neighbour, Davie Deans, had for some time + entertained of Reuben. + </p> + <p> + “I see naething ye can make of that silly callant, neighbour Butler,” said + he to the old lady, “unless ye train him to the wark o’ the ministry. And + ne’er was there mair need of poorfu’ preachers than e’en now in these + cauld Gallio days, when men’s hearts are hardened like the nether + mill-stone, till they come to regard none of these things. It’s evident + this puir callant of yours will never be able to do an usefu’ day’s wark, + unless it be as an ambassador from our Master; and I will make it my + business to procure a license when he is fit for the same, trusting he + will be a shaft cleanly polished, and meet to be used in the body of the + kirk; and that he shall not turn again, like the sow, to wallow in the + mire of heretical extremes and defections, but shall have the wings of a + dove, though he hath lain among the pots.” + </p> + <p> + The poor widow gulped down the affront to her husband’s principles, + implied in this caution, and hastened to take Butler from the High School, + and encourage him in the pursuit of mathematics and divinity, the only + physics and ethics that chanced to be in fashion at the time. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie Deans was now compelled to part from the companion of her labour, + her study, and her pastime, and it was with more than childish feeling + that both children regarded the separation. But they were young, and hope + was high, and they separated like those who hope to meet again at a more + auspicious hour. While Reuben Butler was acquiring at the University of + St. Andrews the knowledge necessary for a clergyman, and macerating his + body with the privations which were necessary in seeking food for his + mind, his grand-dame became daily less able to struggle with her little + farm, and was at length obliged to throw it up to the new Laird of + Dumbiedikes. That great personage was no absolute Jew, and did not cheat + her in making the bargain more than was tolerable. He even gave her + permission to tenant the house in which she had lived with her husband, as + long as it should be “tenantable;” only he protested against paying for a + farthing of repairs, any benevolence which he possessed being of the + passive, but by no means of the active mood. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile, from superior shrewdness, skill, and other + circumstances, some of them purely accidental, Davie Deans gained a + footing in the world, the possession of some wealth, the reputation of + more, and a growing disposition to preserve and increase his store; for + which, when he thought upon it seriously, he was inclined to blame + himself. From his knowledge in agriculture, as it was then practised, he + became a sort of favourite with the Laird, who had no great pleasure + either in active sports or in society, and was wont to end his daily + saunter by calling at the cottage of Woodend. + </p> + <p> + Being himself a man of slow ideas and confused utterance, Dumbiedikes used + to sit or stand for half-an-hour with an old laced hat of his father’s + upon his head, and an empty tobacco-pipe in his mouth, with his eyes + following Jeanie Deans, or “the lassie” as he called her, through the + course of her daily domestic labour; while her father, after exhausting + the subject of bestial, of ploughs, and of harrows, often took an + opportunity of going full-sail into controversial subjects, to which + discussions the dignitary listened with much seeming patience, but without + making any reply, or, indeed, as most people thought, without + understanding a single word of what the orator was saying. Deans, indeed, + denied this stoutly, as an insult at once to his own talents for + expounding hidden truths, of which he was a little vain, and to the + Laird’s capacity of understanding them. He said, “Dumbiedikes was nane of + these flashy gentles, wi’ lace on their skirts and swords at their tails, + that were rather for riding on horseback to hell than gauging barefooted + to heaven. He wasna like his father—nae profane company-keeper—nae + swearer—nae drinker—nae frequenter of play-house, or + music-house, or dancing-house—nae Sabbath-breaker—nae imposer + of aiths, or bonds, or denier of liberty to the flock.—He clave to + the warld, and the warld’s gear, a wee ower muckle, but then there was + some breathing of a gale upon his spirit,” etc. etc. All this honest Davie + said and believed. + </p> + <p> + It is not to be supposed, that, by a father and a man of sense and + observation, the constant direction of the Laird’s eyes towards Jeanie was + altogether unnoticed. This circumstance, however, made a much greater + impression upon another member of his family, a second helpmate, to wit, + whom he had chosen to take to his bosom ten years after the death of his + first. Some people were of opinion, that Douce Davie had been rather + surprised into this step, for, in general, he was no friend to marriages + or giving in marriage, and seemed rather to regard that state of society + as a necessary evil,—a thing lawful, and to be tolerated in the + imperfect state of our nature, but which clipped the wings with which we + ought to soar upwards, and tethered the soul to its mansion of clay, and + the creature-comforts of wife and bairns. His own practice, however, had + in this material point varied from his principles, since, as we have seen, + he twice knitted for himself this dangerous and ensnaring entanglement. + </p> + <p> + Rebecca, his spouse, had by no means the same horror of matrimony, and as + she made marriages in imagination for every neighbour round, she failed + not to indicate a match betwixt Dumbiedikes and her step-daughter Jeanie. + The goodman used regularly to frown and pshaw whenever this topic was + touched upon, but usually ended by taking his bonnet and walking out of + the house, to conceal a certain gleam of satisfaction, which, at such a + suggestion, involuntarily diffused itself over his austere features. + </p> + <p> + The more youthful part of my readers may naturally ask, whether Jeanie + Deans was deserving of this mute attention of the Laird of Dumbiedikes; + and the historian, with due regard to veracity, is compelled to answer, + that her personal attractions were of no uncommon description. She was + short, and rather too stoutly made for her size, had grey eyes, light + coloured hair, a round good-humoured face, much tanned with the sun, and + her only peculiar charm was an air of inexpressible serenity, which a good + conscience, kind feelings, contented temper, and the regular discharge of + all her duties, spread over her features. There was nothing, it may be + supposed, very appalling in the form or manners of this rustic heroine; + yet, whether from sheepish bashfulness, or from want of decision and + imperfect knowledge of his own mind on the subject, the Laird of + Dumbiedikes, with his old laced hat and empty tobacco-pipe, came and + enjoyed the beatific vision of Jeanie Deans day after day, week after + week, year after year, without proposing to accomplish any of the + prophecies of the stepmother. + </p> + <p> + This good lady began to grow doubly impatient on the subject, when, after + having been some years married, she herself presented Douce Davie with + another daughter, who was named Euphemia, by corruption, Effie. It was + then that Rebecca began to turn impatient with the slow pace at which the + Laird’s wooing proceeded, judiciously arguing, that, as Lady Dumbiedikes + would have but little occasion for tocher, the principal part of her + gudeman’s substance would naturally descend to the child by the second + marriage. Other step-dames have tried less laudable means for clearing the + way to the succession of their own children; but Rebecca, to do her + justice, only sought little Effie’s advantage through the promotion, or + which must have generally been accounted such, of her elder sister. She + + therefore tried every female art within the compass of her simple skill, + to bring the Laird to a point; but had the mortification to perceive that + her efforts, like those of an unskilful angler, only scared the trout she + meant to catch. Upon one occasion, in particular, when she joked with the + Laird on the propriety of giving a mistress to the house of Dumbiedikes, + he was so effectually startled, that neither laced hat, tobacco-pipe, nor + the intelligent proprietor of these movables, visited Woodend for a + fortnight. Rebecca was therefore compelled to leave the Laird to proceed + at his own snail’s pace, convinced, by experience, of the grave-digger’s + aphorism, that your dull ass will not mend his pace for beating. + </p> + <p> + Reuben, in the meantime, pursued his studies at the university, supplying + his wants by teaching the younger lads the knowledge he himself acquired, + and thus at once gaining the means of maintaining himself at the seat of + learning, and fixing in his mind the elements of what he had already + obtained. In this manner, as is usual among the poorer students of + divinity at Scottish universities, he contrived not only to maintain + himself according to his simple wants, but even to send considerable + assistance to his sole remaining parent, a sacred duty, of which the + Scotch are seldom negligent. His progress in knowledge of a general kind, + as well as in the studies proper to his profession, was very considerable, + but was little remarked, owing to the retired modesty of his disposition, + which in no respect qualified him to set off his learning to the best + advantage. And thus, had Butler been a man given to make complaints, he + had his tale to tell, like others, of unjust preferences, bad luck, and + hard usage. On these subjects, however, he was habitually silent, perhaps + from modesty, perhaps from a touch of pride, or perhaps from a conjunction + of both. + </p> + <p> + He obtained his license as a preacher of the gospel, with some compliments + from the Presbytery by whom it was bestowed; but this did not lead to any + preferment, and he found it necessary to make the cottage at Beersheba his + residence for some months, with no other income than was afforded by the + precarious occupation of teaching in one or other of the neighbouring + families. After having greeted his aged grandmother, his first visit was + to Woodend, where he was received by Jeanie with warm cordiality, arising + from recollections which had never been dismissed from her mind, by + Rebecca with good-humoured hospitality, and by old Deans in a mode + peculiar to himself. + </p> + <p> + Highly as Douce Davie honoured the clergy, it was not upon each individual + of the cloth that he bestowed his approbation; and, a little jealous, + perhaps, at seeing his youthful acquaintance erected into the dignity of a + teacher and preacher, he instantly attacked him upon various points of + controversy, in order to discover whether he might not have fallen into + some of the snares, defections, and desertions of the time. Butler was not + only a man of stanch Presbyterian principles, but was also willing to + avoid giving pain to his old friend by disputing upon points of little + importance; and therefore he might have hoped to have come like fine gold + out of the furnace of Davie’s interrogatories. But the result on the mind + of that strict investigator was not altogether so favourable as might have + been hoped and anticipated. Old Judith Butler, who had hobbled that + evening as far as Woodend, in order to enjoy the congratulations of her + neighbours upon Reuben’s return, and upon his high attainments, of which + she was herself not a little proud, was somewhat mortified to find that + her old friend Deans did not enter into the subject with the warmth she + expected. At first, in he seemed rather silent than dissatisfied; and it + was not till Judith had essayed the subject more than once that it led to + the following dialogue. + </p> + <p> + “Aweel, neibor Deans, I thought ye wad hae been glad to see Reuben amang + us again, poor fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “I <i>am</i> glad, Mrs. Butler,” was the neighbour’s concise answer. + </p> + <p> + “Since he has lost his grandfather and his father (praised be Him that + giveth and taketh!), I ken nae friend he has in the world that’s been sae + like a father to him as the sell o’ye, neibor Deans.” + </p> + <p> + “God is the only father of the fatherless,” said Deans, touching his + bonnet and looking upwards. “Give honour where it is due, gudewife, and + not to an unworthy instrument.” + </p> + <p> + “Aweel, that’s your way o’ turning it, and nae doubt ye ken best; but I + hae ken’d ye, Davie, send a forpit o’ meal to Beersheba when there wasna a + bow left in the meal-ark at Woodend; ay, and I hae ken’d ye” + </p> + <p> + “Gudewife,” said Davie, interrupting her, “these are but idle tales to + tell me; fit for naething but to puff up our inward man wi’ our ain vain + acts. I stude beside blessed Alexander Peden, when I heard him call the + death and testimony of our happy martyrs but draps of blude and scarts of + ink in respect of fitting discharge of our duty; and what suld I think of + ony thing the like of me can do?” + </p> + <p> + “Weel, neibor Deans, ye ken best; but I maun say that, I am sure you are + glad to see my bairn again—the halt’s gane now, unless he has to + walk ower mony miles at a stretch; and he has a wee bit colour in his + cheek, that glads my auld een to see it; and he has as decent a black coat + as the minister; and” + </p> + <p> + “I am very heartily glad he is weel and thriving,” said Mr. Deans, with a + gravity that seemed intended to cut short the subject; but a woman who is + bent upon a point is not easily pushed aside from it. + </p> + <p> + “And,” continued Mrs. Butler, “he can wag his head in a pulpit now, neibor + Deans, think but of that—my ain oe—and a’body maun sit still + and listen to him, as if he were the Paip of Rome.” + </p> + <p> + “The what?—the who?—woman!” said Deans, with a sternness far + beyond his usual gravity, as soon as these offensive words had struck upon + the tympanum of his ear. + </p> + <p> + “Eh, guide us!” said the poor woman; “I had forgot what an ill will ye had + aye at the Paip, and sae had my puir gudeman, Stephen Butler. Mony an + afternoon he wad sit and take up his testimony again the Paip, and again + baptizing of bairns, and the like.” + </p> + <p> + “Woman!” reiterated Deans, “either speak about what ye ken something o’, + or be silent; I say that independency is a foul heresy, and anabaptism a + damnable and deceiving error, whilk suld be rooted out of the land wi’ the + fire o’ the spiritual, and the sword o’ the civil magistrate.” + </p> + <p> + “Weel, weel, neibor, I’ll no say that ye mayna be right,” answered the + submissive Judith. “I am sure ye are right about the sawing and the + mawing, the shearing and the leading, and what for suld ye no be right + about kirkwark, too?—But concerning my oe, Reuben Butler—” + </p> + <p> + “Reuben Butler, gudewife,” said David, with solemnity, “is a lad I wish + heartily weel to, even as if he were mine ain son—but I doubt there + will be outs and ins in the track of his walk. I muckle fear his gifts + will get the heels of his grace. He has ower muckle human wit and + learning, and thinks as muckle about the form of the bicker as he does + about the healsomeness of the food—he maun broider the + marriage-garment with lace and passments, or it’s no gude eneugh for him. + And it’s like he’s something proud o’ his human gifts and learning, whilk + enables him to dress up his doctrine in that fine airy dress. But,” added + he, at seeing the old woman’s uneasiness at his discourse, “affliction may + gie him a jagg, and let the wind out o’ him, as out o’ a cow that’s eaten + wet clover, and the lad may do weel, and be a burning and a shining light; + and I trust it will be yours to see, and his to feel it, and that soon.” + </p> + <p> + Widow Butler was obliged to retire, unable to make anything more of her + neighbour, whose discourse, though she did not comprehend it, filled her + with undefined apprehensions on her grandson’s account, and greatly + depressed the joy with which she had welcomed him on his return. And it + must not be concealed, in justice to Mr. Deans’s discernment, that Butler, + in their conference, had made a greater display of his learning than the + occasion called for, or than was likely to be acceptable to the old man, + who, accustomed to consider himself as a person preeminently entitled to + dictate upon theological subjects of controversy, felt rather humbled and + mortified when learned authorities were placed in array against him. In + fact, Butler had not escaped the tinge of pedantry which naturally flowed + from his education, and was apt, on many occasions, to make parade of his + knowledge, when there was no need of such vanity. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie Deans, however, found no fault with this display of learning, but, + on the contrary, admired it; perhaps on the same score that her sex are + said to admire men of courage, on account of their own deficiency in that + qualification. The circumstances of their families threw the young people + constantly together; their old intimacy was renewed, though upon a footing + better adapted to their age; and it became at length understood betwixt + them, that their union should be deferred no longer than until Butler + should obtain some steady means of support, however humble. This, however, + was not a matter speedily to be accomplished. Plan after plan was formed, + and plan after plan failed. The good-humoured cheek of Jeanie lost the + first flush of juvenile freshness; Reuben’s brow assumed the gravity of + manhood, yet the means of obtaining a settlement seemed remote as ever. + Fortunately for the lovers, their passion was of no ardent or enthusiastic + cast; and a sense of duty on both sides induced them to bear, with patient + fortitude, the protracted interval which divided them from each other. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile, time did not roll on without effecting his usual + changes. The widow of Stephen Butler, so long the prop of the family of + Beersheba, was gathered to her fathers; and Rebecca, the careful spouse of + our friend Davie Deans, wa’s also summoned from her plans of matrimonial + and domestic economy. The morning after her death, Reuben Butler went to + offer his mite of consolation to his old friend and benefactor. He + witnessed, on this occasion, a remarkable struggle betwixt the force of + natural affection and the religious stoicism which the sufferer thought it + was incumbent upon him to maintain under each earthly dispensation, + whether of weal or woe. + </p> + <p> + On his arrival at the cottage, Jeanie, with her eyes overflowing with + tears, pointed to the little orchard, “in which,” she whispered with + broken accents, “my poor father has been since his misfortune.” Somewhat + alarmed at this account, Butler entered the orchard, and advanced slowly + towards his old friend, who, seated in a small rude arbour, appeared to be + sunk in the extremity of his affliction. He lifted his eyes somewhat + sternly as Butler approached, as if offended at the interruption; but as + the young man hesitated whether he ought to retreat or advance, he arose, + and came forward to meet him with a self-possessed, and even dignified + air. + </p> + <p> + “Young man,” said the sufferer, “lay it not to heart, though the righteous + perish, and the merciful are removed, seeing, it may well be said, that + they are taken away from the evils to come. Woe to me were I to shed a + tear for the wife of my bosom, when I might weep rivers of water for this + afflicted Church, cursed as it is with carnal seekers, and with the dead + of heart.” + </p> + <p> + “I am happy,” said Butler, “that you can forget your private affliction in + your regard for public duty.” + </p> + <p> + “Forget, Reuben?” said poor Deans, putting his handkerchief to his eyes—“She’s + not to be forgotten on this side of time; but He that gives the wound can + send the ointment. I declare there have been times during this night when + my meditation hae been so rapt, that I knew not of my heavy loss. It has + been with me as with the worthy John Semple, called Carspharn John,* upon + a like trial—I have been this night on the banks of Ulai, plucking + an apple here and there!” + </p> + <p> + * Note E. Carspharn John. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the assumed fortitude of Deans, which he conceived to be + the discharge of a great Christian duty, he had too good a heart not to + suffer deeply under this heavy loss. Woodend became altogether distasteful + to him; and as he had obtained both substance and experience by his + management of that little farm, he resolved to employ them as a + dairy-farmer, or cowfeeder, as they are called in Scotland. The situation + he chose for his new settlement was at a place called Saint Leonard’s + Crags, lying betwixt Edinburgh and the mountain called Arthur’s Seat, and + adjoining to the extensive sheep pasture still named the King’s Park, from + its having been formerly dedicated to the preservation of the royal game. + Here he rented a small lonely house, about half-a-mile distant from the + nearest point of the city, but the site of which, with all the adjacent + ground, is now occupied by the buildings which form the southeastern + suburb. An extensive pasture-ground adjoining, which Deans rented from the + keeper of the Royal Park, enabled him to feed his milk-cows; and the + unceasing industry and activity of Jeanie, his oldest daughter, were + exerted in making the most of their produce. + </p> + <p> + She had now less frequent opportunities of seeing Reuben, who had been + obliged, after various disappointments, to accept the subordinate + situation of assistant in a parochial school of some eminence, at three or + four miles’ distance from the city. Here he distinguished himself, and + became acquainted with several respectable burgesses, who, on account of + health, or other reasons, chose that their children should commence their + education in this little village. His prospects were thus gradually + brightening, and upon each visit which he paid at Saint Leonard’s he had + an opportunity of gliding a hint to this purpose into Jeanie’s ear. These + visits were necessarily very rare, on account of the demands which the + duties of the school made upon Butler’s time. Nor did he dare to make them + even altogether so frequent as these avocations would permit. Deans + received him with civility indeed, and even with kindness; but Reuben, as + is usual in such cases, imagined that he read his purpose in his eyes, and + was afraid too premature an explanation on the subject would draw down his + positive disapproval. Upon the whole, therefore, he judged it prudent to + call at Saint Leonard’s just so frequently as old acquaintance and + neighbourhood seemed to authorise, and no oftener. There was another + person who was more regular in his visits. + </p> + <p> + <a name="image-0008" id="image-0008"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/pa130.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="The Laird in Jeanie’s Cottage " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + When Davie Deans intimated to the Laird of Dumbiedikes his purpose of + “quitting wi’ the land and house at Woodend,” the Laird stared and said + nothing. He made his usual visits at the usual hour without remark, until + the day before the term, when, observing the bustle of moving furniture + already commenced, the great east-country <i>awmrie</i> dragged out of its + nook, and standing with its shoulder to the company, like an awkward booby + about to leave the room, the Laird again stared mightily, and was heard to + ejaculate,—“Hegh, sirs!” Even after the day of departure was past + and gone, the Laird of Dumbiedikes, at his usual hour, which was that at + which David Deans was wont to “loose the pleugh,” presented himself before + the closed door of the cottage at Woodend, and seemed as much astonished + at finding it shut against his approach as if it was not exactly what he + had to expect. On this occasion he was heard to ejaculate, “Gude guide + us!” which, by those who knew him, was considered as a very unusual mark + of emotion. From that moment forward Dumbiedikes became an altered man, + and the regularity of his movements, hitherto so exemplary, was as totally + disconcerted as those of a boy’s watch when he has broken the main-spring. + Like the index of the said watch did Dumbiedikes spin round the whole + bounds of his little property, which may be likened unto the dial of the + timepiece, with unwonted velocity. There was not a cottage into which he + did not enter, nor scarce a maiden on whom he did not stare. But so it + was, that although there were better farm-houses on the land than Woodend, + and certainly much prettier girls than Jeanie Deans, yet it did somehow + befall that the blank in the Laird’s time was not so pleasantly filled up + as it had been. There was no seat accommodated him so well as the “bunker” + at Woodend, and no face he loved so much to gaze on as Jeanie Deans’s. So, + after spinning round and round his little orbit, and then remaining + stationary for a week, it seems to have occurred to him that he was not + pinned down to circulate on a pivot, like the hands of the watch, but + possessed the power of shifting his central point, and extending his + circle if he thought proper. To realise which privilege of change of + place, he bought a pony from a Highland drover, and with its assistance + and company stepped, or rather stumbled, as far as Saint Leonard’s Crags. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie Deans, though so much accustomed to the Laird’s staring that she + was sometimes scarce conscious of his presence, had nevertheless some + occasional fears lest he should call in the organ of speech to back those + expressions of admiration which he bestowed on her through his eyes. + Should this happen, farewell, she thought, to all chance of a union with + Butler. For her father, however stouthearted and independent in civil and + religious principles, was not without that respect for the laird of the + land, so deeply imprinted on the Scottish tenantry of the period. + Moreover, if he did not positively dislike Butler, yet his fund of carnal + learning was often the object of sarcasms on David’s part, which were + perhaps founded in jealousy, and which certainly indicated no partiality + for the party against whom they were launched. And lastly, the match with + Dumbiedikes would have presented irresistible charms to one who used to + complain that he felt himself apt to take “ower grit an armfu’ o’ the + warld.” So that, upon the whole, the Laird’s diurnal visits were + disagreeable to Jeanie from apprehension of future consequences, and it + served much to console her, upon removing from the spot where she was bred + and born, that she had seen the last of Dumbiedikes, his laced hat, and + tobacco-pipe. The poor girl no more expected he could muster courage to + follow her to Saint Leonard’s Crags than that any of her apple-trees or + cabbages which she had left rooted in the “yard” at Woodend, would + spontaneously, and unaided, have undertaken the same journey. It was + therefore with much more surprise than pleasure that, on the sixth day + after their removal to Saint Leonard’s, she beheld Dumbiedikes arrive, + laced hat, tobacco-pipe, and all, and, with the self-same greeting of + “How’s a’ wi’ ye, Jeanie?—Whare’s the gudeman?” assume as nearly as + he could the same position in the cottage at Saint Leonard’s which he had + so long and so regularly occupied at Woodend. He was no sooner, however, + seated, than with an unusual exertion of his powers of conversation, he + added, “Jeanie—I say, Jeanie, woman”—here he extended his hand + towards her shoulder with all the fingers spread out as if to clutch it, + but in so bashful and awkward a manner, that when she whisked herself + beyond its reach, the paw remained suspended in the air with the palm + open, like the claw of a heraldic griffin—“Jeanie,” continued the + swain in this moment of inspiration—“I say, Jeanie, it’s a braw day + out-by, and the roads are no that ill for boot-hose.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="image-0009" id="image-0009"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/pa133.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="’Jeanie--I Say, Jeanie, Woman’ " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + “The deil’s in the daidling body,” muttered Jeanie between her teeth; “wha + wad hae thought o’ his daikering out this length?” And she afterwards + confessed that she threw a little of this ungracious sentiment into her + accent and manner; for her father being abroad, and the “body,” as she + irreverently termed the landed proprietor, “looking unco gleg and canty, + she didna ken what he might be coming out wi’ next.” + </p> + <p> + Her frowns, however, acted as a complete sedative, and the Laird relapsed + from that day into his former taciturn habits, visiting the cowfeeder’s + cottage three or four times every week, when the weather permitted, with + apparently no other purpose than to stare at Jeanie Deans, while Douce + Davie poured forth his eloquence upon the controversies and testimonies of + the day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER NINTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Her air, her manners, all who saw admired, + Courteous, though coy, and gentle, though retired; + The joy of youth and health her eyes displayed; + And ease of heart her every look conveyed. + Crabbe. +</pre> + <p> + The visits of the Laird thus again sunk into matters of ordinary course, + from which nothing was to be expected or apprehended. If a lover could + have gained a fair one as a snake is said to fascinate a bird, by + pertinaciously gazing on her with great stupid greenish eyes, which began + now to be occasionally aided by spectacles, unquestionably Dumbiedikes + would have been the person to perform the feat. But the art of fascination + seems among the <i>artes perditae,</i> and I cannot learn that this most + pertinacious of starers produced any effect by his attentions beyond an + occasional yawn. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile, the object of his gaze was gradually attaining the verge + of youth, and approaching to what is called in females the middle age, + which is impolitely held to begin a few years earlier with their more + fragile sex than with men. Many people would have been of opinion, that + the Laird would have done better to have transferred his glances to an + object possessed of far superior charms to Jeanie’s, even when Jeanie’s + were in their bloom, who began now to be distinguished by all who visited + the cottage at St. Leonard’s Crags. + </p> + <p> + Effie Deans, under the tender and affectionate care of her sister, had now + shot up into a beautiful and blooming girl. Her Grecian shaped head was + profusely rich in waving ringlets of brown hair, which, confined by a blue + snood of silk, and shading a laughing Hebe countenance, seemed the picture + of health, pleasure, and contentment. Her brown russet short-gown set off + a shape, which time, perhaps, might be expected to render too robust, the + frequent objection to Scottish beauty, but which, in her present early + age, was slender and taper, with that graceful and easy sweep of outline + which at once indicates health and beautiful proportion of parts. + </p> + <p> + These growing charms, in all their juvenile profusion, had no power to + shake the steadfast mind, or divert the fixed gaze of the constant Laird + of Dumbiedikes. But there was scarce another eye that could behold this + living picture of health and beauty, without pausing on it with pleasure. + The traveller stopped his weary horse on the eve of entering the city + which was the end of his journey, to gaze at the sylph-like form that + tripped by him, with her milk-pail poised on her head, bearing herself so + erect, and stepping so light and free under her burden, that it seemed + rather an ornament than an encumbrance. The lads of the neighbouring + suburb, who held their evening rendezvous for putting the stone, casting + the hammer, playing at long bowls, and other athletic exercises, watched + the motions of Effie Deans, and contended with each other which should + have the good fortune to attract her attention. Even the rigid + Presbyterians of her father’s persuasion, who held each indulgence of the + eye and sense to be a snare at least if not a crime, were surprised into a + moment’s delight while gazing on a creature so exquisite,—instantly + checked by a sigh, reproaching at once their own weakness, and mourning + that a creature so fair should share in the common and hereditary guilt + and imperfection of our nature, which she deserved as much by her + guileless purity of thought, speech, and action, as by her uncommon + loveliness of face and person. + </p> + <p> + Yet there were points in Effie’s character which gave rise not only to + strange doubt and anxiety on the part of Douce David Deans, whose ideas + were rigid, as may easily be supposed, upon the subject of youthful + amusements, but even of serious apprehension to her more indulgent sister. + The children of the Scotch of the inferior classes are usually spoiled by + the early indulgence of their parents; how, wherefore, and to what degree, + the lively and instructive narrative of the amiable and accomplished + authoress of “Glenburnie” * has saved me and all future scribblers the + trouble of recording. + </p> + <p> + * [The late Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton.] + </p> + <p> + Effie had had a double share of this inconsiderate and misjudged kindness. + Even the strictness of her father’s principles could not condemn the + sports of infancy and childhood; and to the good old man, his younger + daughter, the child of his old age, seemed a child for some years after + she attained the years of womanhood, was still called the “bit lassie,” + and “little Effie,” and was permitted to run up and down uncontrolled, + unless upon the Sabbath, or at the times of family worship. Her sister, + with all the love and care of a mother, could not be supposed to possess + the same authoritative influence; and that which she had hitherto + exercised became gradually limited and diminished as Effie’s advancing + years entitled her, in her own conceit at least, to the right of + independence and free agency. With all the innocence and goodness of + disposition, therefore, which we have described, the Lily of St. Leonard’s + possessed a little fund of self-conceit and obstinacy, and some warmth and + irritability of temper, partly natural perhaps, but certainly much + increased by the unrestrained freedom of her childhood. Her character will + be best illustrated by a cottage evening scene. + </p> + <p> + The careful father was absent in his well-stocked byre, foddering those + useful and patient animals on whose produce his living depended, and the + summer evening was beginning to close in, when Jeanie Deans began to be + very anxious for the appearance of her sister, and to fear that she would + not reach home before her father returned from the labour of the evening, + when it was his custom to have “family exercise,” and when she knew that + Effie’s absence would give him the most serious displeasure. These + apprehensions hung heavier upon her mind, because, for several preceding + evenings, Effie had disappeared about the same time, and her stay, at + first so brief as scarce to be noticed, had been gradually protracted to + half-an-hour, and an hour, and on the present occasion had considerably + exceeded even this last limit. And now, Jeanie stood at the door, with her + hand before her eyes to avoid the rays of the level sun, and looked + alternately along the various tracks which led towards their dwelling, to + see if she could descry the nymph-like form of her sister. There was a + wall and a stile which separated the royal domain, or King’s Park, as it + is called, from the public road; to this pass she frequently directed her + attention, when she saw two persons appear there somewhat suddenly, as if + they had walked close by the side of the wall to screen themselves from + observation. One of them, a man, drew back hastily; the other, a female, + crossed the stile, and advanced towards her—It was Effie. She met + her sister with that affected liveliness of manner, which, in her rank, + and sometimes in those above it, females occasionally assume to hide + surprise or confusion; and she carolled as she came— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The elfin knight sate on the brae, + The broom grows bonny, the broom grows fair; + And by there came lilting a lady so gay, + And we daurna gang down to the broom nae mair.” + </pre> + <p> + “Whisht, Effie,” said her sister; “our father’s coming out o’ the byre.” + —The damsel stinted in her song.—“Whare hae ye been sae late + at e’en?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s no late, lass,” answered Effie. + </p> + <p> + “It’s chappit eight on every clock o’ the town, and the sun’s gaun down + ahint the Corstorphine hills—Whare can ye hae been sae late?” + </p> + <p> + “Nae gate,” answered Effie. + </p> + <p> + “And wha was that parted wi’ you at the stile?” + </p> + <p> + “Naebody,” replied Effie once more. + </p> + <p> + “Nae gate?—Naebody?—I wish it may be a right gate, and a right + body, that keeps folk out sae late at e’en, Effie.” + </p> + <p> + “What needs ye be aye speering then at folk?” retorted Effie. “I’m sure, + if ye’ll ask nae questions, I’ll tell ye nae lees. I never ask what brings + the Laird of Dumbiedikes glowering here like a wull-cat (only his een’s + greener, and no sae gleg), day after day, till we are a’ like to gaunt our + charts aft.” + </p> + <p> + “Because ye ken very weel he comes to see our father,” said Jeanie, in + answer to this pert remark. + </p> + <p> + “And Dominie Butler—Does he come to see our father, that’s sae taen + wi’ his Latin words?” said Effie, delighted to find that by carrying the + war into the enemy’s country, she could divert the threatened attack upon + herself, and with the petulance of youth she pursued her triumph over her + prudent elder sister. She looked at her with a sly air, in which there was + something like irony, as she chanted, in a low but marked tone, a scrap of + an old Scotch song— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Through the kirkyard + I met wi’ the Laird, + The silly puir body he said me nae harm; + But just ere ‘twas dark, + I met wi’ the clerk” + </pre> + <p> + Here the songstress stopped, looked full at her sister, and, observing the + tears gather in her eyes, she suddenly flung her arms round her neck, and + kissed them away. Jeanie, though hurt and displeased, was unable to resist + the caresses of this untaught child of nature, whose good and evil seemed + to flow rather from impulse than from reflection. But as she returned the + sisterly kiss, in token of perfect reconciliation, she could not suppress + the gentle reproof—“Effie, if ye will learn fule sangs, ye might + make a kinder use of them.” + </p> + <p> + “And so I might, Jeanie,” continued the girl, clinging to her sister’s + neck; “and I wish I had never learned ane o’ them—and I wish we had + never come here—and I wish my tongue had been blistered or I had + vexed ye.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind that, Effie,” replied the affectionate sister; “I canna be + muckle vexed wi’ ony thing ye say to me—but O, dinna vex our + father!” + </p> + <p> + “I will not—I will not,” replied Effie; “and if there were as mony + dances the morn’s night as there are merry dancers in the north firmament + on a frosty e’en, I winna budge an inch to gang near ane o’ them.” + </p> + <p> + “Dance!” echoed Jeanie Deans in astonishment. “O Effie, what could take ye + to a dance?” + </p> + <p> + It is very possible, that, in the communicative mood into which the Lily + of St. Leonard’s was now surprised, she might have given her sister her + unreserved confidence, and saved me the pain of telling a melancholy tale; + but at the moment the word dance was uttered, it reached the ear of old + David Deans, who had turned the corner of the house, and came upon his + daughters ere they were aware of his presence. The word <i>prelate,</i> or + even the word <i>pope,</i> could hardly have produced so appalling an + effect upon David’s ear; for, of all exercises, that of dancing, which he + termed a voluntary and regular fit of distraction, he deemed most + destructive of serious thoughts, and the readiest inlet to all sorts of + licentiousness; and he accounted the encouraging, and even permitting, + assemblies or meetings, whether among those of high or low degree, for + this fantastic and absurd purpose, or for that of dramatic + representations, as one of the most flagrant proofs of defection and + causes of wrath. The pronouncing of the word <i>dance</i> by his own + daughters, and at his own door, now drove him beyond the verge of + patience. “Dance!” he exclaimed. “Dance!—dance, said ye? I daur ye, + limmers that ye are, to name sic a word at my door-cheek! It’s a dissolute + profane pastime, practised by the Israelites only at their base and brutal + worship of the Golden Calf at Bethel, and by the unhappy lass wha danced + aff the head of John the Baptist, upon whilk chapter I will exercise this + night for your farther instruction, since ye need it sae muckle, nothing + doubting that she has cause to rue the day, lang or this time, that e’er + she suld hae shook a limb on sic an errand. Better for her to hae been + born a cripple, and carried frae door to door, like auld Bessie Bowie, + begging bawbees, than to be a king’s daughter, fiddling and flinging the + gate she did. I hae often wondered that ony ane that ever bent a knee for + the right purpose, should ever daur to crook a hough to fyke and fling at + piper’s wind and fiddler’s squealing. And I bless God (with that singular + worthy, Peter Walker the packman at Bristo-Port),* that ordered my lot in + my dancing days, so that fear of my head and throat, dread of bloody rope + and swift bullet, and trenchant swords and pain of boots and thumkins, + cauld and hunger, wetness and weariness, stopped the lightness of my head, + and the wantonness of my feet. + </p> + <p> + * Note F. Peter Walker. + </p> + <p> + And now, if I hear ye, quean lassies, sae muckle as name dancing, or think + there’s sic a thing in this warld as flinging to fiddler’s sounds, and + piper’s springs, as sure as my father’s spirit is with the just, ye shall + be no more either charge or concern of mine! Gang in, then—gang in, + then, hinnies,” he added, in a softer tone, for the tears of both + daughters, but especially those of Effie, began to flow very fast,—“Gang + in, dears, and we’ll seek grace to preserve us frae all, manner of profane + folly, whilk causeth to sin, and promoteth the kingdom of darkness, + warring with the kingdom of light.” + </p> + <p> + The objurgation of David Deans, however well meant, was unhappily timed. + It created a division of feelings in Effie’s bosom, and deterred her from + her intended confidence in her sister. “She wad hand me nae better than + the dirt below her feet,” said Effie to herself, “were I to confess I hae + danced wi’ him four times on the green down by, and ance at Maggie + Macqueens’s; and she’ll maybe hing it ower my head that she’ll tell my + father, and then she wad be mistress and mair. But I’ll no gang back there + again. I’m resolved I’ll no gang back. I’ll lay in a leaf of my Bible,* + and that’s very near as if I had made an aith, that I winna gang back.” + </p> + <p> + * This custom of making a mark by folding a leaf in the party’s Bible, + when a solemn resolution is formed, is still held to be, in some sense, an + appeal to Heaven for his or her sincerity. + </p> + <p> + And she kept her vow for a week, during which she was unusually cross and + fretful, blemishes which had never before been observed in her temper, + except during a moment of contradiction. + </p> + <p> + There was something in all this so mysterious as considerably to alarm the + prudent and affectionate Jeanie, the more so as she judged it unkind to + her sister to mention to their father grounds of anxiety which might arise + from her own imagination. Besides, her respect for the good old man did + not prevent her from being aware that he was both hot-tempered and + positive, and she sometimes suspected that he carried his dislike to + youthful amusements beyond the verge that religion and reason demanded. + Jeanie had sense enough to see that a sudden and severe curb upon her + sister’s hitherto unrestrained freedom might be rather productive of harm + than good, and that Effie, in the headstrong wilfulness of youth, was + likely to make what might be overstrained in her father’s precepts an + excuse to herself for neglecting them altogether. In the higher classes, a + damsel, however giddy, is still under the dominion of etiquette, and + subject to the surveillance of mammas and chaperons; but the country girl, + who snatches her moment of gaiety during the intervals of labour, is under + no such guardianship or restraint, and her amusement becomes so much the + more hazardous. Jeanie saw all this with much distress of mind, when a + circumstance occurred which appeared calculated to relieve her anxiety. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Saddletree, with whom our readers have already been made acquainted, + chanced to be a distant relation of Douce David Deans, and as she was a + woman orderly in her life and conversation, and, moreover, of good + substance, a sort of acquaintance was formally kept up between the + families. Now, this careful dame, about a year and a half before our story + commences, chanced to need, in the line of her profession, a better sort + of servant, or rather shop-woman. “Mr. Saddletree,” she said, “was never + in the shop when he could get his nose within the Parliament House, and it + was an awkward thing for a woman-body to be standing among bundles o’ + barkened leather her lane, selling saddles and bridles; and she had cast + her eyes upon her far-awa cousin Effie Deans, as just the very sort of + lassie she would want to keep her in countenance on such occasions.” + </p> + <p> + In this proposal there was much that pleased old David,—there was + bed, board, and bountith—it was a decent situation—the lassie + would be under Mrs. Saddletree’s eye, who had an upright walk, and lived + close by the Tolbooth Kirk, in which might still be heard the comforting + doctrines of one of those few ministers of the Kirk of Scotland who had + not bent the knee unto Baal, according to David’s expression, or become + accessory to the course of national defections,—union, toleration, + patronages, and a bundle of prelatical Erastian oaths which had been + imposed on the church since the Revolution, and particularly in the reign + of “the late woman” (as he called Queen Anne), the last of that unhappy + race of Stuarts. In the good man’s security concerning the soundness of + the theological doctrine which his daughter was to hear, he was nothing + disturbed on account of the snares of a different kind, to which a + creature so beautiful, young, and wilful, might be exposed in the centre + of a populous and corrupted city. The fact is, that he thought with so + much horror on all approaches to irregularities of the nature most to be + dreaded in such cases, that he would as soon have suspected and guarded + against Effie’s being induced to become guilty of the crime of murder. He + only regretted that she should live under the same roof with such a + worldly-wise man as Bartoline Saddletree, whom David never suspected of + being an ass as he was, but considered as one really endowed with all the + legal knowledge to which he made pretension, and only liked him the worse + for possessing it. The lawyers, especially those amongst them who sate as + ruling elders in the General Assembly of the Kirk, had been forward in + promoting the measures of patronage, of the abjuration oath, and others, + which, in the opinion of David Deans, were a breaking down of the carved + work of the sanctuary, and an intrusion upon the liberties of the kirk. + Upon the dangers of listening to the doctrines of a legalised formalist, + such as Saddletree, David gave his daughter many lectures; so much so, + that he had time to touch but slightly on the dangers of chambering, + company-keeping, and promiscuous dancing, to which, at her time of life, + most people would have thought Effie more exposed, than to the risk of + theoretical error in her religious faith. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie parted from her sister with a mixed feeling of regret, and + apprehension, and hope. She could not be so confident concerning Effie’s + prudence as her father, for she had observed her more narrowly, had more + sympathy with her feelings, and could better estimate the temptations to + which she was exposed. On the other hand, Mrs. Saddletree was an + observing, shrewd, notable woman, entitled to exercise over Effie the full + authority of a mistress, and likely to do so strictly, yet with kindness. + Her removal to Saddletree’s, it was most probable, would also serve to + break off some idle acquaintances, which Jeanie suspected her sister to + have formed in the neighbouring suburb. Upon the whole, then, she viewed + her departure from Saint Leonard’s with pleasure, and it was not until the + very moment of their parting for the first time in their lives, that she + felt the full force of sisterly sorrow. While they repeatedly kissed each + other’s cheeks, and wrung each other’s hands, Jeanie took that moment of + affectionate sympathy, to press upon her sister the necessity of the + utmost caution in her conduct while residing in Edinburgh. Effie listened, + without once raising her large dark eyelashes, from which the drops fell + so fast as almost to resemble a fountain. At the conclusion she sobbed + again, kissed her sister, promised to recollect all the good counsel she + had given her, and they parted. + </p> + <p> + During the first weeks, Effie was all that her kinswoman expected, and + even more. But with time there came a relaxation of that early zeal which + she manifested in Mrs. Saddletree’s service. To borrow once again from the + poet, who so correctly and beautifully describes living manners:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Something there was,—what, none presumed to say,— + Clouds lightly passing on a summer’s day; + Whispers and hints, which went from ear to ear, + And mixed reports no judge on earth could clear. +</pre> + <p> + During this interval, Mrs. Saddletree was sometimes displeased by Effie’s + lingering when she was sent upon errands about the shop business, and + sometimes by a little degree of impatience which she manifested at being + rebuked on such occasions. But she good-naturedly allowed, that the first + was very natural to a girl to whom everything in Edinburgh was new and the + other was only the petulance of a spoiled child, when subjected to the + yoke of domestic discipline for the first time. Attention and submission + could not be learned at once—Holyrood was not built in a day—use + would make perfect. + </p> + <p> + It seemed as if the considerate old lady had presaged truly. Ere many + months had passed, Effie became almost wedded to her duties, though she no + longer discharged them with the laughing cheek and light step, which had + at first attracted every customer. Her mistress sometimes observed her in + tears, but they were signs of secret sorrow, which she concealed as often + as she saw them attract notice. Time wore on, her cheek grew pale, and her + step heavy. The cause of these changes could not have escaped the matronly + eye of Mrs. Saddletree, but she was chiefly confined by indisposition to + her bedroom for a considerable time during the latter part of Effie’s + service. This interval was marked by symptoms of anguish almost amounting + to despair. The utmost efforts of the poor girl to command her fits of + hysterical agony were, often totally unavailing, and the mistakes which + she made in the shop the while, were so numerous and so provoking that + Bartoline Saddletree, who, during his wife’s illness, was obliged to take + closer charge of the business than consisted with his study of the + weightier matters of the law, lost all patience with the girl, who, in his + law Latin, and without much respect to gender, he declared ought to be + cognosced by inquest of a jury, as <i>fatuus, furiosus,</i> and <i>naturaliter + idiota.</i> Neighbours, also, and fellow-servants, remarked with malicious + curiosity or degrading pity, the disfigured shape, loose dress, and pale + cheeks, of the once beautiful and still interesting girl. But to no one + would she grant her confidence, answering all taunts with bitter sarcasm, + and all serious expostulation with sullen denial, or with floods of tears. + </p> + <p> + At length, when Mrs. Saddletree’s recovery was likely to permit her wonted + attention to the regulation of her household, Effie Deans, as if unwilling + to face an investigation made by the authority of her mistress, asked + permission of Bartoline to go home for a week or two, assigning + indisposition, and the wish of trying the benefit of repose and the change + of air, as the motives of her request. Sharp-eyed as a lynx (or conceiving + himself to be so) in the nice sharp quillits of legal discussion, + Bartoline was as dull at drawing inferences from the occurrences of common + life as any Dutch professor of mathematics. He suffered Effie to depart + without much suspicion, and without any inquiry. + </p> + <p> + It was afterwards found that a period of a week intervened betwixt her + leaving her master’s house and arriving at St. Leonard’s. She made her + appearance before her sister in a state rather resembling the spectre than + the living substance of the gay and beautiful girl, who had left her + father’s cottage for the first time scarce seventeen months before. The + lingering illness of her mistress had, for the last few months, given her + a plea for confining herself entirely to the dusky precincts of the shop + in the Lawnmarket, and Jeanie was so much occupied, during the same + period, with the concerns of her father’s household, that she had rarely + found leisure for a walk in the city, and a brief and hurried visit to her + sister. The young women, therefore, had scarcely seen each other for + several months, nor had a single scandalous surmise reached the ears of + the secluded inhabitants of the cottage at St. Leonard’s. Jeanie, + therefore, terrified to death at her sister’s appearance, at first + overwhelmed her with inquiries, to which the unfortunate young woman + returned for a time incoherent and rambling answers, and finally fell into + a hysterical fit. Rendered too certain of her sister’s misfortune, Jeanie + had now the dreadful alternative of communicating her ruin to her father, + or of endeavouring to conceal it from him. To all questions concerning the + name or rank of her seducer, and the fate of the being to whom her fall + had given birth, Effie remained as mute as the grave, to which she seemed + hastening; and indeed the least allusion to either seemed to drive her to + distraction. Her sister, in distress and in despair, was about to repair + to Mrs. Saddletree to consult her experience, and at the same time to + obtain what lights she could upon this most unhappy affair, when she was + saved that trouble by a new stroke of fate, which seemed to carry + misfortune to the uttermost. + </p> + <p> + David Deans had been alarmed at the state of health in which his daughter + had returned to her paternal residence; but Jeanie had contrived to divert + him from particular and specific inquiry. It was therefore like a clap of + thunder to the poor old man, when, just as the hour of noon had brought + the visit of the Laird of Dumbiedikes as usual, other and sterner, as well + as most unexpected guests, arrived at the cottage of St. Leonard’s. These + were the officers of justice, with a warrant of justiciary to search for + and apprehend Euphemia, or Effie Deans, accused of the crime of + child-murder. The stunning weight of a blow so totally unexpected bore + down the old man, who had in his early youth resisted the brow of military + and civil tyranny, though backed with swords and guns, tortures and + gibbets. He fell extended and senseless upon his own hearth; and the men, + happy to escape from the scene of his awakening, raised, with rude + humanity, the object of their warrant from her bed, and placed her in a + coach, which they had brought with them. The hasty remedies which Jeanie + had applied to bring back her father’s senses were scarce begun to + operate, when the noise of the wheels in motion recalled her attention to + her miserable sister. To ran shrieking after the carriage was the first + vain effort of her distraction, but she was stopped by one or two female + neighbours, assembled by the extraordinary appearance of a coach in that + sequestered place, who almost forced her back to her father’s house. The + deep and sympathetic affliction of these poor people, by whom the little + family at St. Leonard’s were held in high regard, filled the house with + lamentation. Even Dumbiedikes was moved from his wonted apathy, and, + groping for his purse as he spoke, ejaculated, “Jeanie, woman!—Jeanie, + woman! dinna greet—it’s sad wark, but siller will help it;” and he + drew out his purse as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + The old man had now raised himself from the ground, and, looking about him + as if he missed something, seemed gradually to recover the sense of his + wretchedness. “Where,” he said, with a voice that made the roof ring, + “where is the vile harlot, that has disgraced the blood of an honest man?—Where + is she, that has no place among us, but has come foul with her sins, like + the Evil One, among the children of God?—Where is she, Jeanie?—Bring + her before me, that I may kill her with a word and a look!” + </p> + <p> + All hastened around him with their appropriate sources of consolation—the + Laird with his purse, Jeanie with burnt feathers and strong waters, and + the women with their exhortations. “O neighbour—O Mr. Deans, it’s a + sair trial, doubtless—but think of the Rock of Ages, neighbour—think + of the promise!” + </p> + <p> + “And I do think of it, neighbours—and I bless God that I can think + of it, even in the wrack and ruin of a’ that’s nearest and dearest to me—But + to be the father of a castaway—a profligate—a bloody Zipporah—a + mere murderess!—O, how will the wicked exult in the high places of + their wickedness!—the prelatists, and the latitudinarians, and the + hand-waled murderers, whose hands are hard as horn wi’ handing the + slaughter-weapons—they will push out the lip, and say that we are + even such as themselves. Sair, sair I am grieved, neighbours, for the poor + castaway—for the child of mine old age—but sairer for the + stumbling-block and scandal it will be to all tender and honest souls!” + </p> + <p> + “Davie—winna siller do’t?” insinuated the laird, still proffering + his green purse, which was full of guineas. + </p> + <p> + “I tell ye, Dumbiedikes,” said Deans, “that if telling down my haill + substance could hae saved her frae this black snare, I wad hae walked out + wi’ naething but my bonnet and my staff to beg an awmous for God’s sake, + and ca’d mysell an happy man—But if a dollar, or a plack, or the + nineteenth part of a boddle, wad save her open guilt and open shame frae + open punishment, that purchase wad David Deans never make!—Na, na; + an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, life for life, blood for blood—it’s + the law of man, and it’s the law of God.—Leave me, sirs—leave + me—I maun warstle wi’ this trial in privacy and on my knees.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie, now in some degree restored to the power of thought, joined in the + same request. The next day found the father and daughter still in the + depth of affliction, but the father sternly supporting his load of ill + through a proud sense of religious duty, and the daughter anxiously + suppressing her own feelings to avoid again awakening his. Thus was it + with the afflicted family until the morning after Porteous’s death, a + period at which we are now arrived. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TENTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Is all the counsel that we two have shared, + The sisters’ vows, the hours that we have spent + When we have chid the hasty-footed time + For parting us—Oh!—and is all forgot? + Midsummer Night’s Dream. +</pre> + <p> + We have been a long while in conducting Butler to the door of the cottage + at St. Leonard’s; yet the space which we have occupied in the preceding + narrative does not exceed in length that which he actually spent on + Salisbury Crags on the morning which succeeded the execution done upon + Porteous by the rioters. For this delay he had his own motives. He wished + to collect his thoughts, strangely agitated as they were, first by the + melancholy news of Effie Deans’s situation, and afterwards by the + frightful scene which he had witnessed. In the situation also in which he + stood with respect to Jeanie and her father, some ceremony, at least some + choice of fitting time and season, was necessary to wait upon them. Eight + in the morning was then the ordinary hour for breakfast, and he resolved + that it should arrive before he made his appearance in their cottage. + </p> + <p> + Never did hours pass so heavily. Butler shifted his place and enlarged his + circle to while away the time, and heard the huge bell of St. Giles’s toll + each successive hour in swelling tones, which were instantly attested by + those of the other steeples in succession. He had heard seven struck in + this manner, when he began to think he might venture to approach nearer to + St. Leonard’s, from which he was still a mile distant. Accordingly he + descended from his lofty station as low as the bottom of the valley, which + divides Salisbury Crags from those small rocks which take their name from + Saint Leonard. It is, as many of my readers may know, a deep, wild, grassy + valley, scattered with huge rocks and fragments which have descended from + the cliffs and steep ascent to the east. + </p> + <p> + This sequestered dell, as well as other places of the open pasturage of + the King’s Park, was, about this time, often the resort of the gallants of + the time who had affairs of honour to discuss with the sword. Duels were + then very common in Scotland, for the gentry were at once idle, haughty, + fierce, divided by faction, and addicted to intemperance, so that there + lacked neither provocation, nor inclination to resent it when given; and + the sword, which was part of every gentleman’s dress, was the only weapon + used for the decision of such differences. When, therefore, Butler + observed a young man, skulking, apparently to avoid observation, among the + scattered rocks at some distance from the footpath, he was naturally led + to suppose that he had sought this lonely spot upon that evil errand. He + was so strongly impressed with this, that, notwithstanding his own + distress of mind, he could not, according to his sense of duty as a + clergyman, pass this person without speaking to him. There are times, + thought he to himself, when the slightest interference may avert a great + calamity—when a word spoken in season may do more for prevention + than the eloquence of Tully could do for remedying evil—And for my + own griefs, be they as they may, I shall feel them the lighter, if they + divert me not from the prosecution of my duty. + </p> + <p> + Thus thinking and feeling, he quitted the ordinary path, and advanced + nearer the object he had noticed. The man at first directed his course + towards the hill, in order, as it appeared, to avoid him; but when he saw + that Butler seemed disposed to follow him, he adjusted his hat fiercely, + turned round, and came forward, as if to meet and defy scrutiny. + </p> + <p> + Butler had an opportunity of accurately studying his features as they + advanced slowly to meet each other. The stranger seemed about twenty-five + years old. His dress was of a kind which could hardly be said to indicate + his rank with certainty, for it was such as young gentlemen sometimes wore + while on active exercise in the morning, and which, therefore, was + imitated by those of the inferior ranks, as young clerks and tradesmen, + because its cheapness rendered it attainable, while it approached more + nearly to the apparel of youths of fashion than any other which the + manners of the times permitted them to wear. If his air and manner could + be trusted, however, this person seemed rather to be dressed under than + above his rank; for his carriage was bold and somewhat supercilious, his + step easy and free, his manner daring and unconstrained. His stature was + of the middle size, or rather above it, his limbs well-proportioned, yet + not so strong as to infer the reproach of clumsiness. His features were + uncommonly handsome, and all about him would have been interesting and + prepossessing but for that indescribable expression which habitual + dissipation gives to the countenance, joined with a certain audacity in + look and manner, of that kind which is often assumed as a mask for + confusion and apprehension. + </p> + <p> + Butler and the stranger met—surveyed each other—when, as the + latter, slightly touching his hat, was about to pass by him, Butler, while + he returned the salutation, observed, “A fine morning, sir—You are + on the hill early.” + </p> + <p> + “I have business here,” said the young man, in a tone meant to repress + farther inquiry. + </p> + <p> + “I do not doubt it, sir,” said Butler. “I trust you will forgive my hoping + that it is of a lawful kind?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said the other, with marked surprise, “I never forgive + impertinence, nor can I conceive what title you have to hope anything + about what no way concerns you.” + </p> + <p> + “I am a soldier, sir,” said Butler, “and have a charge to arrest + evil-doers in the name of my Master.” + </p> + <p> + “A soldier!” said the young man, stepping back, and fiercely laying his + hand on his sword—“A soldier, and arrest me! Did you reckon what + your life was worth, before you took the commission upon you?” + </p> + <p> + “You mistake me, sir,” said Butler, gravely; “neither my warfare nor my + warrant are of this world. I am a preacher of the gospel, and have power, + in my Master’s name, to command the peace upon earth and good-will towards + men, which was proclaimed with the gospel.” + </p> + <p> + “A minister!” said the stranger, carelessly, and with an expression + approaching to scorn. “I know the gentlemen of your cloth in Scotland + claim a strange right of intermeddling with men’s private affairs. But I + have been abroad, and know better than to be priest-ridden.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, if it be true that any of my cloth, or, it might be more decently + said, of my calling, interfere with men’s private affairs, for the + gratification either of idle curiosity, or for worse motives, you cannot + have learned a better lesson abroad than to contemn such practices. But in + my Master’s work, I am called to be busy in season and out of season; and, + conscious as I am of a pure motive, it were better for me to incur your + contempt for speaking, than the correction of my own conscience for being + silent.” + </p> + <p> + “In the name of the devil!” said the young man impatiently, “say what you + have to say, then; though whom you take me for, or what earthly concern + you have with me, a stranger to you, or with my actions and motives, of + which you can know nothing, I cannot conjecture for an instant.” + </p> + <p> + “You are about,” said Butler, “to violate one of your country’s wisest + laws—you are about, which is much more dreadful, to violate a law, + which God himself has implanted within our nature, and written as it were, + in the table of our hearts, to which every thrill of our nerves is + responsive.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is the law you speak of?” said the stranger, in a hollow and + somewhat disturbed accent. + </p> + <p> + “Thou shalt do no murder,” said Butler, with a deep and solemn voice. + </p> + <p> + The young man visibly started, and looked considerably appalled. Butler + perceived he had made a favourable impression, and resolved to follow it + up. “Think,” he said, “young man,” laying his hand kindly upon the + stranger’s shoulder, “what an awful alternative you voluntarily choose for + yourself, to kill or be killed. Think what it is to rush uncalled into the + presence of an offended Deity, your heart fermenting with evil passions, + your hand hot from the steel you had been urging, with your best skill and + malice, against the breast of a fellow-creature. Or, suppose yourself the + scarce less wretched survivor, with the guilt of Cain, the first murderer, + in your heart, with the stamp upon your brow—that stamp which struck + all who gazed on him with unutterable horror, and by which the murderer is + made manifest to all who look upon him. Think—” + </p> + <p> + The stranger gradually withdrew himself from under the hand of his + monitor; and, pulling his hat over his brows, thus interrupted him. “Your + meaning, sir, I dare say, is excellent, but you are throwing your advice + away. I am not in this place with violent intentions against any one. I + may be bad enough—you priests say all men are so—but I am here + for the purpose of saving life, not of taking it away. If you wish to + spend your time rather in doing a good action than in talking about you + know not what, I will give you an opportunity. Do you see yonder crag to + the right, over which appears the chimney of a lone house? Go thither, + inquire for one Jeanie Deans, the daughter of the goodman; let her know + that he she wots of remained here from daybreak till this hour, expecting + to see her, and that he can abide no longer. Tell her, she <i>must</i> + meet me at the Hunter’s Bog to-night, as the moon rises behind St. + Anthony’s Hill, or that she will make a desperate man of me.” + </p> + <p> + “Who or what are you,” replied Butler, exceedingly and most unpleasantly + surprised, “who charge me with such an errand?” + </p> + <p> + “I am the devil!”—answered the young man hastily. + </p> + <p> + Butler stepped instinctively back, and commanded himself internally to + Heaven; for, though a wise and strong-minded man, he was neither wiser nor + more strong-minded than those of his age and education, with whom, to + disbelieve witchcraft or spectres, was held an undeniable proof of + atheism. + </p> + <p> + The stranger went on without observing his emotion. “Yes! call me + Apollyon, Abaddon, whatever name you shall choose, as a clergyman + acquainted with the upper and lower circles of spiritual denomination, to + call me by, you shall not find an appellation more odious to him that + bears it, than is mine own.” + </p> + <p> + This sentence was spoken with the bitterness of self-upbraiding, and a + contortion of visage absolutely demoniacal. Butler, though a man brave by + principle, if not by constitution, was overawed; for intensity of mental + distress has in it a sort of sublimity which repels and overawes all men, + but especially those of kind and sympathetic dispositions. The stranger + turned abruptly from Butler as he spoke, but instantly returned, and, + coming up to him closely and boldly, said, in a fierce, determined tone, + “I have told you who and what I am—who and what are you? What is + your name?” + </p> + <p> + “Butler,” answered the person to whom this abrupt question was addressed, + surprised into answering it by the sudden and fierce manner of the querist—“Reuben + Butler, a preacher of the gospel.” + </p> + <p> + At this answer, the stranger again plucked more deep over his brows the + hat which he had thrown back in his former agitation. “Butler!” he + repeated—“the assistant of the schoolmaster at Liberton?” + </p> + <p> + “The same,” answered Butler composedly. + </p> + <p> + The stranger covered his face with his hand, as if on sudden reflection, + and then turned away, but stopped when he had walked a few paces; and + seeing Butler follow him with his eyes, called out in a stern yet + suppressed tone, just as if he had exactly calculated that his accents + should not be heard a yard beyond the spot on which Butler stood. “Go your + way, and do mine errand. Do not look after me. I will neither descend + through the bowels of these rocks, nor vanish in a flash of fire; and yet + the eye that seeks to trace my motions shall have reason to curse it was + ever shrouded by eyelid or eyelash. Begone, and look not behind you. Tell + Jeanie Deans, that when the moon rises I shall expect to meet her at Nicol + Muschat’s Cairn, beneath Saint Anthony’s Chapel.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="image-0010" id="image-0010"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/pa158.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="St. Anthony’s Chapel " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + As he uttered these words, he turned and took the road against the hill, + with a haste that seemed as peremptory as his tone of authority. + </p> + <p> + Dreading he knew not what of additional misery to a lot which seemed + little capable of receiving augmentation, and desperate at the idea that + any living man should dare to send so extraordinary a request, couched in + terms so imperious, to the half-betrothed object of his early and only + affection, Butler strode hastily towards the cottage, in order to + ascertain how far this daring and rude gallant was actually entitled to + press on Jeanie Deans a request, which no prudent, and scarce any modest + young woman, was likely to comply with. + </p> + <p> + Butler was by nature neither jealous nor superstitious; yet the feelings + which lead to those moods of the mind were rooted in his heart, as a + portion derived from the common stock of humanity. It was maddening to + think that a profligate gallant, such as the manner and tone of the + stranger evinced him to be, should have it in his power to command forth + his future bride and plighted true love, at a place so improper, and an + hour so unseasonable. Yet the tone in which the stranger spoke had nothing + of the soft half-breathed voice proper to the seducer who solicits an + assignation; it was bold, fierce, and imperative, and had less of love in + it than of menace and intimidation. + </p> + <p> + The suggestions of superstition seemed more plausible, had Butler’s mind + been very accessible to them. Was this indeed the Roaring Lion, who goeth + about seeking whom he may devour? This was a question which pressed itself + on Butler’s mind with an earnestness that cannot be conceived by those who + live in the present day. The fiery eye, the abrupt demeanour, the + occasionally harsh, yet studiously subdued tone of voice,—the + features, handsome, but now clouded with pride, now disturbed by + suspicion, now inflamed with passion—those dark hazel eyes which he + sometimes shaded with his cap, as if he were averse to have them seen + while they were occupied with keenly observing the motions and bearing of + others—those eyes that were now turbid with melancholy, now gleaming + with scorn, and now sparkling with fury—was it the passions of a + mere mortal they expressed, or the emotions of a fiend, who seeks, and + seeks in vain, to conceal his fiendish designs under the borrowed mask of + manly beauty? The whole partook of the mien, language, and port of the + ruined archangel; and, imperfectly as we have been able to describe it, + the effect of the interview upon Butler’s nerves, shaken as they were at + the time by the horrors of the preceding night, were greater than his + understanding warranted, or his pride cared to submit to. The very place + where he had met this singular person was desecrated, as it were, and + unhallowed, owing to many violent deaths, both in duels and by suicide, + which had in former times taken place there; and the place which he had + named as a rendezvous at so late an hour, was held in general to be + accursed, from a frightful and cruel murder which had been there committed + by the wretch from whom the place took its name, upon the person of his + own wife.* + </p> + <p> + * Note G. Muschat’s Cairn. + </p> + <p> + It was in such places, according to the belief of that period (when the + laws against witchcraft were still in fresh observance, and had even + lately been acted upon), that evil spirits had power to make themselves + visible to human eyes, and to practise upon the feelings and senses of + mankind. Suspicions, founded on such circumstances, rushed on Butler’s + mind, unprepared as it was by any previous course of reasoning, to deny + that which all of his time, country, and profession believed; but common + sense rejected these vain ideas as inconsistent, if not with possibility, + at least with the general rules by which the universe is governed,—a + deviation from which, as Butler well argued with himself, ought not to be + admitted as probable, upon any but the plainest and most incontrovertible + evidence. An earthly lover, however, or a young man, who, from whatever + cause, had the right of exercising such summary and unceremonious + authority over the object of his long-settled, and apparently sincerely + returned affection, was an object scarce less appalling to his mind, than + those which superstition suggested. + </p> + <p> + His limbs exhausted with fatigue, his mind harassed with anxiety, and with + painful doubts and recollections, Butler dragged himself up the ascent + from the valley to St. Leonard’s Crags, and presented himself at the door + of Deans’s habitation, with feelings much akin to the miserable + reflections and fears of its inhabitants. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER ELEVENTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Then she stretched out her lily hand, + And for to do her best; + “Hae back thy faith and troth, Willie, + God gie thy soul good rest!” + Old Ballad. +</pre> + <p> + “Come in,” answered the low and sweet-toned voice he loved best to hear, + as Butler tapped at the door of the cottage. He lifted the latch, and + found himself under the roof of affliction. Jeanie was unable to trust + herself with more than one glance towards her lover, whom she now met + under circumstances so agonising to her feelings, and at the same time so + humbling to her honest pride. It is well known, that much, both of what is + good and bad in the Scottish national character, arises out of the + intimacy of their family connections. “To be come of honest folk,” that + is, of people who have borne a fair and unstained reputation, is an + advantage as highly prized among the lower Scotch, as the emphatic + counterpart, “to be of a good family,” is valued among their gentry. The + worth and respectability of one member of a peasant’s family is always + accounted by themselves and others, not only a matter of honest pride, but + a guarantee for the good conduct of the whole. On the contrary, such a + melancholy stain as was now flung on one of the children of Deans, + extended its disgrace to all connected with him, and Jeanie felt herself + lowered at once, in her own eyes, and in those of her lover. It was in + vain that she repressed this feeling, as far subordinate and too selfish + to be mingled with her sorrow for her sister’s calamity. Nature prevailed; + and while she shed tears for her sister’s distress and danger, there + mingled with them bitter drops of grief for her own degradation. + </p> + <p> + As Butler entered, the old man was seated by the fire with his well-worn + pocket Bible in his hands, the companion of the wanderings and dangers of + his youth, and bequeathed to him on the scaffold by one of those, who, in + the year 1686, sealed their enthusiastic principles with their blood. The + sun sent its rays through a small window at the old man’s back, and, + “shining motty through the reek,” to use the expression of a bard of that + time and country, illumined the grey hairs of the old man, and the sacred + page which he studied. His features, far from handsome, and rather harsh + and severe, had yet from their expression of habitual gravity, and + contempt for earthly things, an expression of stoical dignity amidst their + sternness. He boasted, in no small degree, the attributes which Southey + ascribes to the ancient Scandinavians, whom he terms “firm to inflict, and + stubborn to endure.” The whole formed a picture, of which the lights might + have been given by Rembrandt, but the outline would have required the + force and vigour of Michael Angelo. + </p> + <p> + Deans lifted his eye as Butler entered, and instantly withdrew it, as from + an object which gave him at once surprise and sudden pain. He had assumed + such high ground with this carnal-witted scholar, as he had in his pride + termed Butler, that to meet him, of all men, under feelings of + humiliation, aggravated his misfortune, and was a consummation like that + of the dying chief in the old ballad—“Earl Percy sees my fall!” + </p> + <p> + Deans raised the Bible with his left hand, so as partly to screen his + face, and putting back his right as far as he could, held it towards + Butler in that position, at the same time turning his body from, him, as + if to prevent his seeing the working of his countenance. Butler clasped + the extended hand which had supported his orphan infancy, wept over it, + and in vain endeavoured to say more than the words—“God comfort you—God + comfort you!” + </p> + <p> + “He will—he doth, my friend,” said Deans, assuming firmness as he + discovered the agitation of his guest; “he doth now, and he will yet more + in his own gude time. I have been ower proud of my sufferings in a gude + cause, Reuben, and now I am to be tried with those whilk will turn my + pride and glory into a reproach and a hissing. How muckle better I hae + thought mysell than them that lay saft, fed sweet, and drank deep, when I + was in the moss-haggs and moors, wi’ precious Donald Cameron, and worthy + Mr. Blackadder, called Guess-again; and how proud I was o’ being made a + spectacle to men and angels, having stood on their pillory at the + Canongate afore I was fifteen years old, for the cause of a National + Covenant! To think, Reuben, that I, wha hae been sae honoured and exalted + in my youth, nay, when I was but a hafflins callant, and that hae borne + testimony again the defections o’ the times yearly, monthly, daily, + hourly, minutely, striving and testifying with uplifted hand and voice, + crying aloud, and sparing not, against all great national snares, as the + nation-wasting and church-sinking abomination of union, toleration, and + patronage, imposed by the last woman of that unhappy race of Stuarts; also + against the infringements and invasions of the just powers of eldership, + whereanent, I uttered my paper, called a ‘Cry of an Howl in the Desert,’ + printed at the Bow-head, and sold by all flying stationers in town and + country—and <i>now</i>—” + </p> + <p> + Here he paused. It may well be supposed that Butler, though not absolutely + coinciding in all the good old man’s ideas about church government, had + too much consideration and humanity to interrupt him, while he reckoned up + with conscious pride his sufferings, and the constancy of his testimony. + On the contrary, when he paused under the influence of the bitter + recollections of the moment, Butler instantly threw in his mite of + encouragement. + </p> + <p> + “You have been well known, my old and revered friend, a true and tried + follower of the Cross; one who, as Saint Jerome hath it, ‘<i>per infamiam + et bonam famam grassari ad immortalitatem,</i>’ which may be freely + rendered, ‘who rusheth on to immortal life, through bad report and good + report.’ You have been one of those to whom the tender and fearful souls + cry during the midnight solitude—‘Watchman, what of the night?—Watchman, + what of the night?’—And, assuredly, this heavy dispensation, as it + comes not without divine permission, so it comes not without its special + commission and use.” + </p> + <p> + “I do receive it as such,” said poor Deans, returning the grasp of + Butler’s hand; “and if I have not been taught to read the Scripture in any + other tongue but my native Scottish” (even in his distress Butler’s Latin + quotation had not escaped his notice), “I have nevertheless so learned + them, that I trust to bear even this crook in my lot with submission. But, + oh! Reuben Butler, the kirk, of whilk, though unworthy, I have yet been + thought a polished shaft, and meet to be a pillar, holding, from my youth + upward, the place of ruling elder—what will the lightsome and + profane think of the guide that cannot keep his own family from stumbling? + How will they take up their song and their reproach, when they see that + the children of professors are liable to as foul backsliding as the + offspring of Belial! But I will bear my cross with the comfort, that + whatever showed like goodness in me or mine, was but like the light that + shines frae creeping insects, on the brae-side, in a dark night—it + kythes bright to the ee, because all is dark around it; but when the morn + comes on the mountains, it is, but a puir crawling kail-worm after a’. And + sae it shows, wi’ ony rag of human righteousness, or formal law-work, that + we may pit round us to cover our shame.” + </p> + <p> + As he pronounced these words, the door again opened, and Mr. Bartoline + Saddletree entered, his three-pointed hat set far back on his head, with a + silk handkerchief beneath it to keep it in that cool position, his + gold-headed cane in his hand, and his whole deportment that of a wealthy + burgher, who might one day look to have a share in the magistracy, if not + actually to hold the curule chair itself. + </p> + <p> + Rochefoucault, who has torn the veil from so many foul gangrenes of the + human heart, says, we find something not altogether unpleasant to us in + the misfortunes of our best friends. Mr. Saddletree would have been very + angry had any one told him that he felt pleasure in the disaster of poor + Effie Deans, and the disgrace of her family; and yet there is great + question whether the gratification of playing the person of importance, + inquiring, investigating, and laying down the law on the whole affair, did + not offer, to say the least, full consolation for the pain which pure + sympathy gave him on account of his wife’s kinswoman. He had now got a + piece of real judicial business by the end, instead of being obliged, as + was his common case, to intrude his opinion where it was neither wished + nor wanted; and felt as happy in the exchange as a boy when he gets his + first new watch, which actually goes when wound up, and has real hands and + a true dial-plate. But besides this subject for legal disquisition, + Bartoline’s brains were also overloaded with the affair of Porteous, his + violent death, and all its probable consequences to the city and + community. It was what the French call <i>l’embarras des richesses,</i> + the confusion arising from too much mental wealth. He walked in with a + consciousness of double importance, full fraught with the superiority of + one who possesses more information than the company into which he enters, + and who feels a right to discharge his learning on them without mercy. + “Good morning, Mr. Deans,—good-morrow to you, Mr. Butler,—I + was not aware that you were acquainted with Mr. Deans.” + </p> + <p> + Butler made some slight answer; his reasons may be readily imagined for + not making his connection with the family, which, in his eyes, had + something of tender mystery, a frequent subject of conversation with + indifferent persons, such as Saddletree. + </p> + <p> + The worthy burgher, in the plenitude of self-importance, now sate down + upon a chair, wiped his brow, collected his breath, and made the first + experiment of the resolved pith of his lungs, in a deep and dignified + sigh, resembling a groan in sound and intonation—“Awfu’ times these, + neighbour Deans, awfu’ times!” + </p> + <p> + “Sinfu’, shamefu’, heaven-daring times!” answered Deans, in a lower and + more subdued tone. + </p> + <p> + “For my part,” continued Saddletree, swelling with importance, “what + between the distress of my friends, and my poor auld country, ony wit that + ever I had may be said to have abandoned me, sae that I sometimes think + myself as ignorant as if I were <i>inter rusticos.</i> Here when I arise + in the morning, wi’ my mind just arranged touching what’s to be done in + puir Effie’s misfortune, and hae gotten the haill statute at my + finger-ends, the mob maun get up and string Jock Porteous to a dyester’s + beam, and ding a’ thing out of my head again.” + </p> + <p> + Deeply as he was distressed with his own domestic calamity, Deans could + not help expressing some interest in the news. Saddletree immediately + entered on details of the insurrection and its consequences, while Butler + took the occasion to seek some private conversation with Jeanie Deans. She + gave him the opportunity he sought, by leaving the room, as if in + prosecution of some part of her morning labour. Butler followed her in a + few minutes, leaving Deans so closely engaged by his busy visitor, that + there was little chance of his observing their absence. + </p> + <p> + The scene of their interview was an outer apartment, where Jeanie was used + to busy herself in arranging the productions of her dairy. When Butler + found an opportunity of stealing after her into this place, he found her + silent, dejected, and ready to burst into tears. Instead of the active + industry with which she had been accustomed, even while in the act of + speaking, to employ her hands in some useful branch of household business, + she was seated listless in a corner, sinking apparently under the weight + of her own thoughts. Yet the instant he entered, she dried her eyes, and, + with the simplicity and openness of her character, immediately entered on + conversation. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad you have come in, Mr. Butler,” said she, “for—for—for + I wished to tell ye, that all maun be ended between you and me—it’s + best for baith our sakes.” + </p> + <p> + “Ended!” said Butler, in surprise; “and for what should it be ended?—I + grant this is a heavy dispensation, but it lies neither at your door nor + mine—it’s an evil of God’s sending, and it must be borne; but it + cannot break plighted troth, Jeanie, while they that plighted their word + wish to keep it.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Reuben,” said the young woman, looking at him affectionately, “I ken + weel that ye think mair of me than yourself; and, Reuben, I can only in + requital think mair of your weal than of my ain. Ye are a man of spotless + name, bred to God’s ministry, and a’ men say that ye will some day rise + high in the kirk, though poverty keep ye doun e’en now. Poverty is a bad + back-friend, Reuben, and that ye ken ower weel; but ill-fame is a waur + ane, and that is a truth ye sall never learn through my means.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” said Butler, eagerly and impatiently; “or how do you + connect your sister’s guilt, if guilt there be, which, I trust in God, may + yet be disproved, with our engagement?—how can that affect you or + me?” + </p> + <p> + “How can you ask me that, Mr. Butler? Will this stain, d’ye think, ever be + forgotten, as lang as our heads are abune the grund? Will it not stick to + us, and to our bairns, and to their very bairns’ bairns? To hae been the + child of an honest man, might hae been saying something for me and mine; + but to be the sister of a—O my God!”—With this exclamation her + resolution failed, and she burst into a passionate fit of tears. + </p> + <p> + The lover used every effort to induce her to compose herself, and at + length succeeded; but she only resumed her composure to express herself + with the same positiveness as before. “No, Reuben, I’ll bring disgrace + hame to nae man’s hearth; my ain distresses I can bear, and I maun bear, + but there is nae occasion for buckling them on other folk’s shouthers. I + will bear my load alone—the back is made for the burden.” + </p> + <p> + A lover is by charter wayward and suspicious; and Jeanie’s readiness to + renounce their engagement, under pretence of zeal for his peace of mind + and respectability of character, seemed to poor Butler to form a + portentous combination with the commission of the stranger he had met with + that morning. His voice faltered as he asked, “whether nothing but a sense + of her sister’s present distress occasioned her to talk in that manner?” + </p> + <p> + “And what else can do sae?” she replied with simplicity. “Is it not ten + long years since we spoke together in this way?” + </p> + <p> + “Ten years!” said Butler. “It’s a long time—sufficient perhaps for a + woman to weary—” + </p> + <p> + “To weary of her auld gown,” said Jeanie, “and to wish for a new ane if + she likes to be brave, but not long enough to weary of a friend—The + eye may wish change, but the heart never.” + </p> + <p> + “Never!” said Reuben,—“that’s a bold promise.” + </p> + <p> + “But not more bauld than true,” said Jeanie, with the same quiet + simplicity which attended her manner in joy and grief in ordinary affairs, + and in those which most interested her feelings. + </p> + <p> + Butler paused, and looking at her fixedly—“I am charged,” he said, + “with a message to you, Jeanie.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed! From whom? Or what can ony ane have to say to me?” + </p> + <p> + “It is from a stranger,” said Butler, affecting to speak with an + indifference which his voice belied—“A young man whom I met this + morning in the Park.” + </p> + <p> + “Mercy!” said Jeanie, eagerly; “and what did he say?” + </p> + <p> + “That he did not see you at the hour he expected, but required you should + meet him alone at Muschat’s Cairn this night, so soon as the moon rises.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell him,” said Jeanie, hastily, “I shall certainly come.” + </p> + <p> + “May I ask,” said Butler, his suspicions increasing at the ready alacrity + of the answer, “who this man is to whom you are so willing to give the + meeting at a place and hour so uncommon?” + </p> + <p> + “Folk maun do muckle they have little will to do, in this world,” replied + Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “Granted,” said her lover; “but what compels you to this?—who is + this person? What I saw of him was not very favourable—who, or what + is he?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know,” replied Jeanie, composedly. + </p> + <p> + “You do not know!” said Butler, stepping impatiently through the apartment—“You + purpose to meet a young man whom you do not know, at such a time, and in a + place so lonely—you say you are compelled to do this—and yet + you say you do not know the person who exercises such an influence over + you!—Jeanie, what am I to think of this?” + </p> + <p> + “Think only, Reuben, that I speak truth, as if I were to answer at the + last day.—I do not ken this man—I do not even ken that I ever + saw him; and yet I must give him the meeting he asks—there’s life + and death upon it.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you not tell your father, or take him with you?” said Butler. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot,” said Jeanie; “I have no permission.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you let <i>me</i> go with you? I will wait in the Park till + nightfall, and join you when you set out.” + </p> + <p> + “It is impossible,” said Jeanie; “there maunna be mortal creature within + hearing of our conference.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you considered well the nature of what you are going to do?—the + time—the place—an unknown and suspicious character?—Why, + if he had asked to see you in this house, your father sitting in the next + room, and within call, at such an hour, you should have refused to see + him.” + </p> + <p> + “My weird maun be fulfilled, Mr. Butler; my life and my safety are in + God’s hands, but I’ll not spare to risk either of them on the errand I am + gaun to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, Jeanie,” said Butler, much displeased, “we must indeed break short + off, and bid farewell. When there can be no confidence betwixt a man and + his plighted wife on such a momentous topic, it is a sign that she has no + longer the regard for him that makes their engagement safe and suitable.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie looked at him and sighed. “I thought,” she said, “that I had + brought myself to bear this parting—but—but—I did not + ken that we were to part in unkindness. But I am a woman and you are a man—it + may be different wi’ you—if your mind is made easier by thinking sae + hardly of me, I would not ask you to think otherwise.” + </p> + <p> + “You are,” said Butler, “what you have always been—wiser, better, + and less selfish in your native feelings, than I can be, with all the + helps philosophy can give to a Christian—But why—why will you + persevere in an undertaking so desperate? Why will you not let me be your + assistant—your protector, or at least your adviser?” + </p> + <p> + “Just because I cannot, and I dare not,” answered Jeanie.—“But hark, + what’s that? Surely my father is no weel?” + </p> + <p> + In fact, the voices in the next room became obstreperously loud of a + sudden, the cause of which vociferation it is necessary to explain before + we go farther. + </p> + <p> + When Jeanie and Butler retired, Mr. Saddletree entered upon the business + which chiefly interested the family. In the commencement of their + conversation he found old Deans, who in his usual state of mind, was no + granter of propositions, so much subdued by a deep sense of his daughter’s + danger and disgrace, that he heard without replying to, or perhaps without + understanding, one or two learned disquisitions on the nature of the crime + imputed to her charge, and on the steps which ought to be taken in + consequence. His only answer at each pause was, “I am no misdoubting that + you wuss us weel—your wife’s our far-awa cousin.” + </p> + <p> + Encouraged by these symptoms of acquiescence, Saddletree, who, as an + amateur of the law, had a supreme deference for all constituted + authorities, again recurred to his other topic of interest, the murder, + namely, of Porteous, and pronounced a severe censure on the parties + concerned. + </p> + <p> + “These are kittle times—kittle times, Mr. Deans, when the people + take the power of life and death out of the hands of the rightful + magistrate into their ain rough grip. I am of opinion, and so I believe + will Mr. Crossmyloof and the Privy Council, that this rising in effeir of + war, to take away the life of a reprieved man, will prove little better + than perduellion.” + </p> + <p> + “If I hadna that on my mind whilk is ill to bear, Mr. Saddletree,” said + Deans, “I wad make bold to dispute that point wi’ you.” + </p> + <p> + “How could you dispute what’s plain law, man?” said Saddletree, somewhat + contemptuously; “there’s no a callant that e’er carried a pock wi’ a + process in’t, but will tell you that perduellion is the warst and maist + virulent kind of treason, being an open convocating of the king’s lieges + against his authority (mair especially in arms, and by touk of drum, to + baith whilk accessories my een and lugs bore witness), and muckle worse + than lese-majesty, or the concealment of a treasonable purpose—It + winna bear a dispute, neighbour.” + </p> + <p> + “But it will, though,” retorted Douce Davie Deans; “I tell ye it will bear + a disputer never like your cauld, legal, formal doctrines, neighbour + Saddletree. I haud unco little by the Parliament House, since the awfu’ + downfall of the hopes of honest folk that followed the Revolution.” + </p> + <p> + “But what wad ye hae had, Mr. Deans?” said Saddletree, impatiently; “didna + ye get baith liberty and conscience made fast, and settled by tailzie on + you and your heirs for ever?” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Saddletree,” retorted Deans, “I ken ye are one of those that are wise + after the manner of this world, and that ye hand your part, and cast in + your portion, wi’ the lang heads and lang gowns, and keep with the smart + witty-pated lawyers of this our land—Weary on the dark and dolefu’ + cast that they hae gien this unhappy kingdom, when their black hands of + defection were clasped in the red hands of our sworn murtherers: when + those who had numbered the towers of our Zion, and marked the bulwarks of + Reformation, saw their hope turn into a snare, and their rejoicing into + weeping.” + </p> + <p> + “I canna understand this, neighbour,” answered Saddletree. “I am an honest + Presbyterian of the Kirk of Scotland, and stand by her and the General + Assembly, and the due administration of justice by the fifteen Lords o’ + Session and the five Lords o’ Justiciary.” + </p> + <p> + “Out upon ye, Mr. Saddletree!” exclaimed David, who, in an opportunity of + giving his testimony on the offences and backslidings of the land, forgot + for a moment his own domestic calamity—“out upon your General + Assembly, and the back of my hand to your Court o’ Session!—What is + the tane but a waefu’ bunch o’ cauldrife professors and ministers, that + sate bien and warm when the persecuted remnant were warstling wi’ hunger, + and cauld, and fear of death, and danger of fire and sword upon wet + brae-sides, peat-haggs, and flow-mosses, and that now creep out of their + holes, like bluebottle flees in a blink of sunshine, to take the pu’pits + and places of better folk—of them that witnessed, and testified, and + fought, and endured pit, prison-house, and transportation beyond seas?—A + bonny bike there’s o’ them!—And for your Court o’ Session—” + </p> + <p> + “Ye may say what ye will o’ the General Assembly,” said Saddletree, + interrupting him, “and let them clear them that kens them; but as for the + Lords o’ Session, forby that they are my next-door neighbours, I would + have ye ken, for your ain regulation, that to raise scandal anent them, + whilk is termed to <i>murmur</i> again them, is a crime <i>sui generis,</i>—<i>sui + generis,</i> Mr. Deans—ken ye what that amounts to?” + </p> + <p> + “I ken little o’ the language of Antichrist,” said Deans; “and I care less + than little what carnal courts may call the speeches of honest men. And as + to murmur again them, it’s what a’ the folk that loses their pleas, and + nine-tenths o’ them that win them, will be gey sure to be guilty in. Sae I + wad hae ye ken that I hand a’ your gleg-tongued advocates, that sell their + knowledge for pieces of silver—and your worldly-wise judges, that + will gie three days of hearing in presence to a debate about the peeling + of an ingan, and no ae half-hour to the gospel testimony—as + legalists and formalists, countenancing by sentences, and quirks, and + cunning terms of law, the late begun courses of national defections—union, + toleration, patronages, and Yerastian prelatic oaths. As for the soul and + body-killing Court o’ Justiciary—” + </p> + <p> + The habit of considering his life as dedicated to bear testimony in behalf + of what he deemed the suffering and deserted cause of true religion, had + swept honest David along with it thus far; but with the mention of the + criminal court, the recollection of the disastrous condition of his + daughter rushed at once on his mind; he stopped short in the midst of his + triumphant declamation, pressed his hands against his forehead, and + remained silent. + </p> + <p> + Saddletree was somewhat moved, but apparently not so much so as to induce + him to relinquish the privilege of prosing in his turn afforded him by + David’s sudden silence. “Nae doubt, neighbour,” he said, “it’s a sair + thing to hae to do wi’ courts of law, unless it be to improve ane’s + knowledge and practique, by waiting on as a hearer; and touching this + unhappy affair of Effie—ye’ll hae seen the dittay, doubtless?” He + dragged out of his pocket a bundle of papers, and began to turn them over. + “This is no it—this is the information of Mungo Marsport, of that + ilk, against Captain Lackland, for coming on his lands of Marsport with + hawks, hounds, lying-dogs, nets, guns, cross-bows, hagbuts of found, or + other engines more or less for destruction of game, sic as red-deer, + fallow-deer, cappercailzies, grey-fowl, moor-fowl, paitricks, herons, and + sic like; he, the said defender not being ane qualified person, in terms + of the statute sixteen hundred and twenty-ane; that is, not having ane + plough-gate of land. Now, the defences proponed say, that <i>non constat</i> + at this present what is a plough-gate of land, whilk uncertainty is + sufficient to elide the conclusions of the libel. But then the answers to + the defences (they are signed by Mr. Crossmyloof, but Mr. Younglad drew + them), they propone, that it signifies naething, <i>in hoc statu,</i> what + or how muckle a plough-gate of land may be, in respect the defender has + nae lands whatsoever, less or mair. ‘Sae grant a plough-gate’” (here + Saddletree read from the paper in his hand) “‘to be less than the + nineteenth part of a guse’s grass’—(I trow Mr. Crossmyloof put in + that—I ken his style),—‘of a guse’s grass, what the better + will the defender be, seeing he hasna a divot-cast of land in Scotland?—<i>Advocatus</i> + for Lackland duplies, that <i>nihil interest de possessione,</i> the + pursuer must put his case under the statute’—(now, this is worth + your notice, neighbour),—‘and must show, <i>formaliter et + specialiter,</i> as well as <i>generaliter,</i> what is the qualification + that defender Lackland does <i>not</i> possess—let him tell me what + a plough-gate of land is, and I’ll tell him if I have one or no. Surely + the pursuer is bound to understand his own libel, and his own statute that + he founds upon. <i>Titius</i> pursues <i>Maevius</i> for recovery of ane + <i>black</i> horse lent to Maevius—surely he shall have judgment; + but if Titius pursue Maevius for ane <i>scarlet</i> or <i>crimson</i> + horse, doubtless he shall be bound to show that there is sic ane animal <i>in + rerum natura.</i> No man can be bound to plead to nonsense—that is + to say, to a charge which cannot be explained or understood’—(he’s + wrang there—the better the pleadings the fewer understand them),—‘and + so the reference unto this undefined and unintelligible measure of land + is, as if a penalty was inflicted by statute for any man who suld hunt or + hawk, or use lying-dogs, and wearing a sky-blue pair of breeches, without + having—‘But I am wearying you, Mr. Deans,—we’ll pass to your + ain business,—though this cue of Marsport against Lackland has made + an unco din in the Outer House. Weel, here’s the dittay against puir + Effie: ‘Whereas it is humbly meant and shown to us,’ etc. (they are words + of mere style), ‘that whereas, by the laws of this and every other + well-regulated realm, the murder of any one, more especially of an infant + child, is a crime of ane high nature, and severely punishable: And + whereas, without prejudice to the foresaid generality, it was, by ane act + made in the second session of the First Parliament of our most High and + Dread Sovereigns William and Mary, especially enacted, that ane woman who + shall have concealed her condition, and shall not be able to show that she + hath called for help at the birth in case that the child shall be found + dead or amissing, shall be deemed and held guilty of the murder thereof; + and the said facts of concealment and pregnancy being found proven or + confessed, shall sustain the pains of law accordingly; yet, nevertheless, + you, Effie, or Euphemia Deans—‘” + </p> + <p> + “Read no farther!” said Deans, raising his head up; “I would rather ye + thrust a sword into my heart than read a word farther!” + </p> + <p> + “Weel, neighbour,” said Saddletree, “I thought it wad hae comforted ye to + ken the best and the warst o’t. But the question is, what’s to be dune?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” answered Deans firmly, “but to abide the dispensation that the + Lord sees meet to send us. Oh, if it had been His will to take the grey + head to rest before this awful visitation on my house and name! But His + will be done. I can say that yet, though I can say little mair.” + </p> + <p> + “But, neighbour,” said Saddletree, “ye’ll retain advocates for the puir + lassie? it’s a thing maun needs be thought of.” + </p> + <p> + “If there was ae man of them,” answered Deans, “that held fast his + integrity—but I ken them weel, they are a’ carnal, crafty, and + warld-hunting self-seekers, Yerastians, and Arminians, every ane o’ them.” + </p> + <p> + “Hout tout, neighbour, ye mauna take the warld at its word,” said + Saddletree; “the very deil is no sae ill as he’s ca’d; and I ken mair than + ae advocate that may be said to hae some integrity as weel as their + neighbours; that is, after a sort o’ fashion’ o’ their ain.” + </p> + <p> + “It is indeed but a fashion of integrity that ye will find amang them,” + replied David Deans, “and a fashion of wisdom, and fashion of carnal + learning—gazing, glancing-glasses they are, fit only to fling the + glaiks in folk’s een, wi’ their pawky policy, and earthly ingine, their + flights and refinements, and periods of eloquence, frae heathen emperors + and popish canons. They canna, in that daft trash ye were reading to me, + sae muckle as ca’ men that are sae ill-starred as to be amang their hands, + by ony name o’ the dispensation o’ grace, but maun new baptize them by the + names of the accursed Titus, wha was made the instrument of burning the + holy Temple, and other sic like heathens!” + </p> + <p> + “It’s Tishius,” interrupted Saddletree, “and no Titus. Mr. Crossmyloof + cares as little about Titus or the Latin as ye do.—But it’s a case + of necessity—she maun hae counsel. Now, I could speak to Mr. + Crossmyloof—he’s weel ken’d for a round-spun Presbyterian, and a + ruling elder to boot.” + </p> + <p> + “He’s a rank Yerastian,” replied Deans; “one of the public and polititious + warldly-wise men that stude up to prevent ane general owning of the cause + in the day of power!” + </p> + <p> + “What say ye to the auld Laird of Cuffabout?” said Saddletree; “he whiles + thumps the dust out of a case gey and well.” + </p> + <p> + “He? the fause loon!” answered Deans—“he was in his bandaliers to + hae joined the ungracious Highlanders in 1715, an they had ever had the + luck to cross the Firth.” + </p> + <p> + “Weel, Arniston? there’s a clever chield for ye!” said Bartoline, + triumphantly. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, to bring popish medals in till their very library from that + schismatic woman in the north, the Duchess of Gordon.” * + </p> + <p> + * [James Dundas younger of Arniston was tried in the year 1711 upon charge + of leasing-making, in having presented, from the Duchess of Gordon, medal + of the Pretender, for the purpose, it was said, of affronting Queen Anne.] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Weel, weel, but somebody ye maun hae—What think ye o’ Kittlepunt?” + </pre> + <p> + “He’s an Arminian.” + </p> + <p> + “Woodsetter?” + </p> + <p> + “He’s, I doubt, a Cocceian.” + </p> + <p> + “Auld Whilliewhaw?” + </p> + <p> + “He’s ony thing ye like.” + </p> + <p> + “Young Naemmo?” + </p> + <p> + “He’s naething at a’.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye’re ill to please, neighbour,” said Saddletree: “I hae run ower the + pick o’ them for you, ye maun e’en choose for yoursell; but bethink ye + that in the multitude of counsellors there’s safety—What say ye to + try young Mackenyie? he has a’ his uncle’s Practiques at the tongue’s + end.” + </p> + <p> + “What, sir, wad ye speak to me,” exclaimed the sturdy Presbyterian in + excessive wrath, “about a man that has the blood of the saints at his + fingers’ ends? Did na his eme [Uncle] die and gang to his place wi’ the + name of the Bluidy Mackenyie? and winna he be kend by that name sae lang + as there’s a Scots tongue to speak the word? If the life of the dear bairn + that’s under a suffering dispensation, and Jeanie’s, and my ain, and a’ + mankind’s, depended on my asking sic a slave o’ Satan to speak a word for + me or them, they should a’ gae doun the water thegither for Davie Deans!” + </p> + <p> + It was the exalted tone in which he spoke this last sentence that broke up + the conversation between Butler and Jeanie, and brought them both “ben the + house,” to use the language of the country. Here they found the poor old + man half frantic between grief and zealous ire against Saddletree’s + proposed measures, his cheek inflamed, his hand clenched, and his voice + raised, while the tear in his eye, and the occasional quiver of his + accents, showed that his utmost efforts were inadequate to shaking off the + consciousness of his misery. Butler, apprehensive of the consequences of + his agitation to an aged and feeble frame, ventured to utter to him a + recommendation to patience. + </p> + <p> + “I <i>am</i> patient,” returned the old man sternly,—“more patient + than any one who is alive to the woeful backslidings of a miserable time + can be patient; and in so much, that I need neither sectarians, nor sons + nor grandsons of sectarians, to instruct my grey hairs how to bear my + cross.” + </p> + <p> + “But, sir,” continued Butler, taking no offence at the slur cast on his + grandfather’s faith, “we must use human means. When you call in a + physician, you would not, I suppose, question him on the nature of his + religious principles!” + </p> + <p> + “Wad I <i>no?</i>” answered David—“but I wad, though; and if he + didna satisfy me that he had a right sense of the right hand and left hand + defections of the day, not a goutte of his physic should gang through my + father’s son.” + </p> + <p> + It is a dangerous thing to trust to an illustration. Butler had done so + and miscarried; but, like a gallant soldier when his musket misses fire, + he stood his ground, and charged with the bayonet.—“This is too + rigid an interpretation of your duty, sir. The sun shines, and the rain + descends, on the just and unjust, and they are placed together in life in + circumstances which frequently render intercourse between them + indispensable, perhaps that the evil may have an opportunity of being + converted by the good, and perhaps, also, that the righteous might, among + other trials, be subjected to that of occasional converse with the + profane.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye’re a silly callant, Reuben,” answered Deans, “with your bits of + argument. Can a man touch pitch and not be defiled? Or what think ye of + the brave and worthy champions of the Covenant, that wadna sae muckle as + hear a minister speak, be his gifts and graces as they would, that hadna + witnessed against the enormities of the day? Nae lawyer shall ever speak + for me and mine that hasna concurred in the testimony of the scattered, + yet lovely remnant, which abode in the clifts of the rocks.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, and as if fatigued, both with the arguments and presence of his + guests, the old man arose, and seeming to bid them adieu with a motion of + his head and hand, went to shut himself up in his sleeping apartment. + </p> + <p> + “It’s thrawing his daughter’s life awa,” said Saddletree to Butler, “to + hear him speak in that daft gate. Where will he ever get a Cameronian + advocate? Or wha ever heard of a lawyer’s suffering either for ae religion + or another? The lassie’s life is clean flung awa.” + </p> + <p> + During the latter part of this debate, Dumbiedikes had arrived at the + door, dismounted, hung the pony’s bridle on the usual hook, and sunk down + on his ordinary settle. His eyes, with more than their usual animation, + followed first one speaker then another, till he caught the melancholy + sense of the whole from Saddletree’s last words. He rose from his seat, + stumped slowly across the room, and, coming close up to Saddletree’s ear, + said in a tremulous anxious voice, “Will—will siller do naething for + them, Mr. Saddletree?” + </p> + <p> + “Umph!” said Saddletree, looking grave,—“siller will certainly do it + in the Parliament House, if ony thing <i>can</i> do it; but where’s the + siller to come frae? Mr. Deans, ye see, will do naething; and though Mrs. + Saddletree’s their far-awa friend, and right good weel-wisher, and is weel + disposed to assist, yet she wadna like to stand to be bound <i>singuli in + solidum</i> to such an expensive wark. An ilka friend wad bear a share o’ + the burden, something might be dune—ilka ane to be liable for their + ain input—I wadna like to see the case fa’ through without being + pled—it wadna be creditable, for a’ that daft whig body says.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll—I will—yes” (assuming fortitude), “I will be + answerable,” said Dumbiedikes, “for a score of punds sterling.”—And + he was silent, staring in astonishment at finding himself capable of such + unwonted resolution and excessive generosity. + </p> + <p> + “God Almighty bless ye, Laird!” said Jeanie, in a transport of gratitude. + </p> + <p> + “Ye may ca’ the twenty punds thretty,” said Dumbiedikes, looking bashfully + away from her, and towards Saddletree. + </p> + <p> + “That will do bravely,” said Saddletree, rubbing his hands; “and ye sall + hae a’ my skill and knowledge to gar the siller gang far—I’ll tape + it out weel—I ken how to gar the birkies tak short fees, and be glad + o’ them too—it’s only garring them trow ye hae twa or three cases of + importance coming on, and they’ll work cheap to get custom. Let me alane + for whilly-whaing an advocate:—it’s nae sin to get as muckle flue + them for our siller as we can—after a’, it’s but the wind o’ their + mouth—it costs them naething; whereas, in my wretched occupation of + a saddler, horse milliner, and harness maker, we are out unconscionable + sums just for barkened hides and leather.” + </p> + <p> + “Can I be of no use?” said Butler. “My means, alas! are only worth the + black coat I wear; but I am young—I owe much to the family—Can + I do nothing?” + </p> + <p> + “Ye can help to collect evidence, sir,” said Saddletree; “if we could but + find ony ane to say she had gien the least hint o’ her condition, she wad + be brought aft wi’ a wat finger—Mr. Crossmyloof tell’d me sae. The + crown, says he, canna be craved to prove a positive—was’t a positive + or a negative they couldna be ca’d to prove?—it was the tane or the + tither o’ them, I am sure, and it maksna muckle matter whilk. Wherefore, + says he, the libel maun be redargued by the panel proving her defences. + And it canna be done otherwise.” + </p> + <p> + “But the fact, sir,” argued Butler, “the fact that this poor girl has + borne a child; surely the crown lawyers must prove that?” said Butler. + </p> + <p> + Saddletree paused a moment, while the visage of Dumbiedikes, which + traversed, as if it had been placed on a pivot, from the one spokesman to + the other, assumed a more blithe expression. + </p> + <p> + “Ye—ye—ye—es,” said Saddletree, after some grave + hesitation; “unquestionably that is a thing to be proved, as the court + will more fully declare by an interlocutor of relevancy in common form; + but I fancy that job’s done already, for she has confessed her guilt.” + </p> + <p> + “Confessed the murder?” exclaimed Jeanie, with a scream that made them all + start. + </p> + <p> + “No, I didna say that,” replied Bartoline. “But she confessed bearing the + babe.” + </p> + <p> + “And what became of it, then?” said Jeanie, “for not a word could I get + from her but bitter sighs and tears.” + </p> + <p> + “She says it was taken away from her by the woman in whose house it was + born, and who assisted her at the time.” + </p> + <p> + “And who was that woman?” said Butler. “Surely by her means the truth + might be discovered.—Who was she? I will fly to her directly.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish,” said Dumbiedikes, “I were as young and as supple as you, and had + the gift of the gab as weel.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is she?” again reiterated Butler impatiently.—“Who could that + woman be?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, wha kens that but herself?” said Saddletree; “she deponed farther, + and declined to answer that interrogatory.” + </p> + <p> + “Then to herself will I instantly go,” said Butler; “farewell, Jeanie;” + then coming close up to her—“Take no <i>rash steps</i> till you hear + from me. Farewell!” and he immediately left the cottage. + </p> + <p> + “I wad gang too,” said the landed proprietor, in an anxious, jealous, and + repining tone, “but my powny winna for the life o’ me gang ony other road + than just frae Dumbiedikes to this house-end, and sae straight back + again.” + </p> + <p> + “Yell do better for them,” said Saddletree, as they left the house + together, “by sending me the thretty punds.” + </p> + <p> + “Thretty punds!” hesitated Dumbiedikes, who was now out of the reach of + those eyes which had inflamed his generosity; “I only said <i>twenty</i> + punds.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay; but,” said Saddletree, “that was under protestation to add and eik; + and so ye craved leave to amend your libel, and made it thretty.” + </p> + <p> + “Did I? I dinna mind that I did,” answered Dumbiedikes. “But whatever I + said I’ll stand to.” Then bestriding his steed with some difficulty, he + added, “Dinna ye think poor Jeanie’s een wi’ the tears in them glanced + like lamour beads, Mr. Saddletree?” + </p> + <p> + “I kenna muckle about women’s een, Laird,” replied the insensible + Bartoline; “and I care just as little. I wuss I were as weel free o’ their + tongues; though few wives,” he added, recollecting the necessity of + keeping up his character for domestic rule, “are under better command than + mine, Laird. I allow neither perduellion nor lese-majesty against my + sovereign authority.” + </p> + <p> + The Laird saw nothing so important in this observation as to call for a + rejoinder, and when they had exchanged a mute salutation, they parted in + peace upon their different errands. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWELFTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I’ll warrant that fellow from drowning, + were the ship no stronger than a nut-shell. + + The Tempest. +</pre> + <p> + Butler felt neither fatigue nor want of refreshment, although, from the + mode in which he had spent the night, he might well have been overcome + with either. But in the earnestness with which he hastened to the + assistance of the sister of Jeanie Deans, he forgot both. + </p> + <p> + In his first progress he walked with so rapid a pace as almost approached + to running, when he was surprised to hear behind him a call upon his name, + contending with an asthmatic cough, and half-drowned amid the resounding + trot of a Highland pony. He looked behind, and saw the Laird of + Dumbiedikes making after him with what speed he might, for it happened, + fortunately for the Laird’s purpose of conversing with Butler, that his + own road homeward was for about two hundred yards the same with that which + led by the nearest way to the city. Butler stopped when he heard himself + thus summoned, internally wishing no good to the panting equestrian who + thus retarded his journey. + </p> + <p> + “Uh! uh! uh!” ejaculated Dumbiedikes, as he checked the hobbling pace of + the pony by our friend Butler. “Uh! uh! it’s a hard-set willyard beast + this o’ mine.” He had in fact just overtaken the object of his chase at + the very point beyond which it would have been absolutely impossible for + him to have continued the pursuit, since there Butler’s road parted from + that leading to Dumbiedikes, and no means of influence or compulsion which + the rider could possibly have used towards his Bucephalus could have + induced the Celtic obstinacy of Rory Bean (such was the pony’s name) to + have diverged a yard from the path that conducted him to his own paddock. + </p> + <p> + Even when he had recovered from the shortness of breath occasioned by a + trot much more rapid than Rory or he were accustomed to, the high purpose + of Dumbiedikes seemed to stick as it were in his throat, and impede his + utterance, so that Butler stood for nearly three minutes ere he could + utter a syllable; and when he did find voice, it was only to say, after + one or two efforts, “Uh! uh! uhm! I say, Mr.—Mr. Butler, it’s a braw + day for the har’st.” + </p> + <p> + “Fine day, indeed,” said Butler. “I wish you good morning, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay—stay a bit,” rejoined Dumbiedikes; “that was no what I had + gotten to say.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, pray be quick, and let me have your commands,” rejoined Butler; “I + crave your pardon, but I am in haste, and <i>Tempus nemini</i>—you + know the proverb.” + </p> + <p> + Dumbiedikes did not know the proverb, nor did he even take the trouble to + endeavour to look as if he did, as others in his place might have done. He + was concentrating all his intellects for one grand proposition, and could + not afford any detachment to defend outposts. “I say, Mr. Butler,” said + he, “ken ye if Mr. Saddletree’s a great lawyer?” + </p> + <p> + “I have no person’s word for it but his own,” answered Butler, drily; “but + undoubtedly he best understands his own qualities.” + </p> + <p> + “Umph!” replied the taciturn Dumbiedikes, in a tone which seemed to say, + “Mr. Butler, I take your meaning.” “In that case,” he pursued, “I’ll + employ my ain man o’ business, Nichil Novit (auld Nichil’s son, and amaist + as gleg as his father), to agent Effie’s plea.” + </p> + <p> + And having thus displayed more sagacity than Butler expected from him, he + courteously touched his gold-laced cocked hat, and by a punch on the ribs, + conveyed to Rory Bean, it was his rider’s pleasure that he should + forthwith proceed homewards; a hint which the quadruped obeyed with that + degree of alacrity with which men and animals interpret and obey + suggestions that entirely correspond with their own inclinations. + </p> + <p> + Butler resumed his pace, not without a momentary revival of that jealousy + which the honest Laird’s attention to the family of Deans had at different + times excited in his bosom. But he was too generous long to nurse any + feeling which was allied to selfishness. “He is,” said Butler to himself, + “rich in what I want; why should I feel vexed that he has the heart to + dedicate some of his pelf to render them services, which I can only form + the empty wish of executing? In God’s name, let us each do what we can. + May she be but happy!—saved from the misery and disgrace that seems + impending—Let me but find the means of preventing the fearful + experiment of this evening, and farewell to other thoughts, though my + heart-strings break in parting with them!” + </p> + <p> + He redoubled his pace, and soon stood before the door of the Tolbooth, or + rather before the entrance where the door had formerly been placed. His + interview with the mysterious stranger, the message to Jeanie, his + agitating conversation with her on the subject of breaking off their + mutual engagements, and the interesting scene with old Deans, had so + entirely occupied his mind as to drown even recollection of the tragical + event which he had witnessed the preceding evening. His attention was not + recalled to it by the groups who stood scattered on the street in + conversation, which they hushed when strangers approached, or by the + bustling search of the agents of the city police, supported by small + parties of the military, or by the appearance of the Guard-House, before + which were treble sentinels, or, finally, by the subdued and intimidated + looks of the lower orders of society, who, conscious that they were liable + to suspicion, if they were not guilty of accession to a riot likely to be + strictly inquired into, glided about with an humble and dismayed aspect, + like men whose spirits being exhausted in the revel and the dangers of a + desperate debauch over-night, are nerve-shaken, timorous, and + unenterprising on the succeeding day. + </p> + <p> + None of these symptoms of alarm and trepidation struck Butler, whose mind + was occupied with a different, and to him still more interesting subject, + until he stood before the entrance to the prison, and saw it defended by a + double file of grenadiers, instead of bolts and bars. Their “Stand, + stand!” the blackened appearance of the doorless gateway, and the winding + staircase and apartments of the Tolbooth, now open to the public eye, + recalled the whole proceedings of the eventful night. Upon his requesting + to speak with Effie Deans, the same tall, thin, silver-haired turnkey, + whom he had seen on the preceding evening, made his appearance, + </p> + <p> + “I think,” he replied to Butler’s request of admission, with true Scottish + indirectness, “ye will be the same lad that was for in to see her + yestreen?” + </p> + <p> + Butler admitted he was the same person. + </p> + <p> + “And I am thinking,” pursued the turnkey, “that ye speered at me when we + locked up, and if we locked up earlier on account of Porteous?” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely I might make some such observation,” said Butler; “but the + question now is, can I see Effie Deans?” + </p> + <p> + “I dinna ken—gang in by, and up the turnpike stair, and turn till + the ward on the left hand.” + </p> + <p> + The old man followed close behind him, with his keys in his hand, not + forgetting even that huge one which had once opened and shut the outward + gate of his dominions, though at present it was but an idle and useless + burden. No sooner had Butler entered the room to which he was directed, + than the experienced hand of the warder selected the proper key, and + locked it on the outside. At first Butler conceived this manoeuvre was + only an effect of the man’s habitual and official caution and jealousy. + But when he heard the hoarse command, “Turn out the guard!” and + immediately afterwards heard the clash of a sentinel’s arms, as he was + posted at the door of his apartment, he again called out to the turnkey, + “My good friend, I have business of some consequence with Effie Deans, and + I beg to see her as soon as possible.” No answer was returned. “If it be + against your rules to admit me,” repeated Butler, in a still louder tone, + “to see the prisoner, I beg you will tell me so, and let me go about my + business.—<i>Fugit irrevocabile tempus!</i>” muttered he to himself. + </p> + <p> + “If ye had business to do, ye suld hae dune it before ye cam here,” + replied the man of keys from the outside; “yell find it’s easier wunnin in + than wunnin out here—there’s sma’ likelihood o’ another Porteous mob + coming to rabble us again—the law will haud her ain now, neighbour, + and that yell find to your cost.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by that, sir?” retorted Butler. “You must mistake me for + some other person. My name is Reuben Butler, preacher of the gospel.” + </p> + <p> + “I ken that weel eneugh,” said the turnkey. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, if you know me, I have a right to know from you in return, + what warrant you have for detaining me; that, I know, is the right of + every British subject.” + </p> + <p> + “Warrant!” said the jailor,—“the warrant’s awa to Libberton wi’ twa + sheriff officers seeking ye. If ye had staid at hame, as honest men should + do, ye wad hae seen the warrant; but if ye come to be incarcerated of your + ain accord, wha can help it, my jo?” + </p> + <p> + “‘So I cannot see Effie Deans, then,” said Butler; “and you are determined + not to let me out?” + </p> + <p> + “Troth will I no, neighbour,” answered the old man, doggedly; “as for + Effie Deans, ye’ll hae eneuch ado to mind your ain business, and let her + mind hers; and for letting you out, that maun be as the magistrate will + determine. And fare ye weel for a bit, for I maun see Deacon Sawyers put + on ane or twa o’ the doors that your quiet folk broke down yesternight, + Mr. Butler.” + </p> + <p> + There was something in this exquisitely provoking, but there was also + something darkly alarming. To be imprisoned, even on a false accusation, + has something in it disagreeable and menacing even to men of more + constitutional courage than Butler had to boast; for although he had much + of that resolution which arises from a sense of duty and an honourable + desire to discharge it, yet, as his imagination was lively, and his frame + of body delicate, he was far from possessing that cool insensibility to + danger which is the happy portion of men of stronger health, more firm + nerves, and less acute sensibility. An indistinct idea of peril, which he + could neither understand nor ward off, seemed to float before his eyes. He + tried to think over the events of the preceding night, in hopes of + discovering some means of explaining or vindicating his conduct for + appearing among the mob, since it immediately occurred to him that his + detention must be founded on that circumstance. And it was with anxiety + that he found he could not recollect to have been under the observation of + any disinterested witness in the attempts that he made from time to time + to expostulate with the rioters, and to prevail on them to release him. + The distress of Deans’s family, the dangerous rendezvous which Jeanie had + formed, and which he could not now hope to interrupt, had also their share + in his unpleasant reflections. Yet, impatient as he was to receive an <i>e’claircissement</i> + upon the cause of his confinement, and if possible to obtain his liberty, + he was affected with a trepidation which seemed no good omen; when, after + remaining an hour in this solitary apartment, he received a summons to + attend the sitting magistrate. He was conducted from prison strongly + guarded by a party of soldiers, with a parade of precaution, that, however + ill-timed and unnecessary, is generally displayed <i>after</i> an event, + which such precaution, if used in time, might have prevented. + </p> + <p> + He was introduced into the Council Chamber, as the place is called where + the magistrates hold their sittings, and which was then at a little + distance from the prison. One or two of the senators of the city were + present, and seemed about to engage in the examination of an individual + who was brought forward to the foot of the long green-covered table round + which the council usually assembled. “Is that the preacher?” said one of + the magistrates, as the city officer in attendance introduced Butler. The + man answered in the affirmative. “Let him sit down there for an instant; + we will finish this man’s business very briefly.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall we remove Mr. Butler?” queried the assistant. + </p> + <p> + “It is not necessary—Let him remain where he is.” + </p> + <p> + Butler accordingly sate down on a bench at the bottom of the apartment, + attended by one of his keepers. + </p> + <p> + It was a large room, partially and imperfectly lighted; but by chance, or + the skill of the architect, who might happen to remember the advantage + which might occasionally be derived from such an arrangement, one window + was so placed as to throw a strong light at the foot of the table at which + prisoners were usually posted for examination, while the upper end, where + the examinants sate, was thrown into shadow. Butler’s eyes were instantly + fixed on the person whose examination was at present proceeding, in the + idea that he might recognise some one of the conspirators of the former + night. But though the features of this man were sufficiently marked and + striking, he could not recollect that he had ever seen them before. + </p> + <p> + The complexion of this person was dark, and his age somewhat advanced. He + wore his own hair, combed smooth down, and cut very short. It was jet + black, slightly curled by nature, and already mottled with grey. The man’s + face expressed rather knavery than vice, and a disposition to sharpness, + cunning, and roguery, more than the traces of stormy and indulged + passions. His sharp quick black eyes, acute features, ready sardonic + smile, promptitude and effrontery, gave him altogether what is called + among the vulgar a <i>knowing</i> look, which generally implies a tendency + to knavery. At a fair or market, you could not for a moment have doubted + that he was a horse-jockey, intimate with all the tricks of his trade; + yet, had you met him on a moor, you would not have apprehended any + violence from him. His dress was also that of a horse-dealer—a + close-buttoned jockey-coat, or wrap-rascal, as it was then termed, with + huge metal buttons, coarse blue upper stockings, called boot-hose because + supplying the place of boots, and a slouched hat. He only wanted a loaded + whip under his arm and a spur upon one heel, to complete the dress of the + character he seemed to represent. + </p> + <p> + “Your name is James Ratcliffe?” said the magistrate. + </p> + <p> + “Ay—always wi’ your honour’s leave.” + </p> + <p> + “That is to say, you could find me another name if I did not like that + one?” + </p> + <p> + “Twenty to pick and choose upon, always with your honour’s leave,” resumed + the respondent. + </p> + <p> + “But James Ratcliffe is your present name?—what is your trade?” + </p> + <p> + “I canna just say, distinctly, that I have what ye wad ca’ preceesely a + trade.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” repeated the magistrate, “what are your means of living—your + occupation?” + </p> + <p> + “Hout tout—your honour, wi’ your leave, kens that as weel as I do,” + replied the examined. + </p> + <p> + “No matter, I want to hear you describe it,” said the examinant. + </p> + <p> + “Me describe!—and to your honour!—far be it from Jemmie + Ratcliffe,” responded the prisoner. + </p> + <p> + “Come, sir, no trifling—I insist on an answer.” + </p> + <p> + “Weel, sir,” replied the declarant, “I maun make a clean breast, for ye + see, wi’ your leave, I am looking for favour—Describe my occupation, + quo’ ye?—troth it will be ill to do that, in a feasible way, in a + place like this—but what is’t again that the aught command says?” + </p> + <p> + “Thou shalt not steal,” answered the magistrate. + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure o’ that?” replied the accused.—“Troth, then, my + occupation, and that command, are sair at odds, for I read it, thou <i>shalt</i> + steal; and that makes an unco difference, though there’s but a wee bit + word left out.” + </p> + <p> + “To cut the matter short, Ratcliffe, you have been a most notorious + thief,” said the examinant. + </p> + <p> + “I believe Highlands and Lowlands ken that, sir, forby England and + Holland,” replied Ratcliffe, with the greatest composure and effrontery. + </p> + <p> + “And what d’ye think the end of your calling will be?” said the + magistrate. + </p> + <p> + “I could have gien a braw guess yesterday—but I dinna ken sae weel + the day,” answered the prisoner. + </p> + <p> + “And what would you have said would have been your end, had you been asked + the question yesterday?” + </p> + <p> + “Just the gallows,” replied Ratcliffe, with the same composure. + </p> + <p> + “You are a daring rascal, sir,” said the magistrate; “and how dare you + hope times are mended with you to-day?” + </p> + <p> + “Dear, your honour,” answered Ratcliffe, “there’s muckle difference + between lying in prison under sentence of death, and staying there of + ane’s ain proper accord, when it would have cost a man naething to get up + and rin awa—what was to hinder me from stepping out quietly, when + the rabble walked awa wi’ Jock Porteous yestreen?—and does your + honour really think I staid on purpose to be hanged?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know what you may have proposed to yourself; but I know,” said + the magistrate, “what the law proposes for you, and that is, to hang you + next Wednesday eight days.” + </p> + <p> + “Na, na, your honour,” said Ratcliffe firmly, “craving your honour’s + pardon, I’ll ne’er believe that till I see it. I have kend the law this + mony a year, and mony a thrawart job I hae had wi’ her first and last; but + the auld jaud is no sae ill as that comes to—I aye fand her bark + waur than her bite.” + </p> + <p> + “And if you do not expect the gallows, to which you are condemned (for the + fourth time to my knowledge), may I beg the favour to know,” said the + magistrate, “what it is you <i>do</i> expect, in consideration of your not + having taken your flight with the rest of the jail-birds, which I will + admit was a line of conduct little to have been expected?” + </p> + <p> + “I would never have thought for a moment of staying in that auld gousty + toom house,” answered Ratcliffe, “but that use and wont had just gien me a + fancy to the place, and I’m just expecting a bit post in’t.” + </p> + <p> + “A post!” exclaimed the magistrate; “a whipping-post, I suppose, you + mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Na, na, sir, I had nae thoughts o’ a whuppin-post. After having been four + times doomed to hang by the neck till I was dead, I think I am far beyond + being whuppit.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, in Heaven’s name, what <i>did</i> you expect?” + </p> + <p> + “Just the post of under-turnkey, for I understand there’s a vacancy,” said + the prisoner; “I wadna think of asking the lockman’s* place ower his head; + it wadna suit me sae weel as ither folk, for I never could put a beast out + o’ the way, much less deal wi’ a man.” + </p> + <p> + * Note H. Hangman, or Lockman. + </p> + <p> + “That’s something in your favour,” said the magistrate, making exactly the + inference to which Ratcliffe was desirous to lead him, though he mantled + his art with an affectation of oddity. + </p> + <p> + “But,” continued the magistrate, “how do you think you can be trusted with + a charge in the prison, when you have broken at your own hand half the + jails in Scotland?” + </p> + <p> + “Wi’ your honour’s leave,” said Ratcliffe, “if I kend sae weel how to wun + out mysell, it’s like I wad be a’ the better a hand to keep other folk in. + I think they wad ken their business weel that held me in when I wanted to + be out, or wan out when I wanted to hand them in.” + </p> + <p> + The remark seemed to strike the magistrate, but he made no further + immediate observation, only desired Ratcliffe to be removed. + </p> + <p> + When this daring and yet sly freebooter was out of hearing, the magistrate + asked the city clerk, “what he thought of the fellow’s assurance?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s no for me to say, sir,” replied the clerk; “but if James Ratcliffe + be inclined to turn to good, there is not a man e’er came within the ports + of the burgh could be of sae muckle use to the Good Town in the thief and + lock-up line of business. I’ll speak to Mr. Sharpitlaw about him.” + </p> + <p> + Upon Ratcliffe’s retreat, Butler was placed at the table for examination. + The magistrate conducted his inquiry civilly, but yet in a manner which + gave him to understand that he laboured under strong suspicion. With a + frankness which at once became his calling and character, Butler avowed + his involuntary presence at the murder of Porteous, and, at the request of + the magistrate, entered into a minute detail of the circumstances which + attended that unhappy affair. All the particulars, such as we have + narrated, were taken minutely down by the clerk from Butler’s dictation. + </p> + <p> + When the narrative was concluded, the cross-examination commenced, which + it is a painful task even for the most candid witness to undergo, since a + story, especially if connected with agitating and alarming incidents, can + scarce be so clearly and distinctly told, but that some ambiguity and + doubt may be thrown upon it by a string of successive and minute + interrogatories. + </p> + <p> + The magistrate commenced by observing, that Butler had said his object was + to return to the village of Libberton, but that he was interrupted by the + mob at the West Port. “Is the West Port your usual way of leaving town + when you go to Libberton?” said the magistrate, with a sneer. + </p> + <p> + “No, certainly,” answered Butler, with the haste of a man anxious to + vindicate the accuracy of his evidence; “but I chanced to be nearer that + port than any other, and the hour of shutting the gates was on the point + of striking.” + </p> + <p> + “That was unlucky,” said the magistrate, drily. “Pray, being, as you say, + under coercion and fear of the lawless multitude, and compelled to + accompany them through scenes disagreeable to all men of humanity, and + more especially irreconcilable to the profession of a minister, did you + not attempt to struggle, resist, or escape from their violence?” + </p> + <p> + Butler replied, “that their numbers prevented him from attempting + resistance, and their vigilance from effecting his escape.” + </p> + <p> + “That was unlucky,” again repeated the magistrate, in the same dry + inacquiescent tone of voice and manner. He proceeded with decency and + politeness, but with a stiffness which argued his continued suspicion, to + ask many questions concerning the behaviour of the mob, the manners and + dress of the ringleaders; and when he conceived that the caution of + Butler, if he was deceiving him, must be lulled asleep, the magistrate + suddenly and artfully returned to former parts of his declaration, and + required a new recapitulation of the circumstances, to the minutest and + most trivial point, which attended each part of the melancholy scene. No + confusion or contradiction, however, occurred, that could countenance the + suspicion which he seemed to have adopted against Butler. At length the + train of his interrogatories reached Madge Wildfire, at whose name the + magistrate and town-clerk exchanged significant glances. If the fate of + the Good Town had depended on her careful magistrate’s knowing the + features and dress of this personage, his inquiries could not have been + more particular. But Butler could say almost nothing of this person’s + features, which were disguised apparently with red paint and soot, like an + Indian going to battle, besides the projecting shade of a curch, or coif, + which muffled the hair of the supposed female. He declared that he thought + he could not know this Madge Wildfire, if placed before him in a different + dress, but that he believed he might recognise her voice. + </p> + <p> + The magistrate requested him again to state by what gate he left the city. + </p> + <p> + “By the Cowgate Port,” replied Butler. + </p> + <p> + “Was that the nearest road to Libberton?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Butler, with embarrassment; “but it was the nearest way to + extricate myself from the mob.” + </p> + <p> + The clerk and magistrate again exchanged glances. + </p> + <p> + “Is the Cowgate Port a nearer way to Libberton from the Grassmarket than + Bristo Port?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Butler; “but I had to visit a friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed!” said the interrogator—“You were in a hurry to tell the + sight you had witnessed, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I was not,” replied Butler; “nor did I speak on the subject the + whole time I was at St. Leonard’s Crags.” + </p> + <p> + “Which road did you take to St. Leonard’s Crags?” + </p> + <p> + “By the foot of Salisbury Crags,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed? you seem partial to circuitous routes,” again said the + magistrate. “Whom did you see after you left the city?” + </p> + <p> + One by one he obtained a description of every one of the groups who had + passed Butler, as already noticed, their number, demeanour, and + appearance; and, at length, came to the circumstance of the mysterious + stranger in the King’s Park. On this subject Butler would fain have + remained silent, But the magistrate had no sooner got a slight hint + concerning the incident, than he seemed bent to possess himself of the + most minute particulars. + </p> + <p> + “Look ye, Mr. Butler,” said he, “you are a young man, and bear an + excellent character; so much I will myself testify in your favour. But we + are aware there has been, at times, a sort of bastard and fiery zeal in + some of your order, and those, men irreproachable in other points, which + has led them into doing and countenancing great irregularities, by which + the peace of the country is liable to be shaken.—I will deal plainly + with you. I am not at all satisfied with this story, of your setting out + again and again to seek your dwelling by two several roads, which were + both circuitous. And, to be frank, no one whom we have examined on this + unhappy affair could trace in your appearance any thing like your acting + under compulsion. Moreover, the waiters at the Cowgate Port observed + something like the trepidation of guilt in your conduct, and declare that + you were the first to command them to open the gate, in a tone of + authority, as if still presiding over the guards and out-posts of the + rabble, who had besieged them the whole night.” + </p> + <p> + “God forgive them!” said Butler; “I only asked free passage for myself; + they must have much misunderstood, if they did not wilfully misrepresent + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mr. Butler,” resumed the magistrate, “I am inclined to judge the + best and hope the best, as I am sure I wish the best; but you must be + frank with me, if you wish to secure my good opinion, and lessen the risk + of inconvenience to yourself. You have allowed you saw another individual + in your passage through the King’s Park to Saint Leonard’s Crags—I + must know every word which passed betwixt you.” + </p> + <p> + Thus closely pressed, Butler, who had no reason for concealing what passed + at that meeting, unless because Jeanie Deans was concerned in it, thought + it best to tell the whole truth from beginning to end. + </p> + <p> + “Do you suppose,” said the magistrate, pausing, “that the young woman will + accept an invitation so mysterious?” + </p> + <p> + “I fear she will,” replied Butler. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you use the word <i>fear</i> it?” said the magistrate. + </p> + <p> + “Because I am apprehensive for her safety, in meeting at such a time and + place, one who had something of the manner of a desperado, and whose + message was of a character so inexplicable.” + </p> + <p> + “Her safety shall be cared for,” said the magistrate. “Mr. Butler, I am + concerned I cannot immediately discharge you from confinement, but I hope + you will not be long detained.—Remove Mr. Butler, and let him be + provided with decent accommodation in all respects.” + </p> + <p> + He was conducted back to the prison accordingly; but, in the food offered + to him, as well as in the apartment in which he was lodged, the + recommendation of the magistrate was strictly attended to. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER THIRTEENTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Dark and eerie was the night, + And lonely was the way, + As Janet, wi’ her green mantell, + To Miles’ Cross she did gae. + Old Ballad. +</pre> + <p> + Leaving Butler to all the uncomfortable thoughts attached to his new + situation, among which the most predominant was his feeling that he was, + by his confinement, deprived of all possibility of assisting the family at + St. Leonard’s in their greatest need, we return to Jeanie Deans, who had + seen him depart, without an opportunity of farther explanation, in all + that agony of mind with which the female heart bids adieu to the + complicated sensations so well described by Coleridge,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Hopes, and fears that kindle hope, + An undistinguishable throng; + And gentle wishes long subdued— + Subdued and cherished long. +</pre> + <p> + It is not the firmest heart (and Jeanie, under her russet rokelay, had one + that would not have disgraced Cato’s daughter) that can most easily bid + adieu to these soft and mingled emotions. She wept for a few minutes + bitterly, and without attempting to refrain from this indulgence of + passion. But a moment’s recollection induced her to check herself for a + grief selfish and proper to her own affections, while her father and + sister were plunged into such deep and irretrievable affliction. She drew + from her pocket the letter which had been that morning flung into her + apartment through an open window, and the contents of which were as + singular as the expression was violent and energetic. “If she would save a + human being from the most damning guilt, and all its desperate + consequences,—if she desired the life an honour of her sister to be + saved from the bloody fangs of an unjust law,—if she desired not to + forfeit peace of mind here, and happiness hereafter,” such was the frantic + style of the conjuration, “she was entreated to give a sure, secret, and + solitary meeting to the writer. She alone could rescue him,” so ran the + letter, “and he only could rescue her.” He was in such circumstances, the + billet farther informed her, that an attempt to bring any witness of their + conference, or even to mention to her father, or any other person + whatsoever, the letter which requested it, would inevitably prevent its + taking place, and ensure the destruction of her sister. The letter + concluded with incoherent but violent protestations, that in obeying this + summons she had nothing to fear personally. + </p> + <p> + The message delivered to her by Butler from the stranger in the Park + tallied exactly with the contents of the letter, but assigned a later hour + and a different place of meeting. Apparently the writer of the letter had + been compelled to let Butler so far into his confidence, for the sake of + announcing this change to Jeanie. She was more than once on the point of + producing the billet, in vindication of herself from her lover’s + half-hinted suspicions. But there is something in stooping to + justification which the pride of innocence does not at all times willingly + submit to; besides that the threats contained in the letter, in case of + her betraying the secret, hung heavy on her heart. It is probable, + however, that had they remained longer together, she might have taken the + resolution to submit the whole matter to Butler, and be guided by him as + to the line of conduct which she should adopt. And when, by the sudden + interruption of their conference, she lost the opportunity of doing so, + she felt as if she had been unjust to a friend, whose advice might have + been highly useful, and whose attachment deserved her full and unreserved + confidence. + </p> + <p> + To have recourse to her father upon this occasion, she considered as + highly imprudent. There was no possibility of conjecturing in what light + the matter might strike old David, whose manner of acting and thinking in + extraordinary circumstances depended upon feelings and principles peculiar + to himself, the operation of which could not be calculated upon even by + those best acquainted with him. To have requested some female friend to + have accompanied her to the place of rendezvous, would perhaps have been + the most eligible expedient; but the threats of the writer, that betraying + his secret would prevent their meeting (on which her sister’s safety was + said to depend) from taking place at all, would have deterred her from + making such a confidence, even had she known a person in whom she thought + it could with safety have been reposed. But she knew none such. Their + acquaintance with the cottagers in the vicinity had been very slight, and + limited to trifling acts of good neighbourhood. Jeanie knew little of + them, and what she knew did not greatly incline her to trust any of them. + They were of the order of loquacious good-humoured gossips usually found + in their situation of life; and their conversation had at all times few + charms for a young woman, to whom nature and the circumstance of a + solitary life had given a depth of thought and force of character superior + to the frivolous part of her sex, whether in high or low degree. + </p> + <p> + Left alone and separated from all earthly counsel, she had recourse to a + friend and adviser, whose ear is open to the cry of the poorest and most + afflicted of his people. She knelt, and prayed with fervent sincerity, + that God would please to direct her what course to follow in her arduous + and distressing situation. It was the belief of the time and sect to which + she belonged, that special answers to prayer, differing little in their + character from divine inspiration, were, as they expressed it, “borne in + upon their minds” in answer to their earnest petitions in a crisis of + difficulty. Without entering into an abstruse point of divinity, one thing + is plain;—namely, that the person who lays open his doubts and + distresses in prayer, with feeling and sincerity, must necessarily, in the + act of doing so, purify his mind from the dross of worldly passions and + interests, and bring it into that state, when the resolutions adopted are + likely to be selected rather from a sense of duty, than from any inferior + motive. Jeanie arose from her devotions, with her heart fortified to + endure affliction, and encouraged to face difficulties. + </p> + <p> + “I will meet this unhappy man,” she said to herself—“unhappy he must + be, since I doubt he has been the cause of poor Effie’s misfortune—but + I will meet him, be it for good or ill. My mind shall never cast up to me, + that, for fear of what might be said or done to myself, I left that undone + that might even yet be the rescue of her.” + </p> + <p> + With a mind greatly composed since the adoption of this resolution, she + went to attend her father. The old man, firm in the principles of his + youth, did not, in outward appearance at least, permit a thought of his + family distress to interfere with the stoical reserve of his countenance + and manners. He even chid his daughter for having neglected, in the + distress of the morning, some trifling domestic duties which fell under + her department. + </p> + <p> + “Why, what meaneth this, Jeanie?” said the old man—“The brown + four-year-auld’s milk is not seiled yet, nor the bowies put up on the + bink. If ye neglect your warldly duties in the day of affliction, what + confidence have I that ye mind the greater matters that concern salvation? + God knows, our bowies, and our pipkins, and our draps o’ milk, and our + bits o’ bread, are nearer and dearer to us than the bread of life!” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie, not unpleased to hear her father’s thoughts thus expand themselves + beyond the sphere of his immediate distress, obeyed him, and proceeded to + put her household matters in order; while old David moved from place to + place about his ordinary employments, scarce showing, unless by a nervous + impatience at remaining long stationary, an occasional convulsive sigh, or + twinkle of the eyelid, that he was labouring under the yoke of such bitter + affliction. + </p> + <p> + The hour of noon came on, and the father and child sat down to their + homely repast. In his petition for a blessing on the meal, the poor old + man added to his supplication, a prayer that the bread eaten in sadness of + heart, and the bitter waters of Marah, might be made as nourishing as + those which had been poured forth from a full cup and a plentiful basket + and store; and having concluded his benediction, and resumed the bonnet + which he had laid “reverently aside,” he proceeded to exhort his daughter + to eat, not by example indeed, but at least by precept. + </p> + <p> + “The man after God’s own heart,” he said, “washed and anointed himself, + and did eat bread, in order to express his submission under a dispensation + of suffering, and it did not become a Christian man or woman so to cling + to creature-comforts of wife or bairns”—(here the words became too + great, as it were, for his utterance),—“as to forget the fist duty,—submission + to the Divine will.” + </p> + <p> + To add force to his precept, he took a morsel on his plate, but nature + proved too strong even for the powerful feelings with which he endeavoured + to bridle it. Ashamed of his weakness, he started up, and ran out of the + house, with haste very unlike the deliberation of his usual movements. In + less than five minutes he returned, having successfully struggled to + recover his ordinary composure of mind and countenance, and affected to + colour over his late retreat, by muttering that he thought he heard the + “young staig loose in the byre.” + </p> + <p> + He did not again trust himself with the subject of his former + conversation, and his daughter was glad to see that he seemed to avoid + farther discourse on that agitating topic. The hours glided on, as on they + must and do pass, whether winged with joy or laden with affliction. The + sun set beyond the dusky eminence of the Castle and the screen of western + hills, and the close of evening summoned David Deans and his daughter to + the family duty of the night. It came bitterly upon Jeanie’s recollection, + how often, when the hour of worship approached, she used to watch the + lengthening shadows, and look out from the door of the house, to see if + she could spy her sister’s return homeward. Alas! this idle and + thoughtless waste of time, to what evils had it not finally led? and was + she altogether guiltless, who, noticing Effie’s turn to idle and light + society, had not called in her father’s authority to restrain her?—But + I acted for the best, she again reflected, and who could have expected + such a growth of evil, from one grain of human leaven, in a disposition so + kind, and candid, and generous? + </p> + <p> + As they sate down to the “exercise,” as it is called, a chair happened + accidentally to stand in the place which Effie usually occupied. David + Deans saw his daughter’s eyes swim in tears as they were directed towards + this object, and pushed it aside, with a gesture of some impatience, as if + desirous to destroy every memorial of earthly interest when about to + address the Deity. The portion of Scripture was read, the psalm was sung, + the prayer was made; and it was remarkable that, in discharging these + duties, the old man avoided all passages and expressions, of which + Scripture affords so many, that might be considered as applicable to his + own domestic misfortune. In doing so it was perhaps his intention to spare + the feelings of his daughter, as well as to maintain, in outward show at + least, that stoical appearance of patient endurance of all the evil which + earth could bring, which was in his opinion essential to the character of + one who rated all earthly things at their just estimate of nothingness. + When he had finished the duty of the evening, he came up to his daughter, + wished her good-night, and, having done so, continued to hold her by the + hands for half-a-minute; then drawing her towards him, kissed her + forehead, and ejaculated, “The God of Israel bless you, even with the + blessings of the promise, my dear bairn!” + </p> + <p> + It was not either in the nature or habits of David Deans to seem a fond + father; nor was he often observed to experience, or at least to evince, + that fulness of the heart which seeks to expand itself in tender + expressions or caresses even to those who were dearest to him. On the + contrary, he used to censure this as a degree of weakness in several of + his neighbours, and particularly in poor widow Butler. It followed, + however, from the rarity of such emotions in this self-denied and reserved + man, that his children attached to occasional marks of his affection and + approbation a degree of high interest and solemnity; well considering them + as evidences of feelings which were only expressed when they became too + intense for suppression or concealment. + </p> + <p> + With deep emotion, therefore, did he bestow, and his daughter receive, + this benediction and paternal caress. “And you, my dear father,” exclaimed + Jeanie, when the door had closed upon the venerable old man, “may you have + purchased and promised blessings multiplied upon you—upon <i>you,</i> + who walk in this world as though you were not of the world, and hold all + that it can give or take away but as the <i>midges</i> that the sun-blink + brings out, and the evening wind sweeps away!” + </p> + <p> + She now made preparation for her night-walk. Her father slept in another + part of the dwelling, and, regular in all his habits, seldom or never left + his apartment when he had betaken himself to it for the evening. It was + therefore easy for her to leave the house unobserved, so soon as the time + approached at which she was to keep her appointment. But the step she was + about to take had difficulties and terrors in her own eyes, though she had + no reason to apprehend her father’s interference. Her life had been spent + in the quiet, uniform, and regular seclusion of their peaceful and + monotonous household. The very hour which some damsels of the present day, + as well of her own as of higher degree, would consider as the natural + period of commencing an evening of pleasure, brought, in her opinion, awe + and solemnity in it; and the resolution she had taken had a strange, + daring, and adventurous character, to which she could hardly reconcile + herself when the moment approached for putting it into execution. Her + hands trembled as she snooded her fair hair beneath the riband, then the + only ornament or cover which young unmarried women wore on their head, and + as she adjusted the scarlet tartan screen or muffler made of plaid, which + the Scottish women wore, much in the fashion of the black silk veils still + a part of female dress in the Netherlands. A sense of impropriety as well + as of danger pressed upon her, as she lifted the latch of her paternal + mansion to leave it on so wild an expedition, and at so late an hour, + unprotected, and without the knowledge of her natural guardian. + </p> + <p> + When she found herself abroad and in the open fields, additional subjects + of apprehension crowded upon her. The dim cliffs and scattered rocks, + interspersed with greensward, through which she had to pass to the place + of appointment, as they glimmered before her in a clear autumn night, + recalled to her memory many a deed of violence, which, according to + tradition, had been done and suffered among them. In earlier days they had + been the haunt of robbers and assassins, the memory of whose crimes is + preserved in the various edicts which the council of the city, and even + the parliament of Scotland, had passed for dispersing their bands, and + ensuring safety to the lieges, so near the precincts of the city. The + names of these criminals, and, of their atrocities, were still remembered + in traditions of the scattered cottages and the neighbouring suburb. In + latter times, as we have already noticed, the sequestered and broken + character of the ground rendered it a fit theatre for duels and rencontres + among the fiery youth of the period. Two or three of these incidents, all + sanguinary, and one of them fatal in its termination, had happened since + Deans came to live at St. Leonard’s. His daughter’s recollections, + therefore, were of blood and horror as she pursued the small + scarce-tracked solitary path, every step of which conveyed her to a + greater distance from help, and deeper into the ominous seclusion of these + unhallowed precincts. + </p> + <p> + As the moon began to peer forth on the scene with a doubtful, flitting, + and solemn light, Jeanie’s apprehensions took another turn, too peculiar + to her rank and country to remain unnoticed. But to trace its origin will + require another chapter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER FOURTEENTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The spirit I have seen + May be the devil. And the devil has power + To assume a pleasing shape. + Hamlet. +</pre> + <p> + Witchcraft and demonology, as we have already had occasion to remark, were + at this period believed in by almost all ranks, but more especially among + the stricter classes of Presbyterians, whose government, when their party + were at the head of the state, had been much sullied by their eagerness to + inquire into and persecute these imaginary crimes. Now, in this point of + view, also, Saint Leonard’s Crags and the adjacent Chase were a dreaded + and ill-reputed district. Not only had witches held their meetings there, + but even of very late years the enthusiast or impostor, mentioned in the + <i>Pandaemonium</i> of Richard Bovet, Gentleman,* had, among the recesses + of these romantic cliffs, found his way into the hidden retreats where the + fairies revel in the bowels of the earth. + </p> + <p> + * Note I. The Fairy Boy of Leith. + </p> + <p> + With all these legends Jeanie Deans was too well acquainted to escape that + strong impression which they usually make on the imagination. Indeed, + relations of this ghostly kind had been familiar to her from her infancy, + for they were the only relief which her father’s conversation afforded + from controversial argument, or the gloomy history of the strivings and + testimonies, escapes, captures, tortures, and executions of those martyrs + of the Covenant, with whom it was his chiefest boast to say he had been + acquainted. In the recesses of mountains, in caverns, and in morasses, to + which these persecuted enthusiasts were so ruthlessly pursued, they + conceived they had often to contend with the visible assaults of the Enemy + of mankind, as in the cities, and in the cultivated fields, they were + exposed to those of the tyrannical government and their soldiery. Such + were the terrors which made one of their gifted seers exclaim, when his + companion returned to him, after having left him alone in a haunted cavern + in Sorn in Galloway, “It is hard living in this world-incarnate devils + above the earth, and devils under the earth! Satan has been here since ye + went away, but I have dismissed him by resistance; we will be no more + troubled with him this night.” David Deans believed this, and many other + such ghostly encounters and victories, on the faith of the Ansars, or + auxiliaries of the banished prophets. This event was beyond David’s + remembrance. But he used to tell with great awe, yet not without a feeling + of proud superiority to his auditors, how he himself had been present at a + field-meeting at Crochmade, when the duty of the day was interrupted by + the apparition of a tall black man, who, in the act of crossing a ford to + join the congregation, lost ground, and was carried down apparently by the + force of the stream. All were instantly at work to assist him, but with so + little success, that ten or twelve stout men, who had hold of the rope + which they had cast in to his aid, were rather in danger to be dragged + into the stream, and lose their own lives, than likely to save that of the + supposed perishing man. “But famous John Semple of Carspharn,” David Deans + used to say with exultation, “saw the whaup in the rape.—‘Quit the + rope,’ he cried to us (for I that was but a callant had a hand o’ the rape + mysell), ‘it is the Great Enemy! he will burn, but not drown; his design + is to disturb the good wark, by raising wonder and confusion in your + minds; to put off from your spirits all that ye hae heard and felt.’—Sae + we let go the rape,” said David, “and he went adown the water screeching + and bullering like a Bull of Bashan, as he’s ca’d in Scripture.” * + </p> + <p> + * Note J. Intercourse of the Covenanters with the invisible world. + </p> + <p> + Trained in these and similar legends, it was no wonder that Jeanie began + to feel an ill-defined apprehension, not merely of the phantoms which + might beset her way, but of the quality, nature, and purpose of the being + who had thus appointed her a meeting, at a place and hour of horror, and + at a time when her mind must be necessarily full of those tempting and + ensnaring thoughts of grief and despair, which were supposed to lay + sufferers particularly open to the temptations of the Evil One. If such an + idea had crossed even Butler’s well-informed mind, it was calculated to + make a much stronger impression upon hers. Yet firmly believing the + possibility of an encounter so terrible to flesh and blood, Jeanie, with a + degree of resolution of which we cannot sufficiently estimate the merit, + because the incredulity of the age has rendered us strangers to the nature + and extent of her feelings, persevered in her determination not to omit an + opportunity of doing something towards saving her sister, although, in the + attempt to avail herself of it, she might be exposed to dangers so + dreadful to her imagination. So, like Christiana in the Pilgrim’s + Progress, when traversing with a timid yet resolved step the terrors of + the Valley of the Shadow of Death, she glided on by rock and stone, “now + in glimmer and now in gloom,” as her path lay through moonlight or shadow, + and endeavoured to overpower the suggestions of fear, sometimes by fixing + her mind upon the distressed condition of her sister, and the duty she lay + under to afford her aid, should that be in her power; and more frequently + by recurring in mental prayer to the protection of that Being to whom + night is as noon-day. + </p> + <p> + Thus drowning at one time her fears by fixing her mind on a subject of + overpowering interest, and arguing them down at others by referring + herself to the protection of the Deity, she at length approached the place + assigned for this mysterious conference. + </p> + <p> + It was situated in the depth of the valley behind Salisbury Crags, which + has for a background the north-western shoulder of the mountain called + Arthur’s Seat, on whose descent still remain the ruins of what was once a + chapel, or hermitage, dedicated to St. Anthony the Eremite. A better site + for such a building could hardly have been selected; for the chapel, + situated among the rude and pathless cliffs, lies in a desert, even in the + immediate vicinity of a rich, populous, and tumultuous capital: and the + hum of the city might mingle with the orisons of the recluses, conveying + as little of worldly interest as if it had been the roar of the distant + ocean. Beneath the steep ascent on which these ruins are still visible, + was, and perhaps is still pointed out, the place where the wretch Nichol + Muschat, who has been already mentioned in these pages, had closed a long + scene of cruelty towards his unfortunate wife, by murdering her, with + circumstances of uncommon barbarity.* + </p> + <p> + * See Note G. Muschat’s Cairn. + </p> + <p> + The execration in which the man’s crime was held extended itself to the + place where it was perpetrated, which was marked by a small <i>cairn,</i> + or heap of stones, composed of those which each chance passenger had + thrown there in testimony of abhorrence, and on the principle, it would + seem, of the ancient British malediction, “May you have a cairn for your + burial-place!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="image-0011" id="image-0011"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/pa221.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="Muschat’s Cairn " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + As our heroine approached this ominous and unhallowed spot, she paused and + looked to the moon, now rising broad in the north-west, and shedding a + more distinct light than it had afforded during her walk thither. Eyeing + the planet for a moment, she then slowly and fearfully turned her head + towards the cairn, from which it was at first averted. She was at first + disappointed. Nothing was visible beside the little pile of stones, which + shone grey in the moonlight. A multitude of confused suggestions rushed on + her mind. Had her correspondent deceived her, and broken his appointment?—was + he too tardy at the appointment he had made?—or had some strange + turn of fate prevented him from appearing as he proposed?—or, if he + were an unearthly being, as her secret apprehensions suggested, was it his + object merely to delude her with false hopes, and put her to unnecessary + toil and terror, according to the nature, as she had heard, of those + wandering demons?—or did he purpose to blast her with the sudden + horrors of his presence when she had come close to the place of + rendezvous? These anxious reflections did not prevent her approaching to + the cairn with a pace that, though slow, was determined. + </p> + <p> + When she was within two yards of the heap of stones, a figure rose + suddenly up from behind it, and Jeanie scarce forbore to scream aloud at + what seemed the realisation of the most frightful of her anticipations. + She constrained herself to silence, however, and, making a dead pause, + suffered the figure to open the conversation, which he did, by asking, in + a voice which agitation rendered tremulous and hollow, “Are you the sister + of that ill-fated young woman?” + </p> + <p> + “I am—I am the sister of Effie Deans!” exclaimed Jeanie. “And as + ever you hope God will hear you at your need, tell me, if you can tell, + what can be done to save her!” + </p> + <p> + “I do <i>not</i> hope God will hear me at my need,” was the singular + answer. “I do not deserve—I do not expect he will.” This desperate + language he uttered in a tone calmer than that with which he had at first + spoken, probably because the shook of first addressing her was what he + felt most difficult to overcome. Jeanie remained mute with horror to hear + language expressed so utterly foreign to all which she had ever been + acquainted with, that it sounded in her ears rather like that of a fiend + than of a human being. The stranger pursued his address to her, without + seeming to notice her surprise. “You see before you a wretch, predestined + to evil here and hereafter.” + </p> + <p> + “For the sake of Heaven, that hears and sees us,” said Jeanie, “dinna + speak in this desperate fashion! The gospel is sent to the chief of + sinners—to the most miserable among the miserable.” + </p> + <p> + “Then should I have my own share therein,” said the stranger, “if you call + it sinful to have been the destruction of the mother that bore me—of + the friend that loved me—of the woman that trusted me—of the + innocent child that was born to me. If to have done all this is to be a + sinner, and survive it is to be miserable, then am I most guilty and most + miserable indeed.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you are the wicked cause of my sister’s ruin?” said Jeanie, with a + natural touch of indignation expressed in her tone of voice. + </p> + <p> + “Curse me for it, if you will,” said the stranger; “I have well deserved + it at your hand.” + </p> + <p> + “It is fitter for me,” said Jeanie, “to pray to God to forgive you.” + </p> + <p> + “Do as you will, how you will, or what you will,” he replied, with + vehemence; “only promise to obey my directions, and save your sister’s + life.” + </p> + <p> + “I must first know,” said Jeanie, “the means you would have me use in her + behalf.” + </p> + <p> + “No!—you must first swear—solemnly swear, that you will employ + them when I make them known to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely, it is needless to swear that I will do all that is lawful to a + Christian to save the life of my sister?” + </p> + <p> + “I will have no reservation!” thundered the stranger; “lawful or unlawful, + Christian or heathen, you shall swear to do my hest, and act by my + counsel, or—you little know whose wrath you provoke!” + </p> + <p> + “I will think on what you have said,” said Jeanie, who began to get much + alarmed at the frantic vehemence of his manner, and disputed in her own + mind, whether she spoke to a maniac, or an apostate spirit incarnate—“I + will think on what you say, and let you ken to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow!” exclaimed the man with a laugh of scorn—“And where will + I be to-morrow?—or, where will you be to-night, unless you swear to + walk by my counsel?—there was one accursed deed done at this spot + before now; and there shall be another to match it, unless you yield up to + my guidance body and soul.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, he offered a pistol at the unfortunate young woman. She + neither fled nor fainted, but sunk on her knees, and asked him to spare + her life. + </p> + <p> + “Is that all you have to say?” said the unmoved ruffian. + </p> + <p> + “Do not dip your hands in the blood of a defenceless creature that has + trusted to you,” said Jeanie, still on her knees. + </p> + <p> + “Is that all you can say for your life?—Have you no promise to give?—Will + you destroy your sister, and compel me to shed more blood?” + </p> + <p> + “I can promise nothing,” said Jeanie, “which is unlawful for a Christian.” + </p> + <p> + He cocked the weapon, and held it towards her. + </p> + <p> + “May God forgive you!” she said, pressing her hands forcibly against her + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “D—n!” muttered the man; and, turning aside from her, he uncocked + the pistol, and replaced it in his pocket—“I am a villain,” he said, + “steeped in guilt and wretchedness, but not wicked enough to do you any + harm! I only wished to terrify you into my measures—She hears me not—she + is gone!—Great God! what a wretch am I become!” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, she recovered herself from an agony which partook of the + bitterness of death; and, in a minute or two, through the strong exertion + of her natural sense and courage, collected herself sufficiently to + understand he intended her no personal injury. + </p> + <p> + “No!” he repeated; “I would not add to the murder of your sister, and of + her child, that of any one belonging to her!—Mad, frantic, as I am, + and unrestrained by either fear or mercy, given up to the possession of an + evil being, and forsaken by all that is good, I would not hurt you, were + the world offered me for a bribe! But, for the sake of all that is dear to + you, swear you will follow my counsel. Take this weapon, shoot me through + the head, and with your own hand revenge your sister’s wrong, only follow + the course—the only course, by which her life can be saved.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! is she innocent or guilty?” + </p> + <p> + “She is guiltless—guiltless of every thing, but of having trusted a + villain!—Yet, had it not been for those that were worse than I am—yes, + worse than I am, though I am bad indeed—this misery had not + befallen.” + </p> + <p> + “And my sister’s child—does it live?” said Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “No; it was murdered—the new-born infant was barbarously murdered,” + he uttered in a low, yet stern and sustained voice.—“but,” he added + hastily, “not by her knowledge or consent.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, why cannot the guilty be brought to justice, and the innocent + freed?” + </p> + <p> + “Torment me not with questions which can serve no purpose,” he sternly + replied—“The deed was done by those who are far enough from pursuit, + and safe enough from discovery!—No one can save Effie but yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Woe’s me! how is it in my power?” asked Jeanie, in despondency. + </p> + <p> + “Hearken to me!—You have sense—you can apprehend my meaning—I + will trust you. Your sister is innocent of the crime charged against her—” + </p> + <p> + “Thank God for that!” said Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “Be still and hearken!—The person who assisted her in her illness + murdered the child; but it was without the mother’s knowledge or consent—She + is therefore guiltless, as guiltless as the unhappy innocent, that but + gasped a few minutes in this unhappy world—the better was its hap, + to be so soon at rest. She is innocent as that infant, and yet she must + die—it is impossible to clear her of the law!” + </p> + <p> + “Cannot the wretches be discovered, and given up to punishment?” said + Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think you will persuade those who are hardened in guilt to die to + save another?—Is that the reed you would lean to?” + </p> + <p> + “But you said there was a remedy,” again gasped out the terrified young + woman. + </p> + <p> + “There is,” answered the stranger, “and it is in your own hands. The blow + which the law aims cannot be broken by directly encountering it, but it + may be turned aside. You saw your sister during the period preceding the + birth of her child—what is so natural as that she should have + mentioned her condition to you? The doing so would, as their cant goes, + take the case from under the statute, for it removes the quality of + concealment. I know their jargon, and have had sad cause to know it; and + the quality of concealment is essential to this statutory offence.* + </p> + <p> + * Note K. Child Murder. + </p> + <p> + Nothing is so natural as that Effie should have mentioned her condition to + you—think—reflect—I am positive that she did.” + </p> + <p> + “Woe’s me!” said Jeanie, “she never spoke to me on the subject, but grat + sorely when I spoke to her about her altered looks, and the change on her + spirits.” + </p> + <p> + “You asked her questions on the subject?” he said eagerly. “You <i>must</i> + remember her answer was, a confession that she had been ruined by a + villain—yes, lay a strong emphasis on that—a cruel false + villain call it—any other name is unnecessary; and that she bore + under her bosom the consequences of his guilt and her folly; and that he + had assured her he would provide safely for her approaching illness.—Well + he kept his word!” These last words he spoke as if it were to himself, and + with a violent gesture of self-accusation, and then calmly proceeded, “You + will remember all this?—That is all that is necessary to be said.” + </p> + <p> + “But I cannot remember,” answered Jeanie, with simplicity, “that which + Effie never told me.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you so dull—so very dull of apprehension?” he exclaimed, + suddenly grasping her arm, and holding it firm in his hand. “I tell you” + (speaking between his teeth, and under his breath, but with great energy), + “you <i>must</i> remember that she told you all this, whether she ever + said a syllable of it or no. You must repeat this tale, in which there is + no falsehood, except in so far as it was not told to you, before these + Justices—Justiciary—whatever they call their bloodthirsty + court, and save your sister from being murdered, and them from becoming + murderers. Do not hesitate—I pledge life and salvation, that in + saying what I have said, you will only speak the simple truth.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” replied Jeanie, whose judgment was too accurate not to see the + sophistry of this argument, “I shall be man-sworn in the very thing in + which my testimony is wanted, for it is the concealment for which poor + Effie is blamed, and you would make me tell a falsehood anent it.” + </p> + <p> + “I see,” he said, “my first suspicions of you were right, and that you + will let your sister, innocent, fair, and guiltless, except in trusting a + villain, die the death of a murderess, rather than bestow the breath of + your mouth and the sound of your voice to save her.” + </p> + <p> + “I wad ware the best blood in my body to keep her skaithless,” said + Jeanie, weeping in bitter agony, “but I canna change right into wrang, or + make that true which is false.” + </p> + <p> + “Foolish, hardhearted girl,” said the stranger, “are you afraid of what + they may do to you? I tell you, even the retainers of the law, who course + life as greyhounds do hares, will rejoice at the escape of a creature so + young—so beautiful, that they will not suspect your tale; that, if + they did suspect it, they would consider you as deserving, not only of + forgiveness, but of praise for your natural affection.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not man I fear,” said Jeanie, looking upward; “the God, whose name + I must call on to witness the truth of what I say, he will know the + falsehood.” + </p> + <p> + “And he will know the motive,” said the stranger, eagerly; “he will know + that you are doing this—not for lucre of gain, but to save the life + of the innocent, and prevent the commission of a worse crime than that + which the law seeks to avenge.” + </p> + <p> + “He has given us a law,” said Jeanie, “for the lamp of our path; if we + stray from it we err against knowledge—I may not do evil, even that + good may come out of it. But you—you that ken all this to be true, + which I must take on your word—you that, if I understood what you + said e’en now, promised her shelter and protection in her travail, why do + not <i>you</i> step forward, and bear leal and soothfast evidence in her + behalf, as ye may with a clear conscience?” + </p> + <p> + “To whom do you talk of a clear conscience, woman?” said he, with a sudden + fierceness which renewed her terrors,—“to <i>me?</i>—I have + not known one for many a year. Bear witness in her behalf?—a proper + witness, that even to speak these few words to a woman of so little + consequence as yourself, must choose such an hour and such a place as + this. When you see owls and bats fly abroad, like larks, in the sunshine, + you may expect to see such as I am in the assemblies of men.—Hush—listen + to that.” + </p> + <p> + A voice was heard to sing one of those wild and monotonous strains so + common in Scotland, and to which the natives of that country chant their + old ballads. The sound ceased—then came nearer, and was renewed; the + stranger listened attentively, still holding Jeanie by the arm (as she + stood by him in motionless terror), as if to prevent her interrupting the + strain by speaking or stirring. When the sounds were renewed, the words + were distinctly audible: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “When the glede’s in the blue cloud, + The lavrock lies still; + When the hound’s in’ the green-wood, + The hind keeps the hill.” + </pre> + <p> + The person who sung kept a strained and powerful voice at its highest + pitch, so that it could be heard at a very considerable distance. As the + song ceased, they might hear a stifled sound, as of steps and whispers of + persons approaching them. The song was again raised, but the tune was + changed: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “O sleep ye sound, Sir James, she said, + When ye suld rise and ride; + There’s twenty men, wi’ bow and blade, + Are seeking where ye hide.” + </pre> + <p> + “I dare stay no longer,” said the stranger; “return home, or remain till + they come up—you have nothing to fear—but do not tell you saw + me—your sister’s fate is in your hands.” So saying, he turned from + her, and with a swift, yet cautiously noiseless step, plunged into the + darkness on the side most remote from the sounds which they heard + approaching, and was soon lost to her sight. Jeanie remained by the cairn + terrified beyond expression, and uncertain whether she ought to fly + homeward with all the speed she could exert, or wait the approach of those + who were advancing towards her. This uncertainty detained her so long, + that she now distinctly saw two or three figures already so near to her, + that a precipitate flight would have been equally fruitless and impolitic. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER FIFTEENTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + She speaks things in doubt, + That carry but half sense: her speech is nothing, + Yet the unshaped use of it doth move + The hearers to collection; they aim at it, + And botch the words up to fit their own thoughts. + Hamlet. +</pre> + <p> + Like the digressive poet Ariosto, I find myself under the necessity of + connecting the branches of my story, by taking up the adventures of + another of the characters, and bringing them down to the point at which we + have left those of Jeanie Deans. It is not, perhaps, the most artificial + way of telling a story, but it has the advantage of sparing the necessity + of resuming what a knitter (if stocking-looms have left such a person in + the land) might call our “dropped stitches;” a labour in which the author + generally toils much, without getting credit for his pains. + </p> + <p> + “I could risk a sma’ wad,” said the clerk to the magistrate, “that this + rascal Ratcliffe, if he were insured of his neck’s safety, could do more + than ony ten of our police-people and constables to help us to get out of + this scrape of Porteous’s. He is weel acquent wi’ a’ the smugglers, + thieves, and banditti about Edinburgh; and, indeed, he may be called the + father of a’ the misdoers in Scotland, for he has passed amang them for + these twenty years by the name of Daddie Rat.” + </p> + <p> + “A bonny sort of a scoundrel,” replied the magistrate, “to expect a place + under the city!” + </p> + <p> + “Begging your honour’s pardon,” said the city’s procurator-fiscal, upon + whom the duties of superintendent of police devolved, “Mr. Fairscrieve is + perfectly in the right. It is just sic as Ratcliffe that the town needs in + my department; an’ if sae be that he’s disposed to turn his knowledge to + the city service, yell no find a better man.—Ye’ll get nae saints to + be searchers for uncustomed goods, or for thieves and sic like;—and + your decent sort of men, religious professors, and broken tradesmen, that + are put into the like o’ sic trust, can do nae gude ava. They are feared + for this, and they are scrupulous about that, and they arena free to tell + a lie, though it may be for the benefit of the city; and they dinna like + to be out at irregular hours, and in a dark cauld night, and they like a + clout ower the crown far waur; and sae between the fear o’ God, and the + fear o’ man, and the fear o’ getting a sair throat, or sair banes, there’s + a dozen o’ our city-folk, baith waiters, and officers, and constables, + that can find out naething but a wee bit skulduddery for the benefit of + the Kirk treasurer. Jock Porteous, that’s stiff and stark, puir fallow, + was worth a dozen o’ them; for he never had ony fears, or scruples, or + doubts, or conscience, about onything your honours bade him.” + </p> + <p> + “He was a gude servant o’ the town,” said the Bailie, “though he was an + ower free-living man. But if you really think this rascal Ratcliffe could + do us ony service in discovering these malefactors, I would insure him + life, reward, and promotion. It’s an awsome thing this mischance for the + city, Mr. Fairscrieve. It will be very ill taen wi’ abune stairs. Queen + Caroline, God bless her! is a woman—at least I judge sae, and it’s + nae treason to speak my mind sae far—and ye maybe ken as weel as I + do, for ye hae a housekeeper, though ye arena a married man, that women + are wilfu’, and downa bide a slight. And it will sound ill in her ears, + that sic a confused mistake suld come to pass, and naebody sae muckle as + to be put into the Tolbooth about it.” + </p> + <p> + “If ye thought that, sir,” said the procurator-fiscal, “we could easily + clap into the prison a few blackguards upon suspicion. It will have a gude + active look, and I hae aye plenty on my list, that wadna be a hair the + waur of a week or twa’s imprisonment; and if ye thought it no strictly + just, ye could be just the easier wi’ them the neist time they did + onything to deserve it; they arena the sort to be lang o’ gieing ye an + opportunity to clear scores wi’ them on that account.” + </p> + <p> + “I doubt that will hardly do in this case, Mr. Sharpitlaw,” returned the + town-clerk; “they’ll run their letters,* and be adrift again, before ye + ken where ye are.” + </p> + <p> + * A Scottish form of procedure, answering, in some respects, to the + English Habeas Corpus. + </p> + <p> + “I will speak to the Lord Provost,” said the magistrate, “about + Ratcliffe’s business. Mr. Sharpitlaw, you will go with me, and receive + instructions—something may be made too out of this story of Butler’s + and his unknown gentleman—I know no business any man has to swagger + about in the King’s Park, and call himself the devil, to the terror of + honest folks, who dinna care to hear mair about the devil than is said + from the pulpit on the Sabbath. I cannot think the preacher himsell wad be + heading the mob, though the time has been, they hae been as forward in a + bruilzie as their neighbours.” + </p> + <p> + “But these times are lang by,” said Mr. Sharpitlaw. “In my father’s time, + there was mair search for silenced ministers about the Bow-head and the + Covenant Close, and all the tents of Kedar, as they ca’d the dwellings o’ + the godly in those days, than there’s now for thieves and vagabonds in the + Laigh Calton and the back o’ the Canongate. But that time’s weel by, an it + bide. And if the Bailie will get me directions and authority from the + Provost, I’ll speak wi’ Daddie Rat mysell; for I’m thinking I’ll make mair + out o’ him than ye’ll do.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Sharpitlaw, being necessarily a man of high trust, was accordingly + empowered, in the course of the day, to make such arrangements as might + seem in the emergency most advantageous for the Good Town. He went to the + jail accordingly, and saw Ratcliffe in private. + </p> + <p> + The relative positions of a police-officer and a professed thief bear a + different complexion, according to circumstances. The most obvious simile + of a hawk pouncing upon his prey is often least applicable. Sometimes the + guardian of justice has the air of a cat watching a mouse, and, while he + suspends his purpose of springing upon the pilferer, takes care so to + calculate his motions that he shall not get beyond his power. Sometimes, + more passive still, he uses the art of fascination ascribed to the + rattlesnake, and contents himself with glaring on the victim, through all + his devious flutterings; certain that his terror, confusion, and disorder + of ideas, will bring him into his jaws at last. The interview between + Ratcliffe and Sharpitlaw had an aspect different from all these. They sat + for five minutes silent, on opposite sides of a small table, and looked + fixedly at each other, with a sharp, knowing, and alert cast of + countenance, not unmingled with an inclination to laugh, and resembled + more than anything else, two dogs, who, preparing for a game at romps, are + seen to couch down, and remain in that posture for a little time, watching + each other’s movements, and waiting which shall begin the game. + </p> + <p> + “So, Mr. Ratcliffe,” said the officer, conceiving it suited his dignity to + speak first, “you give up business, I find?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” replied Ratcliffe; “I shall be on that lay nae mair—and + I think that will save your folk some trouble, Mr. Sharpitlaw?” + </p> + <p> + “Which Jock Daigleish” (then finisher of the law* in the Scottish + metropolis) “wad save them as easily,” returned the procurator-fiscal. + </p> + <p> + * [Among the flying leaves of the period, there is one called + “Sutherland’s Lament for the loss of his post,—with his advice, to + John Daglees his successor.” He was whipped and banished 25th July 1722. + There is another, called the Speech and dying words of John Dalgleish, + lockman <i>alias</i> hangman of Edinburgh, containing these lines:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Death, I’ve a Favour for to beg, + That ye wad only gie a Fleg, + And spare my Life; + As I did to ill-hanged Megg, + The Webster’s Wife.”] +</pre> + <p> + “Ay; if I waited in the Tolbooth here to have him fit my cravat—but + that’s an idle way o’ speaking, Mr. Sharpitlaw.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I suppose you know you are under sentence of death, Mr. Ratcliffe?” + replied Mr. Sharpitlaw. + </p> + <p> + “Aye, so are a’, as that worthy minister said in the Tolbooth Kirk the day + Robertson wan off; but naebody kens when it will be executed. Gude faith, + he had better reason to say sae than he dreamed off, before the play was + played out that morning!” + </p> + <p> + “This Robertson,” said Sharpitlaw, in a lower and something like a + confidential tone, “d’ye ken, Rat—that is, can ye gie us ony inkling + where he is to be heard tell o’?” + </p> + <p> + “Troth, Mr. Sharpitlaw, I’ll be frank wi’ ye; Robertson is rather a cut + abune me—a wild deevil he was, and mony a daft prank he played; but + except the Collector’s job that Wilson led him into, and some tuilzies + about run goods wi’ the gaugers and the waiters, he never did onything + that came near our line o’ business.” + </p> + <p> + “Umph! that’s singular, considering the company he kept.” + </p> + <p> + “Fact, upon my honour and credit,” said Ratcliffe, gravely. “He keepit out + o’ our little bits of affairs, and that’s mair than Wilson did; I hae dune + business wi’ Wilson afore now. But the lad will come on in time; there’s + nae fear o’ him; naebody will live the life he has led, but what he’ll + come to sooner or later.” + </p> + <p> + “Who or what is he, Ratcliffe? you know, I suppose?” said Sharpitlaw. + </p> + <p> + “He’s better born, I judge, than he cares to let on; he’s been a soldier, + and he has been a play-actor, and I watna what he has been or hasna been, + for as young as he is, sae that it had daffing and nonsense about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Pretty pranks he has played in his time, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “Ye may say that,” said Ratcliffe, with a sardonic smile; “and” (touching + his nose) “a deevil amang the lasses.” + </p> + <p> + “Like enough,” said Sharpitlaw. “Weel, Ratcliffe, I’ll no stand niffering + wi’ ye; ye ken the way that favour’s gotten in my office; ye maun be + usefu’.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, sir, to the best of my power—naething for naething—I + ken the rule of the office,” said the ex-depredator. + </p> + <p> + “Now the principal thing in hand e’en now,” said the official person, “is + the job of Porteous’s; an ye can gie us a lift—why, the inner + turnkey’s office to begin wi’, and the captainship in time—ye + understand my meaning?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, troth do I, sir; a wink’s as gude as a nod to a blind horse; but Jock + Porteous’s job—Lord help ye!—I was under sentence the haill + time. God! but I couldna help laughing when I heard Jock skirting for + mercy in the lads’ hands. Mony a het skin ye hae gien me, neighbour, + thought I, tak ye what’s gaun: time about’s fair play; ye’ll ken now what + hanging’s gude for.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, this is all nonsense, Rat,” said the procurator. “Ye canna + creep out at that hole, lad; you must speak to the point—you + understand me—if you want favour; gif-gaf makes gude friends, ye + ken.” + </p> + <p> + “But how can I speak to the point, as your honour ca’s it,” said + Ratcliffe, demurely, and with an air of great simplicity, “when ye ken I + was under sentence and in the strong room a’ the while the job was going + on?” + </p> + <p> + “And how can we turn ye loose on the public again, Daddie Rat, unless ye + do or say something to deserve it?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, d—n it!” answered the criminal, “since it maun be sae, + I saw Geordie Robertson among the boys that brake the jail; I suppose that + will do me some gude?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s speaking to the purpose, indeed,” said the office-bearer; “and + now, Rat, where think ye we’ll find him?” + </p> + <p> + “Deil haet o’ me kens,” said Ratcliffe; “he’ll no likely gang back to ony + o’ his auld howffs; he’ll be off the country by this time. He has gude + friends some gate or other, for a’ the life he’s led; he’s been weel + educate.” + </p> + <p> + “He’ll grace the gallows the better,” said Mr. Sharpitlaw; “a desperate + dog, to murder an officer of the city for doing his duty! Wha kens wha’s + turn it might be next?—But you saw him plainly?” + </p> + <p> + “As plainly as I see you.” + </p> + <p> + “How was he dressed?” said Sharpitlaw. + </p> + <p> + “I couldna weel see; something of a woman’s bit mutch on his head; but ye + never saw sic a ca’-throw. Ane couldna hae een to a’ thing.” + </p> + <p> + “But did he speak to no one?” said Sharpitlaw. + </p> + <p> + “They were a’ speaking and gabbling through other,” said Ratcliffe, who + was obviously unwilling to carry his evidence farther than he could + possibly help. + </p> + <p> + “This will not do, Ratcliffe,” said the procurator; “you must speak <i>out—out—out,</i>” + tapping the table emphatically, as he repeated that impressive + monosyllable. + </p> + <p> + “It’s very hard, sir,” said the prisoner; “and but for the under-turnkey’s + place—” + </p> + <p> + “And the reversion of the captaincy—the captaincy of the Tolbooth, + man—that is, in case of gude behaviour.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay,” said Ratcliffe, “gude behaviour!—there’s the deevil. And + then it’s waiting for dead folk’s shoon into the bargain.” + </p> + <p> + “But Robertson’s head will weigh something,” said Sharpitlaw; “something + gey and heavy, Rat; the town maun show cause—that’s right and reason—and + then ye’ll hae freedom to enjoy your gear honestly.” + </p> + <p> + “I dinna ken,” said Ratcliffe; “it’s a queer way of beginning the trade of + honesty—but deil ma care. Weel, then, I heard and saw him speak to + the wench Effie Deans, that’s up there for child-murder.” + </p> + <p> + “The deil ye did? Rat, this is finding a mare’s nest wi’ a witness.—And + the man that spoke to Butler in the Park, and that was to meet wi’ Jeanie + Deans at Muschat’s Cairn—whew! lay that and that together? As sure + as I live he’s been the father of the lassie’s wean.” + </p> + <p> + “There hae been waur guesses than that, I’m thinking,” observed Ratcliffe, + turning his quid of tobacco in his cheek, and squirting out the juice. “I + heard something a while syne about his drawing up wi’ a bonny quean about + the Pleasaunts, and that it was a’ Wilson could do to keep him frae + marrying her.” + </p> + <p> + Here a city officer entered, and told Sharpitlaw that they had the woman + in custody whom he had directed them to bring before him. + </p> + <p> + “It’s little matter now,” said he, “the thing is taking another turn; + however, George, ye may bring her in.” + </p> + <p> + The officer retired, and introduced, upon his return, a tall, strapping + wench of eighteen or twenty, dressed, fantastically, in a sort of blue + riding-jacket, with tarnished lace, her hair clubbed like that of a man, a + Highland bonnet, and a bunch of broken feathers, a riding-skirt (or + petticoat) of scarlet camlet, embroidered with tarnished flowers. Her + features were coarse and masculine, yet at a little distance, by dint of + very bright wild-looking black eyes, an aquiline nose, and a commanding + profile, appeared rather handsome. She flourished the switch she held in + her hand, dropped a courtesy as low as a lady at a birth-night + introduction, recovered herself seemingly according to Touchstone’s + directions to Audrey, and opened the conversation without waiting till any + questions were asked. + </p> + <p> + “God gie your honour gude-e’en, and mony o’ them, bonny Mr. Sharpitlaw!—Gude-e’en + to ye, Daddie Ratton—they tauld me ye were hanged, man; or did ye + get out o’ John Dalgleish’s hands like half-hangit Maggie Dickson?” + </p> + <p> + “Whisht, ye daft jaud,” said Ratcliffe, “and hear what’s said to ye.” + </p> + <p> + “Wi’ a’ my heart, Ratton. Great preferment for poor Madge to be brought up + the street wi’ a grand man, wi’ a coat a’ passemented wi’ worset-lace, to + speak wi’ provosts, and bailies, and town-clerks, and prokitors, at this + time o’ day—and the haill town looking at me too—This is + honour on earth for ance!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Madge,” said Mr. Sharpitlaw, in a coaxing tone; “and ye’re dressed + out in your braws, I see; these are not your every-days’ claiths ye have + on.” + </p> + <p> + “Deil be in my fingers, then!” said Madge—“Eh, sirs!” (observing + Butler come into the apartment), “there’s a minister in the Tolbooth—wha + will ca’ it a graceless place now?—I’se warrant he’s in for the gude + auld cause—but it’s be nae cause o’ mine,” and off she went into a + song— + </p> + <p> + “Hey for cavaliers, ho for cavaliers, Dub a dub, dub a dub, Have at old + Beelzebub,— Oliver’s squeaking for fear.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you ever see that mad woman before?” said Sharpitlaw to Butler. + </p> + <p> + “Not to my knowledge, sir,” replied Butler. + </p> + <p> + “I thought as much,” said the procurator-fiscal, looking towards + Ratcliffe, who answered his glance with a nod of acquiescence and + intelligence.— + </p> + <p> + “But that is Madge Wildfire, as she calls herself,” said the man of law to + Butler. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, that I am,” said Madge, “and that I have been ever since I was + something better—Heigh ho”—(and something like melancholy + dwelt on her features for a minute)—“But I canna mind when that was—it + was lang syne, at ony rate, and I’ll ne’er fash my thumb about it.— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I glance like the wildfire through country and town; + I’m seen on the causeway—I’m seen on the down; + The lightning that flashes so bright and so free, + Is scarcely so blithe or so bonny as me.” + </pre> + <p> + “Hand your tongue, ye skirling limmer!” said the officer who had acted as + master of the ceremonies to this extraordinary performer, and who was + rather scandalised at the freedom of her demeanour before a person of Mr. + Sharpitlaw’s importance—“haud your tongue, or I’se gie ye something + to skirl for!” + </p> + <p> + “Let her alone, George,” said Sharpitlaw, “dinna put her out o’ tune; I + hae some questions to ask her—But first, Mr. Butler, take another + look of her.” + </p> + <p> + “Do sae, minister—do sae,” cried Madge; “I am as weel worth looking + at as ony book in your aught.—And I can say the single carritch, and + the double carritch, and justification, and effectual calling, and the + assembly of divines at Westminster, that is” (she added in a low tone), “I + could say them ance—but it’s lang syne—and ane forgets, ye + ken.” And poor Madge heaved another deep sigh. + </p> + <p> + “Weel, sir,” said Mr. Sharpitlaw to Butler, “what think ye now?” + </p> + <p> + “As I did before,” said Butler; “that I never saw the poor demented + creature in my life before.” + </p> + <p> + “Then she is not the person whom you said the rioters last night described + as Madge Wildfire?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” said Butler. “They may be near the same height, for they + are both tall, but I see little other resemblance.” + </p> + <p> + “Their dress, then, is not alike?” said Sharpitlaw. + </p> + <p> + “Not in the least,” said Butler. + </p> + <p> + “Madge, my bonny woman,” said Sharpitlaw, in the same coaxing manner, + “what did ye do wi’ your ilka-day’s claise yesterday?” + </p> + <p> + “I dinna mind,” said Madge. + </p> + <p> + “Where was ye yesterday at e’en, Madge?” + </p> + <p> + “I dinna mind ony thing about yesterday,” answered Madge; “ae day is + eneugh for ony body to wun ower wi’ at a time, and ower muckle sometimes.” + </p> + <p> + “But maybe, Madge, ye wad mind something about it, if I was to gie ye this + half-crown?” said Sharpitlaw, taking out the piece of money. + </p> + <p> + “That might gar me laugh, but it couldna gar me mind.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Madge,” continued Sharpitlaw, “were I to send you to the workhouse + in Leith Wynd, and gar Jock Daigleish lay the tawse on your back—” + </p> + <p> + “That wad gar me greet,” said Madge, sobbing, “but it couldna gar me mind, + ye ken.” + </p> + <p> + “She is ower far past reasonable folks’ motives, sir,” said Ratcliffe, “to + mind siller, or John Daigleish, or the cat-and-nine-tails either; but I + think I could gar her tell us something.” + </p> + <p> + “Try her, then, Ratcliffe,” said Sharpitlaw, “for I am tired of her crazy + pate, and be d—d to her.” + </p> + <p> + “Madge,” said Ratcliffe, “hae ye ony joes now?” + </p> + <p> + “An ony body ask ye, say ye dinna ken.—Set him to be speaking of my + joes, auld Daddie Ratton!” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say, ye hae deil ane?” + </p> + <p> + “See if I haena then,” said Madge, with the toss of the head of affronted + beauty—“there’s Rob the Ranter, and Will Fleming, and then there’s + Geordie Robertson, lad—that’s Gentleman Geordie—what think ye + o’ that?” + </p> + <p> + Ratcliffe laughed, and, winking to the procurator-fiscal, pursued the + inquiry in his own way. “But, Madge, the lads only like ye when ye hae on + your braws—they wadna touch you wi’ a pair o’ tangs when you are in + your auld ilka-day rags.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye’re a leeing auld sorrow then,” replied the fair one; “for Gentle + Geordie Robertson put my ilka-day’s claise on his ain bonny sell yestreen, + and gaed a’ through the town wi’ them; and gawsie and grand he lookit, + like ony queen in the land.” + </p> + <p> + “I dinna believe a word o’t,” said Ratcliffe, with another wink to the + procurator. “Thae duds were a’ o’ the colour o’ moonshine in the water, + I’m thinking, Madge—The gown wad be a sky-blue scarlet, I’se warrant + ye?” + </p> + <p> + “It was nae sic thing,” said Madge, whose unretentive memory let out, in + the eagerness of contradiction, all that she would have most wished to + keep concealed, had her judgment been equal to her inclination. “It was + neither scarlet nor sky-blue, but my ain auld brown threshie-coat of a + short-gown, and my mother’s auld mutch, and my red rokelay—and he + gied me a croun and a kiss for the use o’ them, blessing on his bonny face—though + it’s been a dear ane to me.” + </p> + <p> + “And where did he change his clothes again, hinnie?” said Sharpitlaw, in + his most conciliatory manner. + </p> + <p> + “The procurator’s spoiled a’,” observed Ratcliffe, drily. And it was even + so; for the question, put in so direct a shape, immediately awakened Madge + to the propriety of being reserved upon those very topics on which + Ratcliffe had indirectly seduced her to become communicative. + </p> + <p> + “What was’t ye were speering at us, sir?” she resumed, with an appearance + of stolidity so speedily assumed, as showed there was a good deal of + knavery mixed with her folly. + </p> + <p> + “I asked you,” said the procurator, “at what hour, and to what place, + Robertson brought back your clothes.” + </p> + <p> + “Robertson?—Lord hand a care o’ us! what Robertson?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, the fellow we were speaking of, Gentle Geordie, as you call him.” + </p> + <p> + “Geordie Gentle!” answered Madge, with well-feigned amazement—“I + dinna ken naebody they ca’ Geordie Gentle.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, my jo,” said Sharpitlaw, “this will not do; you must tell us what + you did with these clothes of yours.” + </p> + <p> + Madge Wildfire made no answer, unless the question may seem connected with + the snatch of a song with which she indulged the embarrassed investigator:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “What did ye wi’ the bridal ring—bridal ring—bridal ring? + What did ye wi’ your wedding ring, ye little cutty quean, O? + I gied it till a sodger, a sodger, a sodger, + I gied it till a sodger, an auld true love o’ mine, O.” + </pre> + <p> + Of all the madwomen who have sung and said, since the days of Hamlet the + Dane, if Ophelia be the most affecting, Madge Wildfire was the most + provoking. + </p> + <p> + The procurator-fiscal was in despair. “I’ll take some measures with this d—d + Bess of Bedlam,” said he, “that shall make her find her tongue.” + </p> + <p> + “Wi’ your favour, sir,” said Ratcliffe, “better let her mind settle a + little—Ye have aye made out something.” + </p> + <p> + “True,” said the official person; “a brown short-gown, mutch, red rokelay—that + agrees with your Madge Wildfire, Mr. Butler?” Butler agreed that it did + so. “Yes, there was a sufficient motive for taking this crazy creature’s + dress and name, while he was about such a job.” + </p> + <p> + “And I am free to say <i>now,</i>” said Ratcliffe + </p> + <p> + “When you see it has come out without you,” interrupted Sharpitlaw. + </p> + <p> + “Just sae, sir,” reiterated Ratcliffe. “I am free to say now, since it’s + come out otherwise, that these were the clothes I saw Robertson wearing + last night in the jail, when he was at the head of the rioters.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s direct evidence,” said Sharpitlaw; “stick to that, Rat—I + will report favourably of you to the provost, for I have business for you + to-night. It wears late; I must home and get a snack, and I’ll be back in + the evening. Keep Madge with you, Ratcliffe, and try to get her into a + good tune again.” So saying he left the prison. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER SIXTEENTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And some they whistled—and some they sang, + And some did loudly say, + Whenever Lord Barnard’s horn it blew, + “Away, Musgrave away!” + Ballad of Little Musgrave. +</pre> + <p> + When the man of office returned to the Heart of Mid-Lothian, he resumed + his conference with Ratcliffe, of whose experience and assistance he now + held himself secure. “You must speak with this wench, Rat—this Effie + Deans—you must sift her a wee bit; for as sure as a tether she will + ken Robertson’s haunts—till her, Rat—till her without delay.” + </p> + <p> + “Craving your pardon, Mr. Sharpitlaw,” said the turnkey elect, “that’s + what I am not free to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Free to do, man? what the deil ails ye now?—I thought we had + settled a’ that?” + </p> + <p> + “I dinna ken, sir,” said Ratcliffe; “I hae spoken to this Effie—she’s + strange to this place and to its ways, and to a’ our ways, Mr. Sharpitlaw; + and she greets, the silly tawpie, and she’s breaking her heart already + about this wild chield; and were she the mean’s o’ taking him, she wad + break it outright.” + </p> + <p> + “She wunna hae time, lad,” said Sharpitlaw; “the woodie will hae it’s ain + o’ her before that—a woman’s heart takes a lang time o’ breaking.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s according to the stuff they are made o’ sir,” replied Ratcliffe—“But + to make a lang tale short, I canna undertake the job. It gangs against my + conscience.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Your</i> conscience, Rat?” said Sharpitlaw, with a sneer, which the + reader will probably think very natural upon the occasion. + </p> + <p> + “Ou ay, sir,” answered Ratcliffe, calmly, “just my conscience; a’body has + a conscience, though it may be ill wunnin at it. I think mine’s as weel + out o’ the gate as maist folk’s are; and yet it’s just like the noop of my + elbow, it whiles gets a bit dirl on a corner.” + </p> + <p> + “Weel, Rat,” replied Sharpitlaw, “since ye are nice, I’ll speak to the + hussy mysell.” + </p> + <p> + Sharpitlaw, accordingly, caused himself to be introduced into the little + dark apartment tenanted by the unfortunate Effie Deans. The poor girl was + seated on her little flock-bed, plunged in a deep reverie. Some food stood + on the table, of a quality better than is usually supplied to prisoners, + but it was untouched. The person under whose care she was more + particularly placed, said, “that sometimes she tasted naething from the + tae end of the four-and-twenty hours to the t’other, except a drink of + water.” + </p> + <p> + Sharpitlaw took a chair, and, commanding the turnkey to retire, he opened + the conversation, endeavouring to throw into his tone and countenance as + much commiseration as they were capable of expressing, for the one was + sharp and harsh, the other sly, acute, and selfish. + </p> + <p> + “How’s a’ wi’ ye, Effie?—How d’ye find yoursell, hinny?” + </p> + <p> + A deep sigh was the only answer. + </p> + <p> + “Are the folk civil to ye, Effie?—it’s my duty to inquire.” + </p> + <p> + “Very civil, sir,” said Effie, compelling herself to answer, yet hardly + knowing what she said. + </p> + <p> + “And your victuals,” continued Sharpitlaw, in the same condoling tone,—“do + you get what you like?—or is there onything you would particularly + fancy, as your health seems but silly?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s a’ very weel, sir, I thank ye,” said the poor prisoner, in a tone + how different from the sportive vivacity of those of the Lily of St. + Leonard’s!—“it’s a’ very gude—ower gude for me.” + </p> + <p> + “He must have been a great villain, Effie, who brought you to this pass,” + said Sharpitlaw. + </p> + <p> + The remark was dictated partly by a natural feeling, of which even he + could not divest himself, though accustomed to practise on the passions of + others, and keep a most heedful guard over his own, and partly by his wish + to introduce the sort of conversation which might, best serve his + immediate purpose. Indeed, upon the present occasion, these mixed motives + of feeling and cunning harmonised together wonderfully; for, said + Sharpitlaw to himself, the greater rogue Robertson is, the more will be + the merit of bringing him to justice. “He must have been a great villain, + indeed,” he again reiterated; “and I wish I had the skelping o’ him.” + </p> + <p> + “I may blame mysell mair than him,” said Effie; “I was bred up to ken + better; but he, poor fellow,”—(she stopped). + </p> + <p> + “Was a thorough blackguard a’ his life, I dare say,” said Sharpitlaw. “A + stranger he was in this country, and a companion of that lawless vagabond, + Wilson, I think, Effie?” + </p> + <p> + “It wad hae been dearly telling him that he had ne’er seen Wilson’s face.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s very true that you are saying, Effie,” said Sharpitlaw. “Where + was’t that Robertson and you were used to howff thegither? Somegate about + the Laigh Calton, I am thinking.” + </p> + <p> + The simple and dispirited girl had thus far followed Mr. Sharpitlaw’s + lead, because he had artfully adjusted his observations to the thoughts he + was pretty certain must be passing through her own mind, so that her + answers became a kind of thinking aloud, a mood into which those who are + either constitutionally absent in mind, or are rendered so by the + temporary pressure of misfortune, may be easily led by a skilful train of + suggestions. But the last observation of the procurator-fiscal was too + much of the nature of a direct interrogatory, and it broke the charm + accordingly. + </p> + <p> + “What was it that I was saying?” said Effie, starting up from her + reclining posture, seating herself upright, and hastily shading her + dishevelled hair back from her wasted but still beautiful countenance. She + fixed her eyes boldly and keenly upon Sharpitlaw—“You are too much + of a gentleman, sir,—too much of an honest man, to take any notice + of what a poor creature like me says, that can hardly ca’ my senses my ain—God + help me!” + </p> + <p> + “Advantage!—I would be of some advantage to you if I could,” said + Sharpitlaw, in a soothing tone; “and I ken naething sae likely to serve + ye, Effie, as gripping this rascal, Robertson.” + </p> + <p> + “O dinna misca’ him, sir, that never misca’d you!—Robertson?—I + am sure I had naething to say against ony man o’ the name, and naething + will I say.” + </p> + <p> + “But if you do not heed your own misfortune, Effie, you should mind what + distress he has brought on your family,” said the man of law. + </p> + <p> + “O, Heaven help me!” exclaimed poor Effie—“My poor father—my + dear Jeanie—O, that’s sairest to bide of a’! O, sir, if you hae ony + kindness—if ye hae ony touch of compassion—for a’ the folk I + see here are as hard as the wa’-stanes—If ye wad but bid them let my + sister Jeanie in the next time she ca’s! for when I hear them put her awa + frae the door, and canna climb up to that high window to see sae muckle as + her gown-tail, it’s like to pit me out o’ my judgment.” And she looked on + him with a face of entreaty, so earnest, yet so humble, that she fairly + shook the steadfast purpose of his mind. + </p> + <p> + “You shall see your sister,” he began, “if you’ll tell me,”—then + interrupting himself, he added, in a more hurried tone,—“no, d—n + it, you shall see your sister whether you tell me anything or no.” So + saying, he rose up and left the apartment. + </p> + <p> + When he had rejoined Ratcliffe, he observed, “You are right, Ratton; + there’s no making much of that lassie. But ae thing I have cleared—that + is, that Robertson has been the father of the bairn, and so I will wager a + boddle it will be he that’s to meet wi’ Jeanie Deans this night at + Muschat’s Cairn, and there we’ll nail him, Rat, or my name is not Gideon + Sharpitlaw.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said Ratcliffe, perhaps because he was in no hurry to see anything + which was like to be connected with the discovery and apprehension of + Robertson, “an that were the case, Mr. Butler wad hae kend the man in the + King’s Park to be the same person wi’ him in Madge Wildfire’s claise, that + headed the mob.” + </p> + <p> + “That makes nae difference, man,” replied Sharpitlaw—“the dress, the + light, the confusion, and maybe a touch o’ a blackit cork, or a slake o’ + paint-hout, Ratton, I have seen ye dress your ainsell, that the deevil ye + belang to durstna hae made oath t’ye.” + </p> + <p> + “And that’s true, too,” said Ratcliffe. + </p> + <p> + “And besides, ye donnard carle,” continued Sharpitlaw, triumphantly, “the + minister <i>did</i> say that he thought he knew something of the features + of the birkie that spoke to him in the Park, though he could not charge + his memory where or when he had seen them.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s evident, then, your honour will be right,” said Ratcliffe. + </p> + <p> + “Then, Rat, you and I will go with the party oursells this night, and see + him in grips or we are done wi’ him.” + </p> + <p> + “I seena muckle use I can be o’ to your honour,” said Ratcliffe, + reluctantly. + </p> + <p> + “Use?” answered Sharpitlaw—“You can guide the party—you ken + the ground. Besides, I do not intend to quit sight o’ you, my good friend, + till I have him in hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Weel, sir,” said Ratcliffe, but in no joyful tone of acquiescence; “Ye + maun hae it your ain way—but mind he’s a desperate man.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall have that with us,” answered Sharpitlaw, “that will settle him, + if it is necessary.” + </p> + <p> + “But, sir,” answered Ratcliffe, “I am sure I couldna undertake to guide + you to Muschat’s Cairn in the night-time; I ken the place as mony does, in + fair day-light, but how to find it by moonshine, amang sae mony crags and + stanes, as like to each other as the collier to the deil, is mair than I + can tell. I might as soon seek moonshine in water.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s the meaning o’ this, Ratcliffe?” said Sharpitlaw, while he fixed + his eye on the recusant, with a fatal and ominous expression,—“Have + you forgotten that you are still under sentence of death?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” said Ratcliffe, “that’s a thing no easily put out o’ memory; + and if my presence be judged necessary, nae doubt I maun gang wi’ your + honour. But I was gaun to tell your honour of ane that has mair skeel o’ + the gate than me, and that’s e’en Madge Wildfire.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil she has!—Do you think me as mad as she, is, to trust to + her guidance on such an occasion?” + </p> + <p> + “Your honour is the best judge,” answered Ratcliffe; “but I ken I can keep + her in tune, and garr her haud the straight path—she often sleeps + out, or rambles about amang thae hills the haill simmer night, the daft + limmer.” + </p> + <p> + “Weel, Ratcliffe,” replied the procurator-fiscal, “if you think she can + guide us the right way—but take heed to what you are about—your + life depends on your behaviour.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s a sair judgment on a man,” said Ratcliffe, “when he has ance gane + sae far wrang as I hae done, that deil a bit he can be honest, try’t whilk + way he will.” + </p> + <p> + Such was the reflection of Ratcliffe, when he was left for a few minutes + to himself, while the retainer of justice went to procure a proper + warrant, and give the necessary directions. + </p> + <p> + The rising moon saw the whole party free from the walls of the city, and + entering upon the open ground. Arthur’s Seat, like a couchant lion of + immense size—Salisbury Crags, like a huge belt or girdle of granite, + were dimly visible. Holding their path along the southern side of the + Canongate, they gained the Abbey of Holyrood House, and from thence found + their way by step and stile into the King’s Park. They were at first four + in number—an officer of justice and Sharpitlaw, who were well armed + with pistols and cutlasses; Ratcliffe, who was not trusted with weapons, + lest, he might, peradventure, have used them on the wrong side; and the + female. But at the last stile, when they entered the Chase, they were + joined by other two officers, whom Sharpitlaw, desirous to secure + sufficient force for his purpose, and at the same time to avoid + observation, had directed to wait for him at this place. Ratcliffe saw + this accession of strength with some disquietude, for he had hitherto + thought it likely that Robertson, who was a bold, stout, and active young + fellow, might have made his escape from Sharpitlaw and the single officer, + by force or agility, without his being implicated in the matter. But the + present strength of the followers of justice was overpowering, and the + only mode of saving Robertson (which the old sinner was well disposed to + do, providing always he could accomplish his purpose without compromising + his own safety), must be by contriving that he should have some signal of + their approach. It was probably with this view that Ratcliffe had + requested the addition of Madge to the party, having considerable + confidence in her propensity to exert her lungs. Indeed, she had already + given them so many specimens of her clamorous loquacity, that Sharpitlaw + half determined to send her back with one of the officers, rather than + carry forward in his company a person so extremely ill qualified to be a + guide in a secret expedition. It seemed, too, as if the open air, the + approach to the hills, and the ascent of the moon, supposed to be so + portentous over those whose brain is infirm, made her spirits rise in a + degree tenfold more loquacious than she had hitherto exhibited. To silence + her by fair means seemed impossible; authoritative commands and coaxing + entreaties she set alike at defiance, and threats only made her sulky and + altogether intractable. + </p> + <p> + “Is there no one of you,” said Sharpitlaw, impatiently, “that knows the + way to this accursed place—this Nichol Muschat’s Cairn—excepting + this mad clavering idiot?” + </p> + <p> + “Deil ane o’ them kens it except mysell,” exclaimed Madge; “how suld they, + the puir fule cowards! But I hae sat on the grave frae batfleeing time + till cook-crow, and had mony a fine crack wi’ Muschat and Ailie Muschat, + that are lying sleeping below.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil take your crazy brain,” said Sharpitlaw; “will you not allow + the men to answer a question?” + </p> + <p> + The officers obtaining a moment’s audience while Ratcliffe diverted + Madge’s attention, declared that, though they had a general knowledge of + the spot, they could not undertake to guide the party to it by the + uncertain light of the moon, with such accuracy as to insure success to + their expedition. + </p> + <p> + “What shall we do, Ratcliffe?” said Sharpitlaw, “if he sees us before we + see him,—and that’s what he is certain to do, if we go strolling + about, without keeping the straight road,—we may bid gude day to the + job, and I would rather lose one hundred pounds, baith for the credit of + the police, and because the provost says somebody maun be hanged for this + job o’ Porteous, come o’t what likes.” + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said Ratcliffe, “we maun just try Madge; and I’ll see if I can + get her keepit in ony better order. And at ony rate, if he suld hear her + skirting her auld ends o’ sangs, he’s no to ken for that that there’s + onybody wi’ her.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s true,” said Sharpitlaw; “and if he thinks her alone, he’s as like + to come towards her as to rin frae her. So set forward—we hae lost + ower muckle time already—see to get her to keep the right road.” + </p> + <p> + “And what sort o’ house does Nichol Muschat and his wife keep now?” said + Ratcliffe to the mad woman, by way of humouring her vein of folly; “they + were but thrawn folk lang syne, an a’ tales be true.” + </p> + <p> + “Ou, ay, ay, ay—but a’s forgotten now,” replied Madge, in the + confidential tone of a gossip giving the history of her next-door + neighbour—“Ye see, I spoke to them mysell, and tauld them byganes + suld be byganes—her throat’s sair misguggled and mashackered though; + she wears her corpse-sheet drawn weel up to hide it, but that canna hinder + the bluid seiping through, ye ken. I wussed her to wash it in St. + Anthony’s Well, and that will cleanse if onything can—But they say + bluid never bleaches out o’ linen claith—Deacon Sanders’s new + cleansing draps winna do’t—I tried them mysell on a bit rag we hae + at hame that was mailed wi’ the bluid of a bit skirting wean that was hurt + some gate, but out it winna come—Weel, yell say that’s queer; but I + will bring it out to St. Anthony’s blessed Well some braw night just like + this, and I’ll cry up Ailie Muschat, and she and I will hae a grand + bouking-washing, and bleach our claes in the beams of the bonny Lady Moon, + that’s far pleasanter to me than the sun—the sun’s ower het, and ken + ye, cummers, my brains are het eneugh already. But the moon, and the dew, + and the night-wind, they are just like a caller kail-blade laid on my + brow; and whiles I think the moon just shines on purpose to pleasure me, + when naebody sees her but mysell.” + </p> + <p> + This raving discourse she continued with prodigious volubility, walking on + at a great pace, and dragging Ratcliffe along with her, while he + endeavoured, in appearance at least, if not in reality, to induce her to + moderate her voice. + </p> + <p> + All at once she stopped short upon the top of a little hillock, gazed + upward fixedly, and said not one word for the space of five minutes. “What + the devil is the matter with her now?” said Sharpitlaw to Ratcliffe—“Can + you not get her forward?” + </p> + <p> + “Ye maun just take a grain o’ patience wi’ her, sir,” said Ratcliffe. + “She’ll no gae a foot faster than she likes herself.” + </p> + <p> + “D—n her,” said Sharpitlaw, “I’ll take care she has her time in + Bedlam or Bridewell, or both, for she’s both mad and mischievous.” + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile, Madge, who had looked very pensive when she first + stopped, suddenly burst into a vehement fit of laughter, then paused and + sighed bitterly,—then was seized with a second fit of laughter—then, + fixing her eyes on the moon, lifted up her voice and sung,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Good even, good fair moon, good even to thee; + I prithee, dear moon, now show to me + The form and the features, the speech and degree, + Of the man that true lover of mine shall be. +</pre> + <p> + But I need not ask that of the bonny Lady Moon—I ken that weel + eneugh mysell—<i>true</i>-love though he wasna—But naebody + shall sae that I ever tauld a word about the matter—But whiles I + wish the bairn had lived—Weel, God guide us, there’s a heaven aboon + us a’,”—(here she sighed bitterly), “and a bonny moon, and sterns in + it forby” (and here she laughed once more). + </p> + <p> + “Are we to stand, here all night!” said Sharpitlaw, very impatiently. + “Drag her forward.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, sir,” said Ratcliffe, “if we kend whilk way to drag her, that would + settle it at ance.—Come, Madge, hinny,” addressing her, “we’ll no be + in time to see Nichol and his wife, unless ye show us the road.” + </p> + <p> + “In troth and that I will, Ratton,” said she, seizing him by the arm, and + resuming her route with huge strides, considering it was a female who took + them. “And I’ll tell ye, Ratton, blithe will Nichol Muschat be to see ye, + for he says he kens weel there isna sic a villain out o’ hell as ye are, + and he wad be ravished to hae a crack wi’ you—like to like ye ken—it’s + a proverb never fails—and ye are baith a pair o’ the deevil’s peats + I trow—hard to ken whilk deserves the hettest corner o’ his + ingle-side.” + </p> + <p> + Ratcliffe was conscience-struck, and could not forbear making an + involuntary protest against this classification. “I never shed blood,” he + replied. + </p> + <p> + “But ye hae sauld it, Ratton—ye hae sauld blood mony a time. Folk + kill wi’ the tongue as weel as wi’ the hand—wi’ the word as weel as + wi’ the gulley!— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + It is the ‘bonny butcher lad, + That wears the sleeves of blue, + He sells the flesh on Saturday, + On Friday that he slew.” + </pre> + <p> + “And what is that I ain doing now?” thought Ratcliffe. “But I’ll hae nae + wyte of Robertson’s young bluid, if I can help it;” then speaking apart to + Madge, he asked her, “Whether she did not remember ony o’ her auld Sangs?” + </p> + <p> + “Mony a dainty ane,” said Madge; “and blithely can I sing them, for + lightsome sangs make merry gate.” And she sang,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “When the glede’s in the blue cloud, + The lavrock lies still; + When the hound’s in the greenwood. + The hind keeps the hill.” + </pre> + <p> + “Silence her cursed noise, if you should throttle her,” said Sharpitlaw; + “I see somebody yonder.—Keep close, my boys, and creep round the + shoulder of the height. George Poinder, stay you with Ratcliffe and tha + mad yelling bitch; and you other two, come with me round under the shadow + of the brae.” + </p> + <p> + And he crept forward with the stealthy pace of an Indian savage, who leads + his band to surprise an unsuspecting party of some hostile tribe. + Ratcliffe saw them glide of, avoiding the moonlight, and keeping as much + in: the shade as possible. + </p> + <p> + “Robertson’s done up,” said he to himself; “thae young lads are aye sae + thoughtless. What deevil could he hae to say to Jeanie Deans, or to ony + woman on earth, that he suld gang awa and get his neck raxed for her? And + this mad quean, after cracking like a pen-gun, and skirling like a pea-hen + for the haill night, behoves just to hae hadden her tongue when her + clavers might have dune some gude! But it’s aye the way wi’ women; if they + ever hand their tongues ava’, ye may swear it’s for mischief. I wish I + could set her on again without this blood-sucker kenning what I am doing. + But he’s as gleg as MacKeachan’s elshin,* that ran through sax plies of + bendleather and half-an-inch into the king’s heel.” + </p> + <p> + * [<i>Elshin,</i> a shoemaker’s awl.] + </p> + <p> + He then began to hum, but in a very low and suppressed tone, the first + stanza of a favourite ballad of Wildfire’s, the words of which bore some + distant analogy with the situation of Robertson, trusting that the power + of association would not fail to bring the rest to her mind:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “There’s a bloodhound ranging Tinwald wood, + There’s harness glancing sheen: + There’s a maiden sits on Tinwald brae, + And she sings loud between.” + </pre> + <p> + Madge had no sooner received the catch-word, than she vindicated + Ratcliffe’s sagacity by setting off at score with the song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “O sleep ye sound, Sir James, she said, + When ye suld rise and ride? + There’s twenty men, wi’ bow and blade, + Are seeking where ye hide.” + </pre> + <p> + Though Ratcliffe was at a considerable distance from the spot called + Muschat’s Cairn, yet his eyes, practised like those of a cat to penetrate + darkness, could mark that Robertson had caught the alarm. George Poinder, + less keen of sight, or less attentive, was not aware of his flight any + more than Sharpitlaw and his assistants, whose view, though they were + considerably nearer to the cairn, was intercepted by the broken nature of + the ground under which they were screening themselves. At length, however, + after the interval of five or six minutes, they also perceived that + Robertson had fled, and rushed hastily towards the place, while Sharpitlaw + called out aloud, in the harshest tones of a voice which resembled a + saw-mill at work, “Chase, lads—chase—haud the brae—I see + him on the edge of the hill!” Then hollowing back to the rear-guard of his + detachment, he issued his farther orders: “Ratcliffe, come here, and + detain the woman—George, run and kepp the stile at the Duke’s Walk—Ratcliffe, + come here directly—but first knock out that mad bitch’s brains!” + </p> + <p> + “Ye had better rin for it, Madge,” said Ratcliffe, “for it’s ill dealing + wi’ an angry man.” + </p> + <p> + Madge Wildfire was not so absolutely void of common sense as not to + understand this innuendo; and while Ratcliffe, in seemingly anxious haste + of obedience, hastened to the spot where Sharpitlaw waited to deliver up + Jeanie Deans to his custody, she fled with all the despatch she could + exert in an opposite direction. Thus the whole party were separated, and + in rapid motion of flight or pursuit, excepting Ratcliffe and Jeanie, + whom, although making no attempt to escape, he held fast by the cloak, and + who remained standing by Muschat’s Cairn. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + You have paid the heavens your function, + and the prisoner the very debt of your calling. + Measure for Measure. +</pre> + <p> + Jeanie Deans,—for here our story unites itself with that part of the + narrative which broke off at the end of the fourteenth chapter,—while + she waited, in terror and amazement, the hasty advance of three or four + men towards her, was yet more startled at their suddenly breaking asunder, + and giving chase in different directions to the late object of her terror, + who became at that moment, though she could not well assign a reasonable + cause, rather the cause of her interest. One of the party (it was + Sharpitlaw) came straight up to her, and saying, “Your name is Jeanie + Deans, and you are my prisoner,” immediately added, “But if you will tell + me which way he ran I will let you go.” + </p> + <p> + “I dinna ken, sir,” was all the poor girl could utter; and, indeed, it is + the phrase which rises most readily to the lips of any person in her rank, + as the readiest reply to any embarrassing question. + </p> + <p> + “But,” said Sharpitlaw, “ye <i>ken</i> wha it was ye were speaking wi’, my + leddy, on the hill side, and midnight sae near; ye surely ken <i>that,</i> + my bonny woman?” + </p> + <p> + “I dinna ken, sir,” again iterated Jeanie, who really did not comprehend + in her terror the nature of the questions which were so hastily put to her + in this moment of surprise. + </p> + <p> + “We will try to mend your memory by and by, hinny,” said Sharpitlaw, and + shouted, as we have already told the reader, to Ratcliffe, to come up and + take charge of her, while he himself directed the chase after Robertson, + which he still hoped might be successful. As Ratcliffe approached, + Sharpitlaw pushed the young woman towards him with some rudeness, and + betaking himself to the more important object of his quest, began to scale + crags and scramble up steep banks, with an agility of which his profession + and his general gravity of demeanour would previously have argued him + incapable. In a few minutes there was no one within sight, and only a + distant halloo from one of the pursuers to the other, faintly heard on the + side of the hill, argued that there was any one within hearing. Jeanie + Deans was left in the clear moonlight, standing under the guard of a + person of whom she knew nothing, and, what was worse, concerning whom, as + the reader is well aware, she could have learned nothing that would not + have increased her terror. + </p> + <p> + When all in the distance was silent, Ratcliffe for the first time + addressed her, and it was in that cold sarcastic indifferent tone familiar + to habitual depravity, whose crimes are instigated by custom rather than + by passion. “This is a braw night for ye, dearie,” he said, attempting to + pass his arm across her shoulder, “to be on the green hill wi’ your jo.” + Jeanie extricated herself from his grasp, but did not make any reply. + </p> + <p> + “I think lads and lasses,” continued the ruffian, “dinna meet at Muschat’s + Cairn at midnight to crack nuts,” and he again attempted to take hold of + her. + </p> + <p> + “If ye are an officer of justice, sir,” said Jeanie, again eluding his + attempt to seize her, “ye deserve to have your coat stripped from your + back.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true, hinny,” said he, succeeding forcibly in his attempt to get + hold of her, “but suppose I should strip your cloak off first?” + </p> + <p> + “Ye are more a man, I am sure, than to hurt me, sir,” said Jeanie; “for + God’s sake have pity on a half-distracted creature!” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come,” said Ratcliffe, “you’re a good-looking wench, and should not + be cross-grained. I was going to be an honest man—but the devil has + this very day flung first a lawyer, and then a woman, in my gate. I’ll + tell you what, Jeanie, they are out on the hill-side—if you’ll be + guided by me, I’ll carry you to a wee bit corner in the Pleasance, that I + ken o’ in an auld wife’s, that a’ the prokitors o’ Scotland wot naething + o’, and we’ll send Robertson word to meet us in Yorkshire, for there is a + set o’ braw lads about the midland counties, that I hae dune business wi’ + before now, and sae we’ll leave Mr. Sharpitlaw to whistle on his thumb.” + </p> + <p> + It was fortunate for Jeanie, in an emergency like the present, that she + possessed presence of mind and courage, so soon as the first hurry of + surprise had enabled her to rally her recollection. She saw the risk she + was in from a ruffian, who not only was such by profession, but had that + evening been stupifying, by means of strong liquors, the internal aversion + which he felt at the business on which Sharpitlaw had resolved to employ + him. + </p> + <p> + “Dinna speak sae loud,” said she, in a low voice; “he’s up yonder.” + </p> + <p> + “Who?—Robertson?” said Ratcliffe, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” replied Jeanie; “up yonder;” and she pointed to the ruins of the + hermitage and chapel. + </p> + <p> + “By G—d, then,” said Ratcliffe, “I’ll make my ain of him, either one + way or other—wait for me here.” + </p> + <p> + But no sooner had he set off as fast as he could run, towards the chapel, + than Jeanie started in an opposite direction, over high and low, on the + nearest path homeward. Her juvenile exercise as a herdswoman had put “life + and mettle” in her heels, and never had she followed Dustiefoot, when the + cows were in the corn, with half so much speed as she now cleared the + distance betwixt Muschat’s Cairn and her father’s cottage at St. + Leonard’s. To lift the latch—to enter—to shut, bolt, and + double bolt the door—to draw against it a heavy article of furniture + (which she could not have moved in a moment of less energy), so as to make + yet farther provision against violence, was almost the work of a moment, + yet done with such silence as equalled the celerity. + </p> + <p> + Her next anxiety was upon her father’s account, and she drew silently to + the door of his apartment, in order to satisfy herself whether he had been + disturbed by her return. He was awake,—probably had slept but + little; but the constant presence of his own sorrows, the distance of his + apartment from the outer door of the house, and the precautions which + Jeanie had taken to conceal her departure and return, had prevented him + from being sensible of either. He was engaged in his devotions, and Jeanie + could distinctly hear him use these words:—“And for the other child + thou hast given me to be a comfort and stay to my old age, may her days be + long in the land, according to the promise thou hast given to those who + shall honour father and mother; may all her purchased and promised + blessings be multiplied upon her; keep her in the watches of the night, + and in the uprising of the morning, that all in this land may know that + thou hast not utterly hid thy face from those that seek thee in truth and + in sincerity.” He was silent, but probably continued his petition in the + strong fervency of mental devotion. + </p> + <p> + His daughter retired to her apartment, comforted, that while she was + exposed to danger, her head had been covered by the prayers of the just as + by an helmet, and under the strong confidence, that while she walked + worthy of the protection of Heaven, she would experience its countenance. + It was in that moment that a vague idea first darted across her mind, that + something might yet be achieved for her sister’s safety, conscious as she + now was of her innocence of the unnatural murder with which she stood + charged. It came, as she described it, on her mind, like a sun-blink on a + stormy sea; and although it instantly vanished, yet she felt a degree of + composure which she had not experienced for many days, and could not help + being strongly persuaded that, by some means or other, she would be called + upon, and directed, to work out her sister’s deliverance. She went to bed, + not forgetting her usual devotions, the more fervently made on account of + her late deliverance, and she slept soundly in spite of her agitation. + </p> + <p> + We must return to Ratcliffe, who had started, like a greyhound from the + slips when the sportsman cries halloo, as soon as Jeanie had pointed to + the ruins. Whether he meant to aid Robertson’s escape, or to assist his + pursuers, may be very doubtful; perhaps he did not himself know but had + resolved to be guided by circumstances. He had no opportunity, however, of + doing either; for he had no sooner surmounted the steep ascent, and + entered under the broken arches of the rains, than a pistol was presented + at his head, and a harsh voice commanded him, in the king’s name, to + surrender himself prisoner. “Mr. Sharpitlaw!” said Ratcliffe, surprised, + “is this your honour?” + </p> + <p> + “Is it only you, and be d—d to you?” answered the fiscal, still more + disappointed—“what made you leave the woman?” + </p> + <p> + “She told me she saw Robertson go into the ruins, so I made what haste I + could to cleek the callant.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s all over now,” said Sharpitlaw; “we shall see no more of him + to-night; but he shall hide himself in a bean-hool, if he remains on + Scottish ground without my finding him. Call back the people, Ratcliffe.” + </p> + <p> + Ratcliffe hollowed to the dispersed officers, who willingly obeyed the + signal; for probably there was no individual among them who would have + been much desirous of a rencontre, hand to hand, and at a distance from + his comrades, with such an active and desperate fellow as Robertson. + </p> + <p> + “And where are the two women?” said Sharpitlaw. + </p> + <p> + “Both made their heels serve them, I suspect,” replied Ratcliffe, and he + hummed the end of the old song— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Then hey play up the rin-awa bride, + For she has taen the gee.” + </pre> + <p> + “One woman,” said Sharpitlaw,—for, like all rogues, he was a great + calumniator of the fair sex,*—“one woman is enough to dark the + fairest ploy that was ever planned; and how could I be such an ass as to + expect to carry through a job that had two in it? + </p> + <p> + * Note L. Calumniator of the Fair Sex. + </p> + <p> + But we know how to come by them both, if they are wanted, that’s one good + thing.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, like a defeated general, sad and sulky, he led back his + discomfited forces to the metropolis, and dismissed them for the night. + </p> + <p> + The next morning early, he was under the necessity of making his report to + the sitting magistrate of the day. The gentleman who occupied the chair of + office on this occasion (for the bailies, <i>Anglice’,</i> aldermen, take + it by rotation) chanced to be the same by whom Butler was committed, a + person very generally respected among his fellow-citizens. Something he + was of a humorist, and rather deficient in general education; but acute, + patient, and upright, possessed of a fortune acquired by honest industry + which made him perfectly independent; and, in short, very happily + qualified to support the respectability of the office, which he held. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Middleburgh had just taken his seat, and was debating in an animated + manner, with one of his colleagues, the doubtful chances of a game at golf + which they had played the day before, when a letter was delivered to him, + addressed “For Bailie Middleburgh; These: to be forwarded with speed.” It + contained these words:— + </p> + <p> + “Sir,—I know you to be a sensible and a considerate magistrate, and + one who, as such, will be content to worship God, though the devil bid + you. I therefore expect that, notwithstanding the signature of this letter + acknowledges my share in an action, which, in a proper time and place, I + would not fear either to avow or to justify, you will not on that account + reject what evidence I place before you. The clergyman, Butler, is + innocent of all but involuntary presence at an action which he wanted + spirit to approve of, and from which he endeavoured, with his best set + phrases, to dissuade us. But it was not for him that it is my hint to + speak. There is a woman in your jail, fallen under the edge of a law so + cruel, that it has hung by the wall like unsecured armour, for twenty + years, and is now brought down and whetted to spill the blood of the most + beautiful and most innocent creature whom the walls of a prison ever + girdled in. Her sister knows of her innocence, as she communicated to her + that she was betrayed by a villain.—O that high Heaven + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Would put in every honest hand a whip, + To scourge me such a villain through the world! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +“I write distractedly—But this girl—this Jeanie Deans, is a peevish +puritan, superstitious and scrupulous after the manner of her sect; and I +pray your honour, for so my phrase must go, to press upon her, that her +sister’s life depends upon her testimony. But though she should remain +silent, do not dare to think that the young woman is guilty—far less to +permit her execution. Remember the death of Wilson was fearfully avenged; +and those yet live who can compel you to drink the dregs of your poisoned +chalice.—I say, remember Porteous, and say that you had good counsel +from + “One of his Slayers.” + </pre> + <p> + The magistrate read over this extraordinary letter twice or thrice. At + first he was tempted to throw it aside as the production of a madman, so + little did “the scraps from play-books,” as he termed the poetical + quotation, resemble the correspondence of a rational being. On a + re-perusal, however, he thought that, amid its incoherence, he could + discover something like a tone of awakened passion, though expressed in a + manner quaint and unusual. + </p> + <p> + “It is a cruelly severe statute,” said the magistrate to his assistant, + “and I wish the girl could be taken from under the letter of it. A child + may have been born, and it may have been conveyed away while the mother + was insensible, or it may have perished for want of that relief which the + poor creature herself—helpless, terrified, distracted, despairing, + and exhausted—may have been unable to afford to it. And yet it is + certain, if the woman is found guilty under the statute, execution will + follow. The crime has been too common, and examples are necessary.” + </p> + <p> + “But if this other wench,” said the city-clerk, “can speak to her sister + communicating her situation, it will take the case from under the + statute.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true,” replied the Bailie; “and I will walk out one of these days to + St. Leonard’s, and examine the girl myself. I know something of their + father Deans—an old true-blue Cameronian, who would see house and + family go to wreck ere he would disgrace his testimony by a sinful + complying with the defections of the times; and such he will probably + uphold the taking an oath before a civil magistrate. If they are to go on + and flourish with their bull-headed obstinacy, the legislature must pass + an act to take their affirmations, as in the case of Quakers. But surely + neither a father nor a sister will scruple in a case of this kind. As I + said before, I will go speak with them myself, when the hurry of this + Porteous investigation is somewhat over; their pride and spirit of + contradiction will be far less alarmed, than if they were called into a + court of justice at once.” + </p> + <p> + “And I suppose Butler is to remain incarcerated?” said the city-clerk. + </p> + <p> + “For the present, certainly,” said the magistrate. “But I hope soon to set + him at liberty upon bail.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you rest upon the testimony of that light-headed letter?” asked the + clerk. + </p> + <p> + “Not very much,” answered the Bailie; “and yet there is something striking + about it too—it seems the letter of a man beside himself, either + from great agitation, or some great sense of guilt.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the town-clerk, “it is very like the letter of a mad strolling + play-actor, who deserves to be hanged with all the rest of his gang, as + your honour justly observes.” + </p> + <p> + “I was not quite so bloodthirsty,” continued the magistrate. “But to the + point, Butler’s private character is excellent; and I am given to + understand, by some inquiries I have been making this morning, that he did + actually arrive in town only the day before yesterday, so that it was + impossible he could have been concerned in any previous machinations of + these unhappy rioters, and it is not likely that he should have joined + them on a suddenty.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s no saying anent that—zeal catches fire at a slight spark as + fast as a brunstane match,” observed the secretary. “I hae kend a minister + wad be fair gude-day and fair gude-e’en wi’ ilka man in the parochine, and + hing just as quiet as a rocket on a stick, till ye mentioned the word + abjuration-oath, or patronage, or siclike, and then, whiz, he was off, and + up in the air an hundred miles beyond common manners, common sense, and + common comprehension.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not understand,” answered the burgher-magistrate, “that the young + man Butler’s zeal is of so inflammable a character. But I will make + farther investigation. What other business is there before us?” + </p> + <p> + And they proceeded to minute investigations concerning the affair of + Porteous’s death, and other affairs through which this history has no + occasion to trace them. + </p> + <p> + In the course of their business they were interrupted by an old woman of + the lower rank, extremely haggard in look, and wretched in her appearance, + who thrust herself into the council room. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want, gudewife?—Who are you?” said Bailie Middleburgh. + </p> + <p> + “What do I want!” replied she, in a sulky tone—“I want my bairn, or + I want naething frae nane o’ ye, for as grand’s ye are.” And she went on + muttering to herself with the wayward spitefulness of age—“They maun + hae lordships and honours, nae doubt—set them up, the gutter-bloods! + and deil a gentleman amang them.”—Then again addressing the sitting + magistrate, “Will <i>your honour</i> gie me back my puir crazy bairn?—<i>His</i> + honour!—I hae kend the day when less wad ser’d him, the oe of a + Campvere skipper.” + </p> + <p> + “Good woman,” said the magistrate to this shrewish supplicant—“tell + us what it is you want, and do not interrupt the court.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s as muckle as till say, Bark, Bawtie, and be dune wi’t!—I + tell ye,” raising her termagant voice, “I want my bairn! is na that braid + Scots?” + </p> + <p> + “Who <i>are</i> you?—who is your bairn?” demanded the magistrate. + </p> + <p> + “Wha am I?—wha suld I be, but Meg Murdockson, and wha suld my bairn + be but Magdalen Murdockson?—Your guard soldiers, and your + constables, and your officers, ken us weel eneugh when they rive the bits + o’ duds aff our backs, and take what penny o’ siller we hae, and harle us + to the Correctionhouse in Leith Wynd, and pettle us up wi’ bread and water + and siclike sunkets.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is she?” said the magistrate, looking round to some of his people. + </p> + <p> + “Other than a gude ane, sir,” said one of the city officers, shrugging his + shoulders and smiling. + </p> + <p> + “Will ye say sae?” said the termagant, her eye gleaming with impotent + fury; “an I had ye amang the Figgat-Whins,* wadna I set my ten talents in + your wuzzent face for that very word?” and she suited the word to the + action, by spreading out a set of claws resembling those of St. George’s + dragon on a country sign-post. + </p> + <p> + * [This was a name given to a tract of sand hillocks extending along the + sea-shore from Leith to Portobello, and which at this time were covered + with <i>whin</i>-bushes or furze.] + </p> + <p> + “What does she want here?” said the impatient magistrate—“Can she + not tell her business, or go away?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s my bairn!—it’s Magdalen Murdockson I’m wantin’,” answered the + beldam, screaming at the highest pitch of her cracked and mistuned voice—“havena + I been telling ye sae this half-hour? And if ye are deaf, what needs ye + sit cockit up there, and keep folk scraughin’ t’ye this gate?” + </p> + <p> + “She wants her daughter, sir,” said the same officer whose interference + had given the hag such offence before—“her daughter, who was taken + up last night—Madge Wildfire, as they ca’ her.” + </p> + <p> + “Madge Hellfire, as they ca’ her!” echoed the beldam “and what business + has a blackguard like you to ca’ an honest woman’s bairn out o’ her ain + name?” + </p> + <p> + “An <i>honest</i> woman’s bairn, Maggie?” answered the peace-officer, + smiling and shaking his head with an ironical emphasis on the adjective, + and a calmness calculated to provoke to madness the furious old shrew. + </p> + <p> + “If I am no honest now, I was honest ance,” she replied; “and that’s mair + than ye can say, ye born and bred thief, that never kend ither folks’ gear + frae your ain since the day ye was cleckit. Honest, say ye?—ye pykit + your mother’s pouch o’ twalpennies Scots when ye were five years auld, + just as she was taking leave o’ your father at the fit o’ the gallows.” + </p> + <p> + “She has you there, George,” said the assistants, and there was a general + laugh; for the wit was fitted for the meridian of the place where it was + uttered. This general applause somewhat gratified the passions of the old + hag; the “grim feature” smiled and even laughed—but it was a laugh + of bitter scorn. She condescended, however, as if appeased by the success + of her sally, to explain her business more distinctly, when the + magistrate, commanding silence, again desired her either to speak out her + errand, or to leave the place. + </p> + <p> + “Her bairn,” she said, “<i>was</i> her bairn, and she came to fetch her + out of ill haft and waur guiding. If she wasna sae wise as ither folk, few + ither folk had suffered as muckle as she had done; forby that she could + fend the waur for hersell within the four wa’s of a jail. She could prove + by fifty witnesses, and fifty to that, that her daughter had never seen + Jock Porteous, alive or dead, since he had gien her a laundering wi’ his + cane, the neger that he was! for driving a dead cat at the provost’s wig + on the Elector of Hanover’s birthday.” + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the wretched appearance and violent demeanour of this + woman, the magistrate felt the justice of her argument, that her child + might be as dear to her as to a more fortunate and more amiable mother. He + proceeded to investigate the circumstances which had led to Madge + Murdockson’s (or Wildfire’s) arrest, and as it was clearly shown that she + had not been engaged in the riot, he contented himself with directing that + an eye should be kept upon her by the police, but that for the present she + should be allowed to return home with her mother. During the interval of + fetching Madge from the jail, the magistrate endeavoured to discover + whether her mother had been privy to the change of dress betwixt that + young woman and Robertson. But on this point he could obtain no light. She + persisted in declaring, that she had never seen Robertson since his + remarkable escape during service-time; and that, if her daughter had + changed clothes with him, it must have been during her absence at a hamlet + about two miles out of town, called Duddingstone, where she could prove + that she passed that eventful night. And, in fact, one of the + town-officers, who had been searching for stolen linen at the cottage of a + washer-woman in that village, gave his evidence, that he had seen Maggie + Murdockson there, whose presence had considerably increased his suspicion + of the house in which she was a visitor, in respect that he considered her + as a person of no good reputation. + </p> + <p> + “I tauld ye sae,” said the hag; “see now what it is to hae a character, + gude or bad!—Now, maybe, after a’, I could tell ye something about + Porteous that you council-chamber bodies never could find out, for as + muckle stir as ye mak.” + </p> + <p> + All eyes were turned towards her—all ears were alert. “Speak out!” + said the magistrate. + </p> + <p> + “It will be for your ain gude,” insinuated the town-clerk. + </p> + <p> + “Dinna keep the Bailie waiting,” urged the assistants. + </p> + <p> + She remained doggedly silent for two or three minutes, casting around a + malignant and sulky glance, that seemed to enjoy the anxious suspense with + which they waited her answer. And then she broke forth at once,—“A’ + that I ken about him is, that he was neither soldier nor gentleman, but + just a thief and a blackguard, like maist o’ yoursells, dears—What + will ye gie me for that news, now?—He wad hae served the gude town + lang or provost or bailie wad hae fund that out, my jo!” + </p> + <p> + While these matters were in discussion, Madge Wildfire entered, and her + first exclamation was, “Eh! see if there isna our auld ne’er-do-weel + deevil’s-buckie o’ a mither—Hegh, sirs! but we are a hopeful family, + to be twa o’ us in the Guard at ance—But there were better days wi’ + us ance—were there na, mither?” + </p> + <p> + Old Maggie’s eyes had glistened with something like an expression of + pleasure when she saw her daughter set at liberty. But either her natural + affection, like that of the tigress, could not be displayed without a + strain of ferocity, or there was something in the ideas which Madge’s + speech awakened, that again stirred her cross and savage temper. “What + signifies what we, were, ye street-raking limmer!” she exclaimed, pushing + her daughter before her to the door, with no gentle degree of violence. + “I’se tell thee what thou is now—thou’s a crazed hellicat Bess o’ + Bedlam, that sall taste naething but bread and water for a fortnight, to + serve ye for the plague ye hae gien me—and ower gude for ye, ye idle + taupie!” + </p> + <p> + Madge, however, escaped from her mother at the door, ran back to the foot + of the table, dropped a very low and fantastic courtesy to the judge, and + said, with a giggling laugh,—“Our minnie’s sair mis-set, after her + ordinar, sir—She’ll hae had some quarrel wi’ her auld gudeman—that’s + Satan, ye ken, sirs.” This explanatory note she gave in a low confidential + tone, and the spectators of that credulous generation did not hear it + without an involuntary shudder. “The gudeman and her disna aye gree weel, + and then I maun pay the piper; but my back’s broad eneugh to bear’t a’—an’ + if she hae nae havings, that’s nae reason why wiser folk shouldna hae + some.” Here another deep courtesy, when the ungracious voice of her mother + was heard. + </p> + <p> + “Madge, ye limmer! If I come to fetch ye!” + </p> + <p> + “Hear till her,” said Madge. “But I’ll wun out a gliff the night for a’ + that, to dance in the moonlight, when her and the gudeman will be + whirrying through the blue lift on a broom-shank, to see Jean Jap, that + they hae putten intill the Kirkcaldy Tolbooth—ay, they will hae a + merry sail ower Inchkeith, and ower a’ the bits o’ bonny waves that are + poppling and plashing against the rocks in the gowden glimmer o’ the moon, + ye ken.—I’m coming, mother—I’m coming,” she concluded, on + hearing a scuffle at the door betwixt the beldam and the officers, who + were endeavouring to prevent her re-entrance. Madge then waved her hand + wildly towards the ceiling, and sung, at the topmost pitch of her voice, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Up in the air, + On my bonny grey mare, + And I see, and I see, and I see her yet;” + </pre> + <p> + and with a hop, skip, and jump, sprung out of the room, as the witches of + Macbeth used, in less refined days, to seem to fly upwards from the stage. + </p> + <p> + Some weeks intervened before Mr. Middleburgh, agreeably to his benevolent + resolution, found an opportunity of taking a walk towards St. Leonard’s, + in order to discover whether it might be possible to obtain the evidence + hinted at in the anonymous letter respecting Effie Deans. + </p> + <p> + In fact, the anxious perquisitions made to discover the murderers of + Porteous occupied the attention of all concerned with the administration + of justice. + </p> + <p> + In the course of these inquiries, two circumstances happened material to + our story. Butler, after a close investigation of his conduct, was + declared innocent of accession to the death of Porteous; but, as having + been present during the whole transaction, was obliged to find bail not to + quit his usual residence at Liberton, that he might appear as a witness + when called upon. The other incident regarded the disappearance of Madge + Wildfire and her mother from Edinburgh. When they were sought, with the + purpose of subjecting them to some farther interrogatories, it was + discovered by Mr. Sharpitlaw that they had eluded the observation of the + police, and left the city so soon as dismissed from the council-chamber. + No efforts could trace the place of their retreat. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile the excessive indignation of the Council of Regency, at + the slight put upon their authority by the murder of Porteous, had + dictated measures, in which their own extreme desire of detecting the + actors in that conspiracy were consulted in preference to the temper of + the people and the character of their churchmen. An act of Parliament was + hastily passed, offering two hundred pounds reward to those who should + inform against any person concerned in the deed, and the penalty of death, + by a very unusual and severe enactment, was denounced against those who + should harbour the guilty. But what was chiefly accounted exceptionable, + was a clause, appointing the act to be read in churches by the officiating + clergyman, on the first Sunday of every month, for a certain period, + immediately before the sermon. The ministers who should refuse to comply + with this injunction were declared, for the first offence, incapable of + sitting or voting in any church judicature, and for the second, incapable + of holding any ecclesiastical preferment in Scotland. + </p> + <p> + This last order united in a common cause those who might privately rejoice + in Porteous’s death, though they dared not vindicate the manner of it, + with the more scrupulous Presbyterians, who held that even the pronouncing + the name of the “Lords Spiritual” in a Scottish pulpit was, <i>quodammodo,</i> + an acknowledgment of prelacy, and that the injunction of the legislature + was an interference of the civil government with the <i>jus divinum</i> of + Presbytery, since to the General Assembly alone, as representing the + invisible head of the kirk, belonged the sole and exclusive right of + regulating whatever pertained to public worship. Very many also, of + different political or religious sentiments, and therefore not much moved + by these considerations, thought they saw, in so violent an act of + parliament, a more vindictive spirit than became the legislature of a + great country, and something like an attempt to trample upon the rights + and independence of Scotland. The various steps adopted for punishing the + city of Edinburgh, by taking away her charter and liberties, for what a + violent and overmastering mob had done within her walls, were resented by + many, who thought a pretext was too hastily taken for degrading the + ancient metropolis of Scotland. In short, there was much heart-burning, + discontent, and disaffection, occasioned by these ill-considered + measures.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +* The magistrates were closely interrogated before the House of Peers, +concerning the particulars of the Porteous Mob, and the <i>patois</i> in which +these functionaries made their answers, sounded strange in the ears of +the Southern nobles. The Duke of Newcastle having demanded to know with +what kind of shot the guard which Porteous commanded had loaded their +muskets, was answered, naively, “Ow, just sic as ane shoots <i>dukes and +fools</i> with.” This reply was considered as a contempt of the House of +Lords, and the Provost would have suffered accordingly, but that the Duke +of Argyle explained, that the expression, properly rendered into English, +meant <i>ducks and waterfowls.</i> + + Amidst these heats and dissensions, the trial of Effie Deans, after she +had been many weeks imprisoned, was at length about to be brought +forward, and Mr. Middleburgh found leisure to inquire into the evidence +concerning her. For this purpose, he chose a fine day for his walk +towards her father’s house. +</pre> + <p> + The excursion into the country was somewhat distant, in the opinion of a + burgess of those days, although many of the present inhabit suburban + villas considerably beyond the spot to which we allude. Three-quarters of + an hour’s walk, however, even at a pace of magisterial gravity, conducted + our benevolent office-bearer to the Crags of St. Leonard’s, and the humble + mansion of David Deans. + </p> + <p> + The old man was seated on the deas, or turf-seat, at the end of his + cottage, busied in mending his cart-harness with his own hands; for in + those days any sort of labour which required a little more skill than + usual fell to the share of the goodman himself, and that even when he was + well to pass in the world. With stern and austere gravity he persevered in + his task, after having just raised his head to notice the advance of the + stranger. It would have been impossible to have discovered, from his + countenance and manner, the internal feelings of agony with which he + contended. Mr. Middleburgh waited an instant, expecting Deans would in + some measure acknowledge his presence, and lead into conversation; but, as + he seemed determined to remain silent, he was himself obliged to speak + first. + </p> + <p> + “My name is Middleburgh—Mr. James Middleburgh, one of the present + magistrates of the city of Edinburgh.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be sae,” answered Deans laconically, and without interrupting his + labour. + </p> + <p> + “You must understand,” he continued, “that the duty of a magistrate is + sometimes an unpleasant one.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be sae,” replied David; “I hae naething to say in the contrair;” + and he was again doggedly silent. + </p> + <p> + “You must be aware,” pursued the magistrate, “that persons in my situation + are often obliged to make painful and disagreeable inquiries of + individuals, merely because it is their bounden duty.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be sae,” again replied Deans; “I hae naething to say anent it, + either the tae way or the t’other. But I do ken there was ance in a day a + just and God-fearing magistracy in yon town o’ Edinburgh, that did not + bear the sword in vain, but were a terror to evil-doers, and a praise to + such as kept the path. In the glorious days of auld worthy faithfu’ + Provost Dick,* when there was a true and faithfu’ General Assembly of + </p> + <p> + * Note M. Sir William Dick of Braid. + </p> + <p> + the Kirk, walking hand in hand with the real noble Scottish-hearted + barons, and with the magistrates of this and other towns, gentles, + burgesses, and commons of all ranks, seeing with one eye, hearing with one + ear, and upholding the ark with their united strength—And then folk + might see men deliver up their silver to the state’s use, as if it had + been as muckle sclate stanes. My father saw them toom the sacks of dollars + out o’ Provost Dick’s window intill the carts that carried them to the + army at Dunse Law; and if ye winna believe his testimony, there is the + window itsell still standing in the Luckenbooths—I think it’s a + claith-merchant’s booth the day*—at the airn stanchells, five doors + abune Gossford’s Close. + </p> + <p> + * I think so too—But if the reader be curious, he may consult Mr. + Chambers’s Traditions of Edinburgh. + </p> + <p> + —But now we haena sic spirit amang us; we think mair about the warst + wallydraigle in our ain byre, than about the blessing which the angel of + the covenant gave to the Patriarch even at Peniel and Mahanaim, or the + binding obligation of our national vows; and we wad rather gie a pund + Scots to buy an unguent to clear out auld rannell-trees and our beds o’ + the English bugs as they ca’ them, than we wad gie a plack to rid the land + of the swarm of Arminian caterpillars, Socinian pismires, and deistical + Miss Katies, that have ascended out of the bottomless pit, to plague this + perverse, insidious, and lukewarm generation.” + </p> + <p> + It happened to Davie Deans on this occasion, as it has done to many other + habitual orators; when once he became embarked on his favourite subject, + the stream of his own enthusiasm carried him forward in spite of his + mental distress, while his well-exercised memory supplied him amply with + all the types and tropes of rhetoric peculiar to his sect and cause. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Middleburgh contented himself with answering—“All this may be + very true, my friend; but, as you said just now, I have nothing to say to + it at present, either one way or other.—You have two daughters, I + think, Mr. Deans?” + </p> + <p> + The old man winced, as one whose smarting sore is suddenly galled; but + instantly composed himself, resumed the work which, in the heat of his + declamation, he had laid down, and answered with sullen resolution, “Ae + daughter, sir—only <i>ane.</i>” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you,” said Mr. Middleburgh; “you have only one daughter here + at home with you—but this unfortunate girl who is a prisoner—she + is, I think, your youngest daughter?” + </p> + <p> + The Presbyterian sternly raised his eyes. “After the world, and according + to the flesh, she <i>is</i> my daughter; but when she became a child of + Belial, and a company-keeper, and a trader in guilt and iniquity, she + ceased to be a bairn of mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, Mr. Deans,” said Middleburgh, sitting down by him, and endeavouring + to take his hand, which the old man proudly withdrew, “we are ourselves + all sinners; and the errors of our offspring, as they ought not to + surprise us, being the portion which they derive of a common portion of + corruption inherited through us, so they do not entitle us to cast them + off because they have lost themselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said Deans impatiently, “I ken a’ that as weel as—I mean to + say,” he resumed, checking the irritation he felt at being schooled—a + discipline of the mind which those most ready to bestow it on others do + themselves most reluctantly submit to receive—“I mean to say, that + what ye o serve may be just and reasonable—But I hae nae freedom to + enter into my ain private affairs wi’ strangers—And now, in this + great national emergency, When there’s the Porteous’ Act has come doun + frae London, that is a deeper blow to this poor sinfu’ kingdom and + suffering kirk than ony that has been heard of since the foul and fatal + Test—at a time like this—” + </p> + <p> + “But, goodman,” interrupted Mr. Middleburgh, “you must think of your own + household first, or else you are worse even than the infidels.” + </p> + <p> + “I tell ye, Bailie Middleburgh,” retorted David Deans, “if ye be a bailie, + as there is little honour in being ane in these evil days—I tell ye, + I heard the gracious Saunders Peden—I wotna whan it was; but it was + in killing time, when the plowers were drawing alang their furrows on the + back of the Kirk of Scotland—I heard him tell his hearers, gude and + waled Christians they were too, that some o’ them wad greet mair for a bit + drowned calf or stirk than for a’ the defections and oppressions of the + day; and that they were some o’ them thinking o’ ae thing, some o’ + anither, and there was Lady Hundleslope thinking o’ greeting Jock at the + fireside! And the lady confessed in my hearing that a drow of anxiety had + come ower her for her son that she had left at hame weak of a decay*—And + what wad he hae said of me if I had ceased to think of the gude cause for + a castaway—a—It kills me to think of what she is!” + </p> + <p> + * See <i>Life of Peden,</i> p. 14. + </p> + <p> + “But the life of your child, goodman—think of that—if her life + could be saved,” said Middleburgh. + </p> + <p> + “Her life!” exclaimed David—“I wadna gie ane o’ my grey hairs for + her life, if her gude name be gane—And yet,” said he, relenting and + retracting as he spoke, “I wad make the niffer, Mr. Middleburgh—I + wad gie a’ these grey hairs that she has brought to shame and sorrow—I + wad gie the auld head they grow on for her life, and that she might hae + time to amend and return, for what hae the wicked beyond the breath of + their nosthrils?—but I’ll never see her mair—No!—that—that + I am determined in—I’ll never see her mair!” His lips continued to + move for a minute after his voice ceased to be heard, as if he were + repeating the same vow internally. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir,” said Mr. Middleburgh, “I speak to you as a man of sense; if + you would save your daughter’s life, you must use human means.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand what you mean; but Mr. Novit, who is the procurator and doer + of an honourable person, the Laird of Dumbiedikes, is to do what carnal + wisdom can do for her in the circumstances. Mysell am not clear to + trinquet and traffic wi’ courts o’ justice as they are now constituted; I + have a tenderness and scruple in my mind anent them.” + </p> + <p> + “That is to say,” said Middleburgh, “that you are a Cameronian, and do not + acknowledge the authority of our courts of judicature, or present + government?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, under your favour,” replied David, who was too proud of his own + polemical knowledge to call himself the follower of any one, “ye take me + up before I fall down. I canna see why I suld be termed a Cameronian, + especially now that ye hae given the name of that famous and savoury + sufferer, not only until a regimental band of souldiers, [H. M. 26th Foot] + whereof I am told many can now curse, swear, and use profane language, as + fast as ever Richard Cameron could preach or pray, but also because ye + have, in as far as it is in your power, rendered that martyr’s name vain + and contemptible, by pipes, drums, and fifes, playing the vain carnal + spring called the Cameronian Rant, which too many professors of religion + dance to—a practice maist unbecoming a professor to dance to any + tune whatsoever, more especially promiscuously, that is, with the female + sex.* A brutish fashion it is, whilk is the beginning of defection with + many, as I may hae as muckle cause as maist folk to testify.” + </p> + <p> + * See Note F. Peter Walker. + </p> + <p> + “Well, but, Mr. Deans,” replied Mr. Middleburgh, “I only meant to say that + you were a Cameronian, or MacMillanite, one of the society people, in + short, who think it inconsistent to take oaths under a government where + the Covenant is not ratified.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” replied the controversialist, who forgot even his present distress + in such discussions as these, “you cannot fickle me sae easily as you do + opine. I am <i>not</i> a MacMillanite, or a Russelite, or a Hamiltonian, + or a Harleyite, or a Howdenite*—I will be led by the nose by none—I + take my name as a Christian from no vessel of clay. I have my own + principles and practice to answer for, and am an humble pleader for the + gude auld cause in a legal way.” + </p> + <p> + * All various species of the great genus Cameronian. + </p> + <p> + “That is to say, Mr. Deans,” said Middleburgh, “that you are a <i>Deanite,</i> + and have opinions peculiar to yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “It may please you to say sae,” said David Deans; “but I have maintained + my testimony before as great folk, and in sharper times; and though I will + neither exalt myself nor pull down others, I wish every man and woman in + this land had kept the true testimony, and the middle and straight path, + as it were, on the ridge of a hill, where wind and water shears, avoiding + right-hand snares and extremes, and left-hand way-slidings, as weel as + Johnny Dodds of Farthing’s Acre, and ae man mair that shall be nameless.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose,” replied the magistrate, “that is as much as to say, that + Johnny Dodds of Farthing’s Acre, and David Deans of St. Leonard’s, + constitute the only members of the true, real, unsophisticated Kirk of + Scotland?” + </p> + <p> + “God forbid that I suld make sic a vain-glorious speech, when there are + sae mony professing Christians!” answered David; “but this I maun say, + that all men act according to their gifts and their grace, ‘sae that it is + nae marvel that—” + </p> + <p> + “This is all very fine,” interrupted Mr. Middleburgh; “but I have no time + to spend in hearing it. The matter in hand is this—I have directed a + citation to be lodged in your daughter’s hands—If she appears on the + day of trial and gives evidence, there is reason to hope she may save her + sister’s life—if, from any constrained scruples about the legality + of her performing the office of an affectionate sister and a good subject, + by appearing in a court held under the authority of the law and + government, you become the means of deterring her from the discharge of + this duty, I must say, though the truth may sound harsh in your ears, that + you, who gave life to this unhappy girl, will become the means of her + losing it by a premature and violent death.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, Mr. Middleburgh turned to leave him. + </p> + <p> + “Bide awee—bide awee, Mr. Middleburgh,” said Deans, in great + perplexity and distress of mind; but the Bailie, who was probably sensible + that protracted discussion might diminish the effect of his best and most + forcible argument, took a hasty leave, and declined entering farther into + the controversy. + </p> + <p> + Deans sunk down upon his seat, stunned with a variety of conflicting + emotions. It had been a great source of controversy among those holding + his opinions in religious matters how far the government which succeeded + the Revolution could be, without sin, acknowledged by true Presbyterians, + seeing that it did not recognise the great national testimony of the + Solemn League and Covenant? And latterly, those agreeing in this general + doctrine, and assuming the sounding title of “The anti-Popish, + anti-Prelatic, anti-Erastian, anti-Sectarian, true Presbyterian remnant,” + were divided into many petty sects among themselves, even as to the extent + of submission to the existing laws and rulers, which constituted such an + acknowledgment as amounted to sin. + </p> + <p> + At a very stormy and tumultuous meeting, held in 1682, to discuss these + important and delicate points, the testimonies of the faithful few were + found utterly inconsistent with each other.* + </p> + <p> + * This remarkable convocation took place upon 15th June 1682, and an + account of its confused and divisive proceedings may be found in Michael + Shield’s <i>Faithful Contendings Displayed</i> (first printed at Glasgow, + 1780, p. 21). It affords a singular and melancholy example how much a + metaphysical and polemical spirit had crept in amongst these unhappy + sufferers, since amid so many real injuries which they had to sustain, + they were disposed to add disagreement and disunion concerning the + character and extent of such as were only imaginary. + </p> + <p> + The place where this conference took place was remarkably well adapted for + such an assembly. It was a wild and very sequestered dell in Tweeddale, + surrounded by high hills, and far remote from human habitation. A small + river, or rather a mountain torrent, called the Talla, breaks down the + glen with great fury, dashing successively over a number of small + cascades, which has procured the spot the name of Talla Linns. Here the + leaders among the scattered adherents to the Covenant, men who, in their + banishment from human society, and in the recollection of the seventies to + which they had been exposed, had become at once sullen in their tempers, + and fantastic in their religious opinions, met with arms in their hands, + and by the side of the torrent discussed, with a turbulence which the + noise of the stream could not drown, points of controversy as empty and + unsubstantial as its foam. + </p> + <p> + It was the fixed judgment of most of the meeting, that all payment of cess + or tribute to the existing government was utterly unlawful, and a + sacrificing to idols. About other impositions and degrees of submission + there were various opinions; and perhaps it is the best illustration of + the spirit of those military fathers of the church to say, that while all + allowed it was impious to pay the cess employed for maintaining the + standing army and militia, there was a fierce controversy on the + lawfulness of paying the duties levied at ports and bridges, for + maintaining roads and other necessary purposes; that there were some who, + repugnant to these imposts for turnpikes and pontages, were nevertheless + free in conscience to make payment of the usual freight at public ferries, + and that a person of exceeding and punctilious zeal, James Russel, one of + the slayers of the Archbishop of St. Andrews, had given his testimony with + great warmth even against this last faint shade of subjection to + constituted authority. This ardent and enlightened person and his + followers had also great scruples about the lawfulness of bestowing the + ordinary names upon the days of the week and the months of the year, which + savoured in their nostrils so strongly of paganism, that at length they + arrived at the conclusion that they who owned such names as Monday, + Tuesday, January, February, and so forth, “served themselves heirs to the + same, if not greater punishment, than had been denounced against the + idolaters of old.” + </p> + <p> + David Deans had been present on this memorable occasion, although too + young to be a speaker among the polemical combatants. His brain, however, + had been thoroughly heated by the noise, clamour, and metaphysical + ingenuity of the discussion, and it was a controversy to which his mind + had often returned; and though he carefully disguised his vacillation from + others, and, perhaps from himself, he had never been able to come to any + precise line of decision on the subject. In fact, his natural sense had + acted as a counterpoise to his controversial zeal. He was by no means + pleased with the quiet and indifferent manner in which King William’s + government slurred over the errors of the times, when, far from restoring + the Presbyterian kirk to its former supremacy, they passed an act of + oblivion even to those who had been its persecutors, and bestowed on many + of them titles, favours, and employments. When, in the first General + Assembly which succeeded the Revolution, an overture was made for the + revival of the League and Covenant, it was with horror that Douce David + heard the proposal eluded by the men of carnal wit and policy, as he + called them, as being inapplicable to the present times, and not falling + under the modern model of the church. The reign of Queen Anne had + increased his conviction, that the Revolution government was not one of + the true Presbyterian complexion. But then, more sensible than the bigots + of his sect, he did not confound the moderation and tolerance of these two + reigns with the active tyranny and oppression exercised in those of + Charles II. and James II. The Presbyterian form of religion, though + deprived of the weight formerly attached to its sentences of + excommunication, and compelled to tolerate the coexistence of Episcopacy, + and of sects of various descriptions, was still the National Church; and + though the glory of the second temple was far inferior to that which had + flourished from 1639 till the battle of Dunbar, still it was a structure + that, wanting the strength and the terrors, retained at least the form and + symmetry, of the original model. Then came the insurrection in 1715, and + David Deans’s horror for the revival of the Popish and prelatical faction + reconciled him greatly to the government of King George, although he + grieved that that monarch might be suspected of a leaning unto + Erastianism. In short, moved by so many different considerations, he had + shifted his ground at different times concerning the degree of freedom + which he felt in adopting any act of immediate acknowledgment or + submission to the present government, which, however mild and paternal, + was still uncovenanted, and now he felt himself called upon, by the most + powerful motive conceivable, to authorise his daughter’s giving testimony + in a court of justice, which all who have been since called Cameronians + accounted a step of lamentable and direct defection. The voice of nature, + however, exclaimed loud in his bosom against the dictates of fanaticism; + and his imagination, fertile in the solution of polemical difficulties, + devised an expedient for extricating himself from the fearful dilemma, in + which he saw, on the one side, a falling off from principle, and, on the + other, a scene from which a father’s thoughts could not but turn in + shuddering horror. + </p> + <p> + “I have been constant and unchanged in my testimony,” said David Deans; + “but then who has said it of me, that I have judged my neighbour over + closely, because he hath had more freedom in his walk than I have found in + mine? I never was a separatist, nor for quarrelling with tender souls + about mint, cummin, or other the lesser tithes. My daughter Jean may have + a light in this subject that is hid frae my auld een—it is laid on + her conscience, and not on mine—If she hath freedom to gang before + this judicatory, and hold up her hand for this poor castaway, surely I + will not say she steppeth over her bounds; and if not”—He paused in + his mental argument, while a pang of unutterable anguish convulsed his + features, yet, shaking it off, he firmly resumed the strain of his + reasoning—“And if not—God forbid that she should go into + defection at bidding of mine! I wunna fret the tender conscience of one + bairn—no, not to save the life of the other.” + </p> + <p> + A Roman would have devoted his daughter to death from different feelings + and motives, but not upon a more heroic principle of duty. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + To man, in this his trial state, + The privilege is given, + When tost by tides of human fate, + To anchor fast on heaven. + Watts’s <i>Hymns.</i> +</pre> + <p> + It was with a firm step that Deans sought his daughter’s apartment, + determined to leave her to the light of her own conscience in the dubious + point of casuistry in which he supposed her to be placed. + </p> + <p> + The little room had been the sleeping apartment of both sisters, and there + still stood there a small occasional bed which had been made for Effie’s + accommodation, when, complaining of illness, she had declined to share, as + in happier times, her sister’s pillow. The eyes of Deans rested + involuntarily, on entering the room, upon this little couch, with its + dark-green coarse curtains, and the ideas connected with it rose so thick + upon his soul as almost to incapacitate him from opening his errand to his + daughter. Her occupation broke the ice. He found her gazing on a slip of + paper, which contained a citation to her to appear as a witness upon her + sister’s trial in behalf of the accused. For the worthy magistrate, + determined to omit no chance of doing Effie justice, and to leave her + sister no apology for not giving the evidence which she was supposed to + possess, had caused the ordinary citation, or <i>subpoena,</i> of the + Scottish criminal court, to be served upon her by an officer during his + conference with David. + </p> + <p> + This precaution was so far favourable to Deans, that it saved him the pain + of entering upon a formal explanation with his daughter; he only said, + with a hollow and tremulous voice, “I perceive ye are aware of the + matter.” + </p> + <p> + “O father, we are cruelly sted between God’s laws and man’s laws—What + shall we do?—What can we do?” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie, it must be observed, had no hesitation whatever about the mere act + of appearing in a court of justice. She might have heard the point + discussed by her father more than once; but we have already noticed that + she was accustomed to listen with reverence to much which she was + incapable of understanding, and that subtle arguments of casuistry found + her a patient, but unedified hearer. Upon receiving the citation, + therefore, her thoughts did not turn upon the chimerical scruples which + alarmed her father’s mind, but to the language which had been held to her + by the stranger at Muschat’s Cairn. In a word, she never doubted but she + was to be dragged forward into the court of justice, in order to place her + in the cruel position of either sacrificing her sister by telling the + truth, or committing perjury in order to save her life. And so strongly + did her thoughts run in this channel, that she applied her father’s words, + “Ye are aware of the matter,” to his acquaintance with the advice that had + been so fearfully enforced upon her. She looked up with anxious surprise, + not unmingled with a cast of horror, which his next words, as she + interpreted and applied them, were not qualified to remove. + </p> + <p> + “Daughter,” said David, “it has ever been my mind, that in things of ane + doubtful and controversial nature, ilk Christian’s conscience suld be his + ain guide—Wherefore descend into yourself, try your ain mind with + sufficiency of soul exercise, and as you sall finally find yourself clear + to do in this matter—even so be it.” + </p> + <p> + “But, father,” said Jeanie, whose mind revolted at the construction which + she naturally put upon his language, “can this-this be a doubtful or + controversial matter?—Mind, father, the ninth command—‘Thou + shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.’” + </p> + <p> + David Deans paused; for, still applying her speech to his preconceived + difficulties, it seemed to him as if <i>she,</i> a woman, and a sister, + was scarce entitled to be scrupulous upon this occasion, where he, a man, + exercised in the testimonies of that testifying period, had given indirect + countenance to her following what must have been the natural dictates of + her own feelings. But he kept firm his purpose, until his eyes + involuntarily rested upon the little settle-bed, and recalled the form of + the child of his old age, as she sate upon it, pale, emaciated, and + broken-hearted. His mind, as the picture arose before him, involuntarily + conceived, and his tongue involuntarily uttered—but in a tone how + different from his usual dogmatical precision!—arguments for the + course of conduct likely to ensure his child’s safety. + </p> + <p> + “Daughter,” he said, “I did not say that your path was free from stumbling—and, + questionless, this act may be in the opinion of some a transgression, + since he who beareth witness unlawfully, and against his conscience, doth + in some sort bear false witness against his neighbour. Yet in matters of + compliance, the guilt lieth not in the compliance sae muckle, as in the + mind and conscience of him that doth comply; and, therefore, although my + testimony hath not been spared upon public defections, I haena felt + freedom to separate mysell from the communion of many who have been clear + to hear those ministers who have taken the fatal indulgence because they + might get good of them, though I could not.” + </p> + <p> + When David had proceeded thus far, his conscience reproved him, that he + might be indirectly undermining the purity of his daughter’s faith, and + smoothing the way for her falling off from strictness of principle. He, + therefore, suddenly stopped, and changed his tone:—“Jeanie, I + perceive that our vile affections,—so I call them in respect of + doing the will of our Father,—cling too heavily to me in this hour + of trying sorrow, to permit me to keep sight of my ain duty, or to airt + you to yours. I will speak nae mair anent this overtrying matter—Jeanie, + if ye can, wi’ God and gude conscience, speak in favour of this puir + unhappy”—(here his voice faltered)—“She is your sister in the + flesh—worthless and castaway as she is, she is the daughter of a + saint in heaven, that was a mother to you, Jeanie, in place of your ain—but + if ye arena free in conscience to speak for her in the court of + judicature, follow your conscience, Jeanie, and let God’s will be done.” + After this adjuration he left the apartment, and his daughter remained in + a state of great distress and perplexity. + </p> + <p> + It would have been no small addition to the sorrows of David Deans, even + in this extremity of suffering, had he known that his daughter was + applying the casuistical arguments which he had been using, not in the + sense of a permission to follow her own opinion on a dubious and disputed + point of controversy, but rather as an encouragement to transgress one of + those divine commandments which Christians of all sects and denominations + unite in holding most sacred. + </p> + <p> + “Can this be?” said Jeanie, as the door closed on her father—“Can + these be his words that I have heard, or has the Enemy taken his voice and + features to give weight unto the counsel which causeth to perish?—a + sister’s life, and a father pointing out how to save it!—O God, + deliver me!—this is a fearfu’ temptation.” + </p> + <p> + Roaming from thought to thought, she at one time imagined her father + understood the ninth commandment literally, as prohibiting false witness + <i>against</i> our neighbour, without extending the denunciation against + falsehood uttered <i>in favour</i> of the criminal. But her clear and + unsophisticated power of discriminating between good and evil, instantly + rejected an interpretation so limited, and so unworthy of the Author of + the law. She remained in a state of the most agitating terror and + uncertainty—afraid to communicate her thoughts freely to her father, + lest she should draw forth an opinion with which she could not comply,—wrung + with distress on her sister’s account, rendered the more acute by + reflecting that the means of saving her were in her power, but were such + as her conscience prohibited her from using,—tossed, in short, like + a vessel in an open roadstead during a storm, and, like that vessel, + resting on one only sure cable and anchor,—faith in Providence, and + a resolution to discharge her duty. + </p> + <p> + Butler’s affection and strong sense of religion would have been her + principal support in these distressing circumstances, but he was still + under restraint, which did not permit him to come to St. Leonard’s Crags; + and her distresses were of a nature, which, with her indifferent habits of + scholarship, she found it impossible to express in writing. She was + therefore compelled to trust for guidance to her own unassisted sense of + what was right or wrong. It was not the least of Jeanie’s distresses, + that, although she hoped and believed her sister to be innocent, she had + not the means of receiving that assurance from her own mouth. + </p> + <p> + The double-dealing of Ratcliffe in the matter of Robertson had not + prevented his being rewarded, as double-dealers frequently have been, with + favour and preferment. Sharpitlaw, who found in him something of a kindred + genius, had been intercessor in his behalf with the magistrates, and the + circumstance of his having voluntarily remained in the prison, when the + doors were forced by the mob, would have made it a hard measure to take + the life which he had such easy means of saving. He received a full + pardon; and soon afterwards, James Ratcliffe, the greatest thief and + housebreaker in Scotland, was, upon the faith, perhaps, of an ancient + proverb, selected as a person to be entrusted with the custody of other + delinquents. + </p> + <p> + When Ratcliffe was thus placed in a confidential situation, he was + repeatedly applied to by the sapient Saddletree and others, who took some + interest in the Deans family, to procure an interview between the sisters; + but the magistrates, who were extremely anxious for the apprehension of + Robertson, had given strict orders to the contrary, hoping that, by + keeping them separate, they might, from the one or the other, extract some + information respecting that fugitive. On this subject Jeanie had nothing + to tell them. She informed Mr. Middleburgh, that she knew nothing of + Robertson, except having met him that night by appointment to give her + some advice respecting her sister’s concern, the purport of which, she + said, was betwixt God and her conscience. Of his motions, purposes, or + plans, past, present, or future, she knew nothing, and so had nothing to + communicate. + </p> + <p> + Effie was equally silent, though from a different cause. It was in vain + that they offered a commutation and alleviation of her punishment, and + even a free pardon, if she would confess what she knew of her lover. She + answered only with tears; unless, when at times driven into pettish + sulkiness by the persecution of the interrogators, she made them abrupt + and disrespectful answers. + </p> + <p> + At length, after her trial had been delayed for many weeks, in hopes she + might be induced to speak out on a subject infinitely more interesting to + the magistracy than her own guilt or innocence, their patience was worn + out, and even Mr. Middleburgh finding no ear lent to farther intercession + in her behalf, the day was fixed for the trial to proceed. + </p> + <p> + It was now, and not sooner, that Sharpitlaw, recollecting his promise to + Effie Deans, or rather being dinned into compliance by the unceasing + remonstrances of Mrs. Saddletree, who was his next-door neighbour, and who + declared it was heathen cruelty to keep the twa brokenhearted creatures + separate, issued the important mandate, permitting them to see each other. + </p> + <p> + On the evening which preceded the eventful day of trial, Jeanie was + permitted to see her sister—an awful interview, and occurring at a + most distressing crisis. This, however, formed a part of the bitter cup + which she was doomed to drink, to atone for crimes and follies to which + she had no accession; and at twelve o’clock noon, being the time appointed + for admission to the jail, she went to meet, for the first time for + several months, her guilty, erring, and most miserable sister, in that + abode of guilt, error, and utter misery. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER NINETEENTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Sweet sister, let me live! + What sin you do to save a brother’s life, + Nature dispenses with the deed so far, + That it becomes a virtue. + Measure for Measure. +</pre> + <p> + Jeanie Deans was admitted into the jail by Ratcliffe. This fellow, as void + of shame as of honesty, as he opened the now trebly secured door, asked + her, with a leer which made her shudder, “whether she remembered him?” + </p> + <p> + A half-pronounced and timid “No,” was her answer. + </p> + <p> + “What! not remember moonlight, and Muschat’s Cairn, and Rob and Rat?” said + he, with the same sneer;—“Your memory needs redding up, my jo.” + </p> + <p> + If Jeanie’s distresses had admitted of aggravation, it must have been to + find her sister under the charge of such a profligate as this man. He was + not, indeed, without something of good to balance so much that was evil in + his character and habits. In his misdemeanours he had never been + bloodthirsty or cruel; and in his present occupation, he had shown + himself, in a certain degree, accessible to touches of humanity. But these + good qualities were unknown to Jeanie, who, remembering the scene at + Muschat’s Cairn, could scarce find voice to acquaint him, that she had an + order from Bailie Middleburgh, permitting her to see her sister. + </p> + <p> + “I ken that fa’ weel, my bonny doo; mair by token, I have a special charge + to stay in the ward with you a’ the time ye are thegither.” + </p> + <p> + “Must that be sae?” asked Jeanie, with an imploring voice. + </p> + <p> + “Hout, ay, hinny,” replied the turnkey; “and what the waur will you and + your tittie be of Jim Ratcliffe hearing what ye hae to say to ilk other?—Deil + a word ye’ll say that will gar him ken your kittle sex better than he kens + them already; and another thing is, that if ye dinna speak o’ breaking the + Tolbooth, deil a word will I tell ower, either to do ye good or ill.” + </p> + <p> + Thus saying, Ratcliffe marshalled her the way to the apartment where Effie + was confined. + </p> + <p> + Shame, fear, and grief, had contended for mastery in the poor prisoner’s + bosom during the whole morning, while she had looked forward to this + meeting; but when the door opened, all gave way to a confused and strange + feeling that had a tinge of joy in it, as, throwing herself on her + sister’s neck, she ejaculated, “My dear Jeanie!—my dear Jeanie! it’s + lang since I hae seen ye.” Jeanie returned the embrace with an earnestness + that partook almost of rapture, but it was only a flitting emotion, like a + sunbeam unexpectedly penetrating betwixt the clouds of a tempest, and + obscured almost as soon as visible. The sisters walked together to the + side of the pallet bed, and sate down side by side, took hold of each + other’s hands, and looked each other in the face, but without speaking a + word. In this posture they remained for a minute, while the gleam of joy + gradually faded from their features, and gave way to the most intense + expression, first of melancholy, and then of agony, till, throwing + themselves again into each other’s arms, they, to use the language of + Scripture, lifted up their voices, and wept bitterly. + </p> + <p> + Even the hardhearted turnkey, who had spent his life in scenes calculated + to stifle both conscience and feeling, could not witness this scene + without a touch of human sympathy. It was shown in a trifling action, but + which had more delicacy in it than seemed to belong to Ratcliffe’s + character and station. The unglazed window of the miserable chamber was + open, and the beams of a bright sun fell right upon the bed where the + sufferers were seated. With a gentleness that had something of reverence + in it, Ratcliffe partly closed the shutter, and seemed thus to throw a + veil over a scene so sorrowful. + </p> + <p> + “Ye are ill, Effie,” were the first words Jeanie could utter; “ye are very + ill.” + </p> + <p> + “O, what wad I gie to be ten times waur, Jeanie!” was the reply—“what + wad I gie to be cauld dead afore the ten o’clock bell the morn! And our + father—but I am his bairn nae langer now—O, I hae nae friend + left in the warld!—O, that I were lying dead at my mother’s side, in + Newbattle kirkyard!” + </p> + <p> + “Hout, lassie,” said Ratcliffe, willing to show the interest which he + absolutely felt, “dinna be sae dooms doon-hearted as a’ that; there’s mony + a tod hunted that’s no killed. Advocate Langtale has brought folk through + waur snappers than a’ this, and there’s no a cleverer agent than Nichil + Novit e’er drew a bill of suspension. Hanged or unhanged, they are weel + aff has sic an agent and counsel; ane’s sure o’ fair play. Ye are a bonny + lass, too, an ye wad busk up your cockernony a bit; and a bonny lass will + find favour wi’ judge and jury, when they would strap up a grewsome carle + like me for the fifteenth part of a flea’s hide and tallow, d—n + them.” + </p> + <p> + To this homely strain of consolation the mourners returned no answer; + indeed, they were so much lost in their own sorrows as to have become + insensible of Ratcliffe’s presence. “O Effie,” said her elder sister, “how + could you conceal your situation from me? O woman, had I deserved this at + your hand?—had ye spoke but ae word—sorry we might hae been, + and shamed we might hae been, but this awfu’ dispensation had never come + ower us.” + </p> + <p> + “And what gude wad that hae dune?” answered the prisoner. “Na, na, Jeanie, + a’ was ower when ance I forgot what I promised when I faulded down the + leaf of my Bible. See,” she said, producing the sacred volume, “the book + opens aye at the place o’ itsell. O see, Jeanie, what a fearfu’ + Scripture!” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie took her sister’s Bible, and found that the fatal mark was made at + this impressive text in the book of Job: “He hath stripped me of my glory, + and taken the crown from my head. He hath destroyed me on every side, and + I am gone. And mine hope hath he removed like a tree.” + </p> + <p> + “Isna that ower true a doctrine?” said the prisoner “Isna my crown, my + honour, removed? And what am I but a poor, wasted, wan-thriven tree, dug + up by the roots, and flung out to waste in the highway, that man and beast + may tread it under foot? I thought o’ the bonny bit them that our father + rooted out o’ the yard last May, when it had a’ the flush o’ blossoms on + it; and then it lay in the court till the beasts had trod them a’ to + pieces wi’ their feet. I little thought, when I was wae for the bit silly + green bush and its flowers, that I was to gang the same gate mysell.” + </p> + <p> + “O, if ye had spoken ae word,” again sobbed Jeanie,—“if I were free + to swear that ye had said but ae word of how it stude wi’ ye, they couldna + hae touched your life this day.” + </p> + <p> + “Could they na?” said Effie, with something like awakened interest—for + life is dear even to those who feel it is a burden—“Wha tauld ye + that, Jeanie?” + </p> + <p> + “It was ane that kend what he was saying weel eneugh,” replied Jeanie, who + had a natural reluctance at mentioning even the name of her sister’s + seducer. + </p> + <p> + “Wha was it?—I conjure you to tell me,” said Effie, seating herself + upright.—“Wha could tak interest in sic a cast-by as I am now?—Was + it—was it <i>him?</i>” + </p> + <p> + “Hout,” said Ratcliffe, “what signifies keeping the poor lassie in a + swither? I’se uphaud it’s been Robertson that learned ye that doctrine + when ye saw him at Muschat’s Cairn.” + </p> + <p> + “Was it him?” said Effie, catching eagerly at his words—“was it him, + Jeanie, indeed?—O, I see it was him—poor lad, and I was + thinking his heart was as hard as the nether millstane—and him in + sic danger on his ain part—poor George!” + </p> + <p> + Somewhat indignant at this burst of tender feeling towards the author of + her misery, Jeanie could not help exclaiming—“O Effie, how can ye + speak that gate of sic a man as that?” + </p> + <p> + “We maun forgie our enemies, ye ken,” said poor Effie, with a timid look + and a subdued voice; for her conscience told her what a different + character the feelings with which she regarded her seducer bore, compared + with the Christian charity under which she attempted to veil it. + </p> + <p> + “And ye hae suffered a’ this for him, and ye can think of loving him + still?” said her sister, in a voice betwixt pity and blame. + </p> + <p> + “Love him!” answered Effie—“If I hadna loved as woman seldom loves, + I hadna been within these wa’s this day; and trow ye, that love sic as + mine is lightly forgotten?—Na, na—ye may hew down the tree, + but ye canna change its bend—And, O Jeanie, if ye wad do good to me + at this moment, tell me every word that he said, and whether he was sorry + for poor Effie or no!” + </p> + <p> + “What needs I tell ye onything about it?” said Jeanie. “Ye may be sure he + had ower muckle to do to save himsell, to speak lang or muckle about ony + body beside.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="image-0012" id="image-0012"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/pa304.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="Jeanie and Effie " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + “That’s no true, Jeanie, though a saunt had said it,” replied Effie, with + a sparkle of her former lively and irritable temper. “But ye dinna ken, + though I do, how far he pat his life in venture to save mine.” And looking + at Ratcliffe, she checked herself and was silent. + </p> + <p> + “I fancy,” said Ratcliffe, with one of his familiar sneers, “the lassie + thinks that naebody has een but hersell—Didna I see when Gentle + Geordie was seeking to get other folk out of the Tolbooth forby Jock + Porteous?—but ye are of my mind, hinny—better sit and rue, + than flit and rue—ye needna look in my face sae amazed. I ken mair + things than that, maybe.” + </p> + <p> + “O my God! my God!” said Effie, springing up and throwing herself down on + her knees before him—“D’ye ken where they hae putten my bairn?—O + my bairn! my bairn! the poor sackless innocent new-born wee ane—bone + of my bone, and flesh of my flesh!—O man, if ye wad e’er deserve a + portion in Heaven, or a brokenhearted creature’s blessing upon earth, tell + me where they hae put my bairn—the sign of my shame, and the partner + of my suffering! tell me wha has taen’t away, or what they hae dune wi’t?” + </p> + <p> + “Hout tout,” said the turnkey, endeavouring to extricate himself from the + firm grasp with which she held him, “that’s taking me at my word wi’ a + witness—Bairn, quo’ she? How the deil suld I ken onything of your + bairn, huzzy? Ye maun ask that of auld Meg Murdockson, if ye dinna ken + ower muckle about it yoursell.” + </p> + <p> + As his answer destroyed the wild and vague hope which had suddenly gleamed + upon her, the unhappy prisoner let go her hold of his coat, and fell with + her face on the pavement of the apartment in a strong convulsion fit. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie Deans possessed, with her excellently clear understanding, the + concomitant advantage of promptitude of spirit, even in the extremity of + distress. + </p> + <p> + She did not suffer herself to be overcome by her own feelings of exquisite + sorrow, but instantly applied herself to her sister’s relief, with the + readiest remedies which circumstances afforded; and which, to do Ratcliffe + justice, he showed himself anxious to suggest, and alert in procuring. He + had even the delicacy to withdraw to the farthest corner of the room, so + as to render his official attendance upon them as little intrusive as + possible, when Effie was composed enough again to resume her conference + with her sister. + </p> + <p> + The prisoner once more, in the most earnest and broken tones, conjured + Jeanie to tell her the particulars of the conference with Robertson, and + Jeanie felt it was impossible to refuse her this gratification. + </p> + <p> + “Do ye mind,” she said, “Effie, when ye were in the fever before we left + Woodend, and how angry your mother, that’s now in a better place, was wi’ + me for gieing ye milk and water to drink, because ye grat for it? Ye were + a bairn then, and ye are a woman now, and should ken better than ask what + canna but hurt you—But come weal or woe, I canna refuse ye onything + that ye ask me wi’ the tear in your ee.” + </p> + <p> + Again Effie threw herself into her arms, and kissed her cheek and + forehead, murmuring, “O, if ye kend how lang it is since I heard his name + mentioned?—if ye but kend how muckle good it does me but to ken + onything o’ him, that’s like goodness or kindness, ye wadna wonder that I + wish to hear o’ him!” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie sighed, and commenced her narrative of all that had passed betwixt + Robertson and her, making it as brief as possible. Effie listened in + breathless anxiety, holding her sister’s hand in hers, and keeping her eye + fixed upon her face, as if devouring every word she uttered. The + interjections of “Poor fellow,”—“Poor George,” which escaped in + whispers, and betwixt sighs, were the only sounds with which she + interrupted the story. When it was finished she made a long pause. + </p> + <p> + “And this was his advice?” were the first words she uttered. + </p> + <p> + “Just sic as I hae tell’d ye,” replied her sister. + </p> + <p> + “And he wanted you to say something to yon folks, that wad save my young + life?” + </p> + <p> + “He wanted,” answered Jeanie, “that I suld be man-sworn.” + </p> + <p> + “And you tauld him,” said Effie, “that ye wadna hear o’ coming between me + and the death that I am to die, and me no aughten year auld yet?” + </p> + <p> + “I told him,” replied Jeanie, who now trembled at the turn which her + sister’s reflection seemed about to take, “that I daured na swear to an + untruth.” + </p> + <p> + “And what d’ye ca’ an untruth?” said Effie, again showing a touch of her + former spirit—“Ye are muckle to blame, lass, if ye think a mother + would, or could, murder her ain bairn—Murder!—I wad hae laid + down my life just to see a blink o’ its ee!” + </p> + <p> + “I do believe,” said Jeanie, “that ye are as innocent of sic a purpose as + the new-born babe itsell.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad ye do me that justice,” said Effie, haughtily; “ifs whiles the + faut of very good folk like you, Jeanie, that, they think a’ the rest of + the warld are as bad as the warst temptations can make them.” + </p> + <p> + “I didna deserve this frae ye, Effie,” said her sister, sobbing, and + feeling at once the injustice of the reproach, and compassion for the + state of mind which dictated it. + </p> + <p> + “Maybe no, sister,” said Effie. “But ye are angry because I love Robertson—How + can I help loving him, that loves me better than body and soul baith?—Here + he put his life in a niffer, to break the prison to let me out; and sure + am I, had it stude wi’ him as it stands wi’ you”—Here she paused and + was silent. + </p> + <p> + “O, if it stude wi’ me to save ye wi’ risk of my life!” said Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, lass,” said her sister, “that’s lightly said, but no sae lightly + credited, frae ane that winna ware a word for me; and if it be a wrang + word, ye’ll hae time eneugh to repent o’t.” + </p> + <p> + “But that word is a grievous sin, and it’s a deeper offence when it’s a + sin wilfully and presumptuously committed.” + </p> + <p> + “Weel, weel, Jeanie,” said Effie, “I mind a’ about the sins o’ presumption + in the questions—we’ll speak nae mair about this matter, and ye may + save your breath to say your carritch and for me, I’ll soon hae nae breath + to waste on onybody.” + </p> + <p> + “I must needs say,” interposed Ratcliffe, “that it’s d—d hard, when + three words of your mouth would give the girl the chance to nick Moll + Blood,* that you make such scrupling about rapping** to them. D—n + me, if they would take me, if I would not rap to all what d’ye callums—Hyssop’s + Fables, for her life—I am us’d to’t, b—t me, for less matters. + Why, I have smacked calf-skin*** fifty times in England for a keg of + brandy.” + </p> + <p> + * The gallows. ** Swearing. *** Kissed the book. + </p> + <p> + “Never speak mair o’t,” said the prisoner. “It’s just as weel as it is—and + gude-day, sister; ye keep Mr. Ratcliffe waiting on—Ye’ll come back + and see me, I reckon, before”—here she stopped and became deadly + pale. + </p> + <p> + “And are we to part in this way,” said Jeanie, “and you in sic deadly + peril? O Effie, look but up, and say what ye wad hae me to do, and I could + find in my heart amaist to say that I wad do’t.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Jeanie,” replied her sister after an effort, “I am better minded now. + At my best, I was never half sae gude as ye were, and what for suld you + begin to mak yoursell waur to save me, now that I am no worth saving? God + knows, that in my sober mind, I wadna wuss ony living creature to do a + wrang thing to save my life. I might have fled frae this Tolbooth on that + awfu’ night wi’ ane wad hae carried me through the warld, and friended me, + and fended for me. But I said to them, let life gang when gude fame is + gane before it. But this lang imprisonment has broken my spirit, and I am + whiles sair left to mysell, and then I wad gie the Indian mines of gold + and diamonds, just for life and breath—for I think, Jeanie, I have + such roving fits as I used to hae in the fever; but, instead of the fiery + een and wolves, and Widow Butler’s bullseg, that I used to see spieling + upon my bed, I am thinking now about a high, black gibbet, and me standing + up, and such seas of faces all looking up at poor Effie Deans, and asking + if it be her that George Robertson used to call the Lily of St. Leonard’s. + And then they stretch out their faces, and make mouths, and girn at me, + and whichever way I look, I see a face laughing like Meg Murdockson, when + she tauld me I had seen the last of my wean. God preserve us, Jeanie, that + carline has a fearsome face!” + </p> + <p> + She clapped her hands before her eyes as she uttered this exclamation, as + if to secure herself against seeing the fearful object she had alluded to. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie Deans remained with her sister for two hours, during which she + endeavoured, if possible, to extract something from her that might be + serviceable in her exculpation. But she had nothing to say beyond what she + had declared on her first examination, with the purport of which the + reader will be made acquainted in proper time and place. “They wadna + believe her,” she said, “and she had naething mair to tell them.” + </p> + <p> + At length, Ratcliffe, though reluctantly, informed the sisters that there + was a necessity that they should part. “Mr. Novit,” he said, “was to see + the prisoner, and maybe Mr. Langtale too. Langtale likes to look at a + bonny lass, whether in prison or out o’ prison.” + </p> + <p> + Reluctantly, therefore, and slowly, after many a tear, and many an + embrace, Jeanie retired from the apartment, and heard its jarring bolts + turned upon the dear being from whom she was separated. Somewhat + familiarised now even with her rude conductor, she offered him a small + present in money, with a request he would do what he could for her + sister’s accommodation. To her surprise, Ratcliffe declined the fee. “I + wasna bloody when I was on the pad,” he said, “and I winna be greedy—that + is, beyond what’s right and reasonable—now that I am in the lock.—Keep + the siller; and for civility, your sister sall hae sic as I can bestow; + but I hope you’ll think better on it, and rap an oath for her—deil a + hair ill there is in it, if ye are rapping again the crown. I kend a + worthy minister, as gude a man, bating the deed they deposed him for, as + ever ye heard claver in a pu’pit, that rapped to a hogshead of pigtail + tobacco, just for as muckle as filled his spleuchan.* + </p> + <p> + * Tobacco-pouch. + </p> + <p> + But maybe ye are keeping your ain counsel—weel, weel, there’s nae + harm in that. As for your sister, I’se see that she gets her meat clean + and warm, and I’ll try to gar her lie down and take a sleep after dinner, + for deil a ee she’ll close the night. I hae gude experience of these + matters. The first night is aye the warst o’t. I hae never heard o’ ane + that sleepit the night afore trial, but of mony a ane that sleepit as + sound as a tap the night before their necks were straughted. And it’s nae + wonder—the warst may be tholed when it’s kend—Better a finger + aff as aye wagging.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTIETH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Yet though thou mayst be dragg’d in scorn + To yonder ignominious tree, + Thou shalt not want one faithful friend + To share the cruel fates’ decree. + Jemmy Dawson. +</pre> + <p> + After spending the greater part of the morning in his devotions (for his + benevolent neighbours had kindly insisted upon discharging his task of + ordinary labour), David Deans entered the apartment when the breakfast + meal was prepared. His eyes were involuntarily cast down, for he was + afraid to look at Jeanie, uncertain as he was whether she might feel + herself at liberty, with a good conscience, to attend the Court of + Justiciary that day, to give the evidence which he understood that she + possessed, in order to her sister’s exculpation. At length, after a minute + of apprehensive hesitation, he looked at her dress to discover whether it + seemed to be in her contemplation to go abroad that morning. Her apparel + was neat and plain, but such as conveyed no exact intimation of her + intentions to go abroad. She had exchanged her usual garb for morning + labour, for one something inferior to that with which, as her best, she + was wont to dress herself for church, or any more rare occasion of going + into society. Her sense taught her, that it was respectful to be decent in + her apparel on such an occasion, while her feelings induced her to lay + aside the use of the very few and simple personal ornaments, which, on + other occasions, she permitted herself to wear. So that there occurred + nothing in her external appearance which could mark out to her father, + with anything like certainty, her intentions on this occasion. + </p> + <p> + The preparations for their humble meal were that morning made in vain. The + father and daughter sat, each assuming the appearance of eating, when the + other’s eyes were turned to them, and desisting from the effort with + disgust, when the affectionate imposture seemed no longer necessary. + </p> + <p> + At length these moments of constraint were removed. The sound of St. + Giles’s heavy toll announced the hour previous to the commencement of the + trial; Jeanie arose, and with a degree of composure for which she herself + could not account, assumed her plaid, and made her other preparations for + a distant walking. It was a strange contrast between the firmness of her + demeanour, and the vacillation and cruel uncertainty of purpose indicated + in all her father’s motions; and one unacquainted with both could scarcely + have supposed that the former was, in her ordinary habits of life, a + docile, quiet, gentle, and even timid country maiden, while her father, + with a mind naturally proud and strong, and supported by religious + opinions of a stern, stoical, and unyielding character, had in his time + undergone and withstood the most severe hardships, and the most imminent + peril, without depression of spirit, or subjugation of his constancy. The + secret of this difference was, that Jeanie’s mind had already anticipated + the line of conduct which she must adopt, with all its natural and + necessary consequences; while her father, ignorant of every other + circumstance, tormented himself with imagining what the one sister might + say or swear, or what effect her testimony might have upon the awful event + of the trial. + </p> + <p> + He watched his daughter, with a faltering and indecisive look, until she + looked back upon him, with a look of unutterable anguish, as she was about + to leave the apartment. + </p> + <p> + “My dear lassie,” said he, “I will.” His action, hastily and confusedly + searching for his worsted mittans* and staff, showed his purpose of + accompanying her, though his tongue failed distinctly to announce it. + </p> + <p> + * A kind of worsted gloves, used by the lower orders. + </p> + <p> + “Father,” said Jeanie, replying rather to his action than his words, “ye + had better not.” + </p> + <p> + “In the strength of my God,” answered Deans, assuming firmness, “I will go + forth.” + </p> + <p> + And, taking his daughter’s arm under his, he began to walk from the door + with a step so hasty, that she was almost unable to keep up with him. A + trifling circumstance, but which marked the perturbed state of his mind, + checked his course. + </p> + <p> + “Your bonnet, father?” said Jeanie, who observed he had come out with his + grey hairs uncovered. He turned back with a slight blush on his cheek, + being ashamed to have been detected in an omission which indicated so much + mental confusion, assumed his large blue Scottish bonnet, and with a step + slower, but more composed, as if the circumstance, had obliged him to + summon up his resolution, and collect his scattered ideas, again placed + his daughter’s arm under his, and resumed the way to Edinburgh. + </p> + <p> + The courts of justice were then, and are still, held in what is called the + Parliament Close, or, according to modern phrase, Parliament Square, and + occupied the buildings intended for the accommodation of the Scottish + Estates. This edifice, though in an imperfect and corrupted style of + architecture, had then a grave, decent, and, as it were, a judicial + aspect, which was at least entitled to respect from its antiquity. For + which venerable front, I observed, on my last occasional visit to the + metropolis, that modern taste had substituted, at great apparent expense, + a pile so utterly inconsistent with every monument of antiquity around, + and in itself so clumsy at the same time and fantastic, that it may be + likened to the decorations of Tom Errand the porter, in the <i>Trip to the + Jubilee,</i> when he appears bedizened with the tawdry finery of Beau + Clincher. <i>Sed transeat cum caeteris erroribus.</i> + </p> + <p> + The small quadrangle, or Close, if we may presume still to give it that + appropriate, though antiquated title, which at Lichfield, Salisbury, and + elsewhere, is properly applied to designate the enclosure adjacent to a + cathedral, already evinced tokens of the fatal scene which was that day to + be acted. The soldiers of the City Guard were on their posts, now + enduring, and now rudely repelling with the butts of their muskets, the + motley crew who thrust each other forward, to catch a glance at the + unfortunate object of trial, as she should pass from the adjacent prison + to the Court in which her fate was to be determined. All must have + occasionally observed, with disgust, the apathy with which the vulgar gaze + on scenes of this nature, and how seldom, unless when their sympathies are + called forth by some striking and extraordinary circumstance, the crowd + evince any interest deeper than that of callous, unthinking bustle, and + brutal curiosity. They laugh, jest, quarrel, and push each other to and + fro, with the same unfeeling indifference as if they were assembled for + some holiday sport, or to see an idle procession. Occasionally, however, + this demeanour, so natural to the degraded populace of a large town, is + exchanged for a temporary touch of human affections; and so it chanced on + the present occasion. + </p> + <p> + When Deans and his daughter presented themselves in the Close, and + endeavoured to make their way forward to the door of the Court-house, they + became involved in the mob, and subject, of course, to their insolence. As + Deans repelled with some force the rude pushes which he received on all + sides, his figure and antiquated dress caught the attention of the rabble, + who often show an intuitive sharpness in ascribing the proper character + from external appearance,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Ye’re welcome, whigs, + Frae Bothwell briggs,” + </pre> + <p> + sung one fellow (for the mob of Edinburgh were at that time jacobitically + disposed, probably because that was the line of sentiment most + diametrically opposite to existing authority). + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Mess David Williamson, + Chosen of twenty, + Ran up the pu’pit stair, + And sang Killiecrankie,” + </pre> + <p> + chanted a siren, whose profession might be guessed by her appearance. A + tattered caidie, or errand-porter, whom David Deans had jostled in his + attempt to extricate himself from the vicinity of these scorners, + exclaimed in a strong north-country tone, “Ta deil ding out her Cameronian + een—what gies her titles to dunch gentlemans about?” + </p> + <p> + “Make room for the ruling elder,” said yet another; “he comes to see a + precious sister glorify God in the Grassmarket!” + </p> + <p> + “Whisht; shame’s in ye, sirs,” said the voice of a man very loudly, which, + as quickly sinking, said in a low but distinct tone, “It’s her father and + sister.” + </p> + <p> + All fell back to make way for the sufferers; and all, even the very rudest + and most profligate, were struck with shame and silence. In the space thus + abandoned to them by the mob, Deans stood, holding his daughter by the + hand, and said to her, with a countenance strongly and sternly expressive + of his internal emotion, “Ye hear with your ears, and ye see with your + eyes, where and to whom the backslidings and defections of professors are + ascribed by the scoffers. Not to themselves alone, but to the kirk of + which they are members, and to its blessed and invisible Head. Then, weel + may we take wi’ patience our share and portion of this outspreading + reproach.” + </p> + <p> + The man who had spoken, no other than our old friend, Dumbiedikes, whose + mouth, like that of the prophet’s ass, had been opened by the emergency of + the case, now joined them, and, with his usual taciturnity, escorted them + into the Court-house. No opposition was offered to their entrance either + by the guards or doorkeepers; and it is even said that one of the latter + refused a shilling of civility-money tendered him by the Laird of + Dumbiedikes, who was of opinion that “siller wad make a’ easy.” But this + last incident wants confirmation. + </p> + <p> + Admitted within the precincts of the Court-house, they found the usual + number of busy office-bearers, and idle loiterers, who attend on these + scenes by choice, or from duty. Burghers gaped and stared; young lawyers + sauntered, sneered, and laughed, as in the pit of the theatre; while + others apart sat on a bench retired, and reasoned highly, <i>inter apices + juris,</i> on the doctrines of constructive crime, and the true import of + the statute. The bench was prepared for the arrival of the judges. The + jurors were in attendance. The crown-counsel, employed in looking over + their briefs and notes of evidence, looked grave, and whispered with each + other. They occupied one side of a large table placed beneath the bench; + on the other sat the advocates, whom the humanity of the Scottish law (in + this particular more liberal than that of the sister-country) not only + permits, but enjoins, to appear and assist with their advice and skill all + persons under trial. Mr. Nichil Novit was seen actively instructing the + counsel for the panel (so the prisoner is called in Scottish + law-phraseology), busy, bustling, and important. When they entered the + Court-room, Deans asked the Laird, in a tremulous whisper, “Where will <i>she</i> + sit?” + </p> + <p> + Dumbiedikes whispered Novit, who pointed to a vacant space at the bar, + fronting the judges, and was about to conduct Deans towards it. + </p> + <p> + “No!” he said; “I cannot sit by her—I cannot own her—not as + yet, at least—I will keep out of her sight, and turn mine own eyes + elsewhere—better for us baith.” + </p> + <p> + Saddletree, whose repeated interference with the counsel had procured him + one or two rebuffs, and a special request that he would concern himself + with his own matters, now saw with pleasure an opportunity of playing the + person of importance. He bustled up to the poor old man, and proceeded to + exhibit his consequence, by securing, through his interest with the + bar-keepers and macers, a seat for Deans, in a situation where he was + hidden from the general eye by the projecting corner of the bench. + </p> + <p> + “It’s gude to have a friend at court,” he said, continuing his heartless + harangues to the passive auditor, who neither heard nor replied to them; + “few folk but mysell could hae sorted ye out a seat like this—the + Lords will be here incontinent, and proceed <i>instanter</i> to trial. + They wunna fence the Court as they do at the Circuit—the High Court + of Justiciary is aye fenced.—But, Lord’s sake, what’s this o’t—Jeanie, + ye are a cited witness—Macer, this lass is a witness—she maun + be enclosed—she maun on nae account be at large.—Mr. Novit, + suldna Jeanie Deans be enclosed?” + </p> + <p> + Novit answered in the affirmative, and offered to conduct Jeanie to the + apartment, where, according to the scrupulous practice of the Scottish + Court, the witnesses remain in readiness to be called into Court to give + evidence; and separated, at the same time, from all who might influence + their testimony, or give them information concerning that which was + passing upon the trial. + </p> + <p> + “Is this necessary?” said Jeanie, still reluctant to quit her father’s + hand. + </p> + <p> + “A matter of absolute needcessity,” said Saddletree, “wha ever heard of + witnesses no being enclosed?” + </p> + <p> + “It is really a matter of necessity,” said the younger counsellor, + retained for her sister; and Jeanie reluctantly followed the macer of the + Court to the place appointed. + </p> + <p> + “This, Mr. Deans,” said Saddletree, “is ca’d sequestering a witness; but + it’s clean different (whilk maybe ye wadna fund out o’ yoursell) frae + sequestering ane’s estate or effects, as in cases of bankruptcy. I hae + aften been sequestered as a witness, for the Sheriff is in the use whiles + to cry me in to witness the declarations at precognitions, and so is Mr. + Sharpitlaw; but I was ne’er like to be sequestered o’ land and gudes but + ance, and that was lang syne, afore I was married. But whisht, whisht! + here’s the Court coming.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, the five Lords of Justiciary, in their long robes of scarlet, + faced with white, and preceded by their mace-bearer, entered with the + usual formalities, and took their places upon the bench of judgment. + </p> + <p> + The audience rose to receive them; and the bustle occasioned by their + entrance was hardly composed, when a great noise and confusion of persons + struggling, and forcibly endeavouring to enter at the doors of the + Court-room, and of the galleries, announced that the prisoner was about to + be placed at the bar. This tumult takes place when the doors, at first + only opened to those either having right to be present, or to the better + and more qualified ranks, are at length laid open to all whose curiosity + induces them to be present on the occasion. With inflamed countenances and + dishevelled dresses, struggling with, and sometimes tumbling over each + other, in rushed the rude multitude, while a few soldiers, forming, as it + were, the centre of the tide, could scarce, with all their efforts, clear + a passage for the prisoner to the place which she was to occupy. By the + authority of the Court, and the exertions of its officers, the tumult + among the spectators was at length appeased, and the unhappy girl brought + forward, and placed betwixt two sentinels with drawn bayonets, as a + prisoner at the bar, where she was to abide her deliverance for good or + evil, according to the issue of her trial. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY-FIRST. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + We have strict statutes, and most biting laws— + The needful bits and curbs for headstrong steeds— + Which, for these fourteen years, we have let sleep, + Like to an o’ergrown lion in a cave, + That goes not out to prey. + Measure for Measure. +</pre> + <p> + “Euphemia Deans,” said the presiding Judge, in an accent in which pity was + blended with dignity, “stand up and listen to the criminal indictment now + to be preferred against you.” + </p> + <p> + The unhappy girl, who had been stupified by the confusion through which + the guards had forced a passage, cast a bewildered look on the multitude + of faces around her, which seemed to tapestry, as it were, the walls, in + one broad slope from the ceiling to the floor, with human countenances, + and instinctively obeyed a command, which rung in her ears like the + trumpet of the judgment-day. + </p> + <p> + “Put back your hair, Effie,” said one of the macers. For her beautiful and + abundant tresses of long fair hair, which, according to the costume of the + country, unmarried women were not allowed to cover with any sort of cap, + and which, alas! Effie dared no longer confine with the snood or riband, + which implied purity of maiden-fame, now hung unbound and dishevelled over + her face, and almost concealed her features. On receiving this hint from + the attendant, the unfortunate young woman, with a hasty, trembling, and + apparently mechanical compliance, shaded back from her face her luxuriant + locks, and showed to the whole court, excepting one individual, a + countenance, which, though pale and emaciated, was so lovely amid its + agony, that it called forth a universal murmur of compassion and sympathy. + Apparently the expressive sound of human feeling recalled the poor girl + from the stupor of fear, which predominated at first over every other + sensation, and awakened her to the no less painful sense of shame and + exposure attached to her present situation. Her eye, which had at first + glanced wildly around, was turned on the ground; her cheek, at first so + deadly pale, began gradually to be overspread with a faint blush, which + increased so fast, that, when in agony of shame she strove to conceal her + face, her temples, her brow, her neck, and all that her slender fingers + and small palms could not cover, became of the deepest crimson. + </p> + <p> + All marked and were moved by these changes, excepting one. It was old + Deans, who, motionless in his seat, and concealed, as we have said, by the + corner of the bench, from seeing or being seen, did nevertheless keep his + eyes firmly fixed on the ground, as if determined that, by no possibility + whatever, would he be an ocular witness of the shame of his house. + </p> + <p> + “Ichabod!” he said to himself—“Ichabod! my glory is departed!” + </p> + <p> + While these reflections were passing through his mind, the indictment, + which set forth in technical form the crime of which the panel stood + accused, was read as usual, and the prisoner was asked if she was Guilty, + or Not Guilty. + </p> + <p> + “Not guilty of my poor bairn’s death,” said Effie Deans, in an accent + corresponding in plaintive softness of tone to the beauty of her features, + and which was not heard by the audience without emotion. + </p> + <p> + The presiding Judge next directed the counsel to plead to the relevancy; + that is, to state on either part the arguments in point of law, and + evidence in point of fact, against and in favour of the criminal; after + which it is the form of the Court to pronounce a preliminary judgment, + sending the cause to the cognisance of the jury, or assize. + </p> + <p> + The counsel for the crown briefly stated the frequency of the crime of + infanticide, which had given rise to the special statute under which the + panel stood indicted. He mentioned the various instances, many of them + marked with circumstances of atrocity, which had at length induced the + King’s Advocate, though with great reluctance, to make the experiment, + whether, by strictly enforcing the Act of Parliament which had been made + to prevent such enormities, their occurrence might be prevented. “He + expected,” he said, “to be able to establish by witnesses, as well as by + the declaration of the panel herself, that she was in the state described + by the statute. According to his information, the panel had communicated + her pregnancy to no one, nor did she allege in her own declaration that + she had done so. This secrecy was the first requisite in support of the + indictment. The same declaration admitted, that she had borne a male + child, in circumstances which gave but too much reason to believe it had + died by the hands, or at least with the knowledge or consent, of the + unhappy mother. It was not, however, necessary for him to bring positive + proof that the panel was accessory to the murder, nay, nor even to prove, + that the child was murdered at all. It was sufficient to support the + indictment, that it could not be found. According to the stern, but + necessary severity of this statute, she who should conceal her pregnancy, + who should omit to call that assistance which is most necessary on such + occasions, was held already to have meditated the death of her offspring, + as an event most likely to be the consequence of her culpable and cruel + concealment. And if, under such circumstances, she could not alternatively + show by proof that the infant had died a natural death, or produce it + still in life, she must, under the construction of the law, be held to + have murdered it, and suffer death accordingly.” + </p> + <p> + The counsel for the prisoner, Mr. Fairbrother, a man of considerable fame + in his profession, did not pretend directly to combat the arguments of the + King’s Advocate. He began by lamenting that his senior at the bar, Mr. + Langtale, had been suddenly called to the county of which he was sheriff, + and that he had been applied to, on short warning, to give the panel his + assistance in this interesting case. He had had little time, he said, to + make up for his inferiority to his learned brother by long and minute + research; and he was afraid he might give a specimen of his incapacity, by + being compelled to admit the accuracy of the indictment under the statute. + “It was enough for their Lordships,” he observed, “to know that such was + the law, and he admitted the advocate had a right to call for the usual + interlocutor of relevancy.” But he stated, “that when he came to establish + his case by proof, he trusted to make out circumstances which would + satisfactorily elide the charge in the libel. His client’s story was a + short, but most melancholy one. She was bred up in the strictest tenets of + religion and virtue, the daughter of a worthy and conscientious person, + who, in evil times, had established a character for courage and religion, + by becoming a sufferer for conscience’ sake.” + </p> + <p> + David Deans gave a convulsive start at hearing himself thus mentioned, and + then resumed the situation, in which, with his face stooped against his + hands, and both resting against the corner of the elevated bench on which + the Judges sate, he had hitherto listened to the procedure in the trial. + The Whig lawyers seemed to be interested; the Tories put up their lip. + </p> + <p> + “Whatever may be our difference of opinion,” resumed the lawyer, whose + business it was to carry his whole audience with him if possible, + “concerning the peculiar tenets of these people” (here Deans groaned + deeply), “it is impossible to deny them the praise of sound, and even + rigid morals, or the merit of training up their children in the fear of + God; and yet it was the daughter of such a person whom a jury would + shortly be called upon, in the absence of evidence, and upon mere + presumptions, to convict of a crime more properly belonging to a heathen, + or a savage, than to a Christian and civilised country. It was true,” he + admitted, “that the excellent nurture and early instruction which the poor + girl had received, had not been sufficient to preserve her from guilt and + error. She had fallen a sacrifice to an inconsiderate affection for a + young man of prepossessing manners, as he had been informed, but of a very + dangerous and desperate character. She was seduced under promise of + marriage—a promise, which the fellow might have, perhaps, done her + justice by keeping, had he not at that time been called upon by the law to + atone for a crime, violent and desperate in itself, but which became the + preface to another eventful history, every step of which was marked by + blood and guilt, and the final termination of which had not even yet + arrived. He believed that no one would hear him without surprise, when he + stated that the father of this infant now amissing, and said by the + learned Advocate to have been murdered, was no other than the notorious + George Robertson, the accomplice of Wilson, the hero of the memorable + escape from the Tolbooth Church, and as no one knew better than his + learned friend the Advocate, the principal actor in the Porteous + conspiracy—” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to interrupt a counsel in such a case as the present,” said, + the presiding Judge; “but I must remind the learned gentleman that he is + travelling out of the case before us.” + </p> + <p> + The counsel bowed and resumed. “He only judged it necessary,” he said, “to + mention the name and situation of Robertson, because the circumstance in + which that character was placed, went a great way in accounting for the + silence on which his Majesty’s counsel had laid so much weight, as + affording proof that his client proposed to allow no fair play for its + life to the helpless being whom she was about to bring into the world. She + had not announced to her friends that she had been seduced from the path + of honour—and why had she not done so?—Because she expected + daily to be restored to character, by her seducer doing her that justice + which she knew to be in his power, and believed to be in his inclination. + Was it natural—was it reasonable—was it fair, to expect that + she should in the interim, become <i>felo de se</i> of her own character, + and proclaim her frailty to the world, when she had every reason to + expect, that, by concealing it for a season, it might be veiled for ever? + Was it not, on the contrary, pardonable, that, in such an emergency, a + young woman, in such a situation, should be found far from disposed to + make a confidant of every prying gossip, who, with sharp eyes, and eager + ears, pressed upon her for an explanation of suspicious circumstances, + which females in the lower—he might say which females of all ranks, + are so alert in noticing, that they sometimes discover them where they do + not exist? Was it strange or was it criminal, that she should have + repelled their inquisitive impertinence with petulant denials? The sense + and feeling of all who heard him would answer directly in the negative. + But although his client had thus remained silent towards those to whom she + was not called upon to communicate her situation,—to whom,” said the + learned gentleman, “I will add, it would have been unadvised and improper + in her to have done so; yet, I trust, I shall remove this case most + triumphantly from under the statute, and obtain the unfortunate young + woman an honourable dismission from your Lordships’ bar, by showing that + she did, in due time and place, and to a person most fit for such + confidence, mention the calamitous circumstances in which she found + herself. This occurred after Robertson’s conviction, and when he was lying + in prison in expectation of the fate which his comrade Wilson afterwards + suffered, and from which he himself so strangely escaped. It was then, + when all hopes of having her honour repaired by wedlock vanished from her + eyes,—when an union with one in Robertson’s situation, if still + practicable, might, perhaps, have been regarded rather as an addition to + her disgrace,—it was <i>then,</i> that I trust to be able to prove + that the prisoner communicated and consulted with her sister, a young + woman several years older than herself, the daughter of her father, if I + mistake not, by a former marriage, upon the perils and distress of her + unhappy situation.” + </p> + <p> + “If, indeed, you are able to instruct <i>that</i> point, Mr. Fairbrother,” + said the presiding Judge. + </p> + <p> + “If I am indeed able to instruct that point, my Lord,” resumed Mr. + Fairbrother, “I trust not only to serve my client, but to relieve your + Lordships from that which I know you feel the most painful duty of your + high office; and to give all who now hear me the exquisite pleasure of + beholding a creature, so young, so ingenuous, and so beautiful, as she + that is now at the bar of your Lordships’ Court, dismissed from thence in + safety and in honour.” + </p> + <p> + This address seemed to affect many of the audience, and was followed by a + slight murmur of applause. Deans, as he heard his daughter’s beauty and + innocent appearance appealed to, was involuntarily about to turn his eyes + towards her; but, recollecting himself, he bent them again on the ground + with stubborn resolution. + </p> + <p> + “Will not my learned brother, on the other side of the bar,” continued the + advocate, after a short pause, “share in this general joy, since, I know, + while he discharges his duty in bringing an accused person here, no one + rejoices more in their being freely and honourably sent hence? My learned + brother shakes his head doubtfully, and lays his hand on the panel’s + declaration. I understand him perfectly—he would insinuate that the + facts now stated to your Lordships are inconsistent with the confession of + Euphemia Deans herself. I need not remind your Lordships, that her present + defence is no whit to be narrowed within the bounds of her former + confession; and that it is not by any account which she may formerly have + given of herself, but by what is now to be proved for or against her, that + she must ultimately stand or fall. I am not under the necessity of + accounting for her choosing to drop out of her declaration the + circumstances of her confession to her sister. She might not be aware of + its importance; she might be afraid of implicating her sister; she might + even have forgotten the circumstance entirely, in the terror and distress + of mind incidental to the arrest of so young a creature on a charge so + heinous. Any of these reasons are sufficient to account for her having + suppressed the truth in this instance, at whatever risk to herself; and I + incline most to her erroneous fear of criminating her sister, because I + observe she has had a similar tenderness towards her lover (however + undeserved on his part), and has never once mentioned Robertson’s name + from beginning to end of her declaration. + </p> + <p> + “But, my Lords,” continued Fairbrother, “I am aware the King’s Advocate + will expect me to show, that the proof I offer is consistent with other + circumstances of the case, which I do not and cannot deny. He will demand + of me how Effie Deans’s confession to her sister, previous to her + delivery, is reconcilable with the mystery of the birth,—with the + disappearance, perhaps the murder (for I will not deny a possibility which + I cannot disprove) of the infant. My Lords, the explanation of this is to + be found in the placability, perchance, I may say, in the facility and + pliability, of the female sex. The <i>dulcis Amaryllidis irae,</i> as your + Lordships well know, are easily appeased; nor is it possible to conceive a + woman so atrociously offended by the man whom she has loved, but that she + will retain a fund of forgiveness, upon which his penitence, whether real + or affected, may draw largely, with a certainty that his bills will be + answered. We can prove, by a letter produced in evidence, that this + villain Robertson, from the bottom of the dungeon whence he already + probably meditated the escape, which he afterwards accomplished by the + assistance of his comrade, contrived to exercise authority over the mind, + and to direct the motions, of this unhappy girl. It was in compliance with + his injunctions, expressed in that letter, that the panel was prevailed + upon to alter the line of conduct which her own better thoughts had + suggested; and, instead of resorting, when her time of travail approached, + to the protection of her own family, was induced to confide herself to the + charge of some vile agent of this nefarious seducer, and by her conducted + to one of those solitary and secret purlieus of villany, which, to the + shame of our police, still are suffered to exist in the suburbs of this + city, where, with the assistance, and under the charge, of a person of her + own sex, she bore a male child, under circumstances which added treble + bitterness to the woe denounced against our original mother. What purpose + Robertson had in all this, it is hard to tell, or even to guess. He may + have meant to marry the girl, for her father is a man of substance. But, + for the termination of the story, and the conduct of the woman whom he had + placed about the person of Euphemia Deans, it is still more difficult to + account. The unfortunate young woman was visited by the fever incidental + to her situation. In this fever she appears to have been deceived by the + person that waited on her, and, on recovering her senses, she found that + she was childless in that abode of misery. Her infant had been carried + off, perhaps for the worst purposes, by the wretch that waited on her. It + may have been murdered, for what I can tell.” + </p> + <p> + He was here interrupted by a piercing shriek, uttered by the unfortunate + prisoner. She was with difficulty brought to compose herself. Her counsel + availed himself of the tragical interruption, to close his pleading with + effect. + </p> + <p> + “My Lords,” said he, “in that piteous cry you heard the eloquence of + maternal affection, far surpassing the force of my poor words—Rachel + weeping for her children! Nature herself bears testimony in favour of the + tenderness and acuteness of the prisoner’s parental feelings. I will not + dishonour her plea by adding a word more.” + </p> + <p> + “Heard ye ever the like o’ that, Laird?” said Saddletree to Dumbiedikes, + when the counsel had ended his speech. “There’s a chield can spin a muckle + pirn out of a wee tait of tow! Deil haet he kens mair about it than what’s + in the declaration, and a surmise that Jeanie Deans suld hae been able to + say something about her sister’s situation, whilk surmise, Mr. Crossmyloof + says, rests on sma’ authority. And he’s cleckit this great muckle bird out + o’ this wee egg! He could wile the very flounders out o’ the Firth.—What + garr’d my father no send me to Utrecht?—But whisht, the Court is + gaun to pronounce the interlocutor of relevancy.” + </p> + <p> + And accordingly the Judges, after a few words, recorded their judgment, + which bore, that the indictment, if proved, was relevant to infer the + pains of law: And that the defence, that the panel had communicated her + situation to her sister, was a relevant defence: And, finally, appointed + the said indictment and defence to be submitted to the judgment of an + assize. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY-SECOND. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Most righteous judge! a sentence.—Come, prepare. + Merchant of Venice. +</pre> + <p> + It is by no means my intention to describe minutely the forms of a + Scottish criminal trial, nor am I sure that I could draw up an account so + intelligible and accurate as to abide the criticism of the gentlemen of + the long robe. It is enough to say that the jury was impanelled, and the + case proceeded. The prisoner was again required to plead to the charge, + and she again replied, “Not Guilty,” in the same heart-thrilling tone as + before. + </p> + <p> + The crown counsel then called two or three female witnesses, by whose + testimony it was established, that Effie’s situation had been remarked by + them, that they had taxed her with the fact, and that her answers had + amounted to an angry and petulant denial of what they charged her with. + But, as very frequently happens, the declaration of the panel or accused + party herself was the evidence which bore hardest upon her case. + </p> + <p> + In the event of these tales ever finding their way across the Border, it + may be proper to apprise the southern reader that it is the practice in + Scotland, on apprehending a suspected person, to subject him to a judicial + examination before a magistrate. He is not compelled to answer any of the + questions asked of him, but may remain silent if he sees it his interest + to do so. But whatever answers he chooses to give are formally written + down, and being subscribed by himself and the magistrate, are produced + against the accused in case of his being brought to trial. It is true, + that these declarations are not produced as being in themselves evidence + properly so called, but only as adminicles of testimony, tending to + corroborate what is considered as legal and proper evidence. + Notwithstanding this nice distinction, however, introduced by lawyers to + reconcile this procedure to their own general rule, that a man cannot be + required to bear witness against himself, it nevertheless usually happens + that these declarations become the means of condemning the accused, as it + were, out of their own mouths. The prisoner, upon these previous + examinations, has indeed the privilege of remaining silent if he pleases; + but every man necessarily feels that a refusal to answer natural and + pertinent interrogatories, put by judicial authority, is in itself a + strong proof of guilt, and will certainly lead to his being committed to + prison; and few can renounce the hope of obtaining liberty by giving some + specious account of themselves, and showing apparent frankness in + explaining their motives and accounting for their conduct. It, therefore, + seldom happens that the prisoner refuses to give a judicial declaration, + in which, nevertheless, either by letting out too much of the truth, or by + endeavouring to substitute a fictitious story, he almost always exposes + himself to suspicion and to contradictions, which weigh heavily in the + minds of the jury. + </p> + <p> + The declaration of Effie Deans was uttered on other principles, and the + following is a sketch of its contents, given in the judicial form, in + which they may still be found in the Books of Adjournal. + </p> + <p> + The declarant admitted a criminal intrigue with an individual whose name + she desired to conceal. “Being interrogated, what her reason was for + secrecy on this point? She declared, that she had no right to blame that + person’s conduct more than she did her own, and that she was willing to + confess her own faults, but not to say anything which might criminate the + absent. Interrogated, if she confessed her situation to any one, or made + any preparation for her confinement? Declares, she did not. And being + interrogated, why she forbore to take steps which her situation so + peremptorily required? Declares, she was ashamed to tell her friends, and + she trusted the person she has mentioned would provide for her and the + infant. Interrogated if he did so? Declares, that he did not do so + personally; but that it was not his fault, for that the declarant is + convinced he would have laid down his life sooner than the bairn or she + had come to harm. Interrogated, what prevented him from keeping his + promise? Declares, that it was impossible for him to do so, he being under + trouble at the time, and declines farther answer to this question. + Interrogated, where she was from the period she left her master, Mr. + Saddletree’s family, until her appearance at her father’s, at St. + Leonard’s, the day before she was apprehended? Declares, she does not + remember. And, on the interrogatory being repeated, declares, she does not + mind muckle about it, for she was very ill. On the question being again + repeated, she declares, she will tell the truth, if it should be the + undoing of her, so long as she is not asked to tell on other folk; and + admits, that she passed that interval of time in the lodging of a woman, + an acquaintance of that person who had wished her to that place to be + delivered, and that she was there delivered accordingly of a male child. + Interrogated, what was the name of that person? Declares and refuses to + answer this question. Interrogated, where she lives? Declares, she has no + certainty, for that she was taken to the lodging aforesaid under cloud of + night. Interrogated, if the lodging was in the city or suburbs? Declares + and refuses to answer that question. Interrogated, whether, when she left + the house of Mr. Saddletree, she went up or down the street? Declares and + refuses to answer the question. Interrogated, whether she had ever seen + the woman before she was wished to her, as she termed it, by the person + whose name she refuses to answer? Declares and replies, not to her + knowledge. Interrogated, whether this woman was introduced to her by the + said person verbally, or by word of mouth? Declares, she has no freedom to + answer this question. Interrogated, if the child was alive when it was + born? Declares, that—God help her and it!—it certainly was + alive. Interrogated, if it died a natural death after birth? Declares, not + to her knowledge. Interrogated, where it now is? Declares, she would give + her right hand to ken, but that she never hopes to see mair than the banes + of it. And being interrogated, why she supposes it is now dead? the + declarant wept bitterly and made no answer. Interrogated, if the woman, in + whose lodging she was, seemed to be a fit person to be with her in that + situation? Declares, she might be fit enough for skill, but that she was + an hard-hearted bad woman. Interrogated, if there was any other person in + the lodging excepting themselves two? Declares, that she thinks there was + another woman; but her head was so carried with pain of body and trouble + of mind, that she minded her very little. Interrogated, when the child was + taken away from her? Declared that she fell in a fever, and was + light-headed, and when she came to her own mind, the woman told her the + bairn was dead; and that the declarant answered, if it was dead it had had + foul play. That, thereupon, the woman was very sair on her, and gave her + much ill language; and that the deponent was frightened, and crawled out + of the house when her back was turned, and went home to Saint Leonard’s + Crags, as well as a woman in her condition dought.* + </p> + <p> + * i.e. Was able to do. + </p> + <p> + Interrogated, why she did not tell her story to her sister and father, and + get force to search the house for her child, dead or alive? Declares, it + was her purpose to do so, but she had not time. Interrogated, why she now + conceals the name of the woman, and the place of her abode? The declarant + remained silent for a time, and then said, that to do so could not repair + the skaith that was done, but might be the occasion of more. Interrogated, + whether she had herself, at any time, had any purpose of putting away the + child by violence? Declares, never; so might God be merciful to her—and + then again declares, never, when she was in her perfect senses; but what + bad thoughts the Enemy might put into her brain when she was out of + herself, she cannot answer. And again solemnly interrogated, declares, + that she would have been drawn with wild horses, rather than have touched + the bairn with an unmotherly hand. Interrogated, declares, that among the + ill-language the woman gave her, she did say sure enough that the + declarant had hurt the bairn when she was in the brain fever; but that the + declarant does not believe that she said this from any other cause than to + frighten her, and make her be silent. Interrogated, what else the woman + said to her? Declares, that when the declarant cried loud for her bairn, + and was like to raise the neighbours, the woman threatened her, that they + that could stop the wean’s skirling would stop hers, if she did not keep + a’ the founder.* + </p> + <p> + * i.e. The quieter. + </p> + <p> + And that this threat, with the manner of the woman, made the declarant + conclude, that the bairn’s life was gone, and her own in danger, for that + the woman was a desperate bad woman, as the declarant judged from the + language she used. Interrogated, declares, that the fever and delirium + were brought on her by hearing bad news, suddenly told to her, but refuses + to say what the said news related to. Interrogated, why she does not now + communicate these particulars, which might, perhaps, enable the magistrate + to ascertain whether the child is living or dead; and requested to + observe, that her refusing to do so, exposes her own life, and leaves the + child in bad hands; as also that her present refusal to answer on such + points is inconsistent with her alleged intention to make a clean breast + to her sister? Declares, that she kens the bairn is now dead, or, if + living, there is one that will look after it; that for her own living or + dying, she is in God’s hands, who knows her innocence of harming her bairn + with her will or knowledge; and that she has altered her resolution of + speaking out, which she entertained when she left the woman’s lodging, on + account of a matter which she has since learned. And declares, in general, + that she is wearied, and will answer no more questions at this time.” + </p> + <p> + Upon a subsequent examination, Euphemia Deans adhered to the declaration + she had formerly made, with this addition, that a paper found in her trunk + being shown to her, she admitted that it contained the credentials, in + consequence of which she resigned herself to the conduct of the woman at + whose lodgings she was delivered of the child. Its tenor ran thus:— + </p> + <p> + “Dearest Effie,—I have gotten the means to send to you by a woman + who is well qualified to assist you in your approaching streight; she is + not what I could wish her, but I cannot do better for you in my present + condition. I am obliged to trust to her in this present calamity, for + myself and you too. I hope for the best, though I am now in a sore pinch; + yet thought is free—I think Handie Dandie and I may queer the + stifler* for all that is come and gone. + </p> + <p> + * Avoid the gallows. + </p> + <p> + You will be angry for me writing this to my little Cameronian Lily; but if + I can but live to be a comfort to you, and a father to your babie, you + will have plenty of time to scold.—Once more, let none knew your + counsel—my life depends on this hag, d—n her—she is both + deep and dangerous, but she has more wiles and wit than ever were in a + beldam’s head, and has cause to be true to me. Farewell, my Lily—Do + not droop on my account—in a week I will be yours or no more my + own.” + </p> + <p> + Then followed a postscript. “If they must truss me, I will repent of + nothing so much, even at the last hard pinch, as of the injury I have done + my Lily.” + </p> + <p> + Effie refused to say from whom she had received this letter, but enough of + the story was now known, to ascertain that it came from Robertson; and + from the date, it appeared to have been written about the time when Andrew + Wilson (called for a nickname Handie Dandie) and he were meditating their + first abortive attempt to escape, which miscarried in the manner mentioned + in the beginning of this history. + </p> + <p> + The evidence of the Crown being concluded, the counsel for the prisoner + began to lead a proof in her defence. The first witnesses were examined + upon the girl’s character. All gave her an excellent one, but none with + more feeling than worthy Mrs. Saddletree, who, with the tears on her + cheeks, declared, that she could not have had a higher opinion of Effie + Deans, nor a more sincere regard for her, if she had been her own + daughter. All present gave the honest woman credit for her goodness of + heart, excepting her husband, who whispered to Dumbiedikes, “That Nichil + Novit of yours is but a raw hand at leading evidence, I’m thinking. What + signified his bringing a woman here to snotter and snivel, and bather + their Lordships? He should hae ceeted me, sir, and I should hae gien them + sic a screed o’ testimony, they shauldna hae touched a hair o’ her head.” + </p> + <p> + “Hadna ye better get up and tryt yet?” said the Laird. “I’ll mak a sign to + Novit.” + </p> + <p> + “Na, na,” said Saddletree, “thank ye for naething, neighbour—that + would be ultroneous evidence, and I ken what belangs to that; but Nichil + Novit suld hae had me ceeted <i>debito tempore.</i>” And wiping his mouth + with his silk handkerchief with great importance, he resumed the port and + manner of an edified and intelligent auditor. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fairbrother now premised, in a few words, “that he meant to bring + forward his most important witness, upon whose evidence the cause must in + a great measure depend. What his client was, they had learned from the + preceding witnesses; and so far as general character, given in the most + forcible terms, and even with tears, could interest every one in her fate, + she had already gained that advantage. It was necessary, he admitted, that + he should produce more positive testimony of her innocence than what arose + out of general character, and this he undertook to do by the mouth of the + person to whom she had communicated her situation—by the mouth of + her natural counsellor and guardian—her sister.—Macer, call + into court, Jean, or Jeanie Deans, daughter of David Deans, cowfeeder, at + Saint Leonard’s Crags!” + </p> + <p> + When he uttered these words, the poor prisoner instantly started up, and + stretched herself half-way over the bar, towards the side at which her + sister was to enter. And when, slowly following the officer, the witness + advanced to the foot of the table, Effie, with the whole expression of her + countenance altered, from that of confused shame and dismay, to an eager, + imploring, and almost ecstatic earnestness of entreaty, with outstretched + hands, hair streaming back, eyes raised eagerly to her sister’s face, and + glistening through tears, exclaimed in a tone which went through the heart + of all who heard her,—“O Jeanie, Jeanie, save me, save me!” + </p> + <p> + With a different feeling, yet equally appropriated to his proud and + self-dependent character, old Deans drew himself back still farther under + the cover of the bench; so that when Jeanie, as she entered the court, + cast a timid glance towards the place at which she had left him seated, + his venerable figure was no longer visible. He sate down on the other side + of Dumbiedikes, wrung his hand hard, and whispered, “Ah, Laird, this is + warst of a’—if I can but win ower this part—I feel my head + unco dizzy; but my Master is strong in his servant’s weakness.” After a + moment’s mental prayer, he again started up, as if impatient of continuing + in any one posture, and gradually edged himself forward towards the place + he had just quitted. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie in the meantime had advanced to the bottom of the table, when, + unable to resist the impulse of affections she suddenly extended her hand + to her sister. Effie was just within the distance that she could seize it + with both hers, press it to her mouth, cover it with kisses, and bathe it + in tears, with the fond devotion that a Catholic would pay to a guardian + saint descended for his safety; while Jeanie, hiding her own face with her + other hand, wept bitterly. The sight would have moved a heart of stone, + much more of flesh and blood. Many of the spectators shed tears, and it + was some time before the presiding Judge himself could so far subdue his + emotion as to request the witness to compose herself, and the prisoner to + forbear those marks of eager affection, which, however natural, could not + be permitted at that time, and in that presence. + </p> + <p> + The solemn oath,—“the truth to tell, and no truth to conceal, as far + as she knew or should be asked,” was then administered by the Judge “in + the name of God, and as the witness should answer to God at the great day + of judgment;” an awful adjuration, which seldom fails to make impression + even on the most hardened characters, and to strike with fear even the + most upright. Jeanie, educated in deep and devout reverence for the name + and attributes of the Deity, was, by the solemnity of a direct appeal to + his person and justice, awed, but at the same time elevated above all + considerations, save those which she could, with a clear conscience, call + Him to witness. She repeated the form in a low and reverent, but distinct + tone of voice, after the Judge, to whom, and not to any inferior officer + of the Court, the task is assigned in Scotland of directing the witness in + that solemn appeal which is the sanction of his testimony. + </p> + <p> + When the Judge had finished the established form, he added in a feeling, + but yet a monitory tone, an advice, which the circumstances appeared to + him to call for. + </p> + <p> + “Young woman,” these were his words, “you come before this Court in + circumstances, which it would be worse than cruel not to pity and to + sympathise with. Yet it is my duty to tell you, that the truth, whatever + its consequences may be, the truth is what you owe to your country, and to + that God whose word is truth, and whose name you have now invoked. Use + your own time in answering the questions that gentleman” (pointing to the + counsel) “shall put to you.—But remember, that what you may be + tempted to say beyond what is the actual truth, you must answer both here + and hereafter.” + </p> + <p> + The usual questions were then put to her:—Whether any one had + instructed her what evidence she had to deliver? Whether any one had given + or promised her any good deed, hire, or reward, for her testimony? Whether + she had any malice or ill-will at his Majesty’s Advocate, being the party + against whom she was cited as a witness? To which questions she + successively answered by a quiet negative. But their tenor gave great + scandal and offence to her father, who was not aware that they are put to + every witness as a matter of form. + </p> + <p> + “Na, na,” he exclaimed, loud enough to be heard, “my bairn is no like the + Widow of Tekoah—nae man has putten words into her mouth.” + </p> + <p> + One of the judges, better acquainted, perhaps, with the Books of Adjournal + than with the Book of Samuel, was disposed to make some instant inquiry + after this Widow of Tekoah, who, as he construed the matter, had been + tampering with the evidence. But the presiding Judge, better versed in + Scripture history, whispered to his learned brother the necessary + explanation; and the pause occasioned by this mistake had the good effect + of giving Jeanie Deans time to collect her spirits for the painful task + she had to perform. + </p> + <p> + Fairbrother, whose practice and intelligence were considerable, saw the + necessity of letting the witness compose herself. In his heart he + suspected that she came to bear false witness in her sister’s cause. + </p> + <p> + “But that is her own affair,” thought Fairbrother; “and it is my business + to see that she has plenty of time to regain composure, and to deliver her + evidence, be it true, or be it false—<i>valeat quantum.</i>” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, he commenced his interrogatories with uninteresting + questions, which admitted of instant reply. + </p> + <p> + “You are, I think, the sister of the prisoner?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Not the full sister, however?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir—we are by different mothers.” + </p> + <p> + “True; and you are, I think, several years older than your sister?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” etc. + </p> + <p> + After the advocate had conceived that, by these preliminary and + unimportant questions, he had familiarised the witness with the situation + in which she stood, he asked, “whether she had not remarked her sister’s + state of health to be altered, during the latter part of the term when she + had lived with Mrs. Saddletree?” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie answered in the affirmative. + </p> + <p> + “And she told you the cause of it, my dear, I suppose?” said Fairbrother, + in an easy, and, as one may say, an inductive sort of tone. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to interrupt my brother,” said the Crown Counsel, rising; “but + I am in your Lordships’ judgment, whether this be not a leading question?” + </p> + <p> + “If this point is to be debated,” said the presiding Judge, “the witness + must be removed.” + </p> + <p> + For the Scottish lawyers regard with a sacred and scrupulous horror every + question so shaped by the counsel examining, as to convey to a witness the + least intimation of the nature of the answer which is desired from him. + These scruples, though founded on an excellent principle, are sometimes + carried to an absurd pitch of nicety, especially as it is generally easy + for a lawyer who has his wits about him to elude the objection. + Fairbrother did so in the present case. + </p> + <p> + “It is not necessary to waste the time of the Court, my Lord since the + King’s Counsel thinks it worth while to object to the form of my question, + I will shape it otherwise.—Pray, young woman, did you ask your + sister any question when you observed her looking unwell?—take + courage—speak out.” + </p> + <p> + “I asked her,” replied Jeanie, “what ailed her.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well—take your own time—and what was the answer she + made?” continued Mr. Fairbrother. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie was silent, and looked deadly pale. It was not that she at any one + instant entertained an idea of the possibility of prevarication—it + was the natural hesitation to extinguish the last spark of hope that + remained for her sister. + </p> + <p> + “Take courage, young woman,” said Fairbrother.—“I asked what your + sister said ailed her when you inquired?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” answered Jeanie, with a faint voice, which was yet heard + distinctly in the most distant corner of the Court-room,—such an + awful and profound silence had been preserved during the anxious interval, + which had interposed betwixt the lawyer’s question and the answer of the + witness. + </p> + <p> + Fairbrother’s countenance fell; but with that ready presence of mind, + which is as useful in civil as in military emergencies, he immediately + rallied.—“Nothing? True; you mean nothing at <i>first</i>—but + when you asked her again, did she not tell you what ailed her?” + </p> + <p> + The question was put in a tone meant to make her comprehend the importance + of her answer, had she not been already aware of it. The ice was broken, + however, and with less pause than at first, she now replied,—“Alack! + alack! she never breathed word to me about it.” + </p> + <p> + A deep groan passed through the Court. It was echoed by one deeper and + more agonised from the unfortunate father. The hope to which + unconsciously, and in spite of himself, he had still secretly clung, had + now dissolved, and the venerable old man fell forward senseless on the + floor of the Court-house, with his head at the foot of his terrified + daughter. The unfortunate prisoner, with impotent passion, strove with the + guards betwixt whom she was placed. “Let me gang to my father!—I <i>will</i> + gang to him—I <i>will</i> gang to him—he is dead—he is + killed—I hae killed him!”—she repeated, in frenzied tones of + grief, which those who heard them did not speedily forget. + </p> + <p> + Even in this moment of agony and general confusion, Jeanie did not lose + that superiority, which a deep and firm mind assures to its possessor + under the most trying circumstances. + </p> + <p> + “He is my father—he is our father,” she mildly repeated to those who + endeavoured to separate them, as she stooped,—shaded aside his grey + hairs, and began assiduously to chafe his temples. + </p> + <p> + The Judge, after repeatedly wiping his eyes, gave directions that they + should be conducted into a neighbouring apartment, and carefully attended. + The prisoner, as her father was borne from the Court, and her sister + slowly followed, pursued them with her eyes so earnestly fixed, as if they + would have started from their sockets. But when they were no longer + visible, she seemed to find, in her despairing and deserted state, a + courage which she had not yet exhibited. + </p> + <p> + “The bitterness of it is now past,” she said, and then boldly, addressed + the Court. “My Lords, if it is your pleasure to gang on wi’ this matter, + the weariest day will hae its end at last.” + </p> + <p> + The Judge, who, much to his honour, had shared deeply in the general + sympathy, was surprised at being recalled to his duty by the prisoner. He + collected himself, and requested to know if the panel’s counsel had more + evidence to produce. Fairbrother replied, with an air of dejection, that + his proof was concluded. + </p> + <p> + The King’s Counsel addressed the jury for the crown. He said in a few + words, that no one could be more concerned than he was for the distressing + scene which they had just witnessed. But it was the necessary consequence + of great crimes to bring distress and ruin upon all connected with the + perpetrators. He briefly reviewed the proof, in which he showed that all + the circumstances of the case concurred with those required by the act + under which the unfortunate prisoner was tried: That the counsel for the + panel had totally failed in proving, that Euphemia Deans had communicated + her situation to her sister: That, respecting her previous good character, + he was sorry to observe, that it was females who possessed the world’s + good report, and to whom it was justly valuable, who were most strongly + tempted, by shame and fear of the world’s censure, to the crime of + infanticide: That the child was murdered, he professed to entertain no + doubt. The vacillating and inconsistent declaration of the prisoner + herself, marked as it was by numerous refusals to speak the truth on + subjects, when, according to her own story, it would have been natural, as + well as advantageous, to have been candid; even this imperfect declaration + left no doubt in his mind as to the fate of the unhappy infant. Neither + could he doubt that the panel was a partner in this guilt. Who else had an + interest in a deed so inhuman? Surely neither Robertson, nor Robertson’s + agent, in whose house she was delivered, had the least temptation to + commit such a crime, unless upon her account, with her connivance, and for + the sake of saying her reputation. But it was not required of him, by the + law, that he should bring precise proof of the murder, or of the + prisoner’s accession to it. It was the very purpose of the statute to + substitute a certain chain of presumptive evidence in place of a + probation, which, in such cases, it was peculiarly difficult to obtain. + The jury might peruse the statute itself, and they had also the libel and + interlocutor of relevancy to direct them in point of law. He put it to the + conscience of the jury, that under both he was entitled to a verdict of + Guilty. + </p> + <p> + The charge of Fairbrother was much cramped by his having failed in the + proof which he expected to lead. But he fought his losing cause with + courage and constancy. He ventured to arraign the severity of the statute + under which the young woman was tried. “In all other cases,” he said, “the + first thing required of the criminal prosecutor was to prove unequivocally + that the crime libelled had actually been committed, which lawyers called + proving the <i>corpus delicti.</i> But this statute, made doubtless with + the best intentions, and under the impulse of a just horror for the + unnatural crime of infanticide, ran the risk of itself occasioning the + worst of murders, the death of an innocent person, to atone for a supposed + crime which may never have been committed by anyone. He was so far from + acknowledging the alleged probability of the child’s violent death, that + he could not even allow that there was evidence of its having ever lived.” + </p> + <p> + The King’s Counsel pointed to the woman’s declaration; to which the + counsel replied—“A production concocted in a moment of terror and + agony, and which approached to insanity,” he said, “his learned brother + well knew was no sound evidence against the party who emitted it. It was + true, that a judicial confession, in presence of the Justices themselves, + was the strongest of all proof, insomuch that it is said in law, that ‘<i>in + confitentem nullae sunt partes judicis.</i>’ But this was true of judicial + confession only, by which law meant that which is made in presence of the + justices, and the sworn inquest. Of extrajudicial confession, all + authorities held with the illustrious Farinaceus and Matthaeus, ‘<i>confessio + extrajudicialis in se nulla est; et quod nullum est, non potest + adminiculari.</i>’ It was totally inept, and void of all strength and + effect from the beginning; incapable, therefore, of being bolstered up or + supported, or, according to the law phrase, adminiculated, by other + presumptive circumstances. In the present case, therefore, letting the + extrajudicial confession go, as it ought to go, for nothing,” he + contended, “the prosecutor had not made out the second quality of the + statute, that a live child had been born; and <i>that,</i> at least, ought + to be established before presumptions were received that it had been + murdered. If any of the assize,” he said, “should be of opinion that this + was dealing rather narrowly with the statute, they ought to consider that + it was in its nature highly penal, and therefore entitled to no favourable + construction.” + </p> + <p> + He concluded a learned speech, with an eloquent peroration on the scene + they had just witnessed, during which Saddletree fell fast asleep. + </p> + <p> + It was now the presiding Judge’s turn to address the jury. He did so + briefly and distinctly. + </p> + <p> + “It was for the jury,” he said, “to consider whether the prosecutor had + made out his plea. For himself, he sincerely grieved to say, that a shadow + of doubt remained not upon his mind concerning the verdict which the + inquest had to bring in. He would not follow the prisoner’s counsel + through the impeachment which he had brought against the statute of King + William and Queen Mary. He and the jury were sworn to judge according to + the laws as they stood, not to criticise, or evade, or even to justify + them. In no civil case would a counsel have been permitted to plead his + client’s case in the teeth of the law; but in the hard situation in which + counsel were often placed in the Criminal Court, as well as out of favour + to all presumptions of innocence, he had not inclined to interrupt the + learned gentleman, or narrow his plea. The present law, as it now stood, + had been instituted by the wisdom of their fathers, to check the alarming + progress of a dreadful crime; when it was found too severe for its purpose + it would doubtless be altered by the wisdom of the Legislature; at present + it was the law of the land, the rule of the Court, and, according to the + oath which they had taken, it must be that of the jury. This unhappy + girl’s situation could not be doubted; that she had borne a child, and + that the child had disappeared, were certain facts. The learned counsel + had failed to show that she had communicated her situation. All the + requisites of the case required by the statute were therefore before the + jury. The learned gentleman had, indeed, desired them to throw out of + consideration the panel’s own confession, which was the plea usually + urged, in penury of all others, by counsel in his situation, who usually + felt that the declarations of their clients bore hard on them. But that + the Scottish law designed that a certain weight should be laid on these + declarations, which, he admitted, were <i>quodammodo</i> extrajudicial, + was evident from the universal practice by which they were always produced + and read, as part of the prosecutor’s probation. In the present case, no + person who had heard the witnesses describe the appearance of the young + woman before she left Saddletree’s house, and contrasted it with that of + her state and condition at her return to her father’s, could have any + doubt that the fact of delivery had taken place, as set forth in her own + declaration, which was, therefore, not a solitary piece of testimony, but + adminiculated and supported by the strongest circumstantial proof. + </p> + <p> + “He did not,” he said, “state the impression upon his own mind with the + purpose of biassing theirs. He had felt no less than they had done from + the scene of domestic misery which had been exhibited before them; and if + they, having God and a good conscience, the sanctity of their oath, and + the regard due to the law of the country, before their eyes, could come to + a conclusion favourable to this unhappy prisoner, he should rejoice as + much as anyone in Court; for never had he found his duty more distressing + than in discharging it that day, and glad he would be to be relieved from + the still more painful task which would otherwise remain for him.” + </p> + <p> + The jury, having heard the Judge’s address, bowed and retired, preceded by + a macer of Court, to the apartment destined for their deliberation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY-THIRD. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Law, take thy victim—May she find the mercy + In yon mild heaven, which this hard world denies her! +</pre> + <p> + It was an hour ere the jurors returned, and as they traversed the crowd + with slow steps, as men about to discharge themselves of a heavy and + painful responsibility, the audience was hushed into profound, earnest, + and awful silence. + </p> + <p> + “Have you agreed on your chancellor, gentlemen?” was the first question of + the Judge. + </p> + <p> + The foreman, called in Scotland the chancellor of the jury, usually the + man of best rank and estimation among the assizers, stepped forward, and + with a low reverence, delivered to the Court a sealed paper, containing + the verdict, which, until of late years, that verbal returns are in some + instances permitted, was always couched in writing. The jury remained + standing while the Judge broke the seals, and having perused the paper, + handed it with an air of mournful gravity down to the clerk of Court, who + proceeded to engross in the record the yet unknown verdict, of which, + however, all omened the tragical contents. A form still remained, trifling + and unimportant in itself, but to which imagination adds a sort of + solemnity, from the awful occasion upon which it is used. A lighted candle + was placed on the table, the original paper containing the verdict was + enclosed in a sheet of paper, and, sealed with the Judge’s own signet, was + transmitted to the Crown Office, to be preserved among other records of + the same kind. As all this is transacted in profound silence, the + producing and extinguishing the candle seems a type of the human spark + which is shortly afterwards doomed to be quenched, and excites in the + spectators something of the same effect which in England is obtained by + the Judge assuming the fatal cap of judgment. When these preliminary forms + had been gone through, the Judge required Euphemia Deans to attend to the + verdict to be read. + </p> + <p> + After the usual words of style, the verdict set forth, that the Jury + having made choice of John Kirk, Esq., to be their chancellor, and Thomas + Moore, merchant, to be their clerk, did, by a plurality of voices, find + the said Euphemia Deans Guilty of the crime libelled; but, in + consideration of her extreme youth, and the cruel circumstances of her + case, did earnestly entreat that the Judge would recommend her to the + mercy of the Crown. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” said the Judge, “you have done your duty—and a painful + one it must have been to men of humanity like you. I will undoubtedly + transmit your recommendation to the throne. But it is my duty to tell all + who now hear me, but especially to inform that unhappy young woman, in + order that her mind may be settled accordingly, that I have not the least + hope of a pardon being granted in the present case. You know the crime has + been increasing in this land, and I know farther, that this has been + ascribed to the lenity in which the laws have been exercised, and that + there is therefore no hope whatever of obtaining a remission for this + offence.” The jury bowed again, and, released from their painful office, + dispersed themselves among the mass of bystanders. + </p> + <p> + The Court then asked Mr. Fairbrother whether he had anything to say, why + judgment should not follow on the verdict? The counsel had spent some time + in persuing and reperusing the verdict, counting the letters in each + juror’s name, and weighing every phrase, nay, every syllable, in the + nicest scales of legal criticism. But the clerk of the jury had understood + his business too well. No flaw was to be found, and Fairbrother mournfully + intimated, that he had nothing to say in arrest of judgment. + </p> + <p> + The presiding Judge then addressed the unhappy prisoner:—“Euphemia + Deans, attend to the sentence of the Court now to be pronounced against + you.” + </p> + <p> + She rose from her seat, and with a composure far greater than could have + been augured from her demeanour during some parts of the trial, abode the + conclusion of the awful scene. So nearly does the mental portion of our + feelings resemble those which are corporeal, that the first severe blows + which we receive bring with them a stunning apathy, which renders us + indifferent to those that follow them. Thus said Mandrin, when he was + undergoing the punishment of the wheel; and so have all felt, upon whom + successive inflictions have descended with continuous and reiterated + violence.* + </p> + <p> + * [The notorious Mandrin was known as the Captain-General of French & + smugglers. See a Tract on his exploits, printed 1753.] + </p> + <p> + “Young woman,” said the Judge, “it is my painful duty to tell you, that + your life is forfeited under a law, which, if it may seem in some degree + severe, is yet wisely so, to render those of your unhappy situation aware + what risk they run, by concealing, out of pride or false shame, their + lapse from virtue, and making no preparation to save the lives of the + unfortunate infants whom they are to bring into the world. When you + concealed your situation from your mistress, your sister, and other worthy + and compassionate persons of your own sex, in whose favour your former + conduct had given you a fair place, you seem to me to have had in your + contemplation, at least, the death of the helpless creature, for whose + life you neglected to provide. How the child was disposed of—whether + it was dealt upon by another, or by yourself—whether the + extraordinary story you have told is partly false, or altogether so, is + between God and your own conscience. I will not aggravate your distress by + pressing on that topic, but I do most solemnly adjure you to employ the + remaining space of your time in making your peace with God, for which + purpose such reverend clergymen, as you yourself may name, shall have + access to you. Notwithstanding the humane recommendation of the jury, I + cannot afford to you, in the present circumstances of the country, the + slightest hope that your life will be prolonged beyond the period assigned + for the execution of your sentence. Forsaking, therefore, the thoughts of + this world, let your mind be prepared by repentance for those of more + awful moments—for death, judgment, and eternity.—Doomster, + read the sentence.” * + </p> + <p> + * Note N. Doomster, or Dempster, of Court. + </p> + <p> + When the Doomster showed himself, a tall haggard figure, arrayed in a + fantastic garment of black and grey, passmented with silver lace, all fell + back with a sort of instinctive horror, and made wide way for him to + approach the foot of the table. As this office was held by the common + executioner, men shouldered each other backward to avoid even the touch of + his garment, and some were seen to brush their own clothes, which had + accidentally become subject to such contamination. A sound went through + the Court, produced by each person drawing in their breath hard, as men do + when they expect or witness what is frightful, and at the same time + affecting. The caitiff villain yet seemed, amid his hardened brutality, to + have some sense of his being the object of public detestation, which made + him impatient of being in public, as birds of evil omen are anxious to + escape from daylight, and from pure air. + </p> + <p> + Repeating after the Clerk of Court, he gabbled over the words of the + sentence, which condemned Euphemia Deans to be conducted back to the + Tolbooth of Edinburgh, and detained there until Wednesday the day of + —-; and upon that day, betwixt the hours of two and four o’clock + afternoon, to be conveyed to the common place of execution, and there + hanged by the neck upon a gibbet. “And this,” said the Doomster, + aggravating his harsh voice, “I pronounce for <i>doom.</i>” + </p> + <p> + He vanished when he had spoken the last emphatic word, like a foul fiend + after the purpose of his visitation had been accomplished; but the + impression of horror excited by his presence and his errand, remained upon + the crowd of spectators. + </p> + <p> + The unfortunate criminal,—for so she must now be termed,—with + more susceptibility, and more irritable feelings than her father and + sister, was found, in this emergence, to possess a considerable share of + their courage. She had remained standing motionless at the bar while the + sentence was pronounced, and was observed to shut her eyes when the + Doomster appeared. But she was the first to break silence when that evil + form had left his place. + </p> + <p> + “God forgive ye, my Lords,” she said, “and dinna be angry wi’ me for + wishing it—we a’ need forgiveness.—As for myself, I canna + blame ye, for ye act up to your lights; and if I havena killed my poor + infant, ye may witness a’ that hae seen it this day, that I hae been the + means of killing my greyheaded father—I deserve the warst frae man, + and frae God too—But God is mair mercifu’ to us than we are to each + other.” + </p> + <p> + With these words the trial concluded. The crowd rushed, bearing forward + and shouldering each other, out of the Court, in the same tumultuary mode + in which they had entered; and, in excitation of animal motion and animal + spirits, soon forgot whatever they had felt as impressive in the scene + which they had witnessed. The professional spectators, whom habit and + theory had rendered as callous to the distress of the scene as medical men + are to those of a surgical operation, walked homeward in groups, + discussing the general principle of the statute under which the young + woman was condemned, the nature of the evidence, and the arguments of the + counsel, without considering even that of the Judge as exempt from their + criticism. + </p> + <p> + The female spectators, more compassionate, were loud in exclamation + against that part of the Judge’s speech which seemed to cut off the hope + of pardon. + </p> + <p> + “Set him up, indeed,” said Mrs. Howden, “to tell us that the poor lassie + behoved to die, when Mr. John Kirk, as civil a gentleman as is within the + ports of the town, took the pains to prigg for her himsell.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but, neighbour,” said Miss Damahoy, drawing up her thin maidenly form + to its full height of prim dignity—“I really think this unnatural + business of having bastard-bairns should be putten a stop to.—There + isna a hussy now on this side of thirty that you can bring within your + doors, but there will be chields—writer-lads, prentice-lads, and + what not—coming traiking after them for their destruction, and + discrediting ane’s honest house into the bargain—I hae nae patience + wi’ them.” + </p> + <p> + “Hout, neighbour,” said Mrs. Howden, “we suld live and let live—we + hae been young oursells, and we are no aye to judge the warst when lads + and lasses forgather.” + </p> + <p> + “Young oursells! and judge the warst!” said Miss Damahoy. “I am no sae + auld as that comes to, Mrs. Howden; and as for what ye ca’ the warst, I + ken neither good nor bad about the matter, I thank my stars!” + </p> + <p> + “Ye are thankfu’ for sma’ mercies, then,” said Mrs. Howden with a toss of + her head; “and as for you and young—I trow ye were doing for + yoursell at the last riding of the Scots Parliament, and that was in the + gracious year seven, sae ye can be nae sic chicken at ony rate.” + </p> + <p> + Plumdamas, who acted as squire of the body to the two contending dames, + instantly saw the hazard of entering into such delicate points of + chronology, and being a lover of peace and good neighbourhood, lost no + time in bringing back the conversation to its original subject. + </p> + <p> + “The Judge didna tell us a’ he could hae tell’d us, if he had liked, about + the application for pardon, neighbours,” said he “there is aye a wimple in + a lawyer’s clew; but it’s a wee bit of a secret.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is’t—what is’t, neighbour Plumdamas?” said Mrs. Howden and + Miss Damahoy at once, the acid fermentation of their dispute being at once + neutralised by the powerful alkali implied in the word secret. + </p> + <p> + “Here’s Mr. Saddletree can tell ye that better than me, for it was him + that tauld me,” said Plumdamas as Saddletree came up, with his wife + hanging on his arm, and looking very disconsolate. + </p> + <p> + When the question was put to Saddletree, he looked very scornful. “They + speak about stopping the frequency of child-murder,” said he, in a + contemptuous tone; “do ye think our auld enemies of England, as Glendook + aye ca’s them in his printed Statute-book, care a boddle whether we didna + kill ane anither, skin and birn, horse and foot, man, woman, and bairns, + all and sindry, <i>omnes et singulos,</i> as Mr. Crossmyloof says? Na, na, + it’s no <i>that</i> hinders them frae pardoning the bit lassie. But here + is the pinch of the plea. The king and queen are sae ill pleased wi’ that + mistak about Porteous, that deil a kindly Scot will they pardon again, + either by reprieve or remission, if the haill town o’ Edinburgh should be + a’ hanged on ae tow.” + </p> + <p> + “Deil that they were back at their German kale-yard then, as my neighbour + MacCroskie ca’s it,” said Mrs. Howden, “an that’s the way they’re gaun to + guide us!” + </p> + <p> + “They say for certain,” said Miss Damahoy, “that King George flang his + periwig in the fire when he heard o’ the Porteous mob.” + </p> + <p> + “He has done that, they say,” replied Saddletree, “for less thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Aweel,” said Miss Damahoy, “he might keep mair wit in his anger—but + it’s a’ the better for his wigmaker, I’se warrant.” + </p> + <p> + “The queen tore her biggonets for perfect anger,—ye’ll hae heard o’ + that too?” said Plumdamas. “And the king, they say, kickit Sir Robert + Walpole for no keeping down the mob of Edinburgh; but I dinna believe he + wad behave sae ungenteel.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s dooms truth, though,” said Saddletree; “and he was for kickin’ the + Duke of Argyle* too.” + </p> + <p> + * Note O. John Duke of Argyle and Greenwich. + </p> + <p> + “Kickin’ the Duke of Argyle!” exclaimed the hearers at once, in all the + various combined keys of utter astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but MacCallummore’s blood wadna sit down wi’ that; there was risk of + Andro Ferrara coming in thirdsman.” + </p> + <p> + “The duke is a real Scotsman—a true friend to the country,” answered + Saddletree’s hearers. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, troth is he, to king and country baith, as ye sall hear,” continued + the orator, “if ye will come in bye to our house, for it’s safest speaking + of sic things <i>inter parietes.</i>” + </p> + <p> + When they entered his shop, he thrust his prentice boy out of it, and, + unlocking his desk, took out, with an air of grave and complacent + importance, a dirty and crumpled piece of printed paper; he observed, + “This is new corn—it’s no every body could show you the like o’ + this. It’s the duke’s speech about the Porteous mob, just promulgated by + the hawkers. Ye shall hear what Ian Roy Cean* says for himsell. + </p> + <p> + * Red John the warrior, a name personal and proper in the Highlands to + John Duke of Argyle and Greenwich, as MacCummin was that of his race or + dignity. + </p> + <p> + My correspondent bought it in the Palace-yard, that’s like just under the + king’s nose—I think he claws up their mittans!—It came in a + letter about a foolish bill of exchange that the man wanted me to renew + for him. I wish ye wad see about it, Mrs. Saddletree.” + </p> + <p> + Honest Mrs. Saddletree had hitherto been so sincerely distressed about the + situation of her unfortunate prote’ge’e, that she had suffered her husband + to proceed in his own way, without attending to what he was saying. The + words bills and renew had, however, an awakening sound in them; and she + snatched the letter which her husband held towards her, and wiping her + eyes, and putting on her spectacles, endeavoured, as fast as the dew which + collected on her glasses would permit, to get at the meaning of the + needful part of the epistle; while her husband, with pompous elevation, + read an extract from the speech. + </p> + <p> + “I am no minister, I never was a minister, and I never will be one” + </p> + <p> + “I didna ken his Grace was ever designed for the ministry,” interrupted + Mrs. Howden. + </p> + <p> + “He disna mean a minister of the gospel, Mrs. Howden, but a minister of + state,” said Saddletree, with condescending goodness, and then proceeded: + “The time was when I might have been a piece of a minister, but I was too + sensible of my own incapacity to engage in any state affair. And I thank + God that I had always too great a value for those few abilities which + Nature has given me, to employ them in doing any drudgery, or any job of + what kind soever. I have, ever since I set out in the world (and I believe + few have set out more early), served my prince with my tongue; I have + served him with any little interest I had, and I have served him with my + sword, and in my profession of arms. I have held employments which I have + lost, and were I to be to-morrow deprived of those which still remain to + me, and which I have endeavoured honestly to deserve, I would still serve + him to the last acre of my inheritance, and to the last drop of my blood—” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Saddletree here broke in upon the orator:—“Mr. Saddletree, what + <i>is</i> the meaning of a’ this? Here are ye clavering about the Duke of + Argyle, and this man Martingale gaun to break on our hands, and lose us + gude sixty pounds—I wonder what duke will pay that, quotha—I + wish the Duke of Argyle would pay his ain accounts—He is in a + thousand punds Scots on thae very books when he was last at Roystoun—I’m + no saying but he’s a just nobleman, and that it’s gude siller—but it + wad drive ane daft to be confused wi’ deukes and drakes, and thae + distressed folk up-stairs, that’s Jeanie Deans and her father. And then, + putting the very callant that was sewing the curpel out o’ the shop, to + play wi’ blackguards in the close—Sit still, neighbours, it’s no + that I mean to disturb <i>you;</i> but what between courts o’ law and + courts o’ state, and upper and under parliaments, and parliament houses, + here and in London, the gudeman’s gane clean gyte, I think.” + </p> + <p> + The gossips understood civility, and the rule of doing as they would be + done by, too well, to tarry upon the slight invitation implied in the + conclusion of this speech, and therefore made their farewells and + departure as fast as possible, Saddletree whispering to Plundamas that he + would “meet him at MacCroskie’s” (the low-browed shop in the Luckenbooths, + already mentioned), “in the hour of cause, and put MacCallummore’s speech + in his pocket, for a’ the gudewife’s din.” + </p> + <p> + When Mrs. Saddletree saw the house freed of her importunate visitors, and + the little boy reclaimed from the pastimes of the wynd to the exercise of + the awl, she went to visit her unhappy relative, David Deans, and his + elder daughter, who had found in her house the nearest place of friendly + refuge. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> <a name="Alink2H_4_0004" id="Alink2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + THE HEART OF MID-LOTHIAN, VOLUME II. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0001" id="Alink2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER FIRST. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Isab.—Alas! what poor ability’s in me + To do him good? + Lucio.—Assay the power you have. + Measure for Measure. +</pre> + <p> + When Mrs. Saddletree entered the apartment in which her guests had + shrouded their misery, she found the window darkened. The feebleness which + followed his long swoon had rendered it necessary to lay the old man in + bed. The curtains were drawn around him, and Jeanie sate motionless by the + side of the bed. Mrs. Saddletree was a woman of kindness, nay, of feeling, + but not of delicacy. She opened the half-shut window, drew aside the + curtain, and, taking her kinsman by the hand, exhorted him to sit up, and + bear his sorrow like a good man, and a Christian man, as he was. But when + she quitted his hand, it fell powerless by his side, nor did he attempt + the least reply. + </p> + <p> + “Is all over?” asked Jeanie, with lips and cheeks as pale as ashes,—“and + is there nae hope for her?” + </p> + <p> + “Nane, or next to nane,” said Mrs. Saddletree; “I heard the Judge-carle + say it with my ain ears—It was a burning shame to see sae mony o’ + them set up yonder in their red gowns and black gowns, and to take the + life o’ a bit senseless lassie. I had never muckle broo o’ my gudeman’s + gossips, and now I like them waur than ever. The only wiselike thing I + heard onybody say, was decent Mr. John Kirk of Kirk-knowe, and he wussed + them just to get the king’s mercy, and nae mair about it. But he spake to + unreasonable folk—he might just hae keepit his breath to hae blawn + on his porridge.” + </p> + <p> + “But <i>can</i> the king gie her mercy?” said Jeanie, earnestly. “Some + folk tell me he canna gie mercy in cases of mur in cases like hers.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Can</i> he gie mercy, hinny?—I weel I wot he can, when he likes. + There was young Singlesword, that stickit the Laird of Ballencleuch, and + Captain Hackum, the Englishman, that killed Lady Colgrain’s gudeman, and + the Master of Saint Clair, that shot the twa Shaws,* and mony mair in my + time—to be sure they were gentle blood, and had their kin to speak + for them—And there was Jock Porteous the other day—I’se + warrant there’s mercy, an folk could win at it.” + </p> + <p> + * [In 1828, the Author presented to the Roxburgh Club a curious volume + containing the “Proceedings in the Court-Martial held upon John, Master of + Sinclair, for the murder of Ensign Schaw, and Captain Schaw, 17th October + 1708.”] + </p> + <p> + “Porteous?” said Jeanie; “very true—I forget a’ that I suld maist + mind.— Fare ye weel, Mrs. Saddletree; and may ye never want a friend + in the hour of distress!” + </p> + <p> + “Will ye no stay wi’ your father, Jeanie, bairn?—Ye had better,” + said Mrs. Saddletree. + </p> + <p> + “I will be wanted ower yonder,” indicating the Tolbooth with her hand, + “and I maun leave him now, or I will never be able to leave him. I fearna + for his life—I ken how strong-hearted he is—I ken it,” she + said, laying her hand on her bosom, “by my ain heart at this minute.” + </p> + <p> + “Weel, hinny, if ye think it’s for the best, better he stay here and rest + him, than gang back to St. Leonard’s.” + </p> + <p> + “Muckle better—muckle better—God bless you!—God bless + you!—At no rate let him gang till ye hear frae me,” said Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “But ye’ll be back belive?” said Mrs. Saddletree, detaining her; “they + winna let ye stay yonder, hinny.” + </p> + <p> + “But I maun gang to St. Leonard’s—there’s muckle to be dune, and + little time to do it in—And I have friends to speak to—God + bless you—take care of my father.” + </p> + <p> + She had reached the door of the apartment, when, suddenly turning, she + came back, and knelt down by the bedside.—“O father, gie me your + blessing—I dare not go till ye bless me. Say but ‘God bless ye, and + prosper ye, Jeanie’—try but to say that!” + </p> + <p> + Instinctively, rather than by an exertion of intellect, the old man + murmured a prayer, that “purchased and promised blessings might be + multiplied upon her.” + </p> + <p> + “He has blessed mine errand,” said his daughter, rising from her knees, + “and it is borne in upon my mind that I shall prosper.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, she left the room. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Saddletree looked after her, and shook her head. “I wish she binna + roving, poor thing—There’s something queer about a’ thae Deanses. I + dinna like folk to be sae muckle better than other folk—seldom comes + gude o’t. But if she’s gaun to look after the kye at St. Leonard’s, that’s + another story; to be sure they maun be sorted.—Grizzie, come up + here, and tak tent to the honest auld man, and see he wants naething.—Ye + silly tawpie” (addressing the maid-servant as she entered), “what garr’d + ye busk up your cockemony that gate?—I think there’s been enough the + day to gie an awfa’ warning about your cockups and your fallal duds—see + what they a’ come to,” etc. etc. etc. + </p> + <p> + Leaving the good lady to her lecture upon worldly vanities, we must + transport our reader to the cell in which the unfortunate Effie Deans was + now immured, being restricted of several liberties which she had enjoyed + before the sentence was pronounced. + </p> + <p> + When she had remained about an hour in the state of stupified horror so + natural in her situation, she was disturbed by the opening of the jarring + bolts of her place of confinement, and Ratcliffe showed himself. “It’s + your sister,” he said, “wants to speak t’ye, Effie.” + </p> + <p> + “I canna see naebody,” said Effie, with the hasty irritability which + misery had rendered more acute—“I canna see naebody, and least of a’ + her—Bid her take care o’ the auld man—I am naething to ony o’ + them now, nor them to me.” + </p> + <p> + “She says she maun see ye, though,” said Ratcliffe; and Jeanie, rushing + into the apartment, threw her arms round her sister’s neck, who writhed to + extricate herself from her embrace. + </p> + <p> + “What signifies coming to greet ower me,” said poor Effie, “when you have + killed me?—killed me, when a word of your mouth would have saved me—killed + me, when I am an innocent creature—innocent of that guilt at least—and + me that wad hae wared body and soul to save your finger from being hurt?” + </p> + <p> + “You shall not die,” said Jeanie, with enthusiastic firmness; “say what + you like o’ me—think what you like o’ me—only promise—for + I doubt your proud heart—that ye wunna harm yourself, and you shall + not die this shameful death.” + </p> + <p> + “A <i>shameful</i> death I will not die, Jeanie, lass. I have that in my + heart—though it has been ower kind a ane—that wunna bide + shame. Gae hame to our father, and think nae mair on me—I have eat + my last earthly meal.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, this was what I feared!” said Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “Hout, tout, hinny,” said Ratcliffe; “it’s but little ye ken o’ thae + things. Ane aye thinks at the first dinnle o’ the sentence, they hae heart + eneugh to die rather than bide out the sax weeks; but they aye bide the + sax weeks out for a’ that. I ken the gate o’t weel; I hae fronted the + doomster three times, and here I stand, Jim Ratcliffe, for a’ that. Had I + tied my napkin strait the first time, as I had a great mind till’t—and + it was a’ about a bit grey cowt, wasna worth ten punds sterling—where + would I have been now?” + </p> + <p> + “And how <i>did</i> you escape?” said Jeanie, the fates of this man, at + first so odious to her, having acquired a sudden interest in her eyes from + their correspondence with those of her sister. + </p> + <p> + “<i>How</i> did I escape?” said Ratcliffe, with a knowing wink,—“I + tell ye I ‘scapit in a way that naebody will escape from this Tolbooth + while I keep the keys.” + </p> + <p> + “My sister shall come out in the face of the sun,” said Jeanie; “I will go + to London, and beg her pardon from the king and queen. If they pardoned + Porteous, they may pardon her; if a sister asks a sister’s life on her + bended knees, they will pardon her—they <i>shall</i> pardon her—and + they will win a thousand hearts by it.” + </p> + <p> + Effie listened in bewildered astonishment, and so earnest was her sister’s + enthusiastic assurance, that she almost involuntarily caught a gleam of + hope; but it instantly faded away. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Jeanie! the king and queen live in London, a thousand miles from this—far + ayont the saut sea; I’ll be gane before ye win there.” + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaen,” said Jeanie; “it is no sae far, and they go to it by + land; I learned something about thae things from Reuben Butler.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Jeanie! ye never learned onything but what was gude frae the folk ye + keepit company wi’; but!—but!”—she wrung her hands and wept + bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “Dinna think on that now,” said Jeanie; “there will be time for that if + the present space be redeemed. Fare ye weel. Unless I die by the road, I + will see the king’s face that gies grace—O, sir” (to Ratcliffe), “be + kind to her—She ne’er ken’d what it was to need a stranger’s + kindness till now.—Fareweel—fareweel, Effie!—Dinna speak + to me—I maunna greet now—my head’s ower dizzy already!” + </p> + <p> + She tore herself from her sister’s arms, and left the cell. Ratcliffe + followed her, and beckoned her into a small room. She obeyed his signal, + but not without trembling. + </p> + <p> + “What’s the fule thing shaking for?” said he; “I mean nothing but civility + to you. D—n me, I respect you, and I can’t help it. You have so much + spunk, that d—n me, but I think there’s some chance of your carrying + the day. But you must not go to the king till you have made some friend; + try the duke—try MacCallummore; he’s Scotland’s friend—I ken + that the great folks dinna muckle like him—but they fear him, and + that will serve your purpose as weel. D’ye ken naebody wad gie ye a letter + to him?” + </p> + <p> + “Duke of Argyle!” said Jeanie, recollecting herself suddenly, “what was he + to that Argyle that suffered in my father’s time—in the + persecution?” + </p> + <p> + “His son or grandson, I’m thinking,” said Ratcliffe, “but what o’ that?” + </p> + <p> + “Thank God!” said Jeanie, devoutly clasping her hands. + </p> + <p> + “You whigs are aye thanking God for something,” said the ruffian. “But + hark ye, hinny, I’ll tell ye a secret. Ye may meet wi’ rough customers on + the Border, or in the Midland, afore ye get to Lunnon. Now, deil ane o’ + them will touch an acquaintance o’ Daddie Ratton’s; for though I am + retired frae public practice, yet they ken I can do a gude or an ill turn + yet—and deil a gude fellow that has been but a twelvemonth on the + lay, be he ruffler or padder, but he knows my gybe* as well as the jark** + of e’er a queer cuffin*** in England—and there’s rogue’s Latin for + you.” + </p> + <p> + * Pass. ** Seal. *** Justice of Peace. + </p> + <p> + It was indeed totally unintelligible to Jeanie Deans, who was only + impatient to escape from him. He hastily scrawled a line or two on a dirty + piece of paper, and said to her, as she drew back when he offered it, + “Hey!—what the deil—it wunna bite you, my lass—if it + does nae gude, it can do nae ill. But I wish you to show it, if you have + ony fasherie wi’ ony o’ St. Nicholas’s clerks.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” said she, “I do not understand what you mean.” + </p> + <p> + “I mean, if ye fall among thieves, my precious,—that is a Scripture + phrase, if ye will hae ane—the bauldest of them will ken a scart o’ + my guse feather. And now awa wi’ ye—and stick to Argyle; if onybody + can do the job, it maun be him.” + </p> + <p> + After casting an anxious look at the grated windows and blackened walls of + the old Tolbooth, and another scarce less anxious at the hospitable + lodging of Mrs. Saddletree, Jeanie turned her back on that quarter, and + soon after on the city itself. She reached St. Leonard’s Crags without + meeting any one whom she knew, which, in the state of her mind, she + considered as a great blessing. “I must do naething,” she thought, as she + went along, “that can soften or weaken my heart—it’s ower weak + already for what I hae to do. I will think and act as firmly as I can, and + speak as little.” + </p> + <p> + There was an ancient servant, or rather cottar, of her father’s, who had + lived under him for many years, and whose fidelity was worthy of full + confidence. She sent for this woman, and explaining to her that the + circumstances of her family required that she should undertake a journey, + which would detain her for some weeks from home, she gave her full + instructions concerning the management of the domestic concerns in her + absence. With a precision, which, upon reflection, she herself could not + help wondering at, she described and detailed the most minute steps which + were to be taken, and especially such as were necessary for her father’s + comfort. “It was probable,” she said, “that he would return to St. + Leonard’s to-morrow! certain that he would return very soon—all must + be in order for him. He had eneugh to distress him, without being fashed + about warldly matters.” + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile she toiled busily, along with May Hettly, to leave + nothing unarranged. + </p> + <p> + It was deep in the night when all these matters were settled; and when + they had partaken of some food, the first which Jeanie had tasted on that + eventful day, May Hettly, whose usual residence was a cottage at a little + distance from Deans’s house, asked her young mistress, whether she would + not permit her to remain in the house all night? “Ye hae had an awfu’ + day,” she said, “and sorrow and fear are but bad companions in the watches + of the night, as I hae heard the gudeman say himself.” + </p> + <p> + “They are ill companions indeed,” said Jeanie; “but I maun learn to abide + their presence, and better begin in the house than in the field.” + </p> + <p> + She dismissed her aged assistant accordingly,—for so slight was the + gradation in their rank of life, that we can hardly term May a servant,—and + proceeded to make a few preparations for her journey. + </p> + <p> + The simplicity of her education and country made these preparations very + brief and easy. Her tartan screen served all the purposes of a + riding-habit and of an umbrella; a small bundle contained such changes of + linen as were absolutely necessary. Barefooted, as Sancho says, she had + come into the world, and barefooted she proposed to perform her + pilgrimage; and her clean shoes and change of snow-white thread stockings + were to be reserved for special occasions of ceremony. She was not aware, + that the English habits of comfort attach an idea of abject misery to the + idea of a barefooted traveller; and if the objection of cleanliness had + been made to the practice, she would have been apt to vindicate herself + upon the very frequent ablutions to which, with Mahometan scrupulosity, a + Scottish damsel of some condition usually subjects herself. Thus far, + therefore, all was well. + </p> + <p> + From an oaken press, or cabinet, in which her father kept a few old books, + and two or three bundles of papers, besides his ordinary accounts and + receipts, she sought out and extracted from a parcel of notes of sermons, + calculations of interest, records of dying speeches of the martyrs, and + the like, one or two documents which she thought might be of some use to + her upon her mission. But the most important difficulty remained behind, + and it had not occurred to her until that very evening. It was the want of + money; without which it was impossible she could undertake so distant a + journey as she now meditated. + </p> + <p> + David Deans, as we have said, was easy, and even opulent in his + circumstances. But his wealth, like that of the patriarchs of old, + consisted in his kine and herds, and in two or three sums lent out at + interest to neighbours or relatives, who, far from being in circumstances + to pay anything to account of the principal sums, thought they did all + that was incumbent on them when, with considerable difficulty, they + discharged the “annual rent.” To these debtors it would be in vain, + therefore, to apply, even with her father’s concurrence; nor could she + hope to obtain such concurrence, or assistance in any mode, without such a + series of explanations and debates as she felt might deprive her totally + of the power of taking the step, which, however daring and hazardous, she + felt was absolutely necessary for trying the last chance in favour of her + sister. Without departing from filial reverence, Jeanie had an inward + conviction that the feelings of her father, however just, and upright, and + honourable, were too little in unison with the spirit of the time to admit + of his being a good judge of the measures to be adopted in this crisis. + Herself more flexible in manner, though no less upright in principle, she + felt that to ask his consent to her pilgrimage would be to encounter the + risk of drawing down his positive prohibition, and under that she believed + her journey could not be blessed in its progress and event. Accordingly, + she had determined upon the means by which she might communicate to him + her undertaking and its purpose, shortly after her actual departure. But + it was impossible to apply to him for money without altering this + arrangement, and discussing fully the propriety of her journey; pecuniary + assistance from that quarter, therefore, was laid out of the question. + </p> + <p> + It now occurred to Jeanie that she should have consulted with Mrs. + Saddletree on this subject. But, besides the time that must now + necessarily be lost in recurring to her assistance Jeanie internally + revolted from it. Her heart acknowledged the goodness of Mrs. Saddletree’s + general character, and the kind interest she took in their family + misfortunes; but still she felt that Mrs. Saddletree was a woman of an + ordinary and worldly way of thinking, incapable, from habit and + temperament, of taking a keen or enthusiastic view of such a resolution as + she had formed; and to debate the point with her, and to rely upon her + conviction of its propriety, for the means of carrying it into execution, + would have been gall and wormwood. + </p> + <p> + Butler, whose assistance she might have been assured of, was greatly + poorer than herself. In these circumstances, she formed a singular + resolution for the purpose of surmounting this difficulty, the execution + of which will form the subject of the next chapter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0002" id="Alink2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER SECOND + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Tis the voice of the sluggard, I’ve heard him complain, + “You have waked me too soon, I must slumber again;” + As the door on its hinges, so he on his bed, + Turns his side, and his shoulders, and his heavy head. + Dr. Watts. +</pre> + <p> + The mansion-house of Dumbiedikes, to which we are now to introduce our + readers, lay three or four miles—no matter for the exact topography—to + the southward of St. Leonard’s. It had once borne the appearance of some + little celebrity; for the “auld laird,” whose humours and pranks were + often mentioned in the ale-houses for about a mile round it, wore a sword, + kept a good horse, and a brace of greyhounds; brawled, swore, and betted + at cock-fights and horse-matches; followed Somerville of Drum’s hawks, and + the Lord Ross’s hounds, and called himself <i>point devise</i> a + gentleman. But the line had been veiled of its splendour in the present + proprietor, who cared for no rustic amusements, and was as saying, timid, + and retired, as his father had been at once grasping and selfishly + extravagant—daring, wild, and intrusive. + </p> + <p> + Dumbiedikes was what is called in Scotland a single house; that is, having + only one room occupying its whole depth from back to front, each of which + single apartments was illuminated by six or eight cross lights, whose + diminutive panes and heavy frames permitted scarce so much light to enter + as shines through one well-constructed modern window. This inartificial + edifice, exactly such as a child would build with cards, had a steep roof + flagged with coarse grey stones instead of slates; a half-circular turret, + battlemented, or, to use the appropriate phrase, bartizan’d on the top, + served as a case for a narrow turnpike stair, by which an ascent was + gained from storey to storey; and at the bottom of the said turret was a + door studded with large-headed nails. There was no lobby at the bottom of + the tower, and scarce a landing-place opposite to the doors which gave + access to the apartments. One or two low and dilapidated outhouses, + connected by a courtyard wall equally ruinous, surrounded the mansion. The + court had been paved, but the flags being partly displaced and partly + renewed, a gallant crop of docks and thistles sprung up between them, and + the small garden, which opened by a postern through the wall, seemed not + to be in a much more orderly condition. Over the low-arched gateway which + led into the yard there was a carved stone, exhibiting some attempt at + armorial bearings; and above the inner entrance hung, and had hung, for + many years, the mouldering hatchment, which announced that umquhile + Laurence Dumbie of Dumbiedikes had been gathered to his fathers in + Newbattle kirkyard. The approach to this palace of pleasure was by a road + formed by the rude fragments of stone gathered from the fields, and it was + surrounded by ploughed, but unenclosed land. Upon a baulk, that is, an + unploughed ridge of land interposed among the corn, the Laird’s trusty + palfrey was tethered by the head, and picking a meal of grass. The whole + argued neglect and discomfort; the consequence, however, of idleness and + indifference, not of poverty. + </p> + <p> + In this inner court, not without a sense of bashfulness and timidity, + stood Jeanie Deans, at an early hour in a fine spring morning. She was no + heroine of romance, and therefore looked with some curiosity and interest + on the mansion-house and domains, of which, it might at that moment occur + to her, a little encouragement, such as women of all ranks know by + instinct how to apply, might have made her mistress. Moreover, she was no + person of taste beyond her time, rank, and country, and certainly thought + the house of Dumbiedikes, though inferior to Holyrood House, or the palace + at Dalkeith, was still a stately structure in its way, and the land a + “very bonny bit, if it were better seen to and done to.” But Jeanie Deans + was a plain, true-hearted, honest girl, who, while she acknowledged all + the splendour of her old admirer’s habitation, and the value of his + property, never for a moment harboured a thought of doing the Laird, + Butler, or herself, the injustice, which many ladies of higher rank would + not have hesitated to do to all three on much less temptation. + </p> + <p> + Her present errand being with the Laird, she looked round the offices to + see if she could find any domestic to announce that she wished to see him. + As all was silence, she ventured to open one door—it was the old + Laird’s dog-kennel, now deserted, unless when occupied, as one or two tubs + seemed to testify, as a washing-house. She tried another—it was the + rootless shed where the hawks had been once kept, as appeared from a perch + or two not yet completely rotten, and a lure and jesses which were + mouldering on the wall. A third door led to the coal-house, which was well + stocked. To keep a very good fire was one of the few points of domestic + management in which Dumbiedikes was positively active; in all other + matters of domestic economy he was completely passive, and at the mercy of + his housekeeper—the same buxom dame whom his father had long since + bequeathed to his charge, and who, if fame did her no injustice, had + feathered her nest pretty well at his expense. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie went on opening doors, like the second Calender wanting an eye, in + the castle of the hundred obliging damsels, until, like the said prince + errant, she came to a stable. The Highland Pegasus, Rory Bean, to which + belonged the single entire stall, was her old acquaintance, whom she had + seen grazing on the baulk, as she failed not to recognise by the + well-known ancient riding furniture and demi-pique saddle, which half hung + on the walls, half trailed on the litter. Beyond the “treviss,” which + formed one side of the stall, stood a cow, who turned her head and lowed + when Jeanie came into the stable, an appeal which her habitual occupations + enabled her perfectly to understand, and with which she could not refuse + complying, by shaking down some fodder to the animal, which had been + neglected like most things else in the castle of the sluggard. + </p> + <p> + While she was accommodating “the milky mother” with the food which she + should have received two hours sooner, a slipshod wench peeped into the + stable, and perceiving that a stranger was employed in discharging the + task which she, at length, and reluctantly, had quitted her slumbers to + perform, ejaculated, + </p> + <p> + “Eh, sirs! the Brownie! the Brownie!” and fled, yelling as if she had seen + the devil. + </p> + <p> + To explain her terror it may be necessary to notice that the old house of + Dumbiedikes had, according to report, been long haunted by a Brownie, one + of those familiar spirits who were believed in ancient times to supply the + deficiencies of the ordinary labourer— + </p> + <p> + Whirl the long mop, and ply the airy flail. + </p> + <p> + Certes, the convenience of such a supernatural assistance could have been + nowhere more sensibly felt than in a family where the domestics were so + little disposed to personal activity; yet this serving maiden was so far + from rejoicing in seeing a supposed aerial substitute discharging a task + which she should have long since performed herself, that she proceeded to + raise the family by her screams of horror, uttered as thick as if the + Brownie had been flaying her. Jeanie, who had immediately resigned her + temporary occupation, and followed the yelling damsel into the courtyard, + in order to undeceive and appease her, was there met by Mrs. Janet + Balchristie, the favourite sultana of the last Laird, as scandal went—the + housekeeper of the present. The good-looking buxom woman, betwixt forty + and fifty (for such we described her at the death of the last Laird), was + now a fat, red-faced, old dame of seventy, or thereabouts, fond of her + place, and jealous of her authority. Conscious that her administration did + not rest on so sure a basis as in the time of the old proprietor, this + considerate lady had introduced into the family the screamer aforesaid, + who added good features and bright eyes to the powers of her lungs. She + made no conquest of the Laird, however, who seemed to live as if there was + not another woman in the world but Jeanie Deans, and to bear no very + ardent or overbearing affection even to her. Mrs. Janet Balchristie, + notwithstanding, had her own uneasy thoughts upon the almost daily visits + to St. Leonard’s Crags, and often, when the Laird looked at her wistfully + and paused, according to his custom before utterance, she expected him to + say, “Jenny, I am gaun to change my condition;” but she was relieved by, + “Jenny, I am gaun to change my shoon.” + </p> + <p> + Still, however, Mrs. Balchristie regarded Jeanie Deans with no small + portion of malevolence, the customary feeling of such persons towards + anyone who they think has the means of doing them an injury. But she had + also a general aversion to any female tolerably young, and decently + well-looking, who showed a wish to approach the house of Dumbiedikes and + the proprietor thereof. And as she had raised her mass of mortality out of + bed two hours earlier than usual, to come to the rescue of her clamorous + niece, she was in such extreme bad humour against all and sundry, that + Saddletree would have pronounced that she harboured <i>inimicitiam contra + omnes mortales.</i> + </p> + <p> + “Wha the deil are ye?” said the fat dame to poor Jeanie, whom she did not + immediately recognise, “scouping about a decent house at sic an hour in + the morning?” + </p> + <p> + “It was ane wanting to speak to the Laird,” said Jeanie, who felt + something of the intuitive terror which she had formerly entertained for + this termagant, when she was occasionally at Dumbiedikes on business of + her father’s. + </p> + <p> + “Ane!—And what sort of ane are ye!—hae ye nae name?—D’ye + think his honour has naething else to do than to speak wi’ ilka idle + tramper that comes about the town, and him in his bed yet, honest man?” + </p> + <p> + “Dear Mrs. Balchristie,” replied Jeanie, in a submissive tone, “d’ye no + mind me?—d’ye no mind Jeanie Deans?” + </p> + <p> + “Jeanie Deans!” said the termagant, in accents affecting the utmost + astonishment; then, taking two strides nearer to her, she peered into her + face with a stare of curiosity, equally scornful and malignant—“I + say Jeanie Deans indeed—Jeanie Deevil, they had better hae ca’ed ye!—A + bonny spot o’ wark your tittie and you hae made out, murdering ae puir + wean, and your light limmer of a sister’s to be hanged for’t, as weel she + deserves!—And the like o’ you to come to ony honest man’s house, and + want to be into a decent bachelor gentleman’s room at this time in the + morning, and him in his bed!—Gae wa’, gae wa’!” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie was struck mute with shame at the unfeeling brutality of this + accusation, and could not even find words to justify herself from the vile + construction put upon her visit. When Mrs. Balchristie, seeing her + advantage, continued in the same tone, “Come, come, bundle up your pipes + and tramp awa wi’ ye!—ye may be seeking a father to another wean for + ony thing I ken. If it warna that your father, auld David Deans, had been + a tenant on our land, I would cry up the men-folk, and hae ye dookit in + the burn for your impudence.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie had already turned her back, and was walking towards the door of + the court-yard, so that Mrs. Balchristie, to make her last threat + impressively audible to her, had raised her stentorian voice to its utmost + pitch. But, like many a general, she lost the engagement by pressing her + advantage too far. + </p> + <p> + The Laird had been disturbed in his morning slumbers by the tones of Mrs. + Balchristie’s objurgation, sounds in themselves by no means uncommon, but + very remarkable, in respect to the early hour at which they were now + heard. He turned himself on the other side, however, in hopes the squall + would blow by, when, in the course of Mrs. Balchristie’s second explosion + of wrath, the name of Deans distinctly struck the tympanum of his ear. As + he was, in some degree, aware of the small portion of benevolence with + which his housekeeper regarded the family at St. Leonard’s, he instantly + conceived that some message from thence was the cause of this untimely + ire, and getting out of his bed, he slipt as speedily as possible into an + old brocaded night-gown, and some other necessary garments, clapped on his + head his father’s gold-laced hat (for though he was seldom seen without + it, yet it is proper to contradict the popular report that he slept in it, + as Don Quixote did in his helmet), and opening the window of his bedroom, + beheld, to his great astonishment, the well-known figure of Jeanie Deans + herself retreating from his gate; while his housekeeper, with arms + a-kimbo, fist clenched and extended, body erect, and head shaking with + rage, sent after her a volley of Billingsgate oaths. His choler rose in + proportion to the surprise, and, perhaps, to the disturbance of his + repose. “Hark ye,” he exclaimed from the window, “ye auld limb of Satan—wha + the deil gies you commission to guide an honest man’s daughter that gate?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Balchristie was completely caught in the manner. She was aware, from + the unusual warmth with which the Laird expressed himself, that he was + quite serious in this matter, and she knew, that with all his indolence of + nature, there were points on which he might be provoked, and that, being + provoked, he had in him something dangerous, which her wisdom taught her + to fear accordingly. She began, therefore, to retract her false step as + fast as she could. “She was but speaking for the house’s credit, and she + couldna think of disturbing his honour in the morning sae early, when the + young woman might as weel wait or call again; and to be sure, she might + make a mistake between the twa sisters, for ane o’ them wasna sae + creditable an acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + “Haud your peace, ye auld jade,” said Dumbiedikes; “the warst quean e’er + stude in their shoon may ca’ you cousin, an a’ be true that I have heard.—Jeanie, + my woman, gang into the parlour—but stay, that winna be redd up yet—wait + there a minute till I come down to let ye in—Dinna mind what Jenny + says to ye.” + </p> + <p> + “Na, na,” said Jenny, with a laugh of affected heartiness, “never mind me, + lass—a’ the warld kens my bark’s waur than my bite—if ye had + had an appointment wi’ the Laird, ye might hae tauld me—I am nae + uncivil person—gang your ways in by, hinny,” and she opened the door + of the house with a master-key. + </p> + <p> + “But I had no appointment wi’ the Laird,” said Jeanie, drawing back; “I + want just to speak twa words to him, and I wad rather do it standing here, + Mrs. Balchristie.” + </p> + <p> + “In the open court-yard!—Na, na, that wad never do, lass; we mauna + guide ye that gate neither—And how’s that douce honest man, your + father?” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie was saved the pain of answering this hypocritical question by the + appearance of the Laird himself. + </p> + <p> + “Gang in and get breakfast ready,” said he to his housekeeper—“and, + d’ye hear, breakfast wi’ us yoursell—ye ken how to manage thae + porringers of tea-water—and, hear ye, see abune a’ that there’s a + gude fire.—Weel, Jeanie, my woman, gang in by—gang in by, and + rest ye.” + </p> + <p> + “Na, Laird,” Jeanie replied, endeavouring as much as she could to express + herself with composure, notwithstanding she still trembled, “I canna gang + in—I have a lang day’s darg afore me—I maun be twenty mile o’ + gate the night yet, if feet will carry me.” + </p> + <p> + “Guide and deliver us!—twenty mile—twenty mile on your feet!” + ejaculated Dumbiedikes, whose walks were of a very circumscribed diameter,—“Ye + maun never think o’ that—come in by.” + </p> + <p> + “I canna do that, Laird,” replied Jeanie; “the twa words I have to say to + ye I can say here; forby that Mrs. Balchristie—” + </p> + <p> + “The deil flee awa wi’ Mrs. Balchristie,” said Dumbiedikes, “and he’ll hae + a heavy lading o’ her! I tell ye, Jeanie Deans, I am a man of few words, + but I am laird at hame, as well as in the field; deil a brute or body + about my house but I can manage when I like, except Rory Bean, my powny; + but I can seldom be at the plague, an it binna when my bluid’s up.” + </p> + <p> + “I was wanting to say to ye, Laird,” said Jeanie, who felt the necessity + of entering upon her business, “that I was gaun a lang journey, outby of + my father’s knowledge.” + </p> + <p> + “Outby his knowledge, Jeanie!—Is that right? Ye maun think ot again—it’s + no right,” said Dumbiedikes, with a countenance of great concern. + </p> + <p> + “If I were ance at Lunnon,” said Jeanie, in exculpation, “I am amaist sure + I could get means to speak to the queen about my sister’s life.” + </p> + <p> + “Lunnon—and the queen—and her sister’s life!” said + Dumbiedikes, whistling for very amazement—“the lassie’s demented.” + </p> + <p> + “I am no out o’ my mind,” said she, “and sink or swim, I am determined to + gang to Lunnon, if I suld beg my way frae door to door—and so I + maun, unless ye wad lend me a small sum to pay my expenses—little + thing will do it; and ye ken my father’s a man of substance, and wad see + nae man, far less you, Laird, come to loss by me.” + </p> + <p> + Dumbiedikes, on comprehending the nature of this application, could scarce + trust his ears—he made no answer whatever, but stood with his eyes + rivetted on the ground. + </p> + <p> + “I see ye are no for assisting me, Laird,” said Jeanie, “sae fare ye weel—and + gang and see my poor father as aften as ye can—he will be lonely + eneugh now.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is the silly bairn gaun?” said Dumbiedikes; and, laying hold of her + hand, he led her into the house. “It’s no that I didna think o’t before,” + he said, “but it stack in my throat.” + </p> + <p> + Thus speaking to himself, he led her into an old-fashioned parlour, shut + the door behind them, and fastened it with a bolt. While Jeanie, surprised + at this manoeuvre, remained as near the door as possible, the Laird + quitted her hand, and pressed upon a spring lock fixed in an oak panel in + the wainscot, which instantly slipped aside. An iron strong-box was + discovered in a recess of the wall; he opened this also, and pulling out + two or three drawers, showed that they were filled with leathern bags full + of gold and silver coin. + </p> + <p> + “This is my bank, Jeanie lass,” he said, looking first at her and then at + the treasure, with an air of great complacency,—“nane o’ your + goldsmith’s bills for me,—they bring folk to ruin.” + </p> + <p> + Then, suddenly changing his tone, he resolutely said,—“Jeanie, I + will make ye Lady Dumbiedikes afore the sun sets and ye may ride to Lunnon + in your ain coach, if ye like.” + </p> + <p> + “Na, Laird,” said Jeanie, “that can never be—my father’s grief—my + sister’s situation—the discredit to you—” + </p> + <p> + “That’s <i>my</i> business,” said Dumbiedikes; “ye wad say naething about + that if ye werena a fule—and yet I like ye the better for’t—ae + wise body’s eneugh in the married state. But if your heart’s ower fu’, + take what siller will serve ye, and let it be when ye come back again—as + gude syne as sune.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Laird,” said Jeanie, who felt the necessity of being explicit with + so extraordinary a lover, “I like another man better than you, and I canna + marry ye.” + </p> + <p> + “Another man better than me, Jeanie!” said Dumbiedikes; “how is that + possible? It’s no possible, woman—ye hae ken’d me sae lang.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay but, Laird,” said Jeanie, with persevering simplicity, “I hae ken’d + him langer.” + </p> + <p> + “Langer! It’s no possible!” exclaimed the poor Laird. “It canna be; ye + were born on the land. O Jeanie woman, ye haena lookit—ye haena seen + the half o’ the gear.” He drew out another drawer—“A’ gowd, Jeanie, + and there’s bands for siller lent—And the rental book, Jeanie—clear + three hunder sterling—deil a wadset, heritable band, or burden—Ye + haena lookit at them, woman—And then my mother’s wardrobe, and my + grandmother’s forby—silk gowns wad stand on their ends, their + pearline-lace as fine as spiders’ webs, and rings and ear-rings to the + boot of a’ that—they are a’ in the chamber of deas—Oh, Jeanie, + gang up the stair and look at them!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="Aimage-0004" id="Aimage-0004"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/frontispiece2.jpg" style="width:100%;" + alt="Jeanie and the Laird of Dumbiedykes--Frontispiece " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + But Jeanie held fast her integrity, though beset with temptations, which + perhaps the Laird of Dumbiedikes did not greatly err in supposing were + those most affecting to her sex. + </p> + <p> + “It canna be, Laird—I have said it—and I canna break my word + till him, if ye wad gie me the haill barony of Dalkeith, and Lugton into + the bargain.” + </p> + <p> + “Your word to <i>him,</i>” said the Laird, somewhat pettishly; “but wha is + he, Jeanie?—wha is he?—I haena heard his name yet—Come + now, Jeanie, ye are but queering us—I am no trowing that there is + sic a ane in the warld—ye are but making fashion—What is he?—wha + is he?” + </p> + <p> + “Just Reuben Butler, that’s schulemaster at Liberton,” said Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “Reuben Butler! Reuben Butler!” echoed the Laird of Dumbiedikes, pacing + the apartment in high disdain,—“Reuben Butler, the dominie at + Liberton—and a dominie depute too!—Reuben, the son of my + cottar!—Very weel, Jeanie lass, wilfu’ woman will hae her way—Reuben + Butler! he hasna in his pouch the value o’ the auld black coat he wears—But + it disna signify.” And as he spoke, he shut successively and with + vehemence the drawers of his treasury. “A fair offer, Jeanie, is nae cause + of feud—Ae man may bring a horse to the water, but twenty winna gar + him drink—And as for wasting my substance on other folk’s joes—” + </p> + <p> + There was something in the last hint that nettled Jeanie’s honest pride.— + “I was begging nane frae your honour,” she said; “least of a’ on sic a + score as ye pit it on.—Gude morning to ye, sir; ye hae been kind to + my father, and it isna in my heart to think otherwise than kindly of you.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, she left the room without listening to a faint “But, Jeanie—Jeanie—stay, + woman!” and traversing the courtyard with a quick step, she set out on her + forward journey, her bosom glowing with that natural indignation and + shame, which an honest mind feels at having subjected itself to ask a + favour, which had been unexpectedly refused. When out of the Laird’s + ground, and once more upon the public road, her pace slackened, her anger + cooled, and anxious anticipations of the consequence of this unexpected + disappointment began to influence her with other feelings. Must she then + actually beg her way to London? for such seemed the alternative; or must + she turn back, and solicit her father for money? and by doing so lose + time, which was precious, besides the risk of encountering his positive + prohibition respecting the journey! Yet she saw no medium between these + alternatives; and, while she walked slowly on, was still meditating + whether it were not better to return. + </p> + <p> + While she was thus in an uncertainty, she heard the clatter of a horse’s + hoofs, and a well-known voice calling her name. She looked round, and saw + advancing towards her on a pony, whose bare back and halter assorted ill + with the nightgown, slippers, and laced cocked-hat of the rider, a + cavalier of no less importance than Dumbiedikes himself. In the energy of + his pursuit, he had overcome even the Highland obstinacy of Rory Bean, and + compelled that self-willed palfrey to canter the way his rider chose; + which Rory, however, performed with all the symptoms of reluctance, + turning his head, and accompanying every bound he made in advance with a + sidelong motion, which indicated his extreme wish to turn round,—a + manoeuvre which nothing but the constant exercise of the Laird’s heels and + cudgel could possibly have counteracted. + </p> + <p> + When the Laird came up with Jeanie, the first words he uttered were,—“Jeanie, + they say ane shouldna aye take a woman at her first word?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but ye maun take me at mine, Laird,” said Jeanie, looking on the + ground, and walking on without a pause.—“I hae but ae word to bestow + on ony body, and that’s aye a true ane.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said Dumbiedikes, “at least ye suldna aye take a man at <i>his</i> + first word. Ye maunna gang this wilfu’ gate sillerless, come o’t what + like.”—He put a purse into her hand. “I wad gie you Rory too, but + he’s as wilfu’ as yoursell, and he’s ower weel used to a gate that maybe + he and I hae gaen ower aften, and he’ll gang nae road else.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Laird,” said Jeanie, “though I ken my father will satisfy every + penny of this siller, whatever there’s o’t, yet I wadna like to borrow it + frae ane that maybe thinks of something mair than the paying o’t back + again.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s just twenty-five guineas o’t,” said Dumbiedikes, with a gentle + sigh, “and whether your father pays or disna pay, I make ye free till’t + without another word. Gang where ye like—do what ye like—and + marry a’ the Butlers in the country gin ye like—And sae, gude + morning to you, Jeanie.” + </p> + <p> + “And God bless you, Laird, wi’ mony a gude morning!” said Jeanie, her + heart more softened by the unwonted generosity of this uncouth character, + than perhaps Butler might have approved, had he known her feelings at that + moment; “and comfort, and the Lord’s peace, and the peace of the world, be + with you, if we suld never meet again!” + </p> + <p> + Dumbiedikes turned and waved his hand; and his pony, much more willing to + return than he had been to set out, hurried him homeward so fast, that, + wanting the aid of a regular bridle, as well as of saddle and stirrups, he + was too much puzzled to keep his seat to permit of his looking behind, + even to give the parting glance of a forlorn swain. I am ashamed to say, + that the sight of a lover, ran away with in nightgown and slippers and a + laced hat, by a bare-backed Highland pony, had something in it of a + sedative, even to a grateful and deserved burst of affectionate esteem. + The figure of Dumbiedikes was too ludicrous not to confirm Jeanie in the + original sentiments she entertained towards him. + </p> + <p> + “He’s a gude creature,” said she, “and a kind—it’s a pity he has sae + willyard a powny.” And she immediately turned her thoughts to the + important journey which she had commenced, reflecting with pleasure, that, + according to her habits of life and of undergoing fatigue, she was now + amply or even superfluously provided with the means of encountering the + expenses of the road, up and down from London, and all other expenses + whatever. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0003" id="Alink2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER THIRD + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + What strange and wayward thoughts will slide + Into a lover’s head; + “O mercy!” to myself I cried, + “If Lucy should be dead!” + Wordsworth. +</pre> + <p> + In pursuing her solitary journey, our heroine, soon after passing the + house of Dumbiedikes, gained a little eminence, from which, on looking to + the eastward down a prattling brook, whose meanders were shaded with + straggling widows and alder trees, she could see the cottages of Woodend + and Beersheba, the haunts and habitation of her early life, and could + distinguish the common on which she had so often herded sheep, and the + recesses of the rivulet where she had pulled rushes with Butler, to plait + crowns and sceptres for her sister Effie, then a beautiful but spoiled + child, of about three years old. The recollections which the scene brought + with them were so bitter, that, had she indulged them, she would have sate + down and relieved her heart with tears. + </p> + <p> + “But I ken’d,” said Jeanie, when she gave an account of her pilgrimage, + “that greeting would do but little good, and that it was mair beseeming to + thank the Lord, that had showed me kindness and countenance by means of a + man, that mony ca’d a Nabal, and churl, but wha was free of his gudes to + me, as ever the fountain was free of the stream. And I minded the + Scripture about the sin of Israel at Meribah, when the people murmured, + although Moses had brought water from the dry rock that the congregation + might drink and live. Sae, I wad not trust mysell with another look at + puir Woodend, for the very blue reek that came out of the lum-head pat me + in mind of the change of market days with us.” + </p> + <p> + In this resigned and Christian temper she pursued her journey until she + was beyond this place of melancholy recollections, and not distant from + the village where Butler dwelt, which, with its old-fashioned church and + steeple, rises among a tuft of trees, occupying the ridge of an eminence + to the south of Edinburgh. At a quarter of a mile’s distance is a clumsy + square tower, the residence of the Laird of Liberton, who, in former + times, with the habits of the predatory chivalry of Germany, is said + frequently to have annoyed the city of Edinburgh, by intercepting the + supplies and merchandise which came to the town from the southward. + </p> + <p> + This village, its tower, and its church, did not lie precisely in Jeanie’s + road towards England; but they were not much aside from it, and the + village was the abode of Butler. She had resolved to see him in the + beginning of her journey, because she conceived him the most proper person + to write to her father concerning her resolution and her hopes. There was + probably another reason latent in her affectionate bosom. She wished once + more to see the object of so early and so sincere an attachment, before + commencing a pilgrimage, the perils of which she did not disguise from + herself, although she did not allow them so to press upon her mind as to + diminish the strength and energy of her resolution. A visit to a lover + from a young person in a higher rank of life than Jeanie’s, would have had + something forward and improper in its character. But the simplicity of her + rural habits was unacquainted with these punctilious ideas of decorum, and + no notion, therefore, of impropriety crossed her imagination, as, setting + out upon a long journey, she went to bid adieu to an early friend. + </p> + <p> + There was still another motive that pressed upon her mind with additional + force as she approached the village. She had looked anxiously for Butler + in the courthouse, and had expected that, certainly, in some part of that + eventful day, he would have appeared to bring such countenance and support + as he could give to his old friend, and the protector of his youth, even + if her own claims were laid aside. + </p> + <p> + She know, indeed, that he was under a certain degree of restraint; but she + still had hoped that he would have found means to emancipate himself from + it, at least for one day. In short, the wild and wayward thoughts which + Wordsworth has described as rising in an absent lover’s imagination, + suggested, as the only explanation of his absence, that Butler must be + very ill. And so much had this wrought on her imagination, that when she + approached the cottage where her lover occupied a small apartment, and + which had been pointed out to her by a maiden with a milk-pail on her + head, she trembled at anticipating the answer she might receive on + inquiring for him. + </p> + <p> + Her fears in this case had, indeed, only hit upon the truth. Butler, whose + constitution was naturally feeble, did not soon recover the fatigue of + body and distress of mind which he had suffered, in consequence of the + tragical events with which our narrative commenced. The painful idea that + his character was breathed on by suspicion, was an aggravation to his + distress. + </p> + <p> + But the most cruel addition was the absolute prohibition laid by the + magistrates on his holding any communication with Deans or his family. It + had unfortunately appeared likely to them, that some intercourse might be + again attempted with that family by Robertson, through the medium of + Butler, and this they were anxious to intercept, or prevent if possible. + The measure was not meant as a harsh or injurious severity on the part of + the magistrates; but, in Butler’s circumstances, it pressed cruelly hard. + He felt he must be suffering under the bad opinion of the person who was + dearest to him, from an imputation of unkind desertion, the most alien to + his nature. + </p> + <p> + This painful thought, pressing on a frame already injured, brought on a + succession of slow and lingering feverish attacks, which greatly impaired + his health, and at length rendered him incapable even of the sedentary + duties of the school, on which his bread depended. Fortunately, old Mr. + Whackbairn, who was the principal teacher of the little parochial + establishment, was sincerely attached to Butler. Besides that he was + sensible of his merits and value as an assistant, which had greatly raised + the credit of his little school, the ancient pedagogue, who had himself + been tolerably educated, retained some taste for classical lore, and would + gladly relax, after the drudgery of the school was over, by conning over a + few pages of Horace or Juvenal with his usher. A similarity of taste begot + kindness, and accordingly he saw Butler’s increasing debility with great + compassion, roused up his own energies to teaching the school in the + morning hours, insisted upon his assistant’s reposing himself at that + period, and, besides, supplied him with such comforts as the patient’s + situation required, and his own means were inadequate to compass. + </p> + <p> + Such was Butler’s situation, scarce able to drag himself to the place + where his daily drudgery must gain his daily bread, and racked with a + thousand fearful anticipations concerning the fate of those who were + dearest to him in the world, when the trial and condemnation of Effie + Deans put the copestone upon his mental misery. + </p> + <p> + He had a particular account of these events, from a fellow-student who + resided in the same village, and who, having been present on the + melancholy occasion, was able to place it in all its agony of horrors + before his excruciated imagination. That sleep should have visited his + eyes after such a curfew-note, was impossible. A thousand dreadful visions + haunted his imagination all night, and in the morning he was awaked from a + feverish slumber, by the only circumstance which could have added to his + distress,—the visit of an intrusive ass. + </p> + <p> + This unwelcome visitant was no other than Bartoline Saddletree. The worthy + and sapient burgher had kept his appointment at MacCroskie’s with + Plumdamas and some other neighbours, to discuss the Duke of Argyle’s + speech, the justice of Effie Deans’s condemnation, and the improbability + of her obtaining a reprieve. This sage conclave disputed high and drank + deep, and on the next morning Bartoline felt, as he expressed it, as if + his head was like a “confused progress of writs.” + </p> + <p> + To bring his reflective powers to their usual serenity, Saddle-tree + resolved to take a morning’s ride upon a certain hackney, which he, + Plumdamas, and another honest shopkeeper, combined to maintain by joint + subscription, for occasional jaunts for the purpose of business or + exercise. As Saddletree had two children boarded with Whackbairn, and was, + as we have seen, rather fond of Butler’s society, he turned his palfrey’s + head towards Liberton, and came, as we have already said, to give the + unfortunate usher that additional vexation, of which Imogene complains so + feelingly, when she says,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “I’m sprighted with a fool— + Sprighted and anger’d worse.” + </pre> + <p> + If anything could have added gall to bitterness, it was the choice which + Saddletree made of a subject for his prosing harangues, being the trial of + Effie Deans, and the probability of her being executed. Every word fell on + Butler’s ear like the knell of a death-bell, or the note of a screech-owl. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie paused at the door of her lover’s humble abode upon hearing the + loud and pompous tones of Saddletree sounding from the inner apartment, + “Credit me, it will be sae, Mr. Butler. Brandy cannot save her. She maun + gang down the Bow wi’ the lad in the pioted coat* at her heels.— + </p> + <p> + * The executioner, in livery of black or dark grey and silver, likened by + low wit to a magpie. + </p> + <p> + I am sorry for the lassie, but the law, sir, maun hae its course— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Vivat Rex, + Currat Lex, +</pre> + <p> + as the poet has it, in whilk of Horace’s odes I know not.” + </p> + <p> + Here Butler groaned, in utter impatience of the brutality and ignorance + which Bartoline had contrived to amalgamate into one sentence. But + Saddletree, like other prosers, was blessed with a happy obtuseness of + perception concerning the unfavourable impression which he sometimes made + on his auditors. He proceeded to deal forth his scraps of legal knowledge + without mercy, and concluded by asking Butler, with great + self-complacency, “Was it na a pity my father didna send me to Utrecht? + Havena I missed the chance to turn out as <i>clarissimus</i> an <i>ictus,</i> + as auld Grunwiggin himself?—Whatfor dinna ye speak, Mr. Butler? Wad + I no hae been a <i>clarissimus ictus?</i>—Eh, man?” + </p> + <p> + “I really do not understand you, Mr. Saddletree,” said Butler, thus pushed + hard for an answer. His faint and exhausted tone of voice was instantly + drowned in the sonorous bray of Bartoline. + </p> + <p> + “No understand me, man? <i>Ictus</i> is Latin for a lawyer, is it not?” + </p> + <p> + “Not that ever I heard of,” answered Butler in the same dejected tone. + </p> + <p> + “The deil ye didna!—See, man, I got the word but this morning out of + a memorial of Mr. Crossmyloof’s—see, there it is, <i>ictus + clarissimus et perti—peritissimus</i>—it’s a’ Latin, for it’s + printed in the Italian types.” + </p> + <p> + “O, you mean <i>juris-consultus—Ictus</i> is an abbreviation for <i>juris-consultus.</i>” + </p> + <p> + “Dinna tell me, man,” persevered Saddletree, “there’s nae abbreviates + except in adjudications; and this is a’ about a servitude of water-drap—that + is to say, <i>tillicidian</i>* (maybe ye’ll say that’s no Latin neither), + in Mary King’s Close in the High Street.” + </p> + <p> + * He meant, probably, <i>stillicidium.</i> + </p> + <p> + “Very likely,” said poor Butler, overwhelmed by the noisy perseverance of + his visitor. “Iam not able to dispute with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Few folk are—few folk are, Mr. Butler, though I say it that + shouldna say it,” returned Bartoline with great delight. “Now, it will be + twa hours yet or ye’re wanted in the schule, and as ye are no weel, I’ll + sit wi’ you to divert ye, and explain t’ye the nature of a <i>tillicidian.</i> + Ye maun ken, the petitioner, Mrs. Crombie, a very decent woman, is a + friend of mine, and I hae stude her friend in this case, and brought her + wi’ credit into the court, and I doubtna that in due time she will win out + o’t wi’ credit, win she or lose she. Ye see, being an inferior tenement or + laigh house, we grant ourselves to be burdened wi’ the <i>tillicide,</i> + that is, that we are obligated to receive the natural water-drap of the + superior tenement, sae far as the same fa’s frae the heavens, or the roof + of our neighbour’s house, and from thence by the gutters or eaves upon our + laigh tenement. But the other night comes a Highland quean of a lass, and + she flashes, God kens what, out at the eastmost window of Mrs. MacPhail’s + house, that’s the superior tenement. I believe the auld women wad hae + agreed, for Luckie MacPhail sent down the lass to tell my friend Mrs. + Crombie that she had made the gardyloo out of the wrang window, out of + respect for twa Highlandmen that were speaking Gaelic in the close below + the right ane. But luckily for Mrs. Crombie, I just chanced to come in in + time to break aff the communing, for it’s a pity the point suldna be + tried. We had Mrs. MacPhail into the Ten-Mark Court—The Hieland + limmer of a lass wanted to swear herself free—but haud ye there, + says I.” + </p> + <p> + The detailed account of this important suit might have lasted until poor + Butler’s hour of rest was completely exhausted, had not Saddletree been + interrupted by the noise of voices at the door. The woman of the house + where Butler lodged, on returning with her pitcher from the well, whence + she had been fetching water for the family, found our heroine Jeanie Deans + standing at the door, impatient of the prolix harangue of Saddletree, yet + unwilling to enter until he should have taken his leave. + </p> + <p> + The good woman abridged the period of hesitation by inquiring, “Was ye + wanting the gudeman or me, lass?” + </p> + <p> + “I wanted to speak with Mr. Butler, if he’s at leisure,” replied Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “Gang in by then, my woman,” answered the goodwife; and opening the door + of a room, she announced the additional visitor with, “Mr. Butler, here’s + a lass wants to speak t’ye.” + </p> + <p> + The surprise of Butler was extreme, when Jeanie, who seldom stirred + half-a-mile from home, entered his apartment upon this annunciation. + </p> + <p> + “Good God!” he said, starting from his chair, while alarm restored to his + cheek the colour of which sickness had deprived it; “some new misfortune + must have happened!” + </p> + <p> + “None, Mr. Reuben, but what you must hae heard of—but oh, ye are + looking ill yoursell!”—for the “hectic of a moment” had not + concealed from her affectionate eyes the ravages which lingering disease + and anxiety of mind had made in her lover’s person. + </p> + <p> + “No: I am well—quite well,” said Butler with eagerness; “if I can do + anything to assist you, Jeanie—or your father.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, to be sure,” said Saddletree; “the family may be considered as + limited to them twa now, just as if Effie had never been in the tailzie, + puir thing. But, Jeanie lass, what brings you out to Liberton sae air in + the morning, and your father lying ill in the Luckenbooths?” + </p> + <p> + “I had a message frae my father to Mr. Butler,” said Jeanie with + embarrassment; but instantly feeling ashamed of the fiction to which she + had resorted, for her love of and veneration for truth was almost + Quaker-like, she corrected herself—“That is to say, I wanted to + speak with Mr. Butler about some business of my father’s and puir + Effie’s.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it law business?” said Bartoline; “because if it be, ye had better + take my opinion on the subject than his.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not just law business,” said Jeanie, who saw considerable + inconvenience might arise from letting Mr. Saddletree into the secret + purpose of her journey; “but I want Mr. Butler to write a letter for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Very right,” said Mr. Saddletree; “and if ye’ll tell me what it is about, + I’ll dictate to Mr. Butler as Mr. Crossmyloof does to his clerk.—Get + your pen and ink in initialibus, Mr. Butler.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie looked at Butler, and wrung her hands with vexation and impatience. + </p> + <p> + “I believe, Mr. Saddletree,” said Butler, who saw the necessity of getting + rid of him at all events, “that Mr. Whackbairn will be somewhat affronted + if you do not hear your boys called up to their lessons.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, Mr. Butler, and that’s as true; and I promised to ask a half + play-day to the schule, so that the bairns might gang and see the hanging, + which canna but have a pleasing effect on their young minds, seeing there + is no knowing what they may come to themselves.—Odd so, I didna mind + ye were here, Jeanie Deans; but ye maun use yoursell to hear the matter + spoken o’.—Keep Jeanie here till I come back, Mr. Butler; I winna + bide ten minutes.” + </p> + <p> + And with this unwelcome assurance of an immediate return, he relieved them + of the embarrassment of his presence. + </p> + <p> + “Reuben,” said Jeanie, who saw the necessity of using the interval of his + absence in discussing what had brought her there, “I am bound on a lang + journey—I am gaun to Lunnon to ask Effie’s life of the king and of + the queen.” + </p> + <p> + “Jeanie! you are surely not yourself,” answered Butler, in the utmost + surprise;—“<i>you</i> go to London—<i>you</i> address the king + and queen!” + </p> + <p> + “And what for no, Reuben?” said Jeanie, with all the composed simplicity + of her character; “it’s but speaking to a mortal man and woman when a’ is + done. And their hearts maun be made o’ flesh and blood like other folk’s, + and Effie’s story wad melt them were they stane. Forby, I hae heard that + they are no sic bad folk as what the Jacobites ca’ them.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Jeanie,” said Butler; “but their magnificence—their retinue—the + difficulty of getting audience?” + </p> + <p> + “I have thought of a’ that, Reuben, and it shall not break my spirit. Nae + doubt their claiths will be very grand, wi’ their crowns on their heads, + and their sceptres in their hands, like the great King Ahasuerus when he + sate upon his royal throne fornent the gate of his house, as we are told + in Scripture. But I have that within me that will keep my heart from + failing, and I am amaist sure that I will be strengthened to speak the + errand I came for.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! alas!” said Butler, “the kings now-a-days do not sit in the gate to + administer justice, as in patriarchal times. I know as little of courts as + you do, Jeanie, by experience; but by reading and report I know, that the + King of Britain does everything by means of his ministers.” + </p> + <p> + “And if they be upright, God-fearing ministers,” said Jeanie, “it’s sae + muckle the better chance for Effie and me.” + </p> + <p> + “But you do not even understand the most ordinary words relating to a + court,” said Butler; “by the ministry is meant not clergymen, but the + king’s official servants.” + </p> + <p> + “Nae doubt,” returned Jeanie, “he maun hae a great number mair, I daur to + say, than the duchess has at Dalkeith, and great folk’s servants are aye + mair saucy than themselves. But I’ll be decently put on, and I’ll offer + them a trifle o’ siller, as if I came to see the palace. Or, if they + scruple that, I’ll tell them I’m come on a business of life and death, and + then they will surely bring me to speech of the king and queen?” + </p> + <p> + Butler shook his head. “O Jeanie, this is entirely a wild dream. You can + never see them but through some great lord’s intercession, and I think it + is scarce possible even then.” + </p> + <p> + “Weel, but maybe I can get that too,” said Jeanie, “with a little helping + from you.” + </p> + <p> + “From me, Jeanie! this is the wildest imagination of all.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but it is not, Reuben. Havena I heard you say, that your grandfather + (that my father never likes to hear about) did some gude langsyne to the + forbear of this MacCallummore, when he was Lord of Lorn?” + </p> + <p> + “He did so,” said Butler, eagerly, “and I can prove it.—I will write + to the Duke of Argyle—report speaks him a good kindly man, as he is + known for a brave soldier and true patriot—I will conjure him to + stand between your sister and this cruel fate. There is but a poor chance + of success, but we will try all means.” + </p> + <p> + “We <i>must</i> try all means,” replied Jeanie; “but writing winna do it—a + letter canna look, and pray, and beg, and beseech, as the human voice can + do to the human heart. A letter’s like the music that the ladies have for + their spinets—naething but black scores, compared to the same tune + played or sung. It’s word of mouth maun do it, or naething, Reuben.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” said Reuben, recollecting his firmness, “and I will hope + that Heaven has suggested to your kind heart and firm courage the only + possible means of saving the life of this unfortunate girl. But, Jeanie, + you must not take this most perilous journey alone; I have an interest in + you, and I will not agree that my Jeanie throws herself away. You must + even, in the present circumstances, give me a husband’s right to protect + you, and I will go with you myself on this journey, and assist you to do + your duty by your family.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, Reuben!” said Jeanie in her turn, “this must not be; a pardon will + not gie my sister her fair fame again, or make me a bride fitting for an + honest man and an usefu’ minister. Wha wad mind what he said in the + pu’pit, that had to wife the sister of a woman that was condemned for sic + wickedness?” + </p> + <p> + “But, Jeanie,” pleaded her lover, “I do not believe, and I cannot believe, + that Effie has done this deed.” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven bless ye for saying sae, Reuben,” answered Jeanie; “but she maun + bear the blame o’t after all.” + </p> + <p> + “But the blame, were it even justly laid on her, does not fall on you.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Reuben, Reuben,” replied the young woman, “ye ken it is a blot that + spreads to kith and kin.—Ichabod—as my poor father says—the + glory is departed from our house; for the poorest man’s house has a glory, + where there are true hands, a divine heart, and an honest fame—And + the last has gane frae us a.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Jeanie, consider your word and plighted faith to me; and would you + undertake such a journey without a man to protect you?—and who + should that protector be but your husband?” + </p> + <p> + “You are kind and good, Reuben, and wad take me wi’ a’ my shame, I + doubtna. But ye canna but own that this is no time to marry or be given in + marriage. Na, if that suld ever be, it maun be in another and a better + season.—And, dear Reuben, ye speak of protecting me on my journey—Alas! + who will protect and take care of you?—your very limbs tremble with + standing for ten minutes on the floor; how could you undertake a journey + as far as Lunnon?” + </p> + <p> + “But I am strong—I am well,” continued Butler, sinking in his seat + totally exhausted, “at least I shall be quite well to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye see, and ye ken, ye maun just let me depart,” said Jeanie, after a + pause; and then taking his extended hand, and gazing kindly in his face, + she added, “It’s e’en a grief the mair to me to see you in this way. But + ye maun keep up your heart for Jeanie’s sake, for if she isna your wife, + she will never be the wife of living man. And now gie me the paper for + MacCallummore, and bid God speed me on my way.” + </p> + <p> + There was something of romance in Jeanie’s venturous resolution; yet, on + consideration, as it seemed impossible to alter it by persuasion, or to + give her assistance but by advice, Butler, after some farther debate, put + into her hands the paper she desired, which, with the muster-roll in which + it was folded up, were the sole memorials of the stout and enthusiastic + Bible Butler, his grandfather. While Butler sought this document, Jeanie + had time to take up his pocket Bible. “I have marked a scripture,” she + said, as she again laid it down, “with your kylevine pen, that will be + useful to us baith. And ye maun tak the trouble, Reuben, to write a’ this + to my father, for, God help me, I have neither head nor hand for lang + letters at ony time, forby now; and I trust him entirely to you, and I + trust you will soon be permitted to see him. And, Reuben, when ye do win + to the speech o’ him, mind a’ the auld man’s bits o’ ways, for Jeanie’s + sake; and dinna speak o’ Latin or English terms to him, for he’s o’ the + auld warld, and downa bide to be fashed wi’ them, though I daresay he may + be wrang. And dinna ye say muckle to him, but set him on speaking himself, + for he’ll bring himsell mair comfort that way. And O, Reuben, the poor + lassie in yon dungeon!—but I needna bid your kind heart—gie + her what comfort ye can as soon as they will let ye see her—tell her—But + I maunna speak mair about her, for I maunna take leave o’ ye wi’ the tear + in my ee, for that wouldna be canny.—God bless ye, Reuben!” + </p> + <p> + To avoid so ill an omen she left the room hastily, while her features yet + retained the mournful and affectionate smile which she had compelled them + to wear, in order to support Butler’s spirits. + </p> + <p> + It seemed as if the power of sight, of speech, and of reflection, had left + him as she disappeared from the room, which she had entered and retired + from so like an apparition. Saddletree, who entered immediately + afterwards, overwhelmed him with questions, which he answered without + understanding them, and with legal disquisitions, which conveyed to him no + iota of meaning. At length the learned burgess recollected that there was + a Baron Court to be, held at Loanhead that day, and though it was hardly + worth while, “he might as weel go to see if there was onything doing, as + he was acquainted with the baron bailie, who was a decent man, and would + be glad of a word of legal advice.” + </p> + <p> + So soon as he departed, Butler flew to the Bible, the last book which + Jeanie had touched. To his extreme surprise, a paper, containing two or + three pieces of gold, dropped from the book. With a black-lead pencil, she + had marked the sixteenth and twenty-fifth verses of the thirty-seventh + Psalm,—“A little that a righteous man hath, is better than the + riches of the wicked.”—“I have been young and am now old, yet have I + not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging their bread.” + </p> + <p> + Deeply impressed with the affectionate delicacy which shrouded its own + generosity under the cover of a providential supply to his wants, he + pressed the gold to his lips with more ardour than ever the metal was + greeted with by a miser. To emulate her devout firmness and confidence + seemed now the pitch of his ambition, and his first task was to write an + account to David Deans of his daughter’s resolution and journey southward. + He studied every sentiment, and even every phrase, which he thought could + reconcile the old man to her extraordinary resolution. The effect which + this epistle produced will be hereafter adverted to. Butler committed it + to the charge of an honest clown, who had frequent dealings with Deans in + the sale of his dairy produce, and who readily undertook a journey to + Edinburgh to put the letter into his own hands.* + </p> + <p> + * By dint of assiduous research I am enabled to certiorate the reader, + that the name of this person was Saunders Broadfoot, and that he dealt in + the wholesome commodity called kirn-milk (<i>Anglice’,</i> butter-milk).— + J. C. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0004" id="Alink2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER FOURTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “My native land, good night.” + Lord Byron. +</pre> + <p> + In the present day, a journey from Edinburgh to London is a matter at once + safe, brief, and simple, however inexperienced or unprotected the + traveller. Numerous coaches of different rates of charge, and as many + packets, are perpetually passing and repassing betwixt the capital of + Britain and her northern sister, so that the most timid or indolent may + execute such a journey upon a few hours’ notice. But it was different in + 1737. So slight and infrequent was the intercourse betwixt London and + Edinburgh, that men still alive remember that upon one occasion the mail + from the former city arrived at the General Post-Office in Scotland with + only one letter in it.* + </p> + <p> + * The fact is certain. The single epistle was addressed to the principal + director of the British Linen Company. + </p> + <p> + The usual mode of travelling was by means of post-horses, the traveller + occupying one, and his guide another, in which manner, by relays of horses + from stage to stage, the journey might be accomplished in a wonderfully + short time by those who could endure fatigue. To have the bones shaken to + pieces by a constant change of those hacks was a luxury for the rich—the + poor were under the necessity of using the mode of conveyance with which + nature had provided them. + </p> + <p> + With a strong heart, and a frame patient of fatigue, Jeanie Deans, + travelling at the rate of twenty miles a-day, and sometimes farther, + traversed the southern part of Scotland, and advanced as far as Durham. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto she had been either among her own country-folk, or those to whom + her bare feet and tartan screen were objects too familiar to attract much + attention. But as she advanced, she perceived that both circumstances + exposed her to sarcasm and taunts, which she might otherwise have escaped; + and although in her heart she thought it unkind, and inhospitable, to + sneer at a passing stranger on account of the fashion of her attire, yet + she had the good sense to alter those parts of her dress which attracted + ill-natured observation. Her chequed screen was deposited carefully in her + bundle, and she conformed to the national extravagance of wearing shoes + and stockings for the whole day. She confessed afterwards, that, “besides + the wastrife, it was lang or she could walk sae comfortably with the shoes + as without them; but there was often a bit saft heather by the road-side, + and that helped her weel on.” The want of the screen, which was drawn over + the head like a veil, she supplied by a <i>bon-grace,</i> as she called + it; a large straw bonnet like those worn by the English maidens when + labouring in the fields. “But I thought unco shame o’ mysell,” she said, + “the first time I put on a married woman’s <i>bon-grace,</i> and me a + single maiden.” + </p> + <p> + With these changes she had little, as she said, to make “her kenspeckle + when she didna speak,” but her accent and language drew down on her so + many jests and gibes, couched in a worse <i>patois</i> by far than her + own, that she soon found it was her interest to talk as little and as + seldom as possible. She answered, therefore, civil salutations of chance + passengers with a civil courtesy, and chose, with anxious circumspection, + such places of repose as looked at once most decent and sequestered. She + found the common people of England, although inferior in courtesy to + strangers, such as was then practised in her own more unfrequented + country, yet, upon the whole, by no means deficient in the real duties of + hospitality. She readily obtained food, and shelter, and protection at a + very moderate rate, which sometimes the generosity of mine host altogether + declined, with a blunt apology,—“Thee hast a long way afore thee, + lass; and I’se ne’er take penny out o’ a single woman’s purse; it’s the + best friend thou can have on the road.” + </p> + <p> + It often happened, too, that mine hostess was struck with “the tidy, nice + Scotch body,” and procured her an escort, or a cast in a waggon, for some + part of the way, or gave her a useful advice and recommendation respecting + her resting-places. + </p> + <p> + At York our pilgrim stopped for the best part of a day, partly to recruit + her strength,—partly because she had the good luck to obtain a + lodging in an inn kept by a countrywoman,—partly to indite two + letters to her father and Reuben Butler; an operation of some little + difficulty, her habits being by no means those of literary composition. + That to her father was in the following words.— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +“Dearest Father,—I make my present pilgrimage more heavy and burdensome, +through the sad occasion to reflect that it is without your knowledge, +which, God knows, was far contrary to my heart; for Scripture says, that +‘the vow of the daughter should not be binding without the consent of the +father,’ wherein it may be I have been guilty to tak this wearie journey +without your consent. Nevertheless, it was borne in upon my mind that I +should be an instrument to help my poor sister in this extremity of +needcessity, otherwise I wad not, for wealth or for world’s gear, or for +the haill lands of Da’keith and Lugton, have done the like o’ this, +without your free will and knowledge. Oh, dear father, as ye wad desire a +blessing on my journey, and upon your household, speak a word or write a +line of comfort to yon poor prisoner. If she has sinned, she has sorrowed +and suffered, and ye ken better than me, that we maun forgie others, as +we pray to be forgien. Dear father, forgive my saying this muckle, for it +doth not become a young head to instruct grey hairs; but I am sae far +frae ye, that my heart yearns to ye a’, and fain wad I hear that ye had +forgien her trespass, and sae I nae doubt say mair than may become me. +The folk here are civil, and, like the barbarians unto the holy apostle, +hae shown me much kindness; and there are a sort of chosen people in the +land, for they hae some kirks without organs that are like ours, and are +called meeting-houses, where the minister preaches without a gown. But +most of the country are prelatists, whilk is awfu’ to think; and I saw +twa men that were ministers following hunds, as bauld as Roslin or +Driden, the young Laird of Loup-the-dike, or ony wild gallant in Lothian. +A sorrowfa’ sight to behold! Oh, dear father, may a blessing be with your +down-lying and up-rising, and remember in your prayers your affectionate +daughter to command, + “Jean Deans.” + </pre> + <p> + A postscript bore, “I learned from a decent woman, a grazier’s widow, that + they hae a cure for the muir-ill in Cumberland, whilk is ane pint, as they + ca’t, of yill, whilk is a dribble in comparison of our gawsie Scots pint, + and hardly a mutchkin, boiled wi’ sope and hartshorn draps, and toomed + doun the creature’s throat wi’ ane whorn. Ye might try it on the + bauson-faced year-auld quey; an it does nae gude, it can do nae ill.— + She was a kind woman, and seemed skeely about horned beasts. When I reach + Lunnon, I intend to gang to our cousin Mrs. Glass, the tobacconist, at the + sign o’ the Thistle, wha is so ceevil as to send you down your + spleuchan-fu’ anes a year; and as she must be well kend in Lunnon, I doubt + not easily to find out where she lives.” + </p> + <p> + Being seduced into betraying our heroine’s confidence thus far, we will + stretch our communication a step beyond, and impart to the reader her + letter to her lover. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Reuben Butler,—Hoping this will find you better, this comes to + say, that I have reached this great town safe, and am not wearied with + walking, but the better for it. And I have seen many things which I trust + to tell you one day, also the muckle kirk of this place; and all around + the city are mills, whilk havena muckle wheels nor mill-dams, but gang by + the wind—strange to behold. Ane miller asked me to gang in and see + it work, but I wad not, for I am not come to the south to make + acquaintance with strangers. I keep the straight road, and just beck if + onybody speaks to me ceevilly, and answers naebody with the tong but women + of my ain sect. I wish, Mr. Butler, I kend onything that wad mak ye weel, + for they hae mair medicines in this town of York than wad cure a’ + Scotland, and surely some of them wad be gude for your complaints. If ye + had a kindly motherly body to nurse ye, and no to let ye waste yoursell + wi’ reading—whilk ye read mair than eneugh wi’ the bairns in the + schule—and to gie ye warm milk in the morning, I wad be mair easy + for ye. Dear Mr. Butler, keep a good heart, for we are in the hands of Ane + that kens better what is gude for us than we ken what is for oursells. I + hae nae doubt to do that for which I am come—I canna doubt it—I + winna think to doubt it—because, if I haena full assurance, how + shall I bear myself with earnest entreaties in the great folk’s presence? + But to ken that ane’s purpose is right, and to make their heart strong, is + the way to get through the warst day’s darg. The bairns’ rime says, the + warst blast of the borrowing days* couldna kill the three silly poor + hog-lams. + </p> + <p> + * The last three days of March, old style, are called the Borrowing Days; + for, as they are remarked to be unusually stormy, it is feigned that March + had borrowed them from April, to extend the sphere of his rougher sway. + The rhyme on the subject is quoted in the glossary to Leyden’s edition of + the “Complaynt of Scotland”— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [March said to Aperill, + I see three hogs upon a hill, + A young sheep before it has lost its first fleece. + But when the borrowed days were gane + The three silly hogs came hirplin hame.] +</pre> + <p> + “And if it be God’s pleasure, we that are sindered in sorrow may meet + again in joy, even on this hither side of Jordan. I dinna bid ye mind what + I said at our partin’ anent my poor father, and that misfortunate lassie, + for I ken you will do sae for the sake of Christian charity, whilk is mair + than the entreaties of her that is your servant to command, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Jeanie Deans.” + </pre> + <p> + This letter also had a postscript. “Dear Reuben, If ye think that it wad + hae been right for me to have said mair and kinder things to ye, just + think that I hae written sae, since I am sure that I wish a’ that is kind + and right to ye and by ye. Ye will think I am turned waster, for I wear + clean hose and shoon every day; but it’s the fashion here for decent + bodies and ilka land has it’s ain landlaw. Ower and aboon a’, if laughing + days were e’er to come back again till us, ye wad laugh weel to see my + round face at the far end of a strae <i>bon-grace,</i> that looks as + muckle and round as the middell aisle in Libberton Kirk. But it sheds the + sun weel aff, and keeps uncivil folk frae staring as if ane were a + worrycow. I sall tell ye by writ how I come on wi’ the Duke of Argyle, + when I won up to Lunnon. Direct a line, to say how ye are, to me, to the + charge of Mrs. Margaret Glass, tobacconist, at the sign of the Thistle, + Lunnon, whilk, if it assures me of your health, will make my mind sae + muckle easier. Excuse bad spelling and writing, as I have ane ill pen.” + </p> + <p> + The orthography of these epistles may seem to the southron to require a + better apology than the letter expresses, though a bad pen was the excuse + of a certain Galwegian laird for bad spelling; but, on behalf of the + heroine, I would have them to know, that, thanks to the care of Butler, + Jeanie Deans wrote and spelled fifty times better than half the women of + rank in Scotland at that period, whose strange orthography and singular + diction form the strongest contrast to the good sense which their + correspondence usually intimates. + </p> + <p> + For the rest, in the tenor of these epistles, Jeanie expressed, perhaps, + more hopes, a firmer courage, and better spirits, than she actually felt. + But this was with the amiable idea of relieving her father and lover from + apprehensions on her account, which she was sensible must greatly add to + their other troubles. “If they think me weel, and like to do weel,” said + the poor pilgrim to herself, “my father will be kinder to Effie, and + Butler will be kinder to himself. For I ken weel that they will think mair + o’ me than I do o’ mysell.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, she sealed her letters carefully, and put them into the + post-office with her own hand, after many inquiries concerning the time in + which they were likely to reach Edinburgh. When this duty was performed, + she readily accepted her landlady’s pressing invitation to dine with her, + and remain till the next morning. The hostess, as we have said, was her + countrywoman, and the eagerness with which Scottish people meet, + communicate, and, to the extent of their power, assist each other, + although it is often objected to us as a prejudice and narrowness of + sentiment, seems, on the contrary, to arise from a most justifiable and + honourable feeling of patriotism, combined with a conviction, which, if + undeserved, would long since have been confuted by experience, that the + habits and principles of the nation are a sort of guarantee for the + character of the individual. At any rate, if the extensive influence of + this national partiality be considered as an additional tie, binding man + to man, and calling forth the good offices of such as can render them to + the countryman who happens to need them, we think it must be found to + exceed, as an active and efficient motive, to generosity, that more + impartial and wider principle of general benevolence, which we have + sometimes seen pleaded as an excuse for assisting no individual whatever. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bickerton, lady of the ascendant of the Seven Stars, in the + Castle-gate, York, was deeply infected with the unfortunate prejudices of + her country. Indeed, she displayed so much kindness to Jeanie Deans + (because she herself, being a Merse woman, <i>marched</i> with + Mid-Lothian, in which Jeanie was born), showed such motherly regard to + her, and such anxiety for her farther progress, that Jeanie thought + herself safe, though by temper sufficiently cautious, in communicating her + whole story to her. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bickerton raised her hands and eyes at the recital, and exhibited + much wonder and pity. But she also gave some effectual good advice. + </p> + <p> + She required to know the strength of Jeanie’s purse, reduced by her + deposit at Liberton, and the necessary expense of her journey, to about + fifteen pounds. “This,” she said, “would do very well, providing she would + carry it a’ safe to London.” + </p> + <p> + “Safe!” answered Jeanie; “I’se warrant my carrying it safe, bating the + needful expenses.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but highwaymen, lassie,” said Mrs. Bickerton; “for ye are come into a + more civilised, that is to say, a more roguish country than the north, and + how ye are to get forward, I do not profess to know. If ye could wait here + eight days, our waggons would go up, and I would recommend you to Joe + Broadwheel, who would see you safe to the Swan and two Necks. And dinna + sneeze at Joe, if he should be for drawing up wi’ you” (continued Mrs. + Bickerton, her acquired English mingling with her national or original + dialect), “he’s a handy boy, and a wanter, and no lad better thought o’ on + the road; and the English make good husbands enough, witness my poor man, + Moses Bickerton, as is i’ the kirkyard.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie hastened to say, that she could not possibly wait for the setting + forth of Joe Broadwheel; being internally by no means gratified with the + idea of becoming the object of his attention during the journey, + </p> + <p> + “Aweel, lass,” answered the good landlady, “then thou must pickle in thine + ain poke-nook, and buckle thy girdle thine ain gate. But take my advice, + and hide thy gold in thy stays, and keep a piece or two and some silver, + in case thou be’st spoke withal; for there’s as wud lads haunt within a + day’s walk from hence, as on the braes of Doune in Perthshire. And, lass, + thou maunna gang staring through Lunnon, asking wha kens Mrs. Glass at the + sign o’ the Thistle; marry, they would laugh thee to scorn. But gang thou + to this honest man,” and she put a direction into Jeanie’s hand, “he kens + maist part of the sponsible Scottish folk in the city, and he will find + out your friend for thee.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie took the little introductory letter with sincere thanks; but, + something alarmed on the subject of the highway robbers, her mind recurred + to what Ratcliffe had mentioned to her, and briefly relating the + circumstances which placed a document so extraordinary in her hands, she + put the paper he had given her into the hand of Mrs. Bickerton. + </p> + <p> + The Lady of the Seven Stars did not indeed ring a bell, because such was + not the fashion of the time, but she whistled on a silver call, which was + hung by her side, and a tight serving-maid entered the room. + </p> + <p> + “Tell Dick Ostler to come here,” said Mrs. Bickerton. + </p> + <p> + Dick Ostler accordingly made his appearance;—a queer, knowing, + shambling animal, with a hatchet-face, a squint, a game-arm, and a limp. + </p> + <p> + “Dick Ostler,” said Mrs. Bickerton, in a tone of authority that showed she + was (at least by adoption) Yorkshire too, “thou knowest most people and + most things o’ the road.” + </p> + <p> + “Eye, eye, God help me, mistress,” said Dick, shrugging his shoulders + betwixt a repentant and a knowing expression—“Eye! I ha’ know’d a + thing or twa i’ ma day, mistress.” He looked sharp and laughed—looked + grave and sighed, as one who was prepared to take the matter either way. + </p> + <p> + “Kenst thou this wee bit paper amang the rest, man?” said Mrs. Bickerton, + handing him the protection which Ratcliffe had given Jeanie Deans. + </p> + <p> + When Dick had looked at the paper, he winked with one eye, extended his + grotesque mouth from ear to ear, like a navigable canal, scratched his + head powerfully, and then said, “Ken!—ay—maybe we ken summat, + an it werena for harm to him, mistress!” + </p> + <p> + “None in the world,” said Mrs. Bickerton; “only a dram of Hollands to + thyself, man, an thou wilt speak.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, then,” said Dick, giving the head-band of his breeches a knowing + hoist with one hand, and kicking out one foot behind him to accommodate + the adjustment of that important habiliment, “I dares to say the pass will + be kend weel eneugh on the road, an that be all.” + </p> + <p> + “But what sort of a lad was he?” said Mrs. Bickerton, winking to Jeanie, + as proud of her knowing Ostler. + </p> + <p> + “Why, what ken I?—Jim the Rat—why he was Cock o’ the North + within this twelmonth—he and Scotch Wilson, Handle Dandie, as they + called him—but he’s been out o’ this country a while, as I rackon; + but ony gentleman, as keeps the road o’ this side Stamford, will respect + Jim’s pass.” + </p> + <p> + Without asking farther questions, the landlady filled Dick Ostler a bumper + of Hollands. He ducked with his head and shoulders, scraped with his more + advanced hoof, bolted the alcohol, to use the learned phrase, and withdrew + to his own domains. + </p> + <p> + “I would advise thee, Jeanie,” said Mrs. Bickerton, “an thou meetest with + ugly customers o’ the road, to show them this bit paper, for it will serve + thee, assure thyself.” + </p> + <p> + A neat little supper concluded the evening. The exported Scotswoman, Mrs. + Bickerton by name, ate heartily of one or two seasoned dishes, drank some + sound old ale, and a glass of stiff negus; while she gave Jeanie a history + of her gout, admiring how it was possible that she, whose fathers and + mothers for many generations had been farmers in Lammermuir, could have + come by a disorder so totally unknown to them. Jeanie did not choose to + offend her friendly landlady, by speaking her mind on the probable origin + of this complaint; but she thought on the flesh-pots of Egypt, and, in + spite of all entreaties to better fare, made her evening meal upon + vegetables, with a glass of fair water. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bickerton assured her, that the acceptance of any reckoning was + entirely out of the question, furnished her with credentials to her + correspondent in London, and to several inns upon the road where she had + some influence or interest, reminded her of the precautions she should + adopt for concealing her money, and as she was to depart early in the + morning, took leave of her very affectionately, taking her word that she + would visit her on her return to Scotland, and tell her how she had + managed, and that summum bonum for a gossip, “all how and about it.” This + Jeanie faithfully promised. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0005" id="Alink2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER FIFTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And Need and Misery, Vice and Danger, bind, + In sad alliance, each degraded mind. +</pre> + <p> + As our traveller set out early on the ensuing morning to prosecute her + journey, and was in the act of leaving the innyard, Dick Ostler, who + either had risen early or neglected to go to bed, either circumstance + being equally incident to his calling, hollowed out after her,—“The + top of the morning to you, Moggie. Have a care o’ Gunderby Hill, young + one. Robin Hood’s dead and gwone, but there be takers yet in the vale of + Bever. Jeanie looked at him as if to request a farther explanation, but, + with a leer, a shuffle, and a shrug, inimitable (unless by Emery*), Dick + turned again to the raw-boned steed which he was currying, and sung as he + employed the comb and brush,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Robin Hood was a yeoman right good, + And his bow was of trusty yew; + And if Robin said stand on the king’s lea-land, + Pray, why should not we say so too?” + </pre> + <p> + * [John Emery, an eminent comedian, played successfully at Covent Garden + Theatre between 1798 and 1820. Among his characters, were those of Dandie + Dinmont in <i>Guy Mannering,</i> Dougal in <i>Rob Roy,</i> and Ratcliffe + in the Heart of <i>Mid-Lothian.</i>] + </p> + <p> + Jeanie pursued her journey without farther inquiry, for there was nothing + in Dick’s manner that inclined her to prolong their conference. A painful + day’s journey brought her to Ferrybridge, the best inn, then and since, + upon the great northern road; and an introduction from Mrs. Bickerton, + added to her own simple and quiet manners, so propitiated the landlady of + the Swan in her favour, that the good dame procured her the convenient + accommodation of a pillion and post-horse then returning to Tuxford, so + that she accomplished, upon the second day after leaving York, the longest + journey she had yet made. She was a good deal fatigued by a mode of + travelling to which she was less accustomed than to walking, and it was + considerably later than usual on the ensuing morning that she felt herself + able to resume her pilgrimage. At noon the hundred-armed Trent, and the + blackened ruins of Newark Castle, demolished in the great civil war, lay + before her. It may easily be supposed, that Jeanie had no curiosity to + make antiquarian researches, but, entering the town, went straight to the + inn to which she had been directed at Ferrybridge. While she procured some + refreshment, she observed the girl who brought it to her, looked at her + several times with fixed and peculiar interest, and at last, to her + infinite surprise, inquired if her name was not Deans, and if she was not + a Scotchwoman, going to London upon justice business. Jeanie, with all her + simplicity of character, had some of the caution of her country, and, + according to Scottish universal custom, she answered the question by + another, requesting the girl would tell her why she asked these questions? + </p> + <p> + The Maritornes of the Saracen’s Head, Newark, replied, “Two women had + passed that morning, who had made inquiries after one Jeanie Deans, + travelling to London on such an errand, and could scarce be persuaded that + she had not passed on.” + </p> + <p> + Much surprised and somewhat alarmed (for what is inexplicable is usually + alarming), Jeanie questioned the wench about the particular appearance of + these two women, but could only learn that the one was aged, and the other + young; that the latter was the taller, and that the former spoke most, and + seemed to maintain an authority over her companion, and that both spoke + with the Scottish accent. + </p> + <p> + This conveyed no information whatever, and with an indescribable + presentiment of evil designed towards her, Jeanie adopted the resolution + of taking post-horses for the next stage. In this, however, she could not + be gratified; some accidental circumstances had occasioned what is called + a run upon the road, and the landlord could not accommodate her with a + guide and horses. After waiting some time, in hopes that a pair of horses + that had gone southward would return in time for her use, she at length, + feeling ashamed at her own pusillanimity, resolved to prosecute her + journey in her usual manner. + </p> + <p> + “It was all plain road,” she was assured, “except a high mountain called + Gunnerby Hill, about three miles from Grantham, which was her stage for + the night. + </p> + <p> + “I’m glad to hear there’s a hill,” said Jeanie, “for baith my sight and my + very feet are weary o’ sic tracts o’ level ground—it looks a’ the + way between this and York as if a’ the land had been trenched and + levelled, whilk is very wearisome to my Scotch een. When I lost sight of a + muckle blue hill they ca’ Ingleboro’, I thought I hadna a friend left in + this strange land.” + </p> + <p> + “As for the matter of that, young woman,” said mine host, “an you be so + fond o’ hill, I carena an thou couldst carry Gunnerby away with thee in + thy lap, for it’s a murder to post-horses. But here’s to thy journey, and + mayst thou win well through it, for thou is a bold and a canny lass.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he took a powerful pull at a solemn tankard of home-brewed ale. + </p> + <p> + “I hope there is nae bad company on the road, sir?” said Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “Why, when it’s clean without them I’ll thatch Groby pool wi’ pancakes. + But there arena sae mony now; and since they hae lost Jim the Rat, they + hold together no better than the men of Marsham when they lost their + common. Take a drop ere thou goest,” he concluded, offering her the + tankard; “thou wilt get naething at night save Grantham gruel, nine grots + and a gallon of water.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie courteously declined the tankard, and inquired what was her + “lawing?” + </p> + <p> + “Thy lawing! Heaven help thee, wench! what ca’st thou that?” + </p> + <p> + “It is—I was wanting to ken what was to pay,” replied Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “Pay? Lord help thee!—why nought, woman—we hae drawn no liquor + but a gill o’ beer, and the Saracen’s Head can spare a mouthful o’ meat to + a stranger like o’ thee, that cannot speak Christian language. So here’s + to thee once more. The same again, quoth Mark of Bellgrave,” and he took + another profound pull at the tankard. + </p> + <p> + The travellers who have visited Newark more lately, will not fail to + remember the remarkably civil and gentlemanly manners of the person who + now keeps the principal inn there, and may find some amusement in + contrasting them with those of his more rough predecessor. But we believe + it will be found that the polish has worn off none of the real worth of + the metal. + </p> + <p> + Taking leave of her Lincolnshire Gaius, Jeanie resumed her solitary walk, + and was somewhat alarmed when evening and twilight overtook her in the + open ground which extends to the foot of Gunnerby Hill, and is intersected + with patches of copse and with swampy spots. The extensive commons on the + north road, most of which are now enclosed, and in general a relaxed state + of police, exposed the traveller to a highway robbery in a degree which is + now unknown, except in the immediate vicinity of the metropolis. Aware of + this circumstance, Jeanie mended her pace when she heard the trampling of + a horse behind, and instinctively drew to one side of the road, as if to + allow as much room for the rider to pass as might be possible. When the + animal came up, she found that it was bearing two women, the one placed on + a side-saddle, the other on a pillion behind her, as may still + occasionally be seen in England. + </p> + <p> + “A braw good-night to ye, Jeanie Deans,” said the foremost female as the + horse passed our heroine; “What think ye o’ yon bonny hill yonder, lifting + its brow to the moon? Trow ye yon’s the gate to heaven, that ye are sae + fain of?—maybe we will win there the night yet, God sain us, though + our minny here’s rather dreigh in the upgang.” + </p> + <p> + The speaker kept changing her seat in the saddle, and half stopping the + horse as she brought her body round, while the woman that sate behind her + on the pillion seemed to urge her on, in words which Jeanie heard but + imperfectly. + </p> + <p> + “Hand your tongue, ye moon-raised b——! what is your business + with ——, or with heaven or hell either?” + </p> + <p> + “Troth, mither, no muckle wi’ heaven, I doubt, considering wha I carry + ahint me—and as for hell, it will fight its ain battle at its ain + time, I’se be bound.—Come, naggie, trot awa, man, an as thou wert a + broomstick, for a witch rides thee— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + With my curtch on my foot, and my shoe on my hand, + I glance like the wildfire through brugh and through land.” + </pre> + <p> + The tramp of the horse, and the increasing distance, drowned the rest of + her song, but Jeanie heard for some time the inarticulate sounds ring + along the waste. + </p> + <p> + Our pilgrim remained stupified with undefined apprehensions. The being + named by her name in so wild a manner, and in a strange country, without + farther explanation or communing, by a person who thus strangely flitted + forward and disappeared before her, came near to the supernatural sounds + in Comus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The airy tongues, which syllable men’s names + On sands, and shores, and desert wildernesses. +</pre> + <p> + And although widely different in features, deportment, and rank, from the + Lady of that enchanting masque, the continuation of the passage may be + happily applied to Jeanie Deans upon this singular alarm:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + These thoughts may startle well, but not astound + The virtuous mind, that ever walks attended + By a strong siding champion—Conscience. +</pre> + <p> + In fact, it was, with the recollection of the affectionate and dutiful + errand on which she was engaged, her right, if such a word could be + applicable, to expect protection in a task so meritorious. She had not + advanced much farther, with a mind calmed by these reflections, when she + was disturbed by a new and more instant subject of terror. Two men, who + had been lurking among some copse, started up as she advanced, and met her + on the road in a menacing manner. “Stand and deliver,” said one of them, a + short stout fellow, in a smock-frock, such as are worn by waggoners. + </p> + <p> + “The woman,” said the other, a tall thin figure, “does not understand the + words of action.—Your money, my precious, or your life.” + </p> + <p> + “I have but very little money, gentlemen,” said poor Jeanie, tendering + that portion which she had separated from her principal stock, and kept + apart for such an emergency; “but if you are resolved to have it, to be + sure you must have it.” + </p> + <p> + “This won’t do, my girl. D—n me, if it shall pass!” said the shorter + ruffian; “do ye think gentlemen are to hazard their lives on the road to + be cheated in this way? We’ll have every farthing you have got, or we will + strip you to the skin, curse me.” + </p> + <p> + His companion, who seemed to have something like compassion for the horror + which Jeanie’s countenance now expressed, said, “No, no, Tom, this is one + of the precious sisters, and we’ll take her word, for once, without + putting her to the stripping proof—Hark ye, my lass, if ye look up + to heaven, and say, this is the last penny you have about ye, why, hang + it, we’ll let you pass.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not free,” answered Jeanie, “to say what I have about me, gentlemen, + for there’s life and death depends on my journey; but if you leave me as + much as finds me bread and water, I’ll be satisfied, and thank you, and + pray for you.” + </p> + <p> + “D—n your prayers!” said the shorter fellow, “that’s a coin that + won’t pass with us;” and at the same time made a motion to seize her. + </p> + <p> + “Stay, gentlemen,” Ratcliffe’s pass suddenly occurring to her; “perhaps + you know this paper.” + </p> + <p> + “What the devil is she after now, Frank?” said the more savage ruffian—“Do + you look at it, for, d—n me if I could read it if it were for the + benefit of my clergy.” + </p> + <p> + “This is a jark from Jim Ratcliffe,” said the taller, having looked at the + bit of paper. “The wench must pass by our cutter’s law.” + </p> + <p> + “I say no,” answered his companion; “Rat has left the lay, and turned + bloodhound, they say.” + </p> + <p> + “We may need a good turn from him all the same,” said the taller ruffian + again. + </p> + <p> + “But what are we to do then?” said the shorter man—“We promised, you + know, to strip the wench, and send her begging back to her own beggarly + country, and now you are for letting her go on.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not say that,” said the other fellow, and whispered to his + companion, who replied, “Be alive about it then, and don’t keep chattering + till some travellers come up to nab us.” + </p> + <p> + “You must follow us off the road, young woman,” said the taller. + </p> + <p> + “For the love of God!” exclaimed Jeanie, “as you were born of woman, dinna + ask me to leave the road! rather take all I have in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “What the devil is the wench afraid of?” said the other fellow. “I tell + you you shall come to no harm; but if you will not leave the road and come + with us, d—n me, but I’ll beat your brains out where you stand.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art a rough bear, Tom,” said his companion.—“An ye touch her, + I’ll give ye a shake by the collar shall make the Leicester beans rattle + in thy guts.—Never mind him, girl; I will not allow him to lay a + finger on you, if you walk quietly on with us; but if you keep jabbering + there, d—n me, but I’ll leave him to settle it with you.” + </p> + <p> + This threat conveyed all that is terrible to the imagination of poor + Jeanie, who saw in him that “was of milder mood” her only protection from + the most brutal treatment. She, therefore, not only followed him, but even + held him by the sleeve, lest he should escape from her; and the fellow, + hardened as he was, seemed something touched by these marks of confidence, + and repeatedly assured her, that he would suffer her to receive no harm. + </p> + <p> + They conducted their prisoner in a direction leading more and more from + the public road, but she observed that they kept a sort of track or + by-path, which relieved her from part of her apprehensions, which would + have been greatly increased had they not seemed to follow a determined and + ascertained route. After about half-an-hour’s walking, all three in + profound silence, they approached an old barn, which stood on the edge of + some cultivated ground, but remote from everything like a habitation. It + was itself, however, tenanted, for there was light in the windows. + </p> + <p> + One of the footpads scratched at the door, which was opened by a female, + and they entered with their unhappy prisoner. An old woman, who was + preparing food by the assistance of a stifling fire of lighted charcoal, + asked them, in the name of the devil, what they brought the wench there + for, and why they did not strip her and turn her abroad on the common? + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, Mother Blood,” said the tall man, “we’ll do what’s right to + oblige you, and we’ll do no more; we are bad enough, but not such as you + would make us,—devils incarnate.” + </p> + <p> + “She has got a jark from Jim Ratcliffe,” said the short fellow, “and Frank + here won’t hear of our putting her through the mill.” + </p> + <p> + “No, that I will not, by G—d!” answered Frank; “but if old Mother + Blood could keep her here for a little while, or send her back to + Scotland, without hurting her, why, I see no harm in that—not I.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll tell you what, Frank Levitt,” said the old woman, “if you call me + Mother Blood again, I’ll paint this gully” (and she held a knife up as if + about to make good her threat) “in the best blood in your body, my bonny + boy.” + </p> + <p> + “The price of ointment must be up in the north,” said Frank, “that puts + Mother Blood so much out of humour.” + </p> + <p> + Without a moment’s hesitation the fury darted her knife at him with the + vengeful dexterity of a wild Indian. As he was on his guard, he avoided + the missile by a sudden motion of his head, but it whistled past his ear, + and stuck deep in the clay wall of a partition behind. + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, mother,” said the robber, seizing her by both wrists, “I + shall teach you who’s master;” and so saying, he forced the hag backwards + by main force, who strove vehemently until she sunk on a bunch of straw, + and then, letting go her hands, he held up his finger towards her in the + menacing posture by which a maniac is intimidated by his keeper. It + appeared to produce the desired effect; for she did not attempt to rise + from the seat on which he had placed her, or to resume any measures of + actual violence, but wrung her withered hands with impotent rage, and + brayed and howled like a demoniac. + </p> + <p> + “I will keep my promise with you, you old devil,” said Frank; “the wench + shall not go forward on the London road, but I will not have you touch a + hair of her head, if it were but for your insolence.” + </p> + <p> + This intimation seemed to compose in some degree the vehement passion of + the old hag; and while her exclamations and howls sunk into a low, + maundering, growling tone of voice, another personage was added to this + singular party. + </p> + <p> + “Eh, Frank Levitt,” said this new-comer, who entered with a hop, step, and + jump, which at once conveyed her from the door into the centre of the + party, “were ye killing our mother? or were ye cutting the grunter’s + weasand that Tam brought in this morning? or have ye been reading your + prayers backward, to bring up my auld acquaintance the deil amang ye?” + </p> + <p> + The tone of the speaker was so particular, that Jeanie immediately + recognised the woman who had rode foremost of the pair which passed her + just before she met the robbers; a circumstance which greatly increased + her terror, as it served to show that the mischief designed against her + was premeditated, though by whom, or for what cause, she was totally at a + loss to conjecture. From the style of her conversation, the reader also + may probably acknowledge in this female an old acquaintance in the earlier + part of our narrative. + </p> + <p> + “Out, ye mad devil!” said Tom, whom she had disturbed in the middle of a + draught of some liquor with which he had found means of accommodating + himself; “betwixt your Bess of Bedlam pranks, and your dam’s frenzies, a + man might live quieter in the devil’s ken than here.”—And he again + resumed the broken jug out of which he had been drinking. + </p> + <p> + “And wha’s this o’t?” said the mad woman, dancing up to Jeanie Deans, who, + although in great terror, yet watched the scene with a resolution to let + nothing pass unnoticed which might be serviceable in assisting her to + escape, or informing her as to the true nature of her situation, and the + danger attending it,—“Wha’s this o’t?” again exclaimed Madge + Wildfire. + </p> + <p> + “Douce Davie Deans, the auld doited whig body’s daughter, in a gipsy’s + barn, and the night setting in? This is a sight for sair een!—Eh, + sirs, the falling off o’ the godly!—and the t’other sister’s in the + Tolbooth of Edinburgh; I am very sorry for her, for my share—it’s my + mother wusses ill to her, and no me—though maybe I hae as muckle + cause.” + </p> + <p> + “Hark ye, Madge,” said the taller ruffian, “you have not such a touch of + the devil’s blood as the hag your mother, who may be his dam for what I + know—take this young woman to your kennel, and do not let the devil + enter, though he should ask in God’s name.” + </p> + <p> + “Ou ay; that I will, Frank,” said Madge, taking hold of Jeanie by the arm, + and pulling her along; “for it’s no for decent Christian young leddies, + like her and me, to be keeping the like o’ you and Tyburn Tam company at + this time o’ night. Sae gude-e’en t’ye, sirs, and mony o’ them; and may ye + a’ sleep till the hangman wauken ye, and then it will be weel for the + country.” + </p> + <p> + She then, as her wild fancy seemed suddenly to prompt her, walked demurely + towards her mother, who, seated by the charcoal fire, with the reflection + of the red light on her withered and distorted features marked by every + evil passion, seemed the very picture of Hecate at her infernal rites; + and, suddenly dropping on her knees, said, with the manner of a six years’ + old child, “Mammie, hear me say my prayers before I go to bed, and say God + bless my bonny face, as ye used to do lang syne.” + </p> + <p> + “The deil flay the hide o’ it to sole his brogues wi’!” said the old lady, + aiming a buffet at the supplicant, in answer to her duteous request. + </p> + <p> + The blow missed Madge, who, being probably acquainted by experience with + the mode in which her mother was wont to confer her maternal benedictions, + slipt out of arm’s length with great dexterity and quickness. The hag then + started up, and, seizing a pair of old fire-tongs, would have amended her + motion, by beating out the brains either of her daughter or Jeanie (she + did not seem greatly to care which), when her hand was once more arrested + by the man whom they called Frank Levitt, who, seizing her by the + shoulder, flung her from him with great violence, exclaiming, “What, + Mother Damnable—again, and in my sovereign presence!—Hark ye, + Madge of Bedlam! get to your hole with your playfellow, or we shall have + the devil to pay here, and nothing to pay him with.” + </p> + <p> + Madge took Levitt’s advice, retreating as fast as she could, and dragging + Jeanie along with her into a sort of recess, partitioned off from the rest + of the barn, and filled with straw, from which it appeared that it was + intended for the purpose of slumber. The moonlight shone, through an open + hole, upon a pillion, a pack-saddle, and one or two wallets, the + travelling furniture of Madge and her amiable mother.—“Now, saw ye + e’er in your life,” said Madge, “sae dainty a chamber of deas? see as the + moon shines down sae caller on the fresh strae! There’s no a pleasanter + cell in Bedlam, for as braw a place as it is on the outside.—Were ye + ever in Bedlam?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Jeanie faintly, appalled by the question, and the way in + which it was put, yet willing to soothe her insane companion, being in + circumstances so unhappily precarious, that even the society of this + gibbering madwoman seemed a species of protection. + </p> + <p> + “Never in Bedlam?” said Madge, as if with some surprise.—“But ye’ll + hae been in the cells at Edinburgh!” + </p> + <p> + “Never,” repeated Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “Weel, I think thae daft carles the magistrates send naebody to Bedlam but + me—thae maun hae an unco respect for me, for whenever I am brought + to them, thae aye hae me back to Bedlam. But troth, Jeanie” (she said this + in a very confidential tone), “to tell ye my private mind about it, I + think ye are at nae great loss; for the keeper’s a cross-patch, and he + maun hae it a’ his ain gate, to be sure, or he makes the place waur than + hell. I often tell him he’s the daftest in a’ the house.—But what + are they making sic a skirling for?—Deil ane o’ them’s get in here—it + wadna be mensfu’! I will sit wi’ my back again the door; it winna be that + easy stirring me.” + </p> + <p> + “Madge!”—“Madge!”—“Madge Wildfire!”—“Madge devil! what + have ye done with the horse?” was repeatedly asked by the men without. + </p> + <p> + “He’s e’en at his supper, puir thing,” answered Madge; “deil an ye were at + yours, too, an it were scauding brimstone, and then we wad hae less o’ + your din.” + </p> + <p> + “His supper!” answered the more sulky ruffian—“What d’ye mean by + that!—Tell me where he is, or I will knock your Bedlam brains out!” + </p> + <p> + “He’s in Gaffer Gablewood’s wheat-close, an ye maun ken.” + </p> + <p> + “His wheat-close, you crazed jilt!” answered the other, with an accent of + great indignation. + </p> + <p> + “O, dear Tyburn Tam, man, what ill will the blades of the young wheat do + to the puir nag?” + </p> + <p> + “That is not the question,” said the other robber; “but what the country + will say to us to-morrow, when they see him in such quarters?—Go, + Tom, and bring him in; and avoid the soft ground, my lad; leave no + hoof-track behind you.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you give me always the fag of it, whatever is to be done,” + grumbled his companion. + </p> + <p> + “Leap, Laurence, you’re long enough,” said the other; and the fellow left + the barn accordingly, without farther remonstrance. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile, Madge had arranged herself for repose on the straw; but + still in a half-sitting posture, with her back resting against the door of + the hovel, which, as it opened inwards, was in this manner kept shut by + the weight of the person. + </p> + <p> + “There’s mair shifts by stealing, Jeanie,” said Madge Wildfire; “though + whiles I can hardly get our mother to think sae. Wha wad hae thought but + mysell of making a bolt of my ain back-bane? But it’s no sae strong as + thae that I hae seen in the Tolbooth at Edinburgh. The hammermen of + Edinburgh are to my mind afore the warld for making stancheons, + ring-bolts, fetter-bolts, bars, and locks. And they arena that bad at + girdles for carcakes neither, though the Cu’ross hammermen have the gree + for that. My mother had ance a bonny Cu’ross girdle, and I thought to have + baked carcakes on it for my puir wean that’s dead and gane nae fair way—But + we maun a’ dee, ye ken, Jeanie—You Cameronian bodies ken that + brawlies; and ye’re for making a hell upon earth that ye may be less + unwillin’ to part wi’ it. But as touching Bedlam that ye were speaking + about, I’se ne’er recommend it muckle the tae gate or the other, be it + right—be it wrang. But ye ken what the sang says.” And, pursuing the + unconnected and floating wanderings of her mind, she sung aloud— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “In the bonny cells of Bedlam, + Ere I was ane-and-twenty, + I had hempen bracelets strong, + And merry whips, ding-dong, + And prayer and fasting plenty. +</pre> + <p> + “Weel, Jeanie, I am something herse the night, and I canna sing muckle + mair; and troth, I think, I am gaun to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + She drooped her head on her breast, a posture from which Jeanie, who would + have given the world for an opportunity of quiet to consider the means and + the probability of her escape, was very careful not to disturb her. After + nodding, however, for a minute’or two, with her eyes half-closed, the + unquiet and restless spirit of her malady again assailed Madge. She raised + her head, and spoke, but with a lowered tone, which was again gradually + overcome by drowsiness, to which the fatigue of a day’s journey on + horseback had probably given unwonted occasion,—“I dinna ken what + makes me sae sleepy—I amaist never sleep till my bonny Lady Moon + gangs till her bed—mair by token, when she’s at the full, ye ken, + rowing aboon us yonder in her grand silver coach—I have danced to + her my lane sometimes for very joy—and whiles dead folk came and + danced wi’ me—the like o’ Jock Porteous, or ony body I had ken’d + when I was living—for ye maun ken I was ance dead mysell.” Here the + poor maniac sung, in a low and wild tone, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “My banes are buried in yon kirkyard + Sae far ayont the sea, + And it is but my blithesome ghaist + That’s speaking now to thee. +</pre> + <p> + “But after a’, Jeanie, my woman, naebody kens weel wha’s living and wha’s + dead—or wha’s gone to Fairyland—there’s another question. + Whiles I think my puir bairn’s dead—ye ken very weel it’s buried—but + that signifies naething. I have had it on my knee a hundred times, and a + hundred till that, since it was buried—and how could that be were it + dead, ye ken?—it’s merely impossible.”—And here, some + conviction half-overcoming the reveries of her imagination, she burst into + a fit of crying and ejaculation, “Wae’s me! wae’s me! wae’s me!” till at + length she moaned and sobbed herself into a deep sleep, which was soon + intimated by her breathing hard, leaving Jeanie to her own melancholy + reflections and observations. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0006" id="Alink2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER SIXTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Bind her quickly; or, by this steel, + I’ll tell, although I truss for company. + Fletcher. +</pre> + <p> + The imperfect light which shone into the window enabled Jeanie to see that + there was scarcely any chance of making her escape in that direction; for + the aperture was high in the wall, and so narrow, that, could she have + climbed up to it, she might well doubt whether it would have permitted her + to pass her body through it. An unsuccessful attempt to escape would be + sure to draw down worse treatment than she now received, and she, + therefore, resolved to watch her opportunity carefully ere making such a + perilous effort. For this purpose she applied herself to the ruinous clay + partition, which divided the hovel in which she now was from the rest of + the waste barn. It was decayed and full of cracks and chinks, one of which + she enlarged with her fingers, cautiously and without noise, until she + could obtain a plain view of the old hag and the taller ruffian, whom they + called Levitt, seated together beside the decayed fire of charcoal, and + apparently engaged in close conference. She was at first terrified by the + sight; for the features of the old woman had a hideous cast of hardened + and inveterate malice and ill-humour, and those of the man, though + naturally less unfavourable, were such as corresponded well with + licentious habits, and a lawless profession. + </p> + <p> + “But I remembered,” said Jeanie, “my worthy fathers tales of a winter + evening, how he was confined with the blessed martyr, Mr. James Renwick, + who lifted up the fallen standard of the true reformed Kirk of Scotland, + after the worthy and renowned Daniel Cameron, our last blessed banner-man, + had fallen among the swords of the wicked at Airsmoss, and how the very + hearts of the wicked malefactors and murderers, whom they were confined + withal, were melted like wax at the sound of their doctrine: and I + bethought mysell, that the same help that was wi’ them in their strait, + wad be wi’ me in mine, an I could but watch the Lord’s time and + opportunity for delivering my feet from their snare; and I minded the + Scripture of the blessed Psalmist, whilk he insisteth on, as weel in the + forty-second as in the forty-third psalm—‘Why art thou cast down, O + my soul, and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall + yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.’” + </p> + <p> + Strengthened in a mind naturally calm, sedate, and firm, by the influence + of religious confidence, this poor captive was enabled to attend to, and + comprehend, a great part of an interesting conversation which passed + betwixt those into whose hands she had fallen, notwithstanding that their + meaning was partly disguised by the occasional use of cant terms, of which + Jeanie knew not the import, by the low tone in which they spoke, and by + their mode of supplying their broken phrases by shrugs and signs, as is + usual amongst those of their disorderly profession. + </p> + <p> + The man opened the conversation by saying, “Now, dame, you see I am true + to my friend. I have not forgot that you <i>planked a chury,</i>* which + helped me through the bars of the Castle of York, and I came to do your + work without asking questions; for one good turn deserves another. + </p> + <p> + * Concealed a knife. + </p> + <p> + But now that Madge, who is as loud as Tom of Lincoln, is somewhat still, + and this same Tyburn Neddie is shaking his heels after the old nag, why, + you must tell me what all this is about, and what’s to be done—for d—n + me if I touch the girl, or let her be touched, and she with Jim Rat’s + pass, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art an honest lad, Frank,” answered the old woman, “but e’en too + good for thy trade; thy tender heart will get thee into trouble. I will + see ye gang up Holborn Hill backward, and a’ on the word of some silly + loon that could never hae rapped to ye had ye drawn your knife across his + weasand.” + </p> + <p> + “You may be balked there, old one,” answered the robber; “I have known + many a pretty lad cut short in his first summer upon the road, because he + was something hasty with his flats and sharps. Besides, a man would fain + live out his two years with a good conscience. So, tell me what all this + is about, and what’s to be done for you that one can do decently?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, you must know, Frank—but first taste a snap of right + Hollands.” She drew a flask from her pocket, and filled the fellow a large + bumper, which he pronounced to be the right thing.—“You must know, + then, Frank—wunna ye mend your hand?” again offering the flask. + </p> + <p> + “No, no,—when a woman wants mischief from you, she always begins by + filling you drunk. D—n all Dutch courage. What I do I will do + soberly—I’ll last the longer for that too.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, you must know,” resumed the old woman, without any further + attempts at propitiation, “that this girl is going to London.” + </p> + <p> + Here Jeanie could only distinguish the word sister. + </p> + <p> + The robber answered in a louder tone, “Fair enough that; and what the + devil is your business with it?” + </p> + <p> + “Business enough, I think. If the b—queers the noose, that silly + cull will marry her.” + </p> + <p> + “And who cares if he does?” said the man. + </p> + <p> + “Who cares, ye donnard Neddie! I care; and I will strangle her with my own + hands, rather than she should come to Madge’s preferment.” + </p> + <p> + “Madge’s preferment! Does your old blind eyes see no farther than that? If + he is as you say, dye think he’ll ever marry a moon-calf like Madge? Ecod, + that’s a good one—Marry Madge Wildfire!—Ha! ha! ha!” + </p> + <p> + “Hark ye, ye crack-rope padder, born beggar, and bred thief!” replied the + hag, “suppose he never marries the wench, is that a reason he should marry + another, and that other to hold my daughter’s place, and she crazed, and I + a beggar, and all along of him? But I know that of him will hang him—I + know that of him will hang him, if he had a thousand lives—I know + that of him will hang—hang—hang him!” + </p> + <p> + She grinned as she repeated and dwelt upon the fatal monosyllable, with + the emphasis of a vindictive fiend. + </p> + <p> + “Then why don’t you hang—hang—hang him?” said Frank, repeating + her words contemptuously. “There would be more sense in that, than in + wreaking yourself here upon two wenches that have done you and your + daughter no ill.” + </p> + <p> + “No ill?” answered the old woman—“and he to marry this jail-bird, if + ever she gets her foot loose!” + </p> + <p> + “But as there is no chance of his marrying a bird of your brood, I cannot, + for my soul, see what you have to do with all this,” again replied the + robber, shrugging his shoulders. “Where there is aught to be got, I’ll go + as far as my neighbours, but I hate mischief for mischiefs sake.” + </p> + <p> + “And would you go nae length for revenge?” said the hag—“for revenge—the + sweetest morsel to the mouth that over was cooked in hell!” + </p> + <p> + “The devil may keep it for his own eating, then,” said the robber; “for + hang me if I like the sauce he dresses it with.” + </p> + <p> + “Revenge!” continued the old woman; “why, it is the best reward the devil + gives us for our time here and hereafter. I have wrought hard for it—I + have suffered for it—and I have sinned for it—and I will have + it,—or there is neither justice in heaven or in hell!” + </p> + <p> + Levitt had by this time lighted a pipe, and was listening with great + composure to the frantic and vindictive ravings of the old hag. He was too + much, hardened by his course of life to be shocked with them—too + indifferent, and probably too stupid, to catch any part of their animation + or energy. “But, mother,” he said, after a pause, “still I say, that if + revenge is your wish, you should take it on the young fellow himself.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I could,” she said, drawing in her breath, with the eagerness of a + thirsty person while mimicking the action of drinking—“I wish I + could—but no—I cannot—I cannot.” + </p> + <p> + “And why not?—You would think little of peaching and hanging him for + this Scotch affair.—Rat me, one might have milled the Bank of + England, and less noise about it.” + </p> + <p> + “I have nursed him at this withered breast,” answered the old woman, + folding her hands on her bosom, as if pressing an infant to it, “and, + though he has proved an adder to me—though he has been the + destruction of me and mine—though he has made me company for the + devil, if there be a devil, and food for hell, if there be such a place, + yet I cannot take his life.—No, I cannot,” she continued, with an + appearance of rage against herself; “I have thought of it—I have + tried it—but, Francis Levitt, I canna gang through wi’t—Na, na—he + was the first bairn I ever nurst—ill I had been—and man can + never ken what woman feels for the bairn she has held first to her bosom!” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure,” said Levitt, “we have no experience; but, mother, they say + you ha’n’t been so kind to other bairns, as you call them, that have come + in your way.—Nay, d—n me, never lay your hand on the whittle, + for I am captain and leader here, and I will have no rebellion.” + </p> + <p> + The hag, whose first motion had been, upon hearing the question, to grasp + the haft of a large knife, now unclosed her hand, stole it away from the + weapon, and suffered it to fall by her side, while she proceeded with a + sort of smile—“Bairns! ye are joking, lad—wha wad touch + bairns? Madge, puir thing, had a misfortune wi’ ane—and the t’other”—Here + her voice sunk so much, that Jeanie, though anxiously upon the watch, + could not catch a word she said, until she raised her tone at the + conclusion of the sentence—“So Madge, in her daffin’, threw it into + the Nor’-lock, I trow.” + </p> + <p> + Madge, whose slumbers, like those of most who labour under mental malady, + had been short, and were easily broken, now made herself heard from her + place of repose. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, mother, that’s a great lie, for I did nae sic thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, thou hellicat devil,” said her mother—“By Heaven! the other + wench will be waking too.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be dangerous,” said Frank; and he rose, and followed Meg + Murdockson across the floor. + </p> + <p> + “Rise,” said the hag to her daughter, “or I sall drive the knife between + the planks into the Bedlam back of thee!” + </p> + <p> + Apparently she at the same time seconded her threat by pricking her with + the point of a knife, for Madge, with a faint scream, changed her place, + and the door opened. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Aimage-0005" id="Aimage-0005"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/pb080.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="Jennie in the Outlaws Hut " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + The old woman held a candle in one hand, and a knife in the other. Levitt + appeared behind her, whether with a view of preventing, or assisting her + in any violence she might meditate, could not be well guessed. Jeanie’s + presence of mind stood her friend in this dreadful crisis. She had + resolution enough to maintain the attitude and manner of one who sleeps + profoundly, and to regulate even her breathing, notwithstanding the + agitation of instant terror, so as to correspond with her attitude. + </p> + <p> + The old woman passed the light across her eyes; and although Jeanie’s + fears were so powerfully awakened by this movement, that she often + declared afterwards, that she thought she saw the figures of her destined + murderers through her closed eyelids, she had still the resolution to + maintain the feint, on which her safety perhaps depended. + </p> + <p> + Levitt looked at her with fixed attention; he then turned the old woman + out of the place, and followed her himself. Having regained the outward + apartment, and seated themselves, Jeanie heard the highwayman say, to her + no small relief, “She’s as fast as if she were in Bedfordshire.—Now, + old Meg, d—n me if I can understand a glim of this story of yours, + or what good it will do you to hang the one wench and torment the other; + but, rat me, I will be true to my friend, and serve ye the way ye like it. + I see it will be a bad job; but I do think I could get her down to + Surfleet on the Wash, and so on board Tom Moonshine’s neat lugger, and + keep her out of the way three or four weeks, if that will please ye—But + d—n me if any one shall harm her, unless they have a mind to choke + on a brace of blue plums.—It’s a cruel, bad job, and I wish you and + it, Meg, were both at the devil.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, hinny Levitt,” said the old woman; “you are a ruffler, and + will have a’ your ain gate—She shanna gang to heaven an hour sooner + for me; I carena whether she live or die—it’s her sister—ay, + her sister!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we’ll say no more about it; I hear Tom coming in. We’ll couch a + hogshead,* and so better had you.” + </p> + <p> + * Lay ourselves down to sleep. + </p> + <p> + They retired to repose accordingly, and all was silent in this asylum of + iniquity. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie lay for a long time awake. At break of day she heard the two + ruffians leave the barn, after whispering to the old woman for some time. + The sense that she was now guarded by persons of her own sex gave her some + confidence, and irresistible lassitude at length threw her into slumber. + </p> + <p> + When the captive awakened, the sun was high in heaven, and the morning + considerably advanced. Madge Wildfire was still in the hovel which had + served them for the night, and immediately bid her good-morning, with her + usual air of insane glee. “And dye ken, lass,” said Madge, “there’s queer + things chanced since ye hae been in the land of Nod. The constables hae + been here, woman, and they met wi’ my minnie at the door, and they whirl’d + her awa to the Justice’s about the man’s wheat.—Dear! thae English + churls think as muckle about a blade of wheat or grass, as a Scotch laird + does about his maukins and his muir-poots. Now, lass, if ye like, we’ll + play them a fine jink; we will awa out and take a walk—they will mak + unco wark when they miss us, but we can easily be back by dinner time, or + before dark night at ony rate, and it will be some frolic and fresh air.—But + maybe ye wad like to take some breakfast, and then lie down again? I ken + by mysell, there’s whiles I can sit wi’ my head in my hand the haill day, + and havena a word to cast at a dog—and other whiles, that I canna + sit still a moment. That’s when the folk think me warst, but I am aye + canny eneugh—ye needna be feared to walk wi’ me.” + </p> + <p> + Had Madge Wildfire been the most raging lunatic, instead of possessing a + doubtful, uncertain, and twilight sort of rationality, varying, probably, + from the influence of the most trivial causes, Jeanie would hardly have + objected to leave a place of captivity, where she had so much to + apprehend. She eagerly assured Madge that she had no occasion for further + sleep, no desire whatever for eating; and, hoping internally that she was + not guilty of sin in doing so, she flattered her keeper’s crazy humour for + walking in the woods. + </p> + <p> + “It’s no a’thegither for that neither,” said poor Madge; “but I am judging + ye will wun the better out o’ thae folk’s hands; no that they are + a’thegither bad folk neither, but they have queer ways wi’ them, and I + whiles dinna think it has ever been weel wi’ my mother and me since we + kept sic-like company.” + </p> + <p> + With the haste, the joy, the fear, and the hope of a liberated captive, + Jeanie snatched up her little bundle, followed Madge into the free air, + and eagerly looked round her for a human habitation; but none was to be + seen. The ground was partly cultivated, and partly left in its natural + state, according as the fancy of the slovenly agriculturists had decided. + In its natural state it was waste, in some places covered with dwarf trees + and bushes, in others swamp, and elsewhere firm and dry downs or pasture + grounds. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie’s active mind next led her to conjecture which way the high-road + lay, whence she had been forced. If she regained that public road, she + imagined she must soon meet some person, or arrive at some house, where + she might tell her story, and request protection. But, after a glance + around her, she saw with regret that she had no means whatever of + directing her course with any degree of certainty, and that she was still + in dependence upon her crazy companion. “Shall we not walk upon the + high-road?” said she to Madge, in such a tone as a nurse uses to coax a + child. “It’s brawer walking on the road than amang thae wild bushes and + whins.” + </p> + <p> + Madge, who was walking very fast, stopped at this question, and looked at + Jeanie with a sudden and scrutinising glance, that seemed to indicate + complete acquaintance with her purpose. “Aha, lass!” she exclaimed, “are + ye gaun to guide us that gate?—Ye’ll be for making your heels save + your head, I am judging.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie hesitated for a moment, on hearing her companion thus express + herself, whether she had not better take the hint, and try to outstrip and + get rid of her. But she knew not in which direction to fly; she was by no + means sure that she would prove the swiftest, and perfectly conscious that + in the event of her being pursued and overtaken, she would be inferior to + the madwoman in strength. She therefore gave up thoughts for the present + of attempting to escape in that manner, and, saying a few words to allay + Madge’s suspicions, she followed in anxious apprehension the wayward path + by which her guide thought proper to lead her. Madge, infirm of purpose, + and easily reconciled to the present scene, whatever it was, began soon to + talk with her usual diffuseness of ideas. + </p> + <p> + “It’s a dainty thing to be in the woods on a fine morning like this! I + like it far better than the town, for there isna a wheen duddie bairns to + be crying after ane, as if ane were a warld’s wonder, just because ane + maybe is a thought bonnier and better put-on than their neighbours—though, + Jeanie, ye suld never be proud o’ braw claiths, or beauty neither—wae’s + me! they’re but a snare—I ance thought better o’them, and what came + o’t?” + </p> + <p> + “Are ye sure ye ken the way ye are taking us?” said Jeanie, who began to + imagine that she was getting deeper into the woods and more remote from + the high-road. + </p> + <p> + “Do I ken the road?—Wasna I mony a day living here, and what for + shouldna I ken the road? I might hae forgotten, too, for it was afore my + accident; but there are some things ane can never forget, let them try it + as muckle as they like.” + </p> + <p> + By this time they had gained the deepest part of a patch of woodland. The + trees were a little separated from each other, and at the foot of one of + them, a beautiful poplar, was a hillock of moss, such as the poet of + Grasmere has described. So soon as she arrived at this spot, Madge + Wildfire, joining her hands above her head with a loud scream that + resembled laughter, flung herself all at once upon the spot, and remained + lying there motionless. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie’s first idea was to take the opportunity of flight; but her desire + to escape yielded for a moment to apprehension for the poor insane being, + who, she thought, might perish for want of relief. With an effort, which + in her circumstances, might be termed heroic, she stooped down, spoke in a + soothing tone, and endeavoured to raise up the forlorn creature. She + effected this with difficulty, and as she placed her against the tree in a + sitting posture, she observed with surprise, that her complexion, usually + florid, was now deadly pale, and that her face was bathed in tears. + Notwithstanding her own extreme danger, Jeanie was affected by the + situation of her companion; and the rather, that, through the whole train + of her wavering and inconsistent state of mind and line of conduct, she + discerned a general colour of kindness towards herself, for which she felt + gratitude. + </p> + <p> + “Let me alane!—let me alane!” said the poor young woman, as her + paroxysm of sorrow began to abate—“Let me alane—it does me + good to weep. I canna shed tears but maybe ance or twice a year, and I aye + come to wet this turf with them, that the flowers may grow fair, and the + grass may be green.” + </p> + <p> + “But what is the matter with you?” said Jeanie—“Why do you weep so + bitterly?” + </p> + <p> + “There’s matter enow,” replied the lunatic,—“mair than ae puir mind + can bear, I trow. Stay a bit, and I’ll tell you a’ about it; for I like + ye, Jeanie Deans—a’body spoke weel about ye when we lived in the + Pleasaunts— And I mind aye the drink o’ milk ye gae me yon day, when + I had been on Arthur’s Seat for four-and-twenty hours, looking for the + ship that somebody was sailing in.” + </p> + <p> + These words recalled to Jeanie’s recollection, that, in fact, she had been + one morning much frightened by meeting a crazy young woman near her + father’s house at an early hour, and that, as she appeared to be harmless, + her apprehension had been changed into pity, and she had relieved the + unhappy wanderer with some food, which she devoured with the haste of a + famished person. The incident, trifling in itself, was at present of great + importance, if it should be found to have made a favourable and permanent + impression in her favour on the mind of the object of her charity. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Madge, “I’ll tell ye a’ about it, for ye are a decent man’s + daughter—Douce Davie Deans, ye ken—and maybe ye’ll can teach + me to find out the narrow way, and the straight path, for I have been + burning bricks in Egypt, and walking through the weary wilderness of + Sinai, for lang and mony a day. But whenever I think about mine errors, I + am like to cover my lips for shame.”—Here she looked up and smiled.—“It’s + a strange thing now—I hae spoke mair gude words to you in ten + minutes, than I wad speak to my mother in as mony years—it’s no that + I dinna think on them—and whiles they are just at my tongue’s end, + but then comes the devil, and brushes my lips with his black wing, and + lays his broad black loof on my mouth—for a black loof it is, Jeanie—and + sweeps away a’ my gude thoughts, and dits up my gude words, and pits a + wheen fule sangs and idle vanities in their place.” + </p> + <p> + “Try, Madge,” said Jeanie,—“try to settle your mind and make your + breast clean, and you’ll find your heart easier.—Just resist the + devil, and he will flee from you—and mind that, as my worthy father + tells me, there is nae devil sae deceitfu’ as our ain wandering thoughts.” + </p> + <p> + “And that’s true too, lass,” said Madge, starting up; “and I’ll gang a + gate where the devil daurna follow me; and it’s a gate that you will like + dearly to gang—but I’ll keep a fast haud o’ your arm, for fear + Apollyon should stride across the path, as he did in the Pilgrim’s + Progress.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly she got up, and, taking Jeanie by the arm, began to walk + forward at a great pace; and soon, to her companion’s no small joy, came + into a marked path, with the meanders of which she seemed perfectly + acquainted. Jeanie endeavoured to bring her back to the confessional, but + the fancy was gone by. In fact, the mind of this deranged being resembled + nothing so much as a quantity of dry leaves, which may for a few minutes + remain still, but are instantly discomposed and put in motion by the first + casual breath of air. She had now got John Bunyan’s parable into her head, + to the exclusion of everything else, and on she went with great + volubility. + </p> + <p> + “Did ye never read the Pilgrim’s Progress? And you shall be the woman, + Christiana, and I will be the maiden, Mercy—for ye ken Mercy was of + the fairer countenance, and the more alluring than her companion—and + if I had my little messan dog here, it would be Great-heart, their guide, + ye ken, for he was e’en as bauld, that he wad bark at ony thing twenty + times his size; and that was e’en the death of him, for he bit Corporal + MacAlpine’s heels ae morning when they were hauling me to the guard-house, + and Corporal MacAlpine killed the bit faithfu’ thing wi’ his Lochaber axe—deil + pike the Highland banes o’ him.” + </p> + <p> + “O fie! Madge,” said Jeanie, “ye should not speak such words.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s very true,” said Madge, shaking her head; “but then I maunna think + o’ my puir bit doggie, Snap, when I saw it lying dying in the gutter. But + it’s just as weel, for it suffered baith cauld and hunger when it was + living, and in the grave there is rest for a’ things—rest for the + doggie, and my puir bairn, and me.” + </p> + <p> + “Your bairn?” said Jeanie, conceiving that by speaking on such a topic, + supposing it to be a real one, she could not fail to bring her companion + to a more composed temper. + </p> + <p> + She was mistaken, however, for Madge coloured, and replied with some + anger, “<i>My</i> bairn? ay, to be sure, my bairn. Whatfor shouldna I hae + a bairn and lose a bairn too, as weel as your bonnie tittie, the Lily of + St. Leonard’s?” + </p> + <p> + The answer struck Jeanie with some alarm, and she was anxious to soothe + the irritation she had unwittingly given occasion to. “I am very sorry for + your misfortune—” + </p> + <p> + “Sorry! what wad ye be sorry for?” answered Madge. “The bairn was a + blessing—that is, Jeanie, it wad hae been a blessing if it hadna + been for my mother; but my mother’s a queer woman.—Ye see, there was + an auld carle wi’ a bit land, and a gude clat o’ siller besides, just the + very picture of old Mr. Feeblemind or Mr. Ready-to-halt, that Great-heart + delivered from Slaygood the giant, when he was rifling him and about to + pick his bones, for Slaygood was of the nature of the flesh-eaters—and + Great-heart killed Giant Despair too—but I am doubting Giant + Despair’s come alive again, for a’ the story book—I find him busy at + my heart whiles.” + </p> + <p> + “Weel, and so the auld carle,” said Jeanie, for she was painfully + interested in getting to the truth of Madge’s history, which she could not + but suspect was in some extraordinary way linked and entwined with the + fate of her sister. She was also desirous, if possible, to engage her + companion in some narrative which might be carried on in a lower tone of + voice, for she was in great apprehension lest the elevated notes of + Madge’s conversation should direct her mother or the robbers in search of + them. + </p> + <p> + “And so the auld carle,” said Madge, repeating her words—“I wish ye + had seen him stoiting about, aff ae leg on to the other, wi’ a kind o’ + dot-and-go-one sort o’ motion, as if ilk ane o’ his twa legs had belanged + to sindry folk—but Gentle George could take him aff brawly—Eh, + as I used to laugh to see George gang hip-hop like him!—I dinna ken, + I think I laughed heartier then than what I do now, though maybe no just + sae muckle.” + </p> + <p> + “And who was Gentle George?” said Jeanie, endeavouring to bring her back + to her story. + </p> + <p> + “O, he was Geordie Robertson, ye ken, when he was in Edinburgh; but that’s + no his right name neither—His name is—But what is your + business wi’ his name?” said she, as if upon sudden recollection, “What + have ye to do asking for folk’s names?—Have ye a mind I should scour + my knife between your ribs, as my mother says?” + </p> + <p> + As this was spoken with a menacing tone and gesture, Jeanie hastened to + protest her total innocence of purpose in the accidental question which + she had asked, and Madge Wildfire went on somewhat pacified. + </p> + <p> + “Never ask folk’s names, Jeanie—it’s no civil—I hae seen + half-a-dozen o’ folk in my mother’s at ance, and ne’er ane a’ them ca’d + the ither by his name; and Daddie Ratton says, it is the most uncivil + thing may be, because the bailie bodies are aye asking fashions questions, + when ye saw sic a man, or sic a man; and if ye dinna ken their names, ye + ken there can be nae mair speerd about it.” + </p> + <p> + “In what strange school,” thought Jeanie to herself, “has this poor + creature been bred up, where such remote precautions are taken against the + pursuits of justice? What would my father or Reuben Butler think if I were + to tell them there are sic folk in the world? And to abuse the simplicity + of this demented creature! Oh, that I were but safe at hame amang mine ain + leal and true people! and I’ll bless God, while I have breath, that placed + me amongst those who live in His fear, and under the shadow of His wing.” + </p> + <p> + She was interrupted by the insane laugh of Madge Wildfire, as she saw a + magpie hop across the path. + </p> + <p> + “See there!—that was the gate my auld joe used to cross the country, + but no just sae lightly—he hadna wings to help his auld legs, I + trow; but I behoved to have married him for a’ that, Jeanie, or my mother + wad hae been the dead o’ me. But then came in the story of my poor bairn, + and my mother thought he wad be deaved wi’ it’s skirling, and she pat it + away in below the bit bourock of turf yonder, just to be out o’ the gate; + and I think she buried my best wits with it, for I have never been just + mysell since. And only think, Jeanie, after my mother had been at a’ these + pains, the auld doited body Johnny Drottle turned up his nose, and wadna + hae aught to say to me! But it’s little I care for him, for I have led a + merry life ever since, and ne’er a braw gentleman looks at me but ye wad + think he was gaun to drop off his horse for mere love of me. I have ken’d + some o’ them put their hand in their pocket, and gie me as muckle as + sixpence at a time, just for my weel-faured face.” + </p> + <p> + This speech gave Jeanie a dark insight into Madge’s history. She had been + courted by a wealthy suitor, whose addresses her mother had favoured, + notwithstanding the objection of old age and deformity. She had been + seduced by some profligate, and, to conceal her shame and promote the + advantageous match she had planned, her mother had not hesitated to + destroy the offspring of their intrigue. That the consequence should be + the total derangement of amind which was constitutionally unsettled by + giddiness and vanity, was extremely natural; and such was, in fact, the + history of Madge Wildfire’s insanity. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0007" id="Alink2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER SEVENTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + So free from danger, free from fear + They crossed the court—right glad they were. + Christabel. +</pre> + <p> + Pursuing the path which Madge had chosen, Jeanie Deans observed, to her no + small delight, that marks of more cultivation appeared, and the thatched + roofs of houses, with their blue smoke arising in little columns, were + seen embosomed in a tuft of trees at some distance. The track led in that + direction, and Jeanie, therefore, resolved, while Madge continued to + pursue it, that she would ask her no questions; having had the penetration + to observe, that by doing so she ran the risk of irritating her guide, or + awakening suspicions, to the impressions of which, persons in Madge’s + unsettled state of mind are particularly liable. + </p> + <p> + Madge, therefore, uninterrupted, went on with the wild disjointed chat + which her rambling imagination suggested; a mood in which she was much + more communicative respecting her own history, and that of others, than + when there was any attempt made, by direct queries, or cross-examinations, + to extract information on these subjects. + </p> + <p> + “It’s a queer thing,” she said, “but whiles I can speak about the bit + bairn and the rest of it, just as if it had been another body’s, and no my + ain; and whiles I am like to break my heart about it—Had you ever a + bairn, Jeanie?” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie replied in the negative. + </p> + <p> + “Ay; but your sister had, though—and I ken what came o’t too.” + </p> + <p> + “In the name of heavenly mercy,” said Jeanie, forgetting the line of + conduct which she had hitherto adopted, “tell me but what became of that + unfortunate babe, and—” + </p> + <p> + Madge stopped, looked at her gravely and fixedly, and then broke into a + great fit of laughing—“Aha, lass,—catch me if you can—I + think it’s easy to gar you trow ony thing.—How suld I ken onything + o’ your sister’s wean? Lasses suld hae naething to do wi’ weans till they + are married—and then a’ the gossips and cummers come in and feast as + if it were the blithest day in the warld.—They say maidens’ bairns + are weel guided. I wot that wasna true of your tittie’s and mine; but + these are sad tales to tell.—I maun just sing a bit to keep up my + heart—It’s a sang that Gentle George made on me lang syne, when I + went with him to Lockington wake, to see him act upon a stage, in fine + clothes, with the player folk. He might hae dune waur than married me that + night as he promised—better wed over the mixen* as over the moor, as + they say in Yorkshire— + </p> + <p> + * A homely proverb, signifying better wed a neighbour than one fetched + from a distance.—Mixen signifies dunghill. + </p> + <p> + he may gang farther and fare waur—but that’s a’ ane to the sang, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘I’m Madge of the country, I’m Madge of the town, + And I’m Madge of the lad I am blithest to own— + The Lady of Beeve in diamonds may shine, + But has not a heart half so lightsome as mine. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘I am Queen of the Wake, and I’m Lady of May, + And I lead the blithe ring round the May-pole to-day; + The wildfire that flashes so fair and so free, + Was never so bright, or so bonny, as me.’ +</pre> + <p> + “I like that the best o’ a’ my sangs,” continued the maniac, “because he + made it. I am often singing it, and that’s maybe the reason folk ca’ me + Madge Wildfire. I aye answer to the name, though it’s no my ain, for + what’s the use of making a fash?” + </p> + <p> + “But ye shouldna sing upon the Sabbath at least,” said Jeanie, who, amid + all her distress and anxiety, could not help being scandalised at the + deportment of her companion, especially as they now approached near to the + little village. + </p> + <p> + “Ay! is this Sunday?” said Madge. “My mother leads sic a life, wi’ turning + night into day, that ane loses a’ count o’ the days o’ the week, and disna + ken Sunday frae Saturday. Besides, it’s a’ your whiggery—in England, + folk sings when they like—And then, ye ken, you are Christiana and I + am Mercy—and ye ken, as they went on their way, they sang.”—And + she immediately raised one of John Bunyan’s ditties:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “He that is down need fear no fall, + He that is low no pride, + He that is humble ever shall + Have God to be his guide. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Fulness to such a burthen is + That go on pilgrimage; + Here little, and hereafter bliss, + Is best from age to age.” + </pre> + <p> + “And do ye ken, Jeanie, I think there’s much truth in that book, the + Pilgrim’s Progress. The boy that sings that song was feeding his father’s + sheep in the Valley of Humiliation, and Mr. Great-heart says, that he + lived a merrier life, and had more of the herb called heart’s-ease in his + bosom, than they that wear silk and velvet like me, and are as bonny as I + am.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie Deans had never read the fanciful and delightful parable to which + Madge alluded. Bunyan was, indeed, a rigid Calvinist, but then he was also + a member of a Baptist congregation, so that his works had no place on + David Deans’s shelf of divinity. Madge, however, at some time of her life, + had been well acquainted, as it appeared, with the most popular of his + performances, which, indeed, rarely fails to make a deep impression upon + children, and people of the lower rank. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure,” she continued, “I may weel say I am come out of the city of + Destruction, for my mother is Mrs. Bat’s-eyes, that dwells at Deadman’s + corner; and Frank Levitt, and Tyburn Tam, they may be likened to Mistrust + and Guilt, that came galloping up, and struck the poor pilgrim to the + ground with a great club, and stole a bag of silver, which was most of his + spending money, and so have they done to many, and will do to more. But + now we will gang to the Interpreter’s house, for I ken a man that will + play the Interpreter right weel; for he has eyes lifted up to Heaven, the + best of books in his hand, the law of truth written on his lips, and he + stands as if he pleaded wi’ men—Oh, if I had minded what he had said + to me, I had never been the cutaway creature that I am!—But it is + all over now.—But we’ll knock at the gate, and then the keeper will + admit Christiana, but Mercy will be left out—and then I’ll stand at + the door, trembling and crying, and then Christiana—that’s you, + Jeanie—will intercede for me; and then Mercy—that’s me, ye + ken, will faint; and then the Interpreter—yes, the Interpreter, + that’s Mr. Staunton himself, will come out and take me—that’s poor, + lost, demented me—by the hand, and give me a pomegranate, and a + piece of honeycomb, and a small bottle of spirits, to stay my fainting—and + then the good times will come back again, and we’ll be the happiest folk + you ever saw.” + </p> + <p> + In the midst of the confused assemblage of ideas indicated in this speech, + Jeanie thought she saw a serious purpose on the part of Madge, to + endeavour to obtain the pardon and countenance of some one whom she had + offended; an attempt the most likely of all others to bring them once more + into contact with law and legal protection. She, therefore, resolved to be + guided by her while she was in so hopeful a disposition, and act for her + own safety according to circumstances. + </p> + <p> + They were now close by the village, one of those beautiful scenes which + are so often found in merry England, where the cottages, instead of being + built in two direct lines on each side of a dusty high-road, stand in + detached groups, interspersed not only with large oaks and elms, but with + fruit-trees, so many of which were at this time in flourish, that the + grove seemed enamelled with their crimson and white blossoms. In the + centre of the hamlet stood the parish church, and its little Gothic tower, + from which at present was heard the Sunday chime of bells. + </p> + <p> + “We will wait here until the folk are a’ in the church—they ca’ the + kirk a church in England, Jeanie, be sure you mind that—for if I was + gaun forward amang them, a’ the gaitts o’ boys and lasses wad be crying at + Madge Wildfire’s tail, the little hell-rakers! and the beadle would be as + hard upon us as if it was our fault. I like their skirting as ill as he + does, I can tell him; I’m sure I often wish there was a het peat doun + their throats when they set them up that gate.” + </p> + <p> + Conscious of the disorderly appearance of her own dress after the + adventure of the preceding night, and of the grotesque habit and demeanour + of her guide, and sensible how important it was to secure an attentive and + impatient audience to her strange story from some one who might have the + means to protect her, Jeanie readily acquiesced in Madge’s proposal to + rest under the trees, by which they were still somewhat screened, until + the commencement of service should give them an opportunity of entering + the hamlet without attracting a crowd around them. She made the less + opposition, that Madge had intimated that this was not the village where + her mother was in custody, and that the two squires of the pad were absent + in a different direction. + </p> + <p> + She sate herself down, therefore, at the foot of an oak, and by the + assistance of a placid fountain, which had been dammed up for the use of + the villagers, and which served her as a natural mirror, she began—no + uncommon thing with a Scottish maiden of her rank—to arrange her + toilette in the open air, and bring her dress, soiled and disordered as it + was, into such order as the place and circumstances admitted. + </p> + <p> + She soon perceived reason, however, to regret that she had set about this + task, however decent and necessary, in the present time and society. Madge + Wildfire, who, among other indications of insanity, had a most overweening + opinion of those charms, to which, in fact, she had owed her misery, and + whose mind, like a raft upon a lake, was agitated and driven about at + random by each fresh impulse, no sooner beheld Jeanie begin to arrange her + hair, place her bonnet in order, rub the dust from her shoes and clothes, + adjust her neck-handkerchief and mittans, and so forth, than with + imitative zeal she began to bedizen and trick herself out with shreds and + remnants of beggarly finery, which she took out of a little bundle, and + which, when disposed around her person, made her appearance ten times more + fantastic and apish than it had been before. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie groaned in spirit, but dared not interfere in a matter so delicate. + Across the man’s cap or riding hat which she wore, Madge placed a broken + and soiled white feather, intersected with one which had been shed from + the train of a peacock. To her dress, which was a kind of riding-habit, + she stitched, pinned, and otherwise secured, a large furbelow of + artificial flowers, all crushed, wrinkled and dirty, which had at first + bedecked a lady of quality, then descended to her Abigail, and dazzled the + inmates of the servants’ hall. A tawdry scarf of yellow silk, trimmed with + tinsel and spangles, which had seen as hard service, and boasted as + honourable a transmission, was next flung over one shoulder, and fell + across her person in the manner of a shoulder-belt, or baldrick. Madge + then stripped off the coarse ordinary shoes, which she wore, and replaced + them by a pair of dirty satin ones, spangled and embroidered to match the + scarf, and furnished with very high heels. She had cut a willow switch in + her morning’s walk, almost as long as a boy’s fishing-rod. This she set + herself seriously to peel, and when it was transformed into such a wand as + the Treasurer or High Steward bears on public occasions, she told Jeanie + that she thought they now looked decent, as young women should do upon the + Sunday morning, and that, as the bells had done ringing, she was willing + to conduct her to the Interpreter’s house. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie sighed heavily, to think it should be her lot on the Lord’s day, + and during kirk time too, to parade the street of an inhabited village + with so very grotesque a comrade; but necessity had no law, since, without + a positive quarrel with the madwoman, which, in the circumstances, would + have been very unadvisable, she could see no means of shaking herself free + of her society. + </p> + <p> + As for poor Madge, she was completely elated with personal vanity, and the + most perfect satisfaction concerning her own dazzling dress, and superior + appearance. They entered the hamlet without being observed, except by one + old woman, who, being nearly “high-gravel blind,” was only conscious that + something very fine and glittering was passing by, and dropped as deep a + reverence to Madge as she would have done to a countess. This filled up + the measure of Madge’s self-approbation. She minced, she ambled, she + smiled, she simpered, and waved Jeanie Deans forward with the + condescension of a noble <i>chaperone,</i> who has undertaken the charge + of a country miss on her first journey to the capital. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie followed in patience, and with her eyes fixed on the ground, that + she might save herself the mortification of seeing her companion’s + absurdities; but she started when, ascending two or three steps, she found + herself in the churchyard, and saw that Madge was making straight for the + door of the church. As Jeanie had no mind to enter the congregation in + such company, she walked aside from the pathway, and said in a decided + tone, “Madge, I will wait here till the church comes out—you may go + in by yourself if you have a mind.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke these words, she was about to seat herself upon one of the + grave-stones. + </p> + <p> + Madge was a little before Jeanie when she turned aside; but, suddenly + changing her course, she followed her with long strides, and, with every + feature inflamed with passion, overtook and seized her by the arm. “Do ye + think, ye ungratefu’ wretch, that I am gaun to let you sit doun upon my + father’s grave? The deil settle ye doun, if ye dinna rise and come into + the Interpreter’s house, that’s the house of God, wi’ me, but I’ll rive + every dud aft your back!” + </p> + <p> + She adapted the action to the phrase; for with one clutch she stripped + Jeanie of her straw bonnet and a handful of her hair to boot, and threw it + up into an old yew-tree, where it stuck fast. Jeanie’s first impulse was + to scream, but conceiving she might receive deadly harm before she could + obtain the assistance of anyone, notwithstanding the vicinity of the + church, she thought it wiser to follow the madwoman into the congregation, + where she might find some means of escape from her, or at least be secured + against her violence. But when she meekly intimated her consent to follow + Madge, her guide’s uncertain brain had caught another train of ideas. She + held Jeanie fast with one hand, and with the other pointed to the + inscription on the grave-stone, and commanded her to read it. Jeanie + obeyed, and read these words:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “This Monument was erected to the Memory of Donald + Murdockson of the King’s xxvi., or Cameronian + Regiment, a sincere Christian, a brave Soldier, and + a faithful Servant, by his grateful and sorrowing + master, Robert Staunton.” + </pre> + <p> + “It’s very weel read, Jeanie; it’s just the very words,” said Madge, whose + ire had now faded into deep melancholy, and with a step which, to Jeanie’s + great joy, was uncommonly quiet and mournful, she led her companion + towards the door of the church. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Aimage-0006" id="Aimage-0006"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/pb103.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="Madge and Jennie " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + It was one of those old-fashioned Gothic parish churches which are + frequent in England, the most cleanly, decent, and reverential places of + worship that are, perhaps, anywhere to be found in the Christian world. + Yet, notwithstanding the decent solemnity of its exterior, Jeanie was too + faithful to the directory of the Presbyterian kirk to have entered a + prelatic place of worship, and would, upon any other occasion, have + thought that she beheld in the porch the venerable figure of her father + waving her back from the entrance, and pronouncing in a solemn tone, + “Cease, my child, to hear the instruction which causeth to err from the + words of knowledge.” But in her present agitating and alarming situation, + she looked for safety to this forbidden place of assembly, as the hunted + animal will sometimes seek shelter from imminent danger in the human + habitation, or in other places of refuge most alien to its nature and + habits. Not even the sound of the organ, and of one or two flutes which + accompanied the psalmody, prevented her from following her guide into the + chancel of the church. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had Madge put her foot upon the pavement, and become sensible + that she was the object of attention to the spectators, than she resumed + all the fantastic extravagance of deportment which some transient touch of + melancholy had banished for an instant. She swam rather than walked up the + centre aisle, dragging Jeanie after her, whom she held fast by the hand. + She would, indeed, have fain slipped aside into the pew nearest to the + door, and left Madge to ascend in her own manner and alone to the high + places of the synagogue; but this was impossible, without a degree of + violent resistance, which seemed to her inconsistent with the time and + place, and she was accordingly led in captivity up the whole length of the + church by her grotesque conductress, who, with half-shut eyes, a prim + smile upon her lips, and a mincing motion with her hands, which + corresponded with the delicate and affected pace at which she was pleased + to move, seemed to take the general stare of the congregation, which such + an exhibition necessarily excited, as a high compliment, and which she + returned by nods and half-courtesies to individuals amongst the audience, + whom she seemed to distinguish as acquaintances. Her absurdity was + enhanced in the eyes of the spectators by the strange contrast which she + formed to her companion, who, with dishevelled hair, downcast eyes, and a + face glowing with shame, was dragged, as it were in triumph after her. + </p> + <p> + Madge’s airs were at length fortunately cut short by her encountering in + her progress the looks of the clergyman, who fixed upon her a glance, at + once steady, compassionate, and admonitory. She hastily opened an empty + pew which happened to be near her, and entered, dragging in Jeanie after + her. Kicking Jeanie on the shins, by way of hint that she should follow + her example, she sunk her head upon her hand for the space of a minute. + Jeanie, to whom this posture of mental devotion was entirely new, did not + attempt to do the like, but looked round her with a bewildered stare, + which her neighbours, judging from the company in which they saw her, very + naturally ascribed to insanity. Every person in their immediate vicinity + drew back from this extraordinary couple as far as the limits of their pew + permitted; but one old man could not get beyond Madge’s reach, ere, she + had snatched the prayer-book from his hand, and ascertained the lesson of + the day. She then turned up the ritual, and with the most overstrained + enthusiasm of gesture and manner, showed Jeanie the passages as they were + read in the service, making, at the same time, her own responses so loud + as to be heard above those of every other person. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the shame and vexation which Jeanie felt in being thus + exposed in a place of worship, she could not and durst not omit rallying + her spirits so as to look around her, and consider to whom she ought to + appeal for protection so soon as the service should be concluded. Her + first ideas naturally fixed upon the clergyman, and she was confirmed in + the resolution by observing that he was an aged gentleman, of a dignified + appearance and deportment, who read the service with an undisturbed and + decent gravity, which brought back to becoming attention those younger + members of the congregation who had been disturbed by the extravagant + behaviour of Madge Wildfire. To the clergyman, therefore, Jeanie resolved + to make her appeal when the service was over. + </p> + <p> + It is true she felt disposed to be shocked at his surplice, of which she + had heard so much, but which she had never seen upon the person of a + preacher of the word. Then she was confused by the change of posture + adopted in different parts of the ritual, the more so as Madge Wildfire, + to whom they seemed familiar, took the opportunity to exercise authority + over her, pulling her up and pushing her down with a bustling assiduity, + which Jeanie felt must make them both the objects of painful attention. + But, notwithstanding these prejudices, it was her prudent resolution, in + this dilemma, to imitate as nearly as she could what was done around her. + The prophet, she thought, permitted Naaman the Syrian to bow even in the + house of Rimmon. Surely if I, in this streight, worship the God of my + fathers in mine own language, although the manner thereof be strange to + me, the Lord will pardon me in this thing. + </p> + <p> + In this resolution she became so much confirmed, that, withdrawing herself + from Madge as far as the pew permitted, she endeavoured to evince by + serious and composed attention to what was passing, that her mind was + composed to devotion. Her tormentor would not long have permitted her to + remain quiet, but fatigue overpowered her, and she fell fast asleep in the + other corner of the pew. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie, though her mind in her own despite sometimes reverted to her + situation, compelled herself to give attention to a sensible, energetic, + and well-composed discourse, upon the practical doctrines of Christianity, + which she could not help approving, although it was every word written + down and read by the preacher, and although it was delivered in a tone and + gesture very different from those of Boanerges Stormheaven, who was her + father’s favourite preacher. The serious and placid attention with which + Jeanie listened, did not escape the clergyman. Madge Wildfire’s entrance + had rendered him apprehensive of some disturbance, to provide against + which, as far as possible, he often turned his eyes to the part of the + church where Jeanie and she were placed, and became soon aware that, + although the loss of her head-gear, and the awkwardness of her situation, + had given an uncommon and anxious air to the features of the former, yet + she was in a state of mind very different from that of her companion. When + he dismissed the congregation, he observed her look around with a wild and + terrified look, as if uncertain what course she ought to adopt, and + noticed that she approached one or two of the most decent of the + congregation, as if to address them, and then shrunk back timidly, on + observing that they seemed to shun and to avoid her. The clergyman was + satisfied there must be something extraordinary in all this, and as a + benevolent man, as well as a good Christian pastor, he resolved to inquire + into the matter more minutely. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0008" id="Alink2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER EIGHTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + There governed in that year + A stern, stout churl—an angry overseer. + Crabbe. +</pre> + <p> + While Mr. Staunton, for such was this worthy clergyman’s name, was laying + aside his gown in the vestry, Jeanie was in the act of coming to an open + rupture with Madge. + </p> + <p> + “We must return to Mummer’s barn directly,” said Madge; “we’ll be ower + late, and my mother will be angry.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not going back with you, Madge,” said Jeanie, taking out a guinea, + and offering it to her; “I am much obliged to you, but I maun gang my ain + road.” + </p> + <p> + “And me coming a’ this way out o’ my gate to pleasure you, ye ungratefu’ + cutty,” answered Madge; “and me to be brained by my mother when I gang + hame, and a’ for your sake!—But I will gar ye as good” + </p> + <p> + “For God’s sake,” said Jeanie to a man who stood beside them, “keep her + off!—she is mad.” + </p> + <p> + “Ey, ey,” answered the boor; “I hae some guess of that, and I trow thou + be’st a bird of the same feather.—Howsomever, Madge, I redd thee + keep hand off her, or I’se lend thee a whisterpoop.” + </p> + <p> + Several of the lower class of the parishioners now gathered round the + strangers, and the cry arose among the boys that “there was a-going to be + a fite between mad Madge Murdockson and another Bess of Bedlam.” But while + the fry assembled with the humane hope of seeing as much of the fun as + possible, the laced cocked-hat of the beadle was discerned among the + multitude, and all made way for that person of awful authority. His first + address was to Madge. + </p> + <p> + “What’s brought thee back again, thou silly donnot, to plague this parish? + Hast thou brought ony more bastards wi’ thee to lay to honest men’s doors? + or does thou think to burden us with this goose, that’s as hare-brained as + thysell, as if rates were no up enow? Away wi’ thee to thy thief of a + mother; she’s fast in the stocks at Barkston town-end— Away wi’ ye + out o’ the parish, or I’se be at ye with the ratan.” + </p> + <p> + Madge stood sulky for a minute; but she had been too often taught + submission to the beadle’s authority by ungentle means to feel courage + enough to dispute it. + </p> + <p> + “And my mother—my puir auld mother, is in the stocks at Barkston!—This + is a’ your wyte, Miss Jeanie Deans; but I’ll be upsides wi’ you, as sure + as my name’s Madge Wildfire—I mean Murdockson—God help me, I + forget my very name in this confused waste!” + </p> + <p> + So saying, she turned upon her heel, and went off, followed by all the + mischievous imps of the village, some crying, “Madge, canst thou tell thy + name yet?” some pulling the skirts of her dress, and all, to the best of + their strength and ingenuity, exercising some new device or other to + exasperate her into frenzy. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie saw her departure with infinite delight, though she wished that, in + some way or other, she could have requited the service Madge had conferred + upon her. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, she applied to the beadle to know whether “there was any + house in the village where she could be civilly entertained for her money, + and whether she could be permitted to speak to the clergyman?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, we’se ha’ reverend care on thee; and I think,” answered the man + of constituted authority, “that, unless thou answer the Rector all the + better, we’se spare thy money, and gie thee lodging at the parish charge, + young woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Where am I to go then?” said Jeanie, in some alarm. + </p> + <p> + “Why, I am to take thee to his Reverence, in the first place, to gie an + account o’ thysell, and to see thou comena to be a burden upon the + parish.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not wish to burden anyone,” replied Jeanie; “I have enough for my + own wants, and only wish to get on my journey safely.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, that’s another matter,” replied the beadle, “and if it be true—and + I think thou dost not look so polrumptious as thy playfellow yonder—Thou + wouldst be a mettle lass enow, an thou wert snog and snod a bid better. + Come thou away, then—the Rector is a good man.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that the minister,” said Jeanie, “who preached” + </p> + <p> + “The minister? Lord help thee! What kind o’ Presbyterian art thou?—Why, + ‘tis the Rector—the Rector’s sell, woman, and there isna the like o’ + him in the county, nor the four next to it. Come away—away with thee—we + maunna bide here.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure I am very willing to go to see the minister,” said Jeanie; “for + though he read his discourse, and wore that surplice, as they call it + here, I canna but think he must be a very worthy God-fearing man, to + preach the root of the matter in the way he did.” + </p> + <p> + The disappointed rabble, finding that there was like to be no farther + sport, had by this time dispersed, and Jeanie, with her usual patience, + followed her consequential and surly, but not brutal, conductor towards + the rectory. + </p> + <p> + This clerical mansion was large and commodious, for the living was an + excellent one, and the advowson belonged to a very wealthy family in the + neighbourhood, who had usually bred up a son or nephew to the church for + the sake of inducting him, as opportunity offered, into this very + comfortable provision. In this manner the rectory of Willingham had always + been considered as a direct and immediate appanage of Willingham Hall; and + as the rich baronets to whom the latter belonged had usually a son, or + brother, or nephew, settled in the living, the utmost care had been taken + to render their habitation not merely respectable and commodious, but even + dignified and imposing. + </p> + <p> + It was situated about four hundred yards from the village, and on a rising + ground which sloped gently upward, covered with small enclosures, or + closes, laid out irregularly, so that the old oaks and elms, which were + planted in hedge-rows, fell into perspective, and were blended together in + beautiful irregularity. When they approached nearer to the house, a + handsome gateway admitted them into a lawn, of narrow dimensions indeed, + but which was interspersed with large sweet chestnut trees and beeches, + and kept in handsome order. The front of the house was irregular. Part of + it seemed very old, and had, in fact, been the residence of the incumbent + in Romish times. Successive occupants had made considerable additions and + improvements, each in the taste of his own age, and without much regard to + symmetry. But these incongruities of architecture were so graduated and + happily mingled, that the eye, far from being displeased with the + combinations of various styles, saw nothing but what was interesting in + the varied and intricate pile which they displayed. Fruit-trees displayed + on the southern wall, outer staircases, various places of entrance, a + combination of roofs and chimneys of different ages, united to render the + front, not indeed beautiful or grand, but intricate, perplexed, or, to use + Mr. Price’s appropriate phrase, picturesque. The most considerable + addition was that of the present Rector, who, “being a bookish man,” as + the beadle was at the pains to inform Jeanie, to augment, perhaps, her + reverence for the person before whom she was to appear, had built a + handsome library and parlour, and no less than two additional bedrooms. + </p> + <p> + “Mony men would hae scrupled such expense,” continued the parochial + officer, “seeing as the living mun go as it pleases Sir Edmund to will it; + but his Reverence has a canny bit land of his own, and need not look on + two sides of a penny.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie could not help comparing the irregular yet extensive and commodious + pile of building before her to the “Manses” in her own country, where a + set of penurious heritors, professing all the while the devotion of their + lives and fortunes to the Presbyterian establishment, strain their + inventions to discover what may be nipped, and clipped, and pared from a + building which forms but a poor accommodation even for the present + incumbent, and, despite the superior advantage of stone-masonry, must, in + the course of forty or fifty years, again burden their descendants with an + expense, which, once liberally and handsomely employed, ought to have + freed their estates from a recurrence of it for more than a century at + least. + </p> + <p> + Behind the Rector’s house the ground sloped down to a small river, which, + without possessing the romantic vivacity and rapidity of a northern + stream, was, nevertheless, by its occasional appearance through the ranges + of willows and poplars that crowned its banks, a very pleasing + accompaniment to the landscape. “It was the best trouting stream,” said + the beadle, whom the patience of Jeanie, and especially the assurance that + she was not about to become a burden to the parish, had rendered rather + communicative, “the best trouting stream in all Lincolnshire; for when you + got lower, there was nought to be done wi’ fly-fishing.” + </p> + <p> + Turning aside from the principal entrance, he conducted Jeanie towards a + sort of portal connected with the older part of the building, which was + chiefly occupied by servants, and knocking at the door, it was opened by a + servant in grave purple livery, such as befitted a wealthy and dignified + clergyman. + </p> + <p> + “How dost do, Tummas?” said the beadle—“and how’s young Measter + Staunton?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, but poorly—but poorly, Measter Stubbs.—Are you wanting + to see his Reverence?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, Tummas; please to say I ha’ brought up the young woman as came to + service to-day with mad Madge Murdockson seems to be a decentish koind o’ + body; but I ha’ asked her never a question. Only I can tell his Reverence + that she is a Scotchwoman, I judge, and as flat as the fens of Holland.” + </p> + <p> + Tummas honoured Jeanie Deans with such a stare, as the pampered domestics + of the rich, whether spiritual or temporal, usually esteem it part of + their privilege to bestow upon the poor, and then desired Mr. Stubbs and + his charge to step in till he informed his master of their presence. + </p> + <p> + The room into which he showed them was a sort of steward’s parlour, hung + with a county map or two, and three or four prints of eminent persons + connected with the county, as Sir William Monson, James York the + blacksmith of Lincoln,* and the famous Peregrine, Lord Willoughby, in + complete armour, looking as when he said in the words of the legend below + the engraving,— + </p> + <p> + * [Author of the <i>Union of Honour,</i> a treatise on English Heraldry. + London, 1641.] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Stand to it, noble pikemen, + And face ye well about; + And shoot ye sharp, bold bowmen, + And we will keep them out. + + “Ye musquet and calliver-men, + Do you prove true to me, + I’ll be the foremost man in fight, + Said brave Lord Willoughbee.” + </pre> + <p> + <a name="Aimage-0007" id="Aimage-0007"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/pb113.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="A ‘summat’ to Eat and Drink " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + When they had entered this apartment, Tummas as a matter of course + offered, and as a matter of course Mr. Stubbs accepted, a “summat” to eat + and drink, being the respectable relies of a gammon of bacon, and a <i>whole + whiskin,</i> or black pot of sufficient double ale. To these eatables Mr. + Beadle seriously inclined himself, and (for we must do him justice) not + without an invitation to Jeanie, in which Tummas joined, that his prisoner + or charge would follow his good example. But although she might have stood + in need of refreshment, considering she had tasted no food that day, the + anxiety of the moment, her own sparing and abstemious habits, and a + bashful aversion to eat in company of the two strangers, induced her to + decline their courtesy. So she sate in a chair apart, while Mr. Stubbs and + Mr. Tummas, who had chosen to join his friend in consideration that dinner + was to be put back till after the afternoon service, made a hearty + luncheon, which lasted for half-an-hour, and might not then have + concluded, had not his Reverence rung his bell, so that Tummas was obliged + to attend his master. Then, and no sooner, to save himself the labour of a + second journey to the other end of the house, he announced to his master + the arrival of Mr. Stubbs, with the other madwoman, as he chose to + designate Jeanie, as an event which had just taken place. He returned with + an order that Mr. Stubbs and the young woman should be instantly ushered + up to the library. The beadle bolted in haste his last mouthful of fat + bacon, washed down the greasy morsel with the last rinsings of the pot of + ale, and immediately marshalled Jeanie through one or two intricate + passages which led from the ancient to the more modern buildings, into a + handsome little hall, or anteroom, adjoining to the library, and out of + which a glass door opened to the lawn. + </p> + <p> + “Stay here,” said Stubbs, “till I tell his Reverence you are come.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he opened a door and entered the library. Without wishing to + hear their conversation, Jeanie, as she was circumstanced, could not avoid + it; for as Stubbs stood by the door, and his Reverence was at the upper + end of a large room, their conversation was necessarily audible in the + anteroom. + </p> + <p> + “So you have brought the young woman here at last, Mr. Stubbs. I expected + you some time since. You know I do not wish such persons to remain in + custody a moment without some inquiry into their situation.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true, your Reverence,” replied the beadle; “but the young woman had + eat nought to-day, and so Measter Tummas did set down a drap of drink and + a morsel, to be sure.” + </p> + <p> + “Thomas was very right, Mr. Stubbs; and what has, become of the other most + unfortunate being?” + </p> + <p> + “Why,” replied Mr. Stubbs, “I did think the sight on her would but vex + your Reverence, and soa I did let her go her ways back to her mother, who + is in trouble in the next parish.” + </p> + <p> + “In trouble!—that signifies in prison, I suppose?” said Mr. + Staunton. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, truly; something like it, an it like your Reverence.” + </p> + <p> + “Wretched, unhappy, incorrigible woman!” said the clergyman. “And what + sort of person is this companion of hers?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, decent enow, an it like your Reverence,” said Stubbs; “for aught I + sees of her, there’s no harm of her, and she says she has cash enow to + carry her out of the county.” + </p> + <p> + “Cash! that is always what you think of, Stubbs—But, has she sense?—has + she her wits?—has she the capacity of taking care of herself?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, your Reverence,” replied Stubbs, “I cannot just say—I will be + sworn she was not born at Witt-ham;* for Gaffer Gibbs looked at her all + the time of service, and he says, she could not turn up a single lesson + like a Christian, even though she had Madge Murdockson to help her—but + then, as to fending for herself, why, she’s a bit of a Scotchwoman, your + Reverence, and they say the worst donnot of them can look out for their + own turn—and she is decently put on enow, and not bechounched like + t’other.” + </p> + <p> + * A proverbial and punning expression in that county, to intimate that a + person is not very clever. + </p> + <p> + “Send her in here, then, and do you remain below, Mr. Stubbs.” + </p> + <p> + This colloquy had engaged Jeanie’s attention so deeply, that it was not + until it was over that she observed that the sashed door, which, we have + said, led from the anteroom into the garden, was opened, and that there + entered, or rather was borne in by two assistants, a young man, of a very + pale and sickly appearance, whom they lifted to the nearest couch, and + placed there, as if to recover from the fatigue of an unusual exertion. + Just as they were making this arrangement, Stubbs came out of the library, + and summoned Jeanie to enter it. She obeyed him, not without tremor; for, + besides the novelty of the situation, to a girl of her secluded habits, + she felt also as if the successful prosecution of her journey was to + depend upon the impression she should be able to make on Mr. Staunton. + </p> + <p> + It is true, it was difficult to suppose on what pretext a person + travelling on her own business, and at her own charge, could be + interrupted upon her route. But the violent detention she had already + undergone, was sufficient to show that there existed persons at no great + distance who had the interest, the inclination, and the audacity, forcibly + to stop her journey, and she felt the necessity of having some countenance + and protection, at least till she should get beyond their reach. While + these things passed through her mind, much faster than our pen and ink can + record, or even the reader’s eye collect the meaning of its traces, Jeanie + found herself in a handsome library, and in presence of the Rector of + Willingham. The well-furnished presses and shelves which surrounded the + large and handsome apartment, contained more books than Jeanie imagined + existed in the world, being accustomed to consider as an extensive + collection two fir shelves, each about three feet long, which contained + her father’s treasured volumes, the whole pith and marrow, as he used + sometimes to boast, of modern divinity. An orrery, globes, a telescope, + and some other scientific implements, conveyed to Jeanie an impression of + admiration and wonder, not unmixed with fear; for, in her ignorant + apprehension, they seemed rather adapted for magical purposes than any + other; and a few stuffed animals (as the Rector was fond of natural + history) added to the impressive character of the apartment. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Staunton spoke to her with great mildness. He observed, that, although + her appearance at church had been uncommon, and in strange, and he must + add, discreditable society, and calculated, upon the whole, to disturb the + congregation during divine worship, he wished, nevertheless, to hear her + own account of herself before taking any steps which his duty might seem + to demand. He was a justice of peace, he informed her, as well as a + clergyman. + </p> + <p> + “His Honour” (for she would not say his Reverence) “was very civil and + kind,” was all that poor Jeanie could at first bring out. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you, young woman?” said the clergyman, more peremptorily—“and + what do you do in this country, and in such company?—We allow no + strollers or vagrants here.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not a vagrant or a stroller, sir,” said Jeanie, a little roused by + the supposition. “I am a decent Scots lass, travelling through the land on + my own business and my own expenses and I was so unhappy as to fall in + with bad company, and was stopped a’ night on my journey. And this puir + creature, who is something light-headed, let me out in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Bad company!” said the clergyman. “I am afraid, young woman, you have not + been sufficiently anxious to avoid them.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, sir,” returned Jeanie, “I have been brought up to shun evil + communication. But these wicked people were thieves, and stopped me by + violence and mastery.” + </p> + <p> + “Thieves!” said Mr. Staunton; “then you charge them with robbery, I + suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; they did not take so much as a boddle from me,” answered Jeanie; + “nor did they use me ill, otherwise than by confining me.” + </p> + <p> + The clergyman inquired into the particulars of her adventure, which she + told him from point to point. + </p> + <p> + “This is an extraordinary, and not a very probable tale, young woman,” + resumed Mr. Staunton. “Here has been, according to your account, a great + violence committed without any adequate motive. Are you aware of the law + of this country—that if you lodge this charge, you will be bound + over to prosecute this gang?” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie did not understand him, and he explained, that the English law, in + addition to the inconvenience sustained by persons who have been robbed or + injured, has the goodness to intrust to them the care and the expense of + appearing as prosecutors. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie said, “that her business at London was express; all she wanted was, + that any gentleman would, out of Christian charity, protect her to some + town where she could hire horses and a guide; and finally,” she thought, + “it would be her father’s mind that she was not free to give testimony in + an English court of justice, as the land was not under a direct gospel + dispensation.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Staunton stared a little, and asked if her father was a Quaker. + </p> + <p> + “God forbid, sir,” said Jeanie—“He is nae schismatic nor sectary, + nor ever treated for sic black commodities as theirs, and that’s weel kend + o’ him.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is his name, pray?” said Mr. Staunton. + </p> + <p> + “David Deans, sir, the cowfeeder at Saint Leonard’s Crags, near + Edinburgh.” + </p> + <p> + A deep groan from the anteroom prevented the Rector from replying, and, + exclaiming, “Good God! that unhappy boy!” he left Jeanie alone, and + hastened into the outer apartment. + </p> + <p> + Some noise and bustle was heard, but no one entered the library for the + best part of an hour. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0009" id="Alink2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER NINTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Fantastic passions’ maddening brawl! + And shame and terror over all! + Deeds to be hid which were not hid, + Which, all confused, I could not know + Whether I suffer’d or I did, + For all seem’d guilt, remorse, or woe; + My own, or others, still the same + Life-stifling fear, soul-stifling shame. + Coleridge. +</pre> + <p> + During the interval while she was thus left alone, Jeanie anxiously + revolved in her mind what course was best for her to pursue. She was + impatient to continue her journey, yet she feared she could not safely + adventure to do so while the old hag and her assistants were in the + neighbourhood, without risking a repetition of their violence. She thought + she could collect from the conversation which she had partly overheard, + and also from the wild confessions of Madge Wildfire, that her mother had + a deep and revengeful motive for obstructing her journey if possible. And + from whom could she hope for assistance if not from Mr. Staunton? His + whole appearance and demeanour seemed to encourage her hopes. His features + were handsome, though marked with a deep cast of melancholy; his tone and + language were gentle and encouraging; and, as he had served in the army + for several years during his youth, his air retained that easy frankness + which is peculiar to the profession of arms. He was, besides, a minister + of the gospel; and, although a worshipper, according to Jeanie’s notions, + in the court of the Gentiles, and so benighted as to wear a surplice; + although he read the Common Prayer, and wrote down every word of his + sermon before delivering it; and although he was, moreover, in strength of + lungs, as well as pith and marrow of doctrine, vastly inferior to + Boanerges Stormheaven, Jeanie still thought he must be a very different + person from Curate Kilstoup, and other prelatical divines of her father’s + earlier days, who used to get drunk in their canonical dress, and hound + out the dragoons against the wandering Cameronians. The house seemed to be + in some disturbance, but as she could not suppose she was altogether + forgotten, she thought it better to remain quiet in the apartment where + she had been left, till some one should take notice of her. + </p> + <p> + The first who entered was, to her no small delight, one of her own sex, a + motherly-looking aged person of a housekeeper. To her Jeanie explained her + situation in a few words, and begged her assistance. + </p> + <p> + The dignity of a housekeeper did not encourage too much familiarity with a + person who was at the Rectory on justice-business, and whose character + might seem in her eyes somewhat precarious; but she was civil, although + distant. + </p> + <p> + “Her young master,” she said, “had had a bad accident by a fall from his + horse, which made him liable to fainting fits; he had been taken very ill + just now, and it was impossible his Reverence could see Jeanie for some + time; but that she need not fear his doing all that was just and proper in + her behalf the instant he could get her business attended to.”—She + concluded by offering to show Jeanie a room, where she might remain till + his Reverence was at leisure. + </p> + <p> + Our heroine took the opportunity to request the means of adjusting and + changing her dress. + </p> + <p> + The housekeeper, in whose estimation order and cleanliness ranked high + among personal virtues, gladly complied with a request so reasonable; and + the change of dress which Jeanie’s bundle furnished made so important an + improvement in her appearance, that the old lady hardly knew the soiled + and disordered traveller, whose attire showed the violence she had + sustained, in the neat, clean, quiet-looking little Scotch-woman, who now + stood before her. Encouraged by such a favourable alteration in her + appearance, Mrs. Dalton ventured to invite Jeanie to partake of her + dinner, and was equally pleased with the decent propriety of her conduct + during the meal. + </p> + <p> + “Thou canst read this book, canst thou, young woman?” said the old lady, + when their meal was concluded, laying her hand upon a large Bible. + </p> + <p> + “I hope sae, madam,” said Jeanie, surprised at the question “my father wad + hae wanted mony a thing ere I had wanted <i>that</i> schuling.” + </p> + <p> + “The better sign of him, young woman. There are men here, well to pass in + the world, would not want their share of a Leicester plover, and that’s a + bag-pudding, if fasting for three hours would make all their poor children + read the Bible from end to end. Take thou the book, then, for my eyes are + something dazed, and read where thou listest—it’s the only book thou + canst not happen wrong in.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie was at first tempted to turn up the parable of the good Samaritan, + but her conscience checked her, as if it were a use of Scripture, not for + her own edification, but to work upon the mind of others for the relief of + her worldly afflictions; and under this scrupulous sense of duty, she + selected, in preference, a CHAPTER of the prophet Isaiah, and read it, + notwithstanding her northern’ accent and tone, with a devout propriety, + which greatly edified Mrs. Dalton. + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” she said, “an all Scotchwomen were sic as thou but it was our luck + to get born devils of thy country, I think—every one worse than + t’other. If thou knowest of any tidy lass like thysell that wanted a + place, and could bring a good character, and would not go laiking about to + wakes and fairs, and wore shoes and stockings all the day round—why, + I’ll not say but we might find room for her at the Rectory. Hast no cousin + or sister, lass, that such an offer would suit?” + </p> + <p> + This was touching upon a sore point, but Jeanie was spared the pain of + replying by the entrance of the same man-servant she had seen before. + </p> + <p> + “Measter wishes to see the young woman from Scotland,” was Tummas’s + address. + </p> + <p> + “Go to his Reverence, my dear, as fast as you can, and tell him all your + story—his Reverence is a kind man,” said Mrs. Dalton. “I will fold + down the leaf, and wake you a cup of tea, with some nice muffin, against + you come down, and that’s what you seldom see in Scotland, girl.” + </p> + <p> + “Measter’s waiting for the young woman,” said Tummas impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mr. Jack-Sauce, and what is your business to put in your oar?—And + how often must I tell you to call Mr. Staunton his Reverence, seeing as he + is a dignified clergyman, and not be meastering, meastering him, as if he + were a little petty squire?” + </p> + <p> + As Jeanie was now at the door, and ready to accompany Tummas, the footman + said nothing till he got into the passage, when he muttered, “There are + moe masters than one in this house, and I think we shall have a mistress + too, an Dame Dalton carries it thus.” + </p> + <p> + Tummas led the way through a more intricate range of passages than Jeanie + had yet threaded, and ushered her into an apartment which was darkened by + the closing of most of the window-shutters, and in which was a bed with + the curtains partly drawn. + </p> + <p> + “Here is the young woman, sir,” said Tummas. + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said a voice from the bed, but not that of his Reverence; “be + ready to answer the bell, and leave the room.” + </p> + <p> + “There is some mistake,” said Jeanie, confounded at finding herself in the + apartment of an invalid; “the servant told me that the minister” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t trouble yourself,” said the invalid, “there is no mistake. I know + more of your affairs than my father, and I can manage them better.—Leave + the room, Tom.” The servant obeyed.—“We must not,” said the invalid, + “lose time, when we have little to lose. Open the shutters of that + window.” + </p> + <p> + She did so, and as he drew aside the curtain of his bed, the light fell on + his pale countenance, as, turban’d with bandages, and dressed in a + night-gown, he lay, seemingly exhausted, upon the bed. + </p> + <p> + “Look at me,” he said, “Jeanie Deans; can you not recollect me?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” said she, full of surprise. “I was never in this country + before.” + </p> + <p> + “But I may have been in yours. Think—recollect. I should faint did I + name the name you are most dearly bound to loathe and to detest. Think—remember!” + </p> + <p> + A terrible recollection flashed on Jeanie, which every tone of the speaker + confirmed, and which his next words rendered certainty. + </p> + <p> + “Be composed—remember Muschat’s Cairn, and the moonlight night!” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie sunk down on a chair with clasped hands, and gasped in agony. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, here I lie,” he said, “like a crushed snake, writhing with + impatience at my incapacity of motion—here I lie, when I ought to + have been in Edinburgh, trying every means to save a life that is dearer + to me than my own.—How is your sister?—how fares it with her?—condemned + to death, I know it, by this time! O, the horse that carried me safely on + a thousand errands of folly and wickedness, that he should have broke down + with me on the only good mission I have undertaken for years! But I must + rein in my passion—my frame cannot endure it, and I have much to + say. Give me some of the cordial which stands on that table.—Why do + you tremble? But you have too good cause.—Let it stand—I need + it not.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie, however reluctant, approached him with the cup into which she had + poured the draught, and could not forbear saying, “There is a cordial for + the mind, sir, if the wicked will turn from their transgressions, and seek + to the Physician of souls.” + </p> + <p> + “Silence!” he said sternly—“and yet I thank you. But tell me, and + lose no time in doing so, what you are doing in this country? Remember, + though I have been your sister’s worst enemy, yet I will serve her with + the best of my blood, and I will serve you for her sake; and no one can + serve you to such purpose, for no one can know the circumstances so well—so + speak without fear.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not afraid, sir,” said Jeanie, collecting her spirits. “I trust in + God; and if it pleases Him to redeem my sister’s captivity, it is all I + seek, whosoever be the instrument. But, sir, to be plain with you, I dare + not use your counsel, unless I were enabled to see that it accords with + the law which I must rely upon.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil take the Puritan!” cried George Staunton, for so we must now + call him—“I beg your pardon; but I am naturally impatient, and you + drive me mad! What harm can it possibly do to tell me in what situation + your sister stands, and your own expectations of being able to assist her? + It is time enough to refuse my advice when I offer any which you may think + improper. I speak calmly to you, though ‘tis against my nature; but don’t + urge me to impatience—it will only render me incapable of serving + Effie.” + </p> + <p> + There was in the looks and words of this unhappy young man a sort of + restrained eagerness and impetuosity which seemed to prey upon itself, as + the impatience of a fiery steed fatigues itself with churning upon the + bit. After a moment’s consideration, it occurred to Jeanie that she was + not entitled to withhold from him, whether on her sister’s account or her + own, the fatal account of the consequences of the crime which he had + committed, nor to reject such advice, being in itself lawful and innocent, + as he might be able to suggest in the way of remedy. Accordingly, in as + few words as she could express it, she told the history of her sister’s + trial and condemnation, and of her own journey as far as Newark. He + appeared to listen in the utmost agony of mind, yet repressed every + violent symptom of emotion, whether by gesture or sound, which might have + interrupted the speaker, and, stretched on his couch like the Mexican + monarch on his bed of live coals, only the contortions of his cheek, and + the quivering of his limbs, gave indication of his sufferings. To much of + what she said he listened with stifled groans, as if he were only hearing + those miseries confirmed, whose fatal reality he had known before; but + when she pursued her tale through the circumstances which had interrupted + her journey, extreme surprise and earnest attention appeared to succeed to + the symptoms of remorse which he had before exhibited. He questioned + Jeanie closely concerning the appearance of the two men, and the + conversation which she had overheard between the taller of them and the + woman. + </p> + <p> + When Jeanie mentioned the old woman having alluded to her foster-son—“It + is too true,” he said; “and the source from which I derived food, when an + infant, must have communicated to me the wretched—the fated—propensity + to vices that were strangers in my own family.—But go on.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie passed slightly over her journey in company with Madge, having no + inclination to repeat what might be the effect of mere raving on the part + of her companion, and therefore her tale was now closed. + </p> + <p> + Young Staunton lay for a moment in profound meditation and at length spoke + with more composure than he had yet displayed during their interview.—“You + are a sensible, as well as a good young woman, Jeanie Deans, and I will + tell you more of my story than I have told to any one.— Story did I + call it?—it is a tissue of folly, guilt, and misery.—But take + notice—I do it because I desire your confidence in return—that + is, that you will act in this dismal matter by my advice and direction. + Therefore do I speak.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do what is fitting for a sister, and a daughter, and a Christian + woman to do,” said Jeanie; “but do not tell me any of your secrets.—It + is not good that I should come into your counsel, or listen to the + doctrine which causeth to err.” + </p> + <p> + “Simple fool!” said the young man. “Look at me. My head is not horned, my + foot is not cloven, my hands are not garnished with talons; and, since I + am not the very devil himself, what interest can any one else have in + destroying the hopes with which you comfort or fool yourself? Listen to me + patiently, and you will find that, when you have heard my counsel, you may + go to the seventh heaven with it in your pocket, if you have a mind, and + not feel yourself an ounce heavier in the ascent.” + </p> + <p> + At the risk of being somewhat heavy, as explanations usually prove, we + must here endeavour to combine into a distinct narrative, information + which the invalid communicated in a manner at once too circumstantial, and + too much broken by passion, to admit of our giving his precise words. Part + of it indeed he read from a manuscript, which he had perhaps drawn up for + the information of his relations after his decease. + </p> + <p> + “To make my tale short—this wretched hag—this Margaret + Murdockson, was the wife of a favourite servant of my father—she had + been my nurse—her husband was dead—she resided in a cottage + near this place—she had a daughter who grew up, and was then a + beautiful but very giddy girl; her mother endeavoured to promote her + marriage with an old and wealthy churl in the neighbourhood—the girl + saw me frequently—She was familiar with me, as our connection seemed + to permit—and I—in a word, I wronged her cruelly—It was + not so bad as your sister’s business, but it was sufficiently villanous—her + folly should have been her protection. Soon after this I was sent abroad—To + do my father justice, if I have turned out a fiend it is not his fault—he + used the best means. When I returned, I found the wretched mother and + daughter had fallen into disgrace, and were chased from this country.—My + deep share in their shame and misery was discovered—my father used + very harsh language—we quarrelled. I left his house, and led a life + of strange adventure, resolving never again to see my father or my + father’s home. + </p> + <p> + “And now comes the story!—Jeanie, I put my life into your hands, and + not only my own life, which, God knows, is not worth saving, but the + happiness of a respectable old man, and the honour of a family of + consideration. My love of low society, as such propensities as I was + cursed with are usually termed, was, I think of an uncommon kind, and + indicated a nature, which, if not depraved by early debauchery, would have + been fit for better things. I did not so much delight in the wild revel, + the low humour, the unconfined liberty of those with whom I associated as + in the spirit of adventure, presence of mind in peril, and sharpness of + intellect which they displayed in prosecuting their maraudings upon the + revenue, or similar adventures.—Have you looked round this rectory?—is + it not a sweet and pleasant retreat?” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie, alarmed at this sudden change of subject, replied in the + affirmative. + </p> + <p> + “Well! I wish it had been ten thousand fathoms under ground, with its + church-lands, and tithes, and all that belongs to it. Had it not been for + this cursed rectory, I should have been permitted to follow the bent of my + own inclinations and the profession of arms, and half the courage and + address that I have displayed among smugglers and deer-stealers would have + secured me an honourable rank among my contemporaries. Why did I not go + abroad when I left this house!—Why did I leave it at all!—why—But + it came to that point with me that it is madness to look back, and misery + to look forward!” + </p> + <p> + He paused, and then proceeded with more composure. + </p> + <p> + “The chances of a wandering life brought me unhappily to Scotland, to + embroil myself in worse and more criminal actions than I had yet been + concerned in. It was now I became acquainted with Wilson, a remarkable man + in his station of life; quiet, composed, and resolute, firm in mind, and + uncommonly strong in person, gifted with a sort of rough eloquence which + raised him above his companions. Hitherto I had been + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + As dissolute as desperate, yet through both + Were seen some sparkles of a better hope. +</pre> + <p> + “But it was this man’s misfortune, as well as mine, that, notwithstanding + the difference of our rank and education, he acquired an extraordinary and + fascinating influence over me, which I can only account for by the calm + determination of his character being superior to the less sustained + impetuosity of mine. Where he led I felt myself bound to follow; and + strange was the courage and address which he displayed in his pursuits. + While I was engaged in desperate adventures, under so strange and + dangerous a preceptor, I became acquainted with your unfortunate sister at + some sports of the young people in the suburbs, which she frequented by + stealth—and her ruin proved an interlude to the tragic scenes in + which I was now deeply engaged. Yet this let me say—the villany was + not premeditated, and I was firmly resolved to do her all the justice + which marriage could do, so soon as I should be able to extricate myself + from my unhappy course of life, and embrace some one more suited to my + birth. I had wild visions—visions of conducting her as if to some + poor retreat, and introducing her at once to rank and fortune she never + dreamt of. A friend, at my request, attempted a negotiation with my + father, which was protracted for some time, and renewed at different + intervals. At length, and just when I expected my father’s pardon, he + learned by some means or other my infamy, painted in even exaggerated + colours, which was, God knows, unnecessary. He wrote me a letter—how + it found me out I know not—enclosing me a sum of money, and + disowning me for ever. I became desperate—I became frantic—I + readily joined Wilson in a perilous smuggling adventure in which we + miscarried, and was willingly blinded by his logic to consider the robbery + of the officer of the customs in Fife as a fair and honourable reprisal. + Hitherto I had observed a certain line in my criminality, and stood free + of assaults upon personal property, but now I felt a wild pleasure in + disgracing myself as much as possible. + </p> + <p> + “The plunder was no object to me. I abandoned that to my comrades, and + only asked the post of danger. I remember well that when I stood with my + drawn sword guarding the door while they committed the felony, I had not a + thought of my own safety. I was only meditating on my sense of supposed + wrong from my family, my impotent thirst of vengeance, and how it would + sound in the haughty cars of the family of Willingham, that one of their + descendants, and the heir apparent of their honours, should perish by the + hands of the hangman for robbing a Scottish gauger of a sum not equal to + one-fifth part of the money I had in my pocket-book. We were taken—I + expected no less. We were condemned—that also I looked for. But + death, as he approached nearer, looked grimly; and the recollection of + your sister’s destitute condition determined me on an effort to save my + life.— I forgot to tell you, that in Edinburgh I again met the woman + Murdockson and her daughter. She had followed the camp when young, and had + now, under pretence of a trifling traffic, resumed predatory habits, with + which she had already been too familiar. Our first meeting was stormy; but + I was liberal of what money I had, and she forgot, or seemed to forget, + the injury her daughter had received. The unfortunate girl herself seemed + hardly even to know her seducer, far less to retain any sense of the + injury she had received. Her mind is totally alienated, which, according + to her mother’s account, is sometimes the consequence of an unfavourable + confinement. But it was <i>my doing.</i> Here was another stone knitted + round my neck to sink me into the pit of perdition. Every look—every + word of this poor creature—her false spirits—her imperfect + recollections—her allusions to things which she had forgotten, but + which were recorded in my conscience, were stabs of a poniard—stabs + did I say?—they were tearing with hot pincers, and scalding the raw + wound with burning sulphur—they were to be endured however, and they + were endured.— I return to my prison thoughts. + </p> + <p> + “It was not the least miserable of them that your sister’s time + approached. I knew her dread of you and of her father. She often said she + would die a thousand deaths ere you should know her shame—yet her + confinement must be provided for. I knew this woman Murdockson was an + infernal hag, but I thought she loved me, and that money would make her + true. She had procured a file for Wilson, and a spring-saw for me; and she + undertook readily to take charge of Effie during her illness, in which she + had skill enough to give the necessary assistance. I gave her the money + which my father had sent me. It was settled that she should receive Effie + into her house in the meantime, and wait for farther directions from me, + when I should effect my escape. I communicated this purpose, and + recommended the old hag to poor Effie by a letter, in which I recollect + that I endeavoured to support the character of Macheath under + condemnation-a fine, gay, bold-faced ruffian, who is game to the last. + Such, and so wretchedly poor, was my ambition! Yet I had resolved to + forsake the courses I had been engaged in, should I be so fortunate as to + escape the gibbet. My design was to marry your sister, and go over to the + West Indies. I had still a considerable sum of money left, and I trusted + to be able, in one way or other, to provide for myself and my wife. + </p> + <p> + “We made the attempt to escape, and by the obstinacy of Wilson, who + insisted upon going first, it totally miscarried. The undaunted and + self-denied manner in which he sacrificed himself to redeem his error, and + accomplish my escape from the Tolbooth Church, you must have heard of—all + Scotland rang with it. It was a gallant and extraordinary deed—All + men spoke of it—all men, even those who most condemned the habits + and crimes of this self-devoted man, praised the heroism of his + friendship. I have many vices, but cowardice or want of gratitude, are + none of the number. I resolved to requite his generosity, and even your + sister’s safety became a secondary consideration with me for the time. To + effect Wilson’s liberation was my principal object, and I doubted not to + find the means. + </p> + <p> + “Yet I did not forget Effie neither. The bloodhounds of the law were so + close after me, that I dared not trust myself near any of my old haunts, + but old Murdockson met me by appointment, and informed me that your sister + had happily been delivered of a boy. I charged the hag to keep her + patient’s mind easy, and let her want for nothing that money could + purchase, and I retreated to Fife, where, among my old associates of + Wilson’s gang, I hid myself in those places of concealment where the men + engaged in that desperate trade are used to find security for themselves + and their uncustomed goods. Men who are disobedient both to human and + divine laws are not always insensible to the claims of courage and + generosity. We were assured that the mob of Edinburgh, strongly moved with + the hardship of Wilson’s situation, and the gallantry of his conduct, + would back any bold attempt that might be made to rescue him even from the + foot of the gibbet. Desperate as the attempt seemed, upon my declaring + myself ready to lead the onset on the guard, I found no want of followers + who engaged to stand by me, and returned to Lothian, soon followed by some + steady associates, prepared to act whenever the occasion might require. + </p> + <p> + “I have no doubt I should have rescued him from the very noose that + dangled over his head,” he continued with animation, which seemed a flash + of the interest which he had taken in such exploits; “but amongst other + precautions, the magistrates had taken one, suggested, as we afterwards + learned, by the unhappy wretch Porteous, which effectually disconcerted my + measures. They anticipated, by half-an-hour, the ordinary period for + execution; and, as it had been resolved amongst us, that, for fear of + observation from the officers of justice, we should not show ourselves + upon the street until the time of action approached, it followed, that all + was over before our attempt at a rescue commenced. It did commence, + however, and I gained the scaffold and cut the rope with my own hand. It + was too late! The bold, stouthearted, generous criminal was no more—and + vengeance was all that remained to us—a vengeance, as I then + thought, doubly due from my hand, to whom Wilson had given life and + liberty when he could as easily have secured his own.” + </p> + <p> + “O sir,” said Jeanie, “did the Scripture never come into your mind, + ‘Vengeance is mine, and I will repay it?’” + </p> + <p> + “Scripture! Why, I had not opened a Bible for five years,” answered + Staunton. + </p> + <p> + “Wae’s me, sirs,” said Jeanie—“and a minister’s son too!” + </p> + <p> + “It is natural for you to say so; yet do not interrupt me, but let me + finish my most accursed history. The beast, Porteous, who kept firing on + the people long after it had ceased to be necessary, became the object of + their hatred for having overdone his duty, and of mine for having done it + too well. We that is, I and the other determined friends of Wilson, + resolved to be avenged—but caution was necessary. I thought I had + been marked by one of the officers, and therefore continued to lurk about + the vicinity of Edinburgh, but without daring to venture within the walls. + At length I visited, at the hazard of my life, the place where I hoped to + find my future wife and my son—they were both gone. Dame Murdockson + informed me, that so soon as Effie heard of the miscarriage of the attempt + to rescue Wilson, and the hot pursuit after me, she fell into a brain + fever; and that being one day obliged to go out on some necessary business + and leave her alone, she had taken that opportunity to escape, and she had + not seen her since. I loaded her with reproaches, to which she listened + with the most provoking and callous composure; for it is one of her + attributes, that, violent and fierce as she is upon most occasions, there + are some in which she shows the most imperturbable calmness. I threatened + her with justice; she said I had more reason to fear justice than she had. + I felt she was right, and was silenced. I threatened her with vengeance; + she replied in nearly the same words, that, to judge by injuries received, + I had more reason to fear her vengeance, than she to dread mine. She was + again right, and I was left without an answer. I flung myself from her in + indignation, and employed a comrade to make inquiry in the neighbourhood + of Saint Leonard’s concerning your sister; but ere I received his answer, + the opening quest of a well-scented terrier of the law drove me from the + vicinity of Edinburgh, to a more distant and secluded place of + concealment. A secret and trusty emissary at length brought me the account + of Porteous’s condemnation, and of your sister’s imprisonment on a + criminal charge; thus astounding one of mine ears, while he gratified the + other. + </p> + <p> + “I again ventured to the Pleasance—again charged Murdockson with + treachery to the unfortunate Effie and her child, though I could conceive + no reason, save that of appropriating the whole of the money I had lodged + with her. Your narrative throws light on this, and shows another motive, + not less powerful because less evident—the desire of wreaking + vengeance on the seducer of her daughter,—the destroyer at once of + her reason and reputation. Great God! how I wish that, instead of the + revenge she made choice of, she had delivered me up to the cord!” + </p> + <p> + “But what account did the wretched woman give of Effie and the bairn?” + said Jeanie, who, during this long and agitating narrative, had firmness + and discernment enough to keep her eye on such points as might throw light + on her sister’s misfortunes. + </p> + <p> + “She would give none,” said Staunton; “she said the mother made a + moonlight flitting from her house, with the infant in her arms—that + she had never seen either of them since—that the lass might have + thrown the child into the North Loch or the Quarry Holes for what she + knew, and it was like enough she had done so.” + </p> + <p> + “And how came you to believe that she did not speak the fatal truth?” said + Jeanie, trembling. + </p> + <p> + “Because, on this second occasion, I saw her daughter, and I understood + from her, that, in fact, the child had been removed or destroyed during + the illness of the mother. But all knowledge to be got from her is so + uncertain and indirect, that I could not collect any farther + circumstances. Only the diabolical character of old Murdockson makes me + augur the worst.” + </p> + <p> + “The last account agrees with that given by my poor sister,” said Jeanie; + “but gang on wi’ your ain tale, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Of this I am certain,” said Staunton, “that Effie, in her senses, and + with her knowledge, never injured living creature.—But what could I + do in her exculpation?—Nothing—and, therefore, my whole + thoughts were turned toward her safety. I was under the cursed necessity + of suppressing my feelings towards Murdockson; my life was in the hag’s + hand—that I cared not for; but on my life hung that of your sister. + I spoke the wretch fair; I appeared to confide in her; and to me, so far + as I was personally concerned, she gave proofs of extraordinary fidelity. + I was at first uncertain what measures I ought to adopt for your sister’s + liberation, when the general rage excited among the citizens of Edinburgh + on account of the reprieve, of Porteous, suggested to me the daring idea + of forcing the jail, and at once carrying off your sister from the + clutches of the law, and bringing to condign punishment a miscreant, who + had tormented the unfortunate Wilson, even in the hour of death as if he + had been a wild Indian taken captive by a hostile tribe. I flung myself + among the multitude in the moment of fermentation—so did others + among Wilson’s mates, who had, like me, been disappointed in the hope of + glutting their eyes with Porteous’s execution. All was organised, and I + was chosen for the captain. I felt not—I do not now feel, + compunction for what was to be done, and has since been executed.” + </p> + <p> + “O, God forgive ye, sir, and bring ye to a better sense of your ways!” + exclaimed Jeanie, in horror at the avowal of such violent sentiments. + </p> + <p> + “Amen,” replied Staunton, “if my sentiments are wrong. But I repeat, that, + although willing to aid the deed, I could have wished them to have chosen + another leader; because I foresaw that the great and general duty of the + night would interfere with the assistance which I proposed to render + Effie. I gave a commission however, to a trusty friend to protect her to a + place of safety, so soon as the fatal procession had left the jail. But + for no persuasions which I could use in the hurry of the moment, or which + my comrade employed at more length, after the mob had taken a different + direction, could the unfortunate girl be prevailed upon to leave the + prison. His arguments were all wasted upon the infatuated victim, and he + was obliged to leave her in order to attend to his own safety. Such was + his account; but, perhaps, he persevered less steadily in his attempts to + persuade her than I would have done.” + </p> + <p> + “Effie was right to remain,” said Jeanie; “and I love her the better for + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why will you say so?” said Staunton. + </p> + <p> + “You cannot understand my reasons, sir, if I should render them,” answered + Jeanie composedly; “they that thirst for the blood of their enemies have + no taste for the well-spring of life.” + </p> + <p> + “My hopes,” said Staunton, “were thus a second time disappointed. My next + efforts were to bring her through her trial by means of yourself. How I + urged it, and where, you cannot have forgotten. I do not blame you for + your refusal; it was founded, I am convinced, on principle, and not on + indifference to your sister’s fate. For me, judge of me as a man frantic; + I knew not what hand to turn to, and all my efforts were unavailing. In + this condition, and close beset on all sides, I thought of what might be + done by means of my family, and their influence. I fled from Scotland—I + reached this place—my miserably wasted and unhappy appearance + procured me from my father that pardon, which a parent finds it so hard to + refuse, even to the most undeserving son. And here I have awaited in + anguish of mind, which the condemned criminal might envy, the event of + your sister’s trial.” + </p> + <p> + “Without taking any steps for her relief?” said Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “To the last I hoped her ease might terminate more favourably; and it is + only two days since that the fatal tidings reached me. My resolution was + instantly taken. I mounted my best horse with the purpose of making the + utmost haste to London and there compounding with Sir Robert Walpole for + your sister’s safety, by surrendering to him, in the person of the heir of + the family of Willingham, the notorious George Robertson, the accomplice + of Wilson, the breaker of the Tolbooth prison, and the well-known leader + of the Porteous mob.” + </p> + <p> + “But would that save my sister?” said Jeanie, in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “It would, as I should drive my bargain,” said Staunton. “Queens love + revenge as well as their subjects—Little as you seem to esteem it, + it is a poison which pleases all palates, from the prince to the peasant. + Prime ministers love no less the power of gratifying sovereigns by + gratifying their passions.—The life of an obscure village girl! Why, + I might ask the best of the crown-jewels for laying the head of such an + insolent conspiracy at the foot of her majesty, with a certainty of being + gratified. All my other plans have failed, but this could not—Heaven + is just, however, and would not honour me with making this voluntary + atonement for the injury I have done your sister. I had not rode ten + miles, when my horse, the best and most sure-footed animal in this + country, fell with me on a level piece of road, as if he had been struck + by a cannon-shot. I was greatly hurt, and was brought back here in the + condition in which you now see me.” + </p> + <p> + As young Staunton had come to the conclusion, the servant opened the door, + and, with a voice which seemed intended rather for a signal, than merely + the announcing of a visit, said, “His Reverence, sir, is coming up stairs + to wait upon you.” + </p> + <p> + “For God’s sake, hide yourself, Jeanie,” exclaimed Staunton, “in that + dressing closet!” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” said Jeanie; “as I am here for nae ill, I canna take the shame + of hiding mysell frae the master of the house.” + </p> + <p> + “But, good Heavens!” exclaimed George Staunton, “do but consider—” + </p> + <p> + Ere he could complete the sentence, his father entered the apartment. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0010" id="Alink2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TENTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And now, will pardon, comfort, kindness, draw + The youth from vice? will honour, duty, law? + Crabbe. +</pre> + <p> + Jeanie arose from her seat, and made her quiet reverence, when the elder + Mr. Staunton entered the apartment. His astonishment was extreme at + finding his son in such company. + </p> + <p> + “I perceive, madam, I have made a mistake respecting you, and ought to + have left the task of interrogating you, and of righting your wrongs, to + this young man, with whom, doubtless, you have been formerly acquainted.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s unwitting on my part that I am here;” said Jeanie; “the servant told + me his master wished to speak with me.” + </p> + <p> + “There goes the purple coat over my ears,” murmured Tummas. “D—n + her, why must she needs speak the truth, when she could have as well said + anything else she had a mind?” + </p> + <p> + “George,” said Mr. Staunton, “if you are still, as you have ever been,—lost + to all self-respect, you might at least have spared your father and your + father’s house, such a disgraceful scene as this.” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my life—upon my soul, sir!” said George, throwing his feet + over the side of the bed, and starting from his recumbent posture. + </p> + <p> + “Your life, sir?” interrupted his father, with melancholy sternness,—“What + sort of life has it been?—Your soul! alas! what regard have you ever + paid to it? Take care to reform both ere offering either as pledges of + your sincerity.” + </p> + <p> + “On my honour, sir, you do me wrong,” answered George Staunton; “I have + been all that you can call me that’s bad, but in the present instance you + do me injustice. By my honour you do!” + </p> + <p> + “Your honour!” said his father, and turned from him, with a look of the + most upbraiding contempt, to Jeanie. “From you, young woman, I neither ask + nor expect any explanation; but as a father alike and as a clergyman, I + request your departure from this house. If your romantic story has been + other than a pretext to find admission into it (which, from the society in + which you first appeared, I may be permitted to doubt), you will find a + justice of peace within two miles, with whom, more properly than with me, + you may lodge your complaint.” + </p> + <p> + “This shall not be,” said George Staunton, starting up to his feet. “Sir, + you are naturally kind and humane—you shall not become cruel and + inhospitable on my account. Turn out that eaves-dropping rascal,” pointing + to Thomas, “and get what hartshorn drops, or what better receipt you have + against fainting, and I will explain to you in two words the connection + betwixt this young woman and me. She shall not lose her fair character + through me. I have done too much mischief to her family already, and I + know too well what belongs to the loss of fame.” + </p> + <p> + “Leave the room, sir,” said the Rector to the servant; and when the man + had obeyed, he carefully shut the door behind him. Then, addressing his + son, he said sternly, “Now, sir, what new proof of your infamy have you to + impart to me?” + </p> + <p> + Young Staunton was about to speak, but it was one of those moments when + those, who, like Jeanie Deans, possess the advantage of a steady courage + and unruffled temper, can assume the superiority over more ardent but less + determined spirits. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” she said to the elder Staunton, “ye have an undoubted right to ask + your ain son to render a reason of his conduct. But respecting me, I am + but a wayfaring traveller, no ways obligated or indebted to you, unless it + be for the meal of meat which, in my ain country, is willingly gien by + rich or poor, according to their ability, to those who need it; and for + which, forby that, I am willing to make payment, if I didna think it would + be an affront to offer siller in a house like this—only I dinna ken + the fashions of the country.” + </p> + <p> + “This is all very well, young woman,” said the Rector, a good deal + surprised, and unable to conjecture whether to impute Jeanie’s language to + simplicity or impertinence; “this may be all very well—but let me + bring it to a point. Why do you stop this young man’s mouth, and prevent + his communicating to his father and his best friend, an explanation (since + he says he has one) of circumstances which seem in themselves not a little + suspicious?” + </p> + <p> + “He may tell of his ain affairs what he likes,” answered Jeanie; “but my + family and friends have nae right to hae ony stories told anent them + without their express desire; and, as they canna be here to speak for + themselves, I entreat ye wadna ask Mr. George Rob—I mean Staunton, + or whatever his name is, ony questions anent me or my folk; for I maun be + free to tell you, that he will neither have the bearing of a Christian or + a gentleman, if he answers you against my express desire.” + </p> + <p> + “This is the most extraordinary thing I ever met with,” said the Rector, + as, after fixing his eyes keenly on the placid, yet modest countenance of + Jeanie, he turned them suddenly upon his son. “What have you to say, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “That I feel I have been too hasty in my promise, sir,” answered George + Staunton; “I have no title to make any communications respecting the + affairs of this young person’s family without her assent.” + </p> + <p> + The elder Mr. Staunton turned his eyes from one to the other with marks of + surprise. + </p> + <p> + “This is more, and worse, I fear,” he said, addressing his son, “than one + of your frequent and disgraceful connections—I insist upon knowing + the mystery.” + </p> + <p> + “I have already said, sir,” replied his son, rather sullenly, “that I have + no title to mention the affairs of this young woman’s family without her + consent.” + </p> + <p> + “And I hae nae mysteries to explain, sir,” said Jeanie, “but only to pray + you, as a preacher of the gospel and a gentleman, to permit me to go safe + to the next public-house on the Lunnon road.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall take care of your safety,” said young Staunton “you need ask that + favour from no one.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you say so before my face?” said the justly-incensed father. “Perhaps, + sir, you intend to fill up the cup of disobedience and profligacy by + forming a low and disgraceful marriage? But let me bid you beware.” + </p> + <p> + “If you were feared for sic a thing happening wi’ me, sir,” said Jeanie, + “I can only say, that not for all the land that lies between the twa ends + of the rainbow wad I be the woman that should wed your son.” + </p> + <p> + “There is something very singular in all this,” said the elder Staunton; + “follow me into the next room, young woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Hear me speak first,” said the young man. “I have but one word to say. I + confide entirely in your prudence; tell my father as much or as little of + these matters as you will, he shall know neither more nor less from me.” + </p> + <p> + His father darted at him a glance of indignation, which softened into + sorrow as he saw him sink down on the couch, exhausted with the scene he + had undergone. He left the apartment, and Jeanie followed him, George + Staunton raising himself as she passed the door-way, and pronouncing the + word, “Remember!” in a tone as monitory as it was uttered by Charles I. + upon the scaffold. The elder Staunton led the way into a small parlour, + and shut the door. + </p> + <p> + “Young woman,” said he, “there is something in your face and appearance + that marks both sense and simplicity, and, if I am not deceived, innocence + also—Should it be otherwise, I can only say, you are the most + accomplished hypocrite I have ever seen.—I ask to know no secret + that you have unwillingness to divulge, least of all those which concern + my son. His conduct has given me too much unhappiness to permit me to hope + comfort or satisfaction from him. If you are such as I suppose you, + believe me, that whatever unhappy circumstances may have connected you + with George Staunton, the sooner you break them through the better.” + </p> + <p> + “I think I understand your meaning, sir,” replied Jeanie; “and as ye are + sae frank as to speak o’ the young gentleman in sic a way, I must needs + say that it is but the second time of my speaking wi’ him in our lives, + and what I hae heard frae him on these twa occasions has been such that I + never wish to hear the like again.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it is your real intention to leave this part of the country, and + proceed to London?” said the Rector. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, sir; for I may say, in one sense, that the avenger of blood is + behind me; and if I were but assured against mischief by the way” + </p> + <p> + “I have made inquiry,” said the clergyman, “after the suspicious + characters you described. They have left their place of rendezvous; but as + they may be lurking in the neighbourhood, and as you say you have special + reason to apprehend violence from them, I will put you under the charge of + a steady person, who will protect you as far as Stamford, and see you into + a light coach, which goes from thence to London.” + </p> + <p> + “A coach is not for the like of me, sir,” said Jeanie, to whom the idea of + a stage-coach was unknown, as, indeed, they were then only used in the + neighbourhood of London. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Staunton briefly explained that she would find that mode of conveyance + more commodious, cheaper, and more safe, than travelling on horseback. She + expressed her gratitude with so much singleness of heart, that he was + induced to ask her whether she wanted the pecuniary means of prosecuting + her journey. She thanked him, but said she had enough for her purpose; + and, indeed, she had husbanded her stock with great care. This reply + served also to remove some doubts, which naturally enough still floated in + Mr. Staunton’s mind, respecting her character and real purpose, and + satisfied him, at least, that money did not enter into her scheme of + deception, if an impostor she should prove. He next requested to know what + part of the city she wished to go to. + </p> + <p> + “To a very decent merchant, a cousin o’ my ain, a Mrs. Glass, sir, that + sells snuff and tobacco, at the sign o’ the Thistle, somegate in the + town.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie communicated this intelligence with a feeling that a connection so + respectable ought to give her consequence in the eyes of Mr. Staunton; and + she was a good deal surprised when he answered— + </p> + <p> + “And is this woman your only acquaintance in London, my poor girl? and + have you really no better knowledge where she is to be found?” + </p> + <p> + “I was gaun to see the Duke of Argyle, forby Mrs. Glass,” said Jeanie; + “and if your honour thinks it would be best to go there first, and get + some of his Grace’s folk to show me my cousin’s shop” + </p> + <p> + “Are you acquainted with any of the Duke of Argyle’s people?” said the + Rector. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Her brain must be something touched after all, or it would be impossible + for her to rely on such introductions.—Well,” said he aloud, “I must + not inquire into the cause of your journey, and so I cannot be fit to give + you advice how to manage it. But the landlady of the house where the coach + stops is a very decent person; and as I use her house sometimes, I will + give you a recommendation to her.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie thanked him for his kindness with her best courtesy, and said, + “That with his honour’s line, and ane from worthy Mrs. Bickerton, that + keeps the Seven Stars at York, she did not doubt to be well taken out in + Lunnon.” + </p> + <p> + “And now,” said he, “I presume you will be desirous to set out + immediately.” + </p> + <p> + “If I had been in an inn, sir, or any suitable resting-place,” answered + Jeanie, “I wad not have presumed to use the Lord’s day for travelling but + as I am on a journey of mercy, I trust my doing so will not be imputed.” + </p> + <p> + “You may, if you choose, remain with Mrs. Dalton for the evening; but I + desire you will have no farther correspondence with my son, who is not a + proper counsellor for a person of your age, whatever your difficulties may + be.” + </p> + <p> + “Your honour speaks ower truly in that,” said Jeanie; “it was not with my + will that I spoke wi’ him just now, and—not to wish the gentleman + onything but gude—I never wish to see him between the een again.” + </p> + <p> + “If you please,” added the Rector, “as you seem to be a seriously disposed + young woman, you may attend family worship in the hall this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank your honour,” said Jeanie; “but I am doubtful if my attendance + would be to edification.” + </p> + <p> + “How!” said the Rector; “so young, and already unfortunate enough to have + doubts upon the duties of religion!” + </p> + <p> + “God forbid, sir,” replied Jeanie; “it is not for that; but I have been + bred in the faith of the suffering remnant of the Presbyterian doctrine in + Scotland, and I am doubtful if I can lawfully attend upon your fashion of + worship, seeing it has been testified against by many precious souls of + our kirk, and specially by my worthy father.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my good girl,” said the Rector, with a good-humoured smile, “far be + it from me to put any force upon your conscience; and yet you ought to + recollect that the same divine grace dispenses its streams to other + kingdoms as well as to Scotland. As it is as essential to our spiritual, + as water to our earthly wants, its springs, various in character, yet + alike efficacious in virtue, are to be found in abundance throughout the + Christian world.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, but,” said Jeanie, “though the waters may be alike, yet, with your + worship’s leave, the blessing upon them may not be equal. It would have + been in vain for Naaman the Syrian leper to have bathed in Pharpar and + Abana, rivers of Damascus, when it was only the waters of Jordon that were + sanctified for the cure.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the Rector, “we will not enter upon the great debate betwixt + our national churches at present. We must endeavour to satisfy you, that, + at least, amongst our errors, we preserve Christian charity, and a desire + to assist our brethren.” + </p> + <p> + He then ordered Mrs. Dalton into his presence, and consigned Jeanie to her + particular charge, with directions to be kind to her, and with assurances, + that, early in the morning, a trusty guide and a good horse should be + ready to conduct her to Stamford. He then took a serious and dignified, + yet kind leave of her, wishing her full success in the objects of her + journey, which he said he doubted not were laudable, from the soundness of + thinking which she had displayed in conversation. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie was again conducted by the housekeeper to her own apartment. But + the evening was not destined to pass over without farther torment from + young Staunton. A paper was slipped into her hand by the faithful Tummas, + which intimated his young master’s desire, or rather demand, to see her + instantly, and assured her he had provided against interruption. + </p> + <p> + “Tell your young master,” said Jeanie, openly, and regardless of all the + winks and signs by which Tummas strove to make her comprehend that Mrs. + Dalton was not to be admitted into the secret of the correspondence, “that + I promised faithfully to his worthy father that I would not see him + again.” + </p> + <p> + “Tummas,” said Mrs. Dalton, “I think you might be much more creditably + employed, considering the coat you wear, and the house you live in, than + to be carrying messages between your young master and girls that chance to + be in this house.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Mrs. Dalton, as to that, I was hired to carry messages, and not to + ask any questions about them; and it’s not for the like of me to refuse + the young gentleman’s bidding, if he were a little wildish or so. If there + was harm meant, there’s no harm done, you see.” + </p> + <p> + “However,” said Mrs. Dalton, “I gie you fair warning, Tummas Ditton, that + an I catch thee at this work again, his Reverence shall make a clear house + of you.” + </p> + <p> + Thomas retired, abashed and in dismay. The rest of the evening passed away + without anything worthy of notice. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie enjoyed the comforts of a good bed and a sound sleep with grateful + satisfaction, after the perils and hardships of the preceding day; and + such was her fatigue, that she slept soundly until six o’clock, when she + was awakened by Mrs. Dalton, who acquainted her that her guide and horse + were ready, and in attendance. She hastily rose, and, after her morning + devotions, was soon ready to resume her travels. The motherly care of the + housekeeper had provided an early breakfast, and, after she had partaken + of this refreshment, she found herself safe seated on a pillion behind a + stout Lincolnshire peasant, who was, besides, armed with pistols, to + protect her against any violence which might be offered. + </p> + <p> + They trudged along in silence for a mile or two along a country road, + which conducted them, by hedge and gate-way, into the principal highway, a + little beyond Grantham. At length her master of the horse asked her + whether her name was not Jean, or Jane, Deans. She answered in the + affirmative, with some surprise. “Then here’s a bit of a note as concerns + you,” said the man, handing it over his left shoulder. “It’s from young + master, as I judge, and every man about Willingham is fain to pleasure him + either for love or fear; for he’ll come to be landlord at last, let them + say what they like.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie broke the seal of the note, which was addressed to her, and read as + follows:— + </p> + <p> + “You refuse to see me. I suppose you are shocked at my character: but, in + painting myself such as I am, you should give me credit for my sincerity. + I am, at least, no hypocrite. You refuse, however, to see me, and your + conduct may be natural—but is it wise? I have expressed my anxiety + to repair your sister’s misfortunes at the expense of my honour,—my + family’s honour—my own life, and you think me too debased to be + admitted even to sacrifice what I have remaining of honour, fame, and + life, in her cause. Well, if the offerer be despised, the victim is still + equally at hand; and perhaps there may be justice in the decree of Heaven, + that I shall not have the melancholy credit of appearing to make this + sacrifice out of my own free good-will. You, as you have declined my + concurrence, must take the whole upon yourself. Go, then, to the Duke of + Argyle, and, when other arguments fail you, tell him you have it in your + power to bring to condign punishment the most active conspirator in the + Porteous mob. He will hear you on this topic, should he be deaf to every + other. Make your own terms, for they will be at your own making. You know + where I am to be found; and you may be assured I will not give you the + dark side of the hill, as at Muschat’s Cairn; I have no thoughts of + stirring from the house I was born in; like the hare, I shall be worried + in the seat I started from. I repeat it—make your own terms. I need + not remind you to ask your sister’s life, for that you will do of course; + but make terms of advantage for yourself—ask wealth and reward—office + and income for Butler—ask anything—you will get anything—and + all for delivering to the hands of the executioner a man most deserving of + his office;—one who, though young in years, is old in wickedness, + and whose most earnest desire is, after the storms of an unquiet life, to + sleep and be at rest.” + </p> + <p> + This extraordinary letter was subscribed with the initials G. S. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie read it over once or twice with great attention, which the slow + pace of the horse, as he stalked through a deep lane, enabled her to do + with facility. + </p> + <p> + When she had perused this billet, her first employment was to tear it into + as small pieces as possible, and disperse these pieces in the air by a few + at a time, so that a document containing so perilous a secret might not + fall into any other person’s hand. + </p> + <p> + The question how far, in point of extremity, she was entitled to save her + sister’s life by sacrificing that of a person who, though guilty towards + the state, had done her no injury, formed the next earnest and most + painful subject of consideration. In one sense, indeed, it seemed as if + denouncing the guilt of Staunton, the cause of her sister’s errors and + misfortunes, would have been an act of just, and even providential + retribution. But Jeanie, in the strict and severe tone of morality in + which she was educated, had to consider not only the general aspect of a + proposed action, but its justness and fitness in relation to the actor, + before she could be, according to her own phrase, free to enter upon it. + What right had she to make a barter between the lives of Staunton and of + Effie, and to sacrifice the one for the safety of the other? His guilt—that + guilt for which he was amenable to the laws—was a crime against the + public indeed, but it was not against her. + </p> + <p> + Neither did it seem to her that his share in the death of Porteous, though + her mind revolted at the idea of using violence to any one, was in the + relation of a common murder, against the perpetrator of which every one is + called to aid the public magistrate. That violent action was blended with + many circumstances, which, in the eyes of those in Jeanie’s rank of life, + if they did not altogether deprive it of the character of guilt, softened, + at least, its most atrocious features. The anxiety of the government to + obtain conviction of some of the offenders, had but served to increase the + public feeling which connected the action, though violent and irregular, + with the idea of ancient national independence. The rigorous measures + adopted or proposed against the city of Edinburgh, the ancient metropolis + of Scotland—the extremely unpopular and injudicious measure of + compelling the Scottish clergy, contrary to their principles and sense of + duty, to promulgate from the pulpit the reward offered for the discovery + of the perpetrators of this slaughter, had produced on the public mind the + opposite consequences from what were intended; and Jeanie felt conscious, + that whoever should lodge information concerning that event, and for + whatsoever purpose it might be done, it would be considered as an act of + treason against the independence of Scotland. With the fanaticism of the + Scottish Presbyterians, there was always mingled a glow of national + feeling, and Jeanie, trembled at the idea of her name being handed down to + posterity with that of the “fause Monteath,” and one or two others, who, + having deserted and betrayed the cause of their country, are damned to + perpetual remembrance and execration among its peasantry. Yet, to part + with Effie’s life once more, when a word spoken might save it, pressed + severely on the mind of her affectionate sister. + </p> + <p> + “The Lord support and direct me!” said Jeanie, “for it seems to be His + will to try me with difficulties far beyond my ain strength.” + </p> + <p> + While this thought passed through Jeanie’s mind, her guard, tired of + silence, began to show some inclination to be communicative. He seemed a + sensible, steady peasant, but not having more delicacy or prudence than is + common to those in his situation, he, of course, chose the Willingham + family as the subject of his conversation. From this man Jeanie learned + some particulars of which she had hitherto been ignorant, and which we + will briefly recapitulate for the information of the reader. + </p> + <p> + The father of George Staunton had been bred a soldier, and during service + in the West Indies, had married the heiress of a wealthy planter. By this + lady he had an only child, George Staunton, the unhappy young, man who has + been so often mentioned in this narrative. He passed the first part of his + early youth under the charge of a doting mother, and in the society of + negro slaves, whose study it was to gratify his every caprice. His father + was a man of worth and sense; but as he alone retained tolerable health + among the officers of the regiment he belonged to, he was much engaged + with his duty. Besides, Mrs. Staunton was beautiful and wilful, and + enjoyed but delicate health; so that it was difficult for a man of + affection, humanity, and a quiet disposition, to struggle with her on the + point of her over-indulgence to an only child. Indeed, what Mr. Staunton + did do towards counteracting the baneful effects of his wife’s system, + only tended to render it more pernicious; for every restraint imposed on + the boy in his father’s presence, was compensated by treble license during + his absence. So that George Staunton acquired, even in childhood, the + habit of regarding his father as a rigid censor, from whose severity he + was desirous of emancipating himself as soon and absolutely as possible. + </p> + <p> + When he was about ten years old, and when his mind had received all the + seeds of those evil weeds which afterwards grew apace, his mother died, + and his father, half heart-broken, returned to England. To sum up her + imprudence and unjustifiable indulgence, she had contrived to place a + considerable part of her fortune at her son’s exclusive control or + disposal, in consequence of which management, George Staunton had not been + long in England till he learned his independence, and how to abuse it. His + father had endeavoured to rectify the defects of his education by placing + him in a well-regulated seminary. But although he showed some capacity for + learning, his riotous conduct soon became intolerable to his teachers. He + found means (too easily afforded to all youths who have certain + expectations) of procuring such a command of money as enabled him to + anticipate in boyhood the frolics and follies of a more mature age, and, + with these accomplishments, he was returned on his father’s hands as a + profligate boy, whose example might ruin a hundred. + </p> + <p> + The elder Mr. Staunton, whose mind, since his wife’s death, had been + tinged with a melancholy, which certainly his son’s conduct did not tend + to dispel, had taken orders, and was inducted by his brother Sir William + Staunton into the family living of Willingham. The revenue was a matter of + consequence to him, for he derived little advantage from the estate of his + late wife; and his own fortune was that of a younger brother. + </p> + <p> + He took his son to reside with him at the rectory, but he soon found that + his disorders rendered him an intolerable inmate. And as the young men of + his own rank would not endure the purse-proud insolence of the Creole, he + fell into that taste for low society, which is worse than “pressing to + death, whipping, or hanging.” His father sent him abroad, but he only + returned wilder and more desperate than before. It is true, this unhappy + youth was not without his good qualities. He had lively wit, good temper, + reckless generosity, and manners, which, while he was under restraint, + might pass well in society. But all these availed him nothing. He was so + well acquainted with the turf, the gaming-table, the cock-pit, and every + worse rendezvous of folly and dissipation, that his mother’s fortune was + spent before he was twenty-one, and he was soon in debt and in distress. + His early history may be concluded in the words of our British Juvenal, + when describing a similar character:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Headstrong, determined in his own career, + He thought reproof unjust, and truth severe. + The soul’s disease was to its crisis come, + He first abused, and then abjured, his home; + And when he chose a vagabond to be, + He made his shame his glory, “I’ll be free!”* + [Crabbe’s <i>Borough,</i> Letter xii.] +</pre> + <p> + “And yet ‘tis pity on Measter George, too,” continued the honest boor, + “for he has an open hand, and winna let a poor body want an he has it.” + </p> + <p> + The virtue of profuse generosity, by which, indeed, they themselves are + most directly advantaged, is readily admitted by the vulgar as a cloak for + many sins. + </p> + <p> + At Stamford our heroine was deposited in safety by her communicative + guide. She obtained a place in the coach, which, although termed a light + one, and accommodated with no fewer than six horses, only reached London + on the afternoon of the second day. The recommendation of the elder Mr. + Staunton procured Jeanie a civil reception at the inn where the carriage + stopped, and, by the aid of Mrs. Bickerton’s correspondent, she found out + her friend and relative Mrs. Glass, by whom she was kindly received and + hospitably entertained. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0011" id="Alink2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER ELEVENTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My name is Argyle, you may well think it strange, + To live at the court and never to change. + Ballad. +</pre> + <p> + Few names deserve more honourable mention in the history of Scotland, + during this period, than that of John, Duke of Argyle and Greenwich. His + talents as a statesman and a soldier were generally admitted; he was not + without ambition, but “without the illness that attends it”—without + that irregularity of thought and aim, which often excites great men, in + his peculiar situation, (for it was a very peculiar one), to grasp the + means of raising themselves to power, at the risk of throwing a kingdom + into confusion. Pope has distinguished him as + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Argyle, the state’s whole thunder born to wield, + And shake alike the senate and the field. +</pre> + <p> + He was alike free from the ordinary vices of statesmen, falsehood, namely, + and dissimulation; and from those of warriors, inordinate and violent + thirst after self-aggrandisement. + </p> + <p> + Scotland, his native country, stood at this time in a very precarious and + doubtful situation. She was indeed united to England, but the cement had + not had time to acquire consistence. The irritation of ancient wrongs + still subsisted, and betwixt the fretful jealousy of the Scottish, and the + supercilious disdain of the English, quarrels repeatedly occurred, in the + course of which the national league, so important to the safety of both, + was in the utmost danger of being dissolved. Scotland had, besides, the + disadvantage of being divided into intestine factions, which hated each + other bitterly, and waited but a signal to break forth into action. + </p> + <p> + In such circumstances, another man, with the talents and rank of Argyle, + but without a mind so happily regulated, would have sought to rise from + the earth in the whirlwind, and direct its fury. He chose a course more + safe and more honourable. Soaring above the petty distinctions of faction, + his voice was raised, whether in office or opposition, for those measures + which were at once just and lenient. His high military talents enabled + him, during the memorable year 1715, to render such services to the House + of Hanover, as, perhaps, were too great to be either acknowledged or + repaid. He had employed, too, his utmost influence in softening the + consequences of that insurrection to the unfortunate gentlemen whom a + mistaken sense of loyalty had engaged in the affair, and was rewarded by + the esteem and affection of his country in an uncommon degree. This + popularity, with a discontented and warlike people, was supposed to be a + subject of jealousy at court, where the power to become dangerous is + sometimes of itself obnoxious, though the inclination is not united with + it. Besides, the Duke of Argyle’s independent and somewhat haughty mode of + expressing himself in Parliament, and acting in public, were ill + calculated to attract royal favour. He was, therefore, always respected, + and often employed; but he was not a favourite of George the Second, his + consort, or his ministers. At several different periods in his life, the + Duke might be considered as in absolute disgrace at court, although he + could hardly be said to be a declared member of opposition. This rendered + him the dearer to Scotland, because it was usually in her cause that he + incurred the displeasure of his sovereign; and upon this very occasion of + the Porteous mob, the animated and eloquent opposition which he had + offered to the severe measures which were about to be adopted towards the + city of Edinburgh, was the more gratefully received in that metropolis, as + it was understood that the Duke’s interposition had given personal offence + to Queen Caroline. + </p> + <p> + His conduct upon this occasion, as, indeed, that of all the Scottish + members of the legislature, with one or two unworthy exceptions, had been + in the highest degree spirited. The popular tradition, concerning his + reply to Queen Caroline, has been given already, and some fragments of his + speech against the Porteous Bill are still remembered. He retorted upon + the Chancellor, Lord Hardwicke, the insinuation that he had stated himself + in this case rather as a party than as a judge:—“I appeal,” said + Argyle, “to the House—to the nation, if I can be justly branded with + the infamy of being a jobber or a partisan. Have I been a briber of votes?—a + buyer of boroughs?—the agent of corruption for any purpose, or on + behalf of any party?—Consider my life; examine my actions in the + field and in the cabinet, and see where there lies a blot that can attach + to my honour. I have shown myself the friend of my country—the loyal + subject of my king. I am ready to do so again, without an instant’s regard + to the frowns or smiles of a court. I have experienced both, and am + prepared with indifference for either. I have given my reasons for + opposing this bill, and have made it appear that it is repugnant to the + international treaty of union, to the liberty of Scotland, and, + reflectively, to that of England, to common justice, to common sense, and + to the public interest. Shall the metropolis of Scotland, the capital of + an independent nation, the residence of a long line of monarchs, by whom + that noble city was graced and dignified—shall such a city, for the + fault of an obscure and unknown body of rioters, be deprived of its + honours and its privileges—its gates and its guards?—and shall + a native Scotsman tamely behold the havoc? I glory, my Lords, in opposing + such unjust rigour, and reckon it my dearest pride and honour to stand up + in defence of my native country while thus laid open to undeserved shame, + and unjust spoliation.” + </p> + <p> + Other statesmen and orators, both Scottish and English, used the same + arguments, the bill was gradually stripped of its most oppressive and + obnoxious clauses, and at length ended in a fine upon the city of + Edinburgh in favour of Porteous’s widow. So that, as somebody observed at + the time, the whole of these fierce debates ended in making the fortune of + an old cook-maid, such having been the good woman’s original capacity. + </p> + <p> + The court, however, did not forget the baffle they had received in this + affair, and the Duke of Argyle, who had contributed so much to it, was + thereafter considered as a person in disgrace. It is necessary to place + these circumstances under the reader’s observation, both because they are + connected with the preceding and subsequent part of our narrative. + </p> + <p> + The Duke was alone in his study, when one of his gentlemen acquainted him, + that a country-girl, from Scotland, was desirous of speaking with his + Grace. + </p> + <p> + “A country-girl, and from Scotland!” said the Duke; “what can have brought + the silly fool to London?—Some lover pressed and sent to sea, or + some stock sank in the South-Sea funds, or some such hopeful concern, I + suppose, and then nobody to manage the matter but MacCallummore,—Well, + this same popularity has its inconveniences.—However, show our + countrywoman up, Archibald—it is ill manners to keep her in + attendance.” + </p> + <p> + A young woman of rather low stature, and whose countenance might be termed + very modest and pleasing in expression, though sun-burnt, somewhat + freckled, and not possessing regular features, was ushered into the + splendid library. She wore the tartan plaid of her country, adjusted so as + partly to cover her head, and partly to fall back over her shoulders. A + quantity of fair hair, disposed with great simplicity and neatness, + appeared in front of her round and good-humoured face, to which the + solemnity of her errand, and her sense of the Duke’s rank and importance, + gave an appearance of deep awe, but not of slavish fear, or fluttered + bashfulness. The rest of Jeanie’s dress was in the style of Scottish + maidens of her own class; but arranged with that scrupulous attention to + neatness and cleanliness, which we often find united with that purity of + mind, of which it is a natural emblem. + </p> + <p> + She stopped near the entrance of the room, made her deepest reverence, and + crossed her hands upon her bosom, without uttering a syllable. The Duke of + Argyle advanced towards her; and, if she admired his graceful deportment + and rich dress, decorated with the orders which had been deservedly + bestowed on him, his courteous manner, and quick and intelligent cast of + countenance, he on his part was not less, or less deservedly, struck with + the quiet simplicity and modesty expressed in the dress, manners, and + countenance of his humble countrywoman. + </p> + <p> + “Did you wish to speak with me, my bonny lass?” said the Duke, using the + encouraging epithet which at once acknowledged the connection betwixt them + as country-folk; “or did you wish to see the Duchess?” + </p> + <p> + “My business is with your honour, my Lord—I mean your Lordship’s + Grace.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is it, my good girl?” said the Duke, in the same mild and + encouraging tone of voice. Jeanie looked at the attendant. “Leave us, + Archibald,” said the Duke, “and wait in the anteroom.” The domestic + retired. “And now sit down, my good lass,” said the Duke; “take your + breath—take your time, and tell me what you have got to say. I guess + by your dress, you are just come up from poor Scotland—Did you come + through the streets in your tartan plaid?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” said Jeanie; “a friend brought me in ane o’ their street + coaches—a very decent woman,” she added, her courage increasing as + she became familiar with the sound of her own voice in such a presence; + “your Lordship’s Grace kens her—it’s Mrs. Glass, at the sign o’ the + Thistle.” + </p> + <p> + “O, my worthy snuff-merchant—I have always a chat with Mrs. Glass + when I purchase my Scots high-dried. Well, but your business, my bonny + woman—time and tide, you know, wait for no one.” + </p> + <p> + “Your honour—I beg your Lordship’s pardon—I mean your Grace,”—for + it must be noticed, that this matter of addressing the Duke by his + appropriate title had been anxiously inculcated upon Jeanie by her friend + Mrs. Glass, in whose eyes it was a matter of such importance, that her + last words, as Jeanie left the coach, were, “Mind to say your Grace;” and + Jeanie, who had scarce ever in her life spoke to a person of higher + quality than the Laird of Dumbiedikes, found great difficulty in arranging + her language according to the rules of ceremony. + </p> + <p> + The Duke, who saw her embarrassment, said, with his usual affability, + “Never mind my grace, lassie; just speak out a plain tale, and show you + have a Scots tongue in your head.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I am muckle obliged—Sir, I am the sister of that poor + unfortunate criminal, Effie Deans, who is ordered for execution at + Edinburgh.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said the Duke, “I have heard of that unhappy story, I think—a + case of child-murder, under a special act of parliament—Duncan + Forbes mentioned it at dinner the other day.” + </p> + <p> + “And I was come up frae the north, sir, to see what could be done for her + in the way of getting a reprieve or pardon, sir, or the like of that.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! my poor girl,” said the Duke; “you have made a long and a sad + journey to very little purpose—Your sister is ordered for + execution.” + </p> + <p> + “But I am given to understand that there is law for reprieving her, if it + is in the king’s pleasure,” said Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, there is,” said the Duke; “but that is purely in the king’s + breast. The crime has been but too common—the Scots crown-lawyers + think it is right there should be an example. Then the late disorders in + Edinburgh have excited a prejudice in government against the nation at + large, which they think can only be managed by measures of intimidation + and severity. What argument have you, my poor girl, except the warmth of + your sisterly affection, to offer against all this?—What is your + interest?—What friends have you at court?” + </p> + <p> + “None, excepting God and your Grace,” said Jeanie, still keeping her + ground resolutely, however. + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” said the Duke, “I could almost say with old Ormond, that there + could not be any, whose influence was smaller with kings and ministers. It + is a cruel part of our situation, young woman—I mean of the + situation of men in my circumstances, that the public ascribe to them + influence which they do not possess; and that individuals are led to + expect from them assistance which we have no means of rendering. But + candour and plain dealing is in the power of every one, and I must not let + you imagine you have resources in my influence, which do not exist, to + make your distress the heavier—I have no means of averting your + sister’s fate—She must die.” + </p> + <p> + “We must a’ die, sir,” said Jeanie; “it is our common doom for our + father’s transgression; but we shouldna hasten ilk other out o’ the world, + that’s what your honour kens better than me.” + </p> + <p> + “My good young woman,” said the Duke, mildly, “we are all apt to blame the + law under which we immediately suffer; but you seem to have been well + educated in your line of life, and you must know that it is alike the law + of God and man, that the murderer shall surely die.” + </p> + <p> + “But, sir, Effie—that is, my poor sister, sir—canna be proved + to be a murderer; and if she be not, and the law take her life + notwithstanding, wha is it that is the murderer then?” + </p> + <p> + “I am no lawyer,” said the Duke; “and I own I think the statute a very + severe one.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a law-maker, sir, with your leave; and, therefore, ye have power + over the law,” answered Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “Not in my individual capacity,” said the Duke; “though, as one of a large + body, I have a voice in the legislation. But that cannot serve you—nor + have I at present, I care not who knows it, so much personal influence + with the sovereign, as would entitle me to ask from him the most + insignificant favour. What could tempt you, young woman, to address + yourself to me?” + </p> + <p> + “It was yourself, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Myself?” he replied—“I am sure you have never seen me before.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; but a’ the world kens that the Duke of Argyle is his country’s + friend; and that ye fight for the right, and speak for the right, and that + there’s nane like you in our present Israel, and so they that think + themselves wranged draw to refuge under your shadow; and if ye wunna stir + to save the blood of an innocent countrywoman of your ain, what should we + expect frae southerns and strangers? And maybe I had another reason for + troubling your honour.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is that?” asked the Duke. + </p> + <p> + “I hae understood from my father, that your honour’s house, and especially + your gudesire and his father, laid down their lives on the scaffold in the + persecuting time. And my father was honoured to gie his testimony baith in + the cage and in the pillory, as is specially mentioned in the books of + Peter Walker the packman, that your honour, I dare say, kens, for he uses + maist partly the westland of Scotland. And, sir, there’s ane that takes + concern in me, that wished me to gang to your Grace’s presence, for his + gudesire had done your gracious gudesire some good turn, as ye will see + frae these papers.” + </p> + <p> + With these words, she delivered to the Duke the little parcel which she + had received from Butler. He opened it, and, in the envelope, read with + some surprise, “‘Musterroll of the men serving in the troop of that godly + gentleman, Captain Salathiel Bangtext.—Obadiah Muggleton, + Sin-Despise Double-knock, Stand-fast-in-faith Gipps, Turn-to-the-right + Thwack-away’— What the deuce is this? A list of Praise-God + Barebone’s Parliament I think, or of old Noll’s evangelical army—that + last fellow should understand his wheelings, to judge by his name.—But + what does all this mean, my girl?” + </p> + <p> + “It was the other paper, sir,” said Jeanie, somewhat abashed at the + mistake. + </p> + <p> + “O, this is my unfortunate grandfather’s hand sure enough—‘To all + who may have friendship for the house of Argyle, these are to certify, + that Benjamin Butler, of Monk’s regiment of dragoons, having been, under + God, the means of saving my life from four English troopers who were + about, to slay me, I, having no other present means of recompense in my + power, do give him this acknowledgment, hoping that it may be useful to + him or his during these troublesome times; and do conjure my friends, + tenants, kinsmen, and whoever will do aught for me, either in the + Highlands or Lowlands, to protect and assist the said Benjamin Butler, and + his friends or family, on their lawful occasions, giving them such + countenance, maintenance, and supply, as may correspond with the benefit + he hath bestowed on me; witness my hand—Lorne.’ + </p> + <p> + “This is a strong injunction—This Benjamin Butler was your + grandfather, I suppose?—You seem too young to have been his + daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “He was nae akin to me, sir—he was grandfather to ane—to a + neighbour’s son—to a sincere weel-wisher of mine, sir,” dropping her + little courtesy as she spoke. + </p> + <p> + “O, I understand,” said the Duke—“a true-love affair. He was the + grandsire of one you are engaged to?” + </p> + <p> + “One I <i>was</i> engaged to, sir,” said Jeanie, sighing; “but this + unhappy business of my poor sister—” + </p> + <p> + “What!” said the Duke, hastily—“he has not deserted you on that + account, has he?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; he wad be the last to leave a friend in difficulties,” said + Jeanie; “but I maun think for him as weel as for mysell. He is a + clergyman, sir, and it would not beseem him to marry the like of me, wi’ + this disgrace on my kindred.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a singular young woman,” said the Duke. “You seem to me to think + of every one before yourself. And have you really come up from Edinburgh + on foot, to attempt this hopeless solicitation for your sister’s life?” + </p> + <p> + “It was not a’thegither on foot, sir,” answered Jeanie; “for I sometimes + got a cast in a waggon, and I had a horse from Ferrybridge, and then the + coach” + </p> + <p> + “Well, never mind all that,” interrupted the Duke—“What reason have + you for thinking your sister innocent?” + </p> + <p> + “Because she has not been proved guilty, as will appear from looking at + these papers.” + </p> + <p> + She put into his hand a note of the evidence, and copies of her sister’s + declaration. These papers Butler had procured after her departure, and + Saddletree had them forwarded to London, to Mrs. Glass’s care, so that + Jeanie found the documents, so necessary for supporting her suit, lying in + readiness at her arrival. + </p> + <p> + “Sit down in that chair, my good girl,” said the Duke,—“until I + glance over the papers.” + </p> + <p> + She obeyed, and watched with the utmost anxiety each change in his + countenance as he cast his eye through the papers briefly, yet with + attention, and making memoranda as he went along. After reading them + hastily over, he looked up, and seemed about to speak, yet changed his + purpose, as if afraid of committing himself by giving too hasty an + opinion, and read over again several passages which he had marked as being + most important. All this he did in shorter time than can be supposed by + men of ordinary talents; for his mind was of that acute and penetrating + character which discovers, with the glance of intuition, what facts bear + on the particular point that chances to be subjected to consideration. At + length he rose, after a few minutes’ deep reflection.— “Young + woman,” said he, “your sister’s case must certainly be termed a hard one.” + </p> + <p> + “God bless you, sir, for that very word!” said Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “It seems contrary to the genius of British law,” continued the Duke, “to + take that for granted which is not proved, or to punish with death for a + crime, which, for aught the prosecutor has been able to show, may not have + been committed at all.” + </p> + <p> + “God bless you, sir!” again said Jeanie, who had risen from her seat, and, + with clasped hands, eyes glittering through tears, and features which + trembled with anxiety, drank in every word which the Duke uttered. + </p> + <p> + “But, alas! my poor girl,” he continued, “what good will my opinion do + you, unless I could impress it upon those in whose hands your sister’s + life is placed by the law? Besides, I am no lawyer; and I must speak with + some of our Scottish gentlemen of the gown about the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “O, but, sir, what seems reasonable to your honour, will certainly be the + same to them,” answered Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know that,” replied the Duke; “ilka man buckles his belt his ain + gate—you know our old Scots proverb?—But you shall not have + placed this reliance on me altogether in vain. Leave these papers with me, + and you shall hear from me to-morrow or next day. Take care to be at home + at Mrs. Glass’s, and ready to come to me at a moment’s warning. It will be + unnecessary for you to give Mrs. Glass the trouble to attend you;—and + by the by, you will please to be dressed just as you are at present.” + </p> + <p> + “I wad hae putten on a cap, sir,” said Jeanie, “but your honour kens it + isna the fashion of my country for single women; and I judged that, being + sae mony hundred miles frae hame, your Grace’s heart wad warm to the + tartan,” looking at the corner of her plaid. + </p> + <p> + “You judged quite right,” said the Duke. “I know the full value of the + snood; and MacCallummore’s heart will be as cold as death can make it, + when it does <i>not</i> warm to the tartan. Now, go away, and don’t be out + of the way when I send.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie replied,—“There is little fear of that, sir, for I have + little heart to go to see sights amang this wilderness of black houses. + But if I might say to your gracious honour, that if ye ever condescend to + speak to ony ane that is of greater degree than yoursell, though maybe it + isna civil in me to say sae, just if you would think there can be nae sic + odds between you and them, as between poor Jeanie Deans from St. Leonard’s + and the Duke of Argyle; and so dinna be chappit back or cast down wi’ the + first rough answer.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not apt,” said the Duke, laughing, “to mind rough answers much—Do + not you hope too much from what I have promised. I will do my best, but + God has the hearts of Kings in his own hand.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie courtesied reverently and withdrew, attended by the Duke’s + gentleman, to her hackney-coach, with a respect which her appearance did + not demand, but which was perhaps paid to the length of the interview with + which his master had honoured her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0012" id="Alink2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWELFTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Ascend + While radiant summer opens all its pride, + Thy hill, delightful Shene! Here let us sweep + The boundless landscape. + Thomson. +</pre> + <p> + From her kind and officious, but somewhat gossiping friend, Mrs. Glass, + Jeanie underwent a very close catechism on their road to the Strand, where + the Thistle of the good lady flourished in full glory, and, with its + legend of <i>Nemo me impune,</i> distinguished a shop then well known to + all Scottish folk of high and low degree. + </p> + <p> + “And were you sure aye to <i>say your</i> Grace to him?” said the good old + lady; “for ane should make a distinction between MacCallummore and the + bits o’ southern bodies that they ca’ lords here—there are as mony + o’ them, Jeanie, as would gar ane think they maun cost but little fash in + the making—some of them I wadna trust wi’ six pennies-worth of + black-rappee—some of them I wadna gie mysell the trouble to put up a + hapnyworth in brown paper for—But I hope you showed your breeding to + the Duke of Argyle, for what sort of folk would he think your friends in + London, if you had been lording him, and him a Duke?” + </p> + <p> + “He didna seem muckle to mind,” said Jeanie; “he kend that I was landward + bred.” + </p> + <p> + “Weel, weel,” answered the good lady. “His Grace kens me weel; so I am the + less anxious about it. I never fill his snug-box but he says, ‘How d’ye + do, good Mrs. Glass?—How are all our friends in the North?’ or it + may be—‘Have ye heard from the North lately?’ And you may be sure, I + make my best courtesy, and answer, ‘My Lord Duke, I hope your Grace’s + noble Duchess, and your Grace’s young ladies, are well; and I hope the + snuff continues to give your Grace satisfaction.’ And then ye will see the + people in the shop begin to look about them; and if there’s a Scotsman, as + there may be three or half-a-dozen, aff go the hats, and mony a look after + him, and ‘There goes the Prince of Scotland, God bless him!’ But ye have + not told me yet the very words he said t’ye.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie had no intention to be quite so communicative. She had, as the + reader may have observed, some of the caution and shrewdness, as well as + of the simplicity of her country. She answered generally, that the Duke + had received her very compassionately, and had promised to interest + himself in her sister’s affair, and to let her hear from him in the course + of the next day, or the day after. She did not choose to make any mention + of his having desired her to be in readiness to attend him, far less of + his hint, that she should not bring her landlady. So that honest Mrs. + Glass was obliged to remain satisfied with the general intelligence above + mentioned, after having done all she could to extract more. + </p> + <p> + It may easily be conceived, that, on the next day, Jeanie declined all + invitations and inducements, whether of exercise or curiosity, to walk + abroad, and continued to inhale the close, and somewhat professional + atmosphere of Mrs. Glass’s small parlour. The latter flavour it owed to a + certain cupboard, containing, among other articles, a few canisters of + real Havannah, which, whether from respect to the manufacture, or out of a + reverend fear of the exciseman, Mrs. Glass did not care to trust in the + open shop below, and which communicated to the room a scent, that, however + fragrant to the nostrils of the connoisseur, was not very agreeable to + those of Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “Dear sirs,” she said to herself, “I wonder how my cousin’s silk manty, + and her gowd watch, or ony thing in the world, can be worth sitting + sneezing all her life in this little stilling room, and might walk on + green braes if she liked.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Glass was equally surprised at her cousin’s reluctance to stir + abroad, and her indifference to the fine sights of London. “It would + always help to pass away the time,” she said, “to have something to look + at, though ane was in distress.” But Jeanie was unpersuadable. + </p> + <p> + The day after her interview with the Duke was spent in that “hope delayed, + which maketh the heart sick.” Minutes glided after minutes—hours + fled after hours—it became too late to have any reasonable + expectation of hearing from the Duke that day; yet the hope which she + disowned, she could not altogether relinquish, and her heart throbbed, and + her ears tingled, with every casual sound in the shop below. It was in + vain. The day wore away in the anxiety of protracted and fruitless + expectation. + </p> + <p> + The next morning commenced in the same manner. But before noon, a + well-dressed gentleman entered Mrs. Glass’s shop, and requested to see a + young woman from Scotland. + </p> + <p> + “That will be my cousin Jeanie Deans, Mr. Archibald,” said Mrs. Glass, + with a courtesy of recognisance. “Have you any message for her from his + Grace the Duke of Argyle, Mr. Archibald? I will carry it to her in a + moment.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe I must give her the trouble of stepping down, Mrs. Glass.” + </p> + <p> + “Jeanie—Jeanie Deans!” said Mrs. Glass, screaming at the bottom of + the little staircase, which ascended from the corner of the shop to the + higher regions. “Jeanie—Jeanie Deans, I say! come down stairs + instantly; here is the Duke of Argyle’s groom of the chambers desires to + see you directly.” This was announced in a voice so loud, as to make all + who chanced to be within hearing aware of the important communication. + </p> + <p> + It may easily be supposed, that Jeanie did not tarry long in adjusting + herself to attend the summons, yet her feet almost failed her as she came + down stairs. + </p> + <p> + “I must ask the favour of your company a little way,” said Archibald, with + civility. + </p> + <p> + “I am quite ready, sir,” said Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “Is my cousin going out, Mr. Archibald? then I will hae to go wi’ her, no + doubt.—James Rasper—Look to the shop, James.—Mr. + Archibald,” pushing a jar towards him, “you take his Grace’s mixture, I + think. Please to fill your box, for old acquaintance’ sake, while I get on + my things.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Archibald transferred a modest parcel of snuff from the jar to his own + mull, but said he was obliged to decline the pleasure of Mrs. Glass’s + company, as his message was particularly to the young person. + </p> + <p> + “Particularly to the young person?” said Mrs. Glass; “is not that + uncommon, Mr. Archibald? But his Grace is the best judge; and you are a + steady person, Mr. Archibald. It is not every one that comes from a great + man’s house I would trust my cousin with.—But, Jeanie, you must not + go through the streets with Mr. Archibald with your tartan + what-d’ye-call-it there upon your shoulders, as if you had come up with a + drove of Highland cattle. Wait till I bring down my silk cloak. Why, we’ll + have the mob after you!” + </p> + <p> + “I have a hackney-coach in waiting, madam,” said Mr. Archibald, + interrupting the officious old lady, from whom Jeanie might otherwise have + found it difficult to escape; “and, I believe, I must not allow her time + for any change of dress.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he hurried Jeanie into the coach, while she internally praised + and wondered at the easy manner in which he shifted off Mrs. Glass’s + officious offers and inquiries, without mentioning his master’s orders, or + entering into any explanation, + </p> + <p> + On entering the coach, Mr. Archibald seated himself in the front seat + opposite to our heroine, and they drove on in silence. After they had + driven nearly half-an-hour, without a word on either side, it occurred to + Jeanie, that the distance and time did not correspond with that which had + been occupied by her journey on the former occasion, to and from the + residence of the Duke of Argyle. At length she could not help asking her + taciturn companion, “Whilk way they were going?” + </p> + <p> + “My Lord Duke will inform you himself, madam,” answered Archibald, with + the same solemn courtesy which marked his whole demeanour. Almost as he + spoke, the hackney-coach drew up, and the coachman dismounted and opened + the door. Archibald got out, and assisted Jeanie to get down. She found + herself in a large turnpike road, without the bounds of London, upon the + other side of which road was drawn up a plain chariot and four horses, the + panels without arms, and the servants without liveries. + </p> + <p> + “You have been punctual, I see, Jeanie,” said the Duke of Argyle, as + Archibald opened the carriage-door. “You must be my companion for the rest + of the way. Archibald will remain here with the hackney-coach till your + return.” + </p> + <p> + Ere Jeanie could make answer, she found herself, to her no small + astonishment, seated by the side of a duke, in a carriage which rolled + forward at a rapid yet smooth rate, very different in both particulars + from the lumbering, jolting vehicle which she had just left; and which, + lumbering and jolting as it was, conveyed to one who had seldom been in a + coach before a certain feeling of dignity and importance. + </p> + <p> + “Young woman,” said the Duke, “after thinking as attentively on your + sister’s case as is in my power, I continue to be impressed with the + belief that great injustice may be done by the execution of her sentence. + So are one or two liberal and intelligent lawyers of both countries whom I + have spoken with.—Nay, pray hear me out before you thank me.—I + have already told you my personal conviction is of little consequence, + unless I could impress the same upon others. Now I have done for you what + I would certainly not have done to serve any purpose of my own—I + have asked an audience of a lady whose interest with the king is + deservedly very high. It has been allowed me, and I am desirous that you + should see her and speak for yourself. You have no occasion to be abashed; + tell your story simply, as you did to me.” + </p> + <p> + “I am much obliged to your Grace,” said Jeanie, remembering Mrs. Glass’s + charge, “and I am sure, since I have had the courage to speak to your + Grace in poor Effie’s cause, I have less reason to be shame-faced in + speaking to a leddy. But, sir, I would like to ken what to ca’ her, + whether your grace or your honour, or your leddyship, as we say to lairds + and leddies in Scotland, and I will take care to mind it; for I ken + leddies are full mair particular than gentlemen about their titles of + honour.” + </p> + <p> + “You have no occasion to call her anything but Madam. Just say what you + think is likely to make the best impression—look at me from time to + time—and if I put my hand to my cravat so—(showing her the + motion)—you will stop; but I shall only do this when you say + anything that is not likely to please.” + </p> + <p> + “But, sir, your Grace,” said Jeanie, “if it wasna ower muckle trouble, wad + it no be better to tell me what I should say, and I could get it by + heart?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Jeanie, that would not have the same effect—that would be like + reading a sermon, you know, which we good Presbyterians think has less + unction than when spoken without book,” replied the Duke. “Just speak as + plainly and boldly to this lady, as you did to me the day before + yesterday, and if you can gain her consent, I’ll wad ye a plack, as we say + in the north, that you get the pardon from the king.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, he took a pamphlet from his pocket, and began to read. Jeanie + had good sense and tact, which constitute betwixt them that which is + called natural good breeding. She interpreted the Duke’s manoeuvre as a + hint that she was to ask no more questions, and she remained silent + accordingly. + </p> + <p> + The carriage rolled rapidly onwards through fertile meadows, ornamented + with splendid old oaks, and catching occasionally a glance of the majestic + mirror of a broad and placid river. After passing through a pleasant + village, the equipage stopped on a commanding eminence, where the beauty + of English landscape was displayed in its utmost luxuriance. Here the Duke + alighted, and desired Jeanie to follow him. They paused for a moment on + the brow of a hill, to gaze on the unrivalled landscape which it + presented. A huge sea of verdure, with crossing and intersecting + promontories of massive and tufted groves, was tenanted by numberless + flocks and herds, which seemed to wander unrestrained and unbounded + through the rich pastures. The Thames, here turreted with villas, and + there garlanded with forests, moved on slowly and placidly, like the + mighty monarch of the scene, to whom all its other beauties were but + accessories, and bore on its bosom an hundred barks and skiffs, whose + white sails and gaily fluttering pennons gave life to the whole. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of Argyle was, of course, familiar with this scene; but to a man + of taste it must be always new. Yet, as he paused and looked on this + inimitable landscape, with the feeling of delight which it must give to + the bosom of every admirer of nature, his thoughts naturally reverted to + his own more grand, and scarce less beautiful, domains of Inverary.— + “This is a fine scene,” he said to his companion, curious, perhaps, to + draw out her sentiments; “we have nothing like it in Scotland.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s braw rich feeding for the cows, and they have a fine breed o’ cattle + here,” replied Jeanie; “but I like just as weel to look at the craigs of + Arthur’s Seat, and the sea coming in ayont them as at a’ thae muckle + trees.” + </p> + <p> + The Duke smiled at a reply equally professional and national, and made a + signal for the carriage to remain where it was. Then adopting an + unfrequented footpath, he conducted Jeanie through several complicated + mazes to a postern-door in a high brick wall. + </p> + <p> + It was shut; but as the Duke tapped slightly at it, a person in waiting + within, after reconnoitring through a small iron grate, contrived for the + purpose, unlocked the door and admitted them. They entered, and it was + immediately closed and fastened behind them. This was all done quickly, + the door so instantly closing, and the person who opened it so suddenly + disappearing, that Jeanie could not even catch a glimpse of his exterior. + </p> + <p> + They found themselves at the extremity of a deep and narrow alley, + carpeted with the most verdant and close-shaven turf, which felt like + velvet under their feet, and screened from the sun by the branches of the + lofty elms which united over the path, and caused it to resemble, in the + solemn obscurity of the light which they admitted, as well as from the + range of columnar stems, and intricate union of their arched branches, one + of the narrow side aisles in an ancient Gothic cathedral. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0013" id="Alink2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER THIRTEETH + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I beseech you— + These tears beseech you, and these chaste hands woo you + That never yet were heaved but to things holy— + Things like yourself—You are a God above us; + Be as a God, then, full of saving mercy! + The Bloody Brother. +</pre> + <p> + Encouraged as she was by the courteous manners of her noble countryman, it + was not without a feeling of something like terror that Jeanie felt + herself in a place apparently so lonely with a man of such high rank. That + she should have been permitted to wait on the Duke in his own house, and + have been there received to a private interview, was in itself an uncommon + and distinguished event in the annals of a life so simple as hers; but to + find herself his travelling companion in a journey, and then suddenly to + be left alone with him in so secluded a situation, had something in it of + awful mystery. A romantic heroine might have suspected and dreaded the + power of her own charms; but Jeanie was too wise to let such a silly + thought intrude on her mind. Still, however, she had a most eager desire + to know where she now was, and to whom she was to be presented. + </p> + <p> + She remarked that the Duke’s dress, though still such as indicated rank + and fashion (for it was not the custom of men of quality at that time to + dress themselves like their own coachmen or grooms), was nevertheless + plainer than that in which she had seen him upon a former occasion, and + was divested, in particular, of all those badges of external decoration + which intimated superior consequence. In short, he was attired as plainly + as any gentleman of fashion could appear in the streets of London in a + morning; and this circumstance helped to shake an opinion which Jeanie + began to entertain, that, perhaps, he intended she should plead her cause + in the presence of royalty itself. “But surely,” said she to, herself, “he + wad hae putten on his braw star and garter, an he had thought o’ coming + before the face of majesty—and after a’, this is mair like a + gentleman’s policy than a royal palace.” + </p> + <p> + There was some sense in Jeanie’s reasoning; yet she was not sufficiently + mistress either of the circumstances of etiquette, or the particular + relations which existed betwixt the government and the Duke of Argyle, to + form an accurate judgment. The Duke, as we have said, was at this time in + open opposition to the administration of Sir Robert Walpole, and was + understood to be out of favour with the royal family, to whom he had + rendered such important services. But it was a maxim of Queen Caroline to + bear herself towards her political friends with such caution, as if there + was a possibility of their one day being her enemies, and towards + political opponents with the same degree of circumspection, as if they + might again become friendly to her measures, Since Margaret of Anjou, no + queen-consort had exercised such weight in the political affairs of + England, and the personal address which she displayed on many occasions, + had no small share in reclaiming from their political heresy many of those + determined Tories, who, after the reign of the Stuarts had been + extinguished in the person of Queen Anne, were disposed rather to transfer + their allegiance to her brother the Chevalier de St. George, than to + acquiesce in the settlement of the crown on the Hanover family. Her + husband, whose most shining quality was courage in the field of battle, + and who endured the office of King of England, without ever being able to + acquire English habits, or any familiarity with English dispositions, + found the utmost assistance from the address of his partner, and while he + jealously affected to do everything according to his own will and + pleasure, was in secret prudent enough to take and follow the advice of + his more adroit consort. He intrusted to her the delicate office of + determining the various degrees of favour necessary to attach the + wavering, or to confirm such as were already friendly, or to regain those + whose good-will had been lost. + </p> + <p> + With all the winning address of an elegant, and, according to the times, + an accomplished woman, Queen Caroline possessed the masculine soul of the + other sex. She was proud by nature, and even her policy could not always + temper her expressions of displeasure, although few were more ready at + repairing any false step of this kind, when her prudence came up to the + aid of her passions. She loved the real possession of power rather than + the show of it, and whatever she did herself that was either wise or + popular, she always desired that the King should have the full credit as + well as the advantage of the measure, conscious that, by adding to his + respectability, she was most likely to maintain her own. And so desirous + was she to comply with all his tastes, that, when threatened with the + gout, she had repeatedly had recourse to checking the fit, by the use of + the cold bath, thereby endangering her life, that she might be able to + attend the king in his walks. + </p> + <p> + It was a very consistent part of Queen Caroline’s character, to keep up + many private correspondences with those to whom in public she seemed + unfavourable, or who, for various reasons, stood ill with the court. By + this means she kept in her hands the thread of many a political intrigue, + and, without pledging herself to anything, could often prevent discontent + from becoming hatred, and opposition from exaggerating itself into + rebellion. If by any accident her correspondence with such persons chanced + to be observed or discovered, which she took all possible pains to + prevent, it was represented as a mere intercourse of society, having no + reference to politics; an answer with which even the prime minister, Sir + Robert Walpole, was compelled to remain satisfied, when he discovered that + the Queen had given a private audience to Pulteney, afterwards Earl of + Bath, his most formidable and most inveterate enemy. + </p> + <p> + In thus maintaining occasional intercourse with several persons who seemed + most alienated from the crown, it may readily be supposed that Queen + Caroline had taken care not to break entirely with the Duke of Argyle. His + high birth, his great talents, the estimation in which he was held in his + own country, the great services which he had rendered the house of + Brunswick in 1715, placed him high in that rank of persons who were not to + be rashly neglected. He had, almost by his single and unassisted talents, + stopped the irruption of the banded force of all the Highland chiefs; + there was little doubt, that, with the slightest encouragement, he could + put them all in motion, and renew the civil war; and it was well known + that the most flattering overtures had been transmitted to the Duke from + the court of St. Germains. The character and temper of Scotland was still + little known, and it was considered as a volcano, which might, indeed, + slumber for a series of years, but was still liable, at a moment the least + expected, to break out into a wasteful irruption. It was, therefore, of + the highest importance to retain come hold over so important a personage + as the Duke of Argyle, and Caroline preserved the power of doing so by + means of a lady, with whom, as wife of George II., she might have been + supposed to be on less intimate terms. + </p> + <p> + It was not the least instance of the Queen’s address, that she had + contrived that one of her principal attendants, Lady Suffolk, should unite + in her own person the two apparently inconsistent characters, of her + husband’s mistress, and her own very obsequious and complaisant confidant. + By this dexterous management the Queen secured her power against the + danger which might most have threatened it—the thwarting influence + of an ambitious rival; and if she submitted to the mortification of being + obliged to connive at her husband’s infidelity, she was at least guarded + against what she might think its most dangerous effects, and was besides + at liberty, now and then, to bestow a few civil insults upon “her good + Howard,” whom, however, in general, she treated with great decorum.* + </p> + <p> + * See Horace Walpole’s Reminiscences. + </p> + <p> + Lady Suffolk lay under strong obligations to the Duke of Argyle, for + reasons which may be collected from Horace Walpole’s Reminiscences of that + reign, and through her means the Duke had some occasional correspondence + with Queen Caroline, much interrupted, however, since the part he had + taken in the debate concerning the Porteous mob, an affair which the + Queen, though somewhat unreasonably, was disposed to resent, rather as an + intended and premeditated insolence to her own person and authority, than + as a sudden ebullition of popular vengeance. Still, however, the + communication remained open betwixt them, though it had been of late + disused on both sides. These remarks will be found necessary to understand + the scene which is about to be presented to the reader. + </p> + <p> + From the narrow alley which they had traversed, the Duke turned into one + of the same character, but broader and still longer. Here, for the first + time since they had entered these gardens, Jeanie saw persons approaching + them. + </p> + <p> + They were two ladies; one of whom walked a little behind the other, yet + not so much as to prevent her from hearing and replying to whatever + observation was addressed to her by the lady who walked foremost, and that + without her having the trouble to turn her person. As they advanced very + slowly, Jeanie had time to study their features and appearance. The Duke + also slackened his pace, as if to give her time to collect herself, and + repeatedly desired her not to be afraid. The lady who seemed the principal + person had remarkably good features, though somewhat injured by the + small-pox, that venomous scourge which each village Esculapius (thanks to + Jenner) can now tame as easily as their tutelary deity subdued the Python. + The lady’s eyes were brilliant, her teeth good, and her countenance formed + to express at will either majesty or courtesy. Her form, though rather <i>embonpoint,</i> + was nevertheless graceful; and the elasticity and firmness of her step + gave no room to suspect, what was actually the case, that she suffered + occasionally from a disorder the most unfavourable to pedestrian exercise. + Her dress was rather rich than gay, and her manner commanding and noble. + </p> + <p> + Her companion was of lower stature, with light brown hair and expressive + blue eyes. Her features, without being absolutely regular, were perhaps + more pleasing than if they had been critically handsome. A melancholy, or + at least a pensive expression, for which her lot gave too much cause, + predominated when she was silent, but gave way to a pleasing and + good-humoured smile when she spoke to any one. + </p> + <p> + When they were within twelve or fifteen yards of these ladies, the Duke + made a sign that Jeanie should stand still, and stepping forward himself, + with the grace which was natural to him, made a profound obeisance, which + was formally, yet in a dignified manner, returned by the personage whom he + approached. + </p> + <p> + “I hope,” she said, with an affable and condescending smile, “that I see + so great a stranger at court, as the Duke of Argyle has been of late, in + as good health as his friends there and elsewhere could wish him to + enjoy.” + </p> + <p> + The Duke replied, “That he had been perfectly well;” and added, “that the + necessity of attending to the public business before the House, as well as + the time occupied by a late journey to Scotland, had rendered him less + assiduous in paying his duty at the levee and drawing-room than he could + have desired.” + </p> + <p> + “When your Grace <i>can</i> find time for a duty so frivolous,” replied + the Queen, “you are aware of your title to be well received. I hope my + readiness to comply with the wish which you expressed yesterday to Lady + Suffolk, is, a sufficient proof that one of the royal family, at least, + has not forgotten ancient and important services, in resenting something + which resembles recent neglect.” This was said apparently with great good + humour, and in a tone which expressed a desire of conciliation. + </p> + <p> + The Duke replied, “That he would account himself the most unfortunate of + men, if he could be supposed capable of neglecting his duty, in modes and + circumstances when it was expected, and would have been agreeable. He was + deeply gratified by the honour which her Majesty was now doing to him + personally; and he trusted she would soon perceive that it was in a matter + essential to his Majesty’s interest that he had the boldness to give her + this trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “You cannot oblige me more, my Lord Duke,” replied the Queen, “than by + giving me the advantage of your lights and experience on any point of the + King’s service. Your Grace is aware, that I can only be the medium through + which the matter is subjected to his Majesty’s superior wisdom; but if it + is a suit which respects your Grace personally, it shall lose no support + by being preferred through me.” + </p> + <p> + “It is no suit of mine, madam,” replied the Duke; “nor have I any to + prefer for myself personally, although I feel in full force my obligation + to your Majesty. It is a business which concerns his Majesty, as a lover + of justice and of mercy, and which, I am convinced, may be highly useful + in conciliating the unfortunate irritation which at present subsists among + his Majesty’s good subjects in Scotland.” + </p> + <p> + There were two parts of this speech disagreeable to Caroline. In the first + place, it removed the flattering notion she had adopted, that Argyle + designed to use her personal intercession in making his peace with the + administration, and recovering the employments of which he had been + deprived; and next, she was displeased that he should talk of the + discontents in Scotland as irritations to be conciliated, rather than + suppressed. + </p> + <p> + Under the influence of these feelings, she answered hastily, “That his + Majesty has good subjects in England, my Lord Duke, he is bound to thank + God and the laws—that he has subjects in Scotland, I think he may + thank God and his sword.” + </p> + <p> + The Duke, though a courtier, coloured slightly, and the Queen, instantly + sensible of her error, added, without displaying the least change of + countenance, and as if the words had been an original branch of the + sentence—“And the swords of those real Scotchmen who are friends to + the House of Brunswick, particularly that of his Grace of Argyle.” + </p> + <p> + “My sword, madam,” replied the Duke, “like that of my fathers, has been + always at the command of my lawful king, and of my native country—I + trust it is impossible to separate their real rights and interests. But + the present is a matter of more private concern, and respects the person + of an obscure individual.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the affair, my Lord?” said the Queen. “Let us find out what we + are talking about, lest we should misconstrue and misunderstand each + other.” + </p> + <p> + “The matter, madam,” answered the Duke of Argyle, “regards the fate of an + unfortunate young woman in Scotland, now lying under sentence of death, + for a crime of which I think it highly probable that she is innocent. And + my humble petition to your Majesty is, to obtain your powerful + intercession with the King for a pardon.” + </p> + <p> + It was now the Queen’s turn to colour, and she did so over cheek and brow, + neck and bosom. She paused a moment as if unwilling to trust her voice + with the first expression of her displeasure; and on assuming the air of + dignity and an austere regard of control, she at length replied, “My Lord + Duke, I will not ask your motives for addressing to me a request, which + circumstances have rendered such an extraordinary one. Your road to the + King’s closet, as a peer and a privy-councillor, entitled to request an + audience, was open, without giving me the pain of this discussion. <i>I,</i> + at least, have had enough of Scotch pardons.” + </p> + <p> + The Duke was prepared for this burst of indignation, and he was not shaken + by it. He did not attempt a reply while the Queen was in the first heat of + displeasure, but remained in the same firm, yet respectful posture, which + he had assumed during the interview. The Queen, trained from her situation + to self-command, instantly perceived the advantage she might give against + herself by yielding to passion; and added, in the same condescending and + affable tone in which she had opened the interview, “You must allow me + some of the privileges of the sex, my Lord; and do not judge uncharitably + of me, though I am a little moved at the recollection of the gross insult + and outrage done in your capital city to the royal authority, at the very + time when it was vested in my unworthy person. Your Grace cannot be + surprised that I should both have felt it at the time, and recollected it + now.” + </p> + <p> + “It is certainly a matter not speedily to be forgotten,” answered the + Duke. “My own poor thoughts of it have been long before your Majesty, and + I must have expressed myself very ill if I did not convey my detestation + of the murder which was committed under such extraordinary circumstances. + I might, indeed, be so unfortunate as to differ with his Majesty’s + advisers on the degree in which it was either just or politic to punish + the innocent instead of the guilty. But I trust your Majesty will permit + me to be silent on a topic in which my sentiments have not the good + fortune to coincide with those of more able men.” + </p> + <p> + “We will not prosecute a topic on which we may probably differ,” said the + Queen. “One word, however, I may say in private—you know our good + Lady Suffolk is a little deaf—the Duke of Argyle, when disposed to + renew his acquaintance with his master and mistress, will hardly find many + topics on which we should disagree.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me hope,” said the Duke, bowing profoundly to so flattering an + intimation, “that I shall not be so unfortunate as to have found one on + the present occasion.” + </p> + <p> + “I must first impose on your Grace the duty of confession,” said the + Queen, “before I grant you absolution. What is your particular interest in + this young woman? She does not seem” (and she scanned Jeanie, as she said + this, with the eye of a connoisseur) “much qualified to alarm my friend + the Duchess’s jealousy.” + </p> + <p> + “I think your Majesty,” replied the Duke, smiling in his turn, “will allow + my taste may be a pledge for me on that score.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, though she has not much the air <i>d’une grande dame,</i> I suppose + she is some thirtieth cousin in the terrible CHAPTER of Scottish + genealogy?” + </p> + <p> + “No, madam,” said the Duke; “but I wish some of my nearer relations had + half her worth, honesty, and affection.” + </p> + <p> + “Her name must be Campbell, at least?” said Queen Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “No, madam; her name is not quite so distinguished, if I may be permitted + to say so,” answered the Duke. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! but she comes from Inverary or Argyleshire?” said the Sovereign. + </p> + <p> + “She has never been farther north in her life than Edinburgh, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “Then my conjectures are all ended,” said the Queen, “and your Grace must + yourself take the trouble to explain the affair of your prote’ge’e.” + </p> + <p> + With that precision and easy brevity which is only acquired by habitually + conversing in the higher ranks of society, and which is the diametrical + opposite of that protracted style of disquisition, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Which squires call potter, and which men call prose, +</pre> + <p> + the Duke explained the singular law under which Effie Deans had received + sentence of death, and detailed the affectionate exertions which Jeanie + had made in behalf of a sister, for whose sake she was willing to + sacrifice all but truth and conscience. + </p> + <p> + Queen Caroline listened with attention; she was rather fond, it must be + remembered, of an argument, and soon found matter in what the Duke told + her for raising difficulties to his request. + </p> + <p> + “It appears to me, my Lord,” she replied, “that this is a severe law. But + still it is adopted upon good grounds, I am bound to suppose, as the law + of the country, and the girl has been convicted under it. The very + presumptions which the law construes into a positive proof of guilt exist + in her case; and all that your Grace has said concerning the possibility + of her innocence may be a very good argument for annulling the Act of + Parliament, but cannot, while it stands good, be admitted in favour of any + individual convicted upon the statute.” + </p> + <p> + The Duke saw and avoided the snare, for he was conscious, that, by + replying to the argument, he must have been inevitably led to a + discussion, in the course of which the Queen was likely to be hardened in + her own opinion, until she became obliged, out of mere respect to + consistency, to let the criminal suffer. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Aimage-0008" id="Aimage-0008"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/pb194.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="Jeanie and Queen Caroline " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + “If your Majesty,” he said, “would condescend to hear my poor countrywoman + herself, perhaps she may find an advocate in your own heart, more able + than I am, to combat the doubts suggested by your understanding.” + </p> + <p> + The Queen seemed to acquiesce, and the Duke made a signal for Jeanie to + advance from the spot where she had hitherto remained watching + countenances, which were too long accustomed to suppress all apparent + signs of emotion, to convey to her any interesting intelligence. Her + Majesty could not help smiling at the awe-struck manner in which the quiet + demure figure of the little Scotchwoman advanced towards her, and yet more + at the first sound of her broad northern accent. But Jeanie had a voice + low and sweetly toned, an admirable thing in woman, and eke besought “her + Leddyship to have pity on a poor misguided young creature,” in tones so + affecting, that, like the notes of some of her native songs, provincial + vulgarity was lost in pathos. + </p> + <p> + “Stand up, young woman,” said the Queen, but in a kind tone, “and tell me + what sort of a barbarous people your country-folk are, where child-murder + is become so common as to require the restraint of laws like yours?” + </p> + <p> + “If your Leddyship pleases,” answered Jeanie, “there are mony places + besides Scotland where mothers are unkind to their ain flesh and blood.” + </p> + <p> + It must be observed, that the disputes between George the Second and + Frederick Prince of Wales were then at the highest, and that the + good-natured part of the public laid the blame on the Queen. She coloured + highly, and darted a glance of a most penetrating character first at + Jeanie, and then at the Duke. Both sustained it unmoved; Jeanie from total + unconsciousness of the offence she had given, and the Duke from his + habitual composure. But in his heart he thought, My unlucky <i>protegee</i> + has with this luckless answer shot dead, by a kind of chance-medley, her + only hope of success. + </p> + <p> + Lady Suffolk, good-humouredly and skilfully, interposed in this awkward + crisis. “You should tell this lady,” she said to Jeanie, “the particular + causes which render this crime common in your country.” + </p> + <p> + “Some thinks it’s the Kirk-session—that is—it’s the—it’s + the cutty-stool, if your Leddyship pleases,” said Jeanie, looking down and + courtesying. + </p> + <p> + “The what?” said Lady Suffolk, to whom the phrase was new, and who besides + was rather deaf. + </p> + <p> + “That’s the stool of repentance, madam, if it please your Leddyship,” + answered Jeanie, “for light life and conversation, and for breaking the + seventh command.” Here she raised her eyes to the Duke, saw his hand at + his chin, and, totally unconscious of what she had said out of joint, gave + double effect to the innuendo, by stopping short and looking embarrassed. + </p> + <p> + As for Lady Suffolk, she retired like a covering party, which, having + interposed betwixt their retreating friends and the enemy, have suddenly + drawn on themselves a fire unexpectedly severe. + </p> + <p> + The deuce take the lass, thought the Duke of Argyle to himself; there goes + another shot—and she has hit with both barrels right and left! + </p> + <p> + Indeed the Duke had himself his share of the confusion, for, having acted + as master of ceremonies to this innocent offender, he felt much in the + circumstances of a country squire, who, having introduced his spaniel into + a well-appointed drawing-room, is doomed to witness the disorder and + damage which arises to china and to dress-gowns, in consequence of its + untimely frolics. Jeanie’s last chance-hit, however, obliterated the ill + impression which had arisen from the first; for her Majesty had not so + lost the feelings of a wife in those of a Queen, but that she could enjoy + a jest at the expense of “her good Suffolk.” She turned towards the Duke + of Argyle with a smile, which marked that she enjoyed the triumph, and + observed, “The Scotch are a rigidly moral people.” Then, again applying + herself to Jeanie, she asked how she travelled up from Scotland. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my foot mostly, madam,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “What, all that immense way upon foot?—How far can you walk in a + day.” + </p> + <p> + “Five-and-twenty miles and a bittock.” + </p> + <p> + “And a what?” said the Queen, looking towards the Duke of Argyle. + </p> + <p> + “And about five miles more,” replied the Duke. + </p> + <p> + “I thought I was a good walker,” said the Queen, “but this shames me + sadly.” + </p> + <p> + “May your Leddyship never hae sae weary a heart, that ye canna be sensible + of the weariness of the limbs,” said Jeanie. That came better off, thought + the Duke; it’s the first thing she has said to the purpose. + </p> + <p> + “And I didna just a’thegither walk the haill way neither, for I had whiles + the cast of a cart; and I had the cast of a horse from Ferrybridge—and + divers other easements,” said Jeanie, cutting short her story, for she + observed the Duke made the sign he had fixed upon. + </p> + <p> + “With all these accommodations,” answered the Queen, “you must have had a + very fatiguing journey, and, I fear, to little purpose; since, if the King + were to pardon your sister, in all probability it would do her little + good, for I suppose your people of Edinburgh would hang her out of spite.” + </p> + <p> + She will sink herself now outright, thought the Duke. + </p> + <p> + But he was wrong. The shoals on which Jeanie had touched in this delicate + conversation lay under ground, and were unknown to her; this rock was + above water, and she avoided it. + </p> + <p> + “She was confident,” she said, “that baith town and country wad rejoice to + see his Majesty taking compassion on a poor unfriended creature.” + </p> + <p> + “His Majesty has not found it so in a late instance,” said the Queen; “but + I suppose my Lord Duke would advise him to be guided by the votes of the + rabble themselves, who should be hanged and who spared?” + </p> + <p> + “No, madam,” said the Duke; “but I would advise his Majesty to be guided + by his own feelings, and those of his royal consort; and then I am sure + punishment will only attach itself to guilt, and even then with cautious + reluctance.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my Lord,” said her Majesty, “all these fine speeches do not + convince me of the propriety of so soon showing any mark of favour to your—I + suppose I must not say rebellious?—but, at least, your very + disaffected and intractable metropolis. Why, the whole nation is in a + league to screen the savage and abominable murderers of that unhappy man; + otherwise, how is it possible but that, of so many perpetrators, and + engaged in so public an action for such a length of time, one at least + must have been recognised? Even this wench, for aught I can tell, may be a + depositary of the secret.—Hark you, young woman, had you any friends + engaged in the Porteous mob?” + </p> + <p> + “No, madam,” answered Jeanie, happy that the question was so framed that + she could, with a good conscience, answer it in the negative. + </p> + <p> + “But I suppose,” continued the Queen, “if you were possessed of such a + secret, you would hold it a matter of conscience to keep it to yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “I would pray to be directed and guided what was the line of duty, madam,” + answered Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and take that which suited your own inclinations,” replied her + Majesty. + </p> + <p> + “If it like you, madam,” said Jeanie, “I would hae gaen to the end of the + earth to save the life of John Porteous, or any other unhappy man in his + condition; but I might lawfully doubt how far I am called upon to be the + avenger of his blood, though it may become the civil magistrate to do so. + He is dead and gane to his place, and they that have slain him must answer + for their ain act. But my sister, my puir sister, Effie, still lives, + though her days and hours are numbered! She still lives, and a word of the + King’s mouth might restore her to a brokenhearted auld man, that never in + his daily and nightly exercise, forgot to pray that his Majesty might be + blessed with a long and a prosperous reign, and that his throne, and the + throne of his posterity, might be established in righteousness. O madam, + if ever ye kend what it was to sorrow for and with a sinning and a + suffering creature, whose mind is sae tossed that she can be neither ca’d + fit to live or die, have some compassion on our misery!—Save an + honest house from dishonour, and an unhappy girl, not eighteen years of + age, from an early and dreadful death! Alas! it is not when we sleep soft + and wake merrily ourselves that we think on other people’s sufferings. Our + hearts are waxed light within us then, and we are for righting our ain + wrangs and fighting our ain battles. But when the hour of trouble comes to + the mind or to the body—and seldom may it visit your Leddyship—and + when the hour of death comes, that comes to high and low—lang and + late may it be yours!—Oh, my Leddy, then it isna what we hae dune + for oursells, but what we hae dune for others, that we think on maist + pleasantly. And the thoughts that ye hae intervened to spare the puir + thing’s life will be sweeter in that hour, come when it may, than if a + word of your mouth could hang the haill Porteous mob at the tail of ae + tow.” + </p> + <p> + Tear followed tear down Jeanie’s cheeks, as, her features glowing and + quivering with emotion, she pleaded her sister’s cause with a pathos which + was at once simple and solemn. + </p> + <p> + “This is eloquence,” said her Majesty to the Duke of Argyle. “Young + woman,” she continued, addressing herself to Jeanie, “<i>I</i> cannot + grant a pardon to your sister—but you shall not want my warm + intercession with his Majesty. Take this house-wife case,” she continued, + putting a small embroidered needle-case into Jeanie’s hands; “do not open + it now, but at your leisure—you will find something in it which will + remind you that you have had an interview with Queen Caroline.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie, having her suspicions thus confirmed, dropped on her knees, and + would have expanded herself in gratitude; but the Duke who was upon thorns + lest she should say more or less than just enough, touched his chin once + more. + </p> + <p> + “Our business is, I think, ended for the present, my Lord Duke,” said the + Queen, “and, I trust, to your satisfaction. Hereafter I hope to see your + Grace more frequently, both at Richmond and St. James’s.—Come Lady + Suffolk, we must wish his Grace good-morning.” + </p> + <p> + They exchanged their parting reverences, and the Duke, so soon as the + ladies had turned their backs, assisted Jeanie to rise from the ground, + and conducted her back through the avenue, which she trode with the + feeling of one who walks in her sleep. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0014" id="Alink2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER FOURTEENTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + So soon as I can win the offended king, + I will be known your advocate. + Cymbeline. +</pre> + <p> + The Duke of Argyle led the way in silence to the small postern by which + they had been admitted into Richmond Park, so long the favourite residence + of Queen Caroline. It was opened by the same half-seen janitor, and they + found themselves beyond the precincts of the royal demesne. Still not a + word was spoken on either side. The Duke probably wished to allow his + rustic prote’ge’e time to recruit her faculties, dazzled and sunk with + colloquy sublime; and betwixt what she had guessed, had heard, and had + seen, Jeanie Deans’s mind was too much agitated to permit her to ask any + questions. + </p> + <p> + They found the carriage of the Duke in the place where they had left it; + and when they resumed their places, soon began to advance rapidly on their + return to town. + </p> + <p> + “I think, Jeanie,” said the Duke, breaking silence, “you have every reason + to congratulate yourself on the issue of your interview with her Majesty.” + </p> + <p> + “And that leddy was the Queen herself?” said Jeanie; “I misdoubted it when + I saw that your honour didna put on your hat—And yet I can hardly + believe it, even when I heard her speak it herself.” + </p> + <p> + “It was certainly Queen Caroline,” replied the Duke. “Have you no + curiosity to see what is in the little pocket-book?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think the pardon will be in it, sir?” said Jeanie, with the eager + animation of hope. + </p> + <p> + “Why, no,” replied the Duke; “that is unlikely. They seldom carry these + things about them, unless they were likely to be wanted; and, besides, her + Majesty told you it was the King, not she, who was to grant it.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true, too,” said Jeanie; “but I am so confused in my mind—But + does your honour think there is a certainty of Effie’s pardon then?” + continued she, still holding in her hand the unopened pocket-book. + </p> + <p> + “Why, kings are kittle cattle to shoe behind, as we say in the north,” + replied the Duke; “but his wife knows his trim, and I have not the least + doubt that the matter is quite certain.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, God be praised! God be praised!” ejaculated Jeanie; “and may the gude + leddy never want the heart’s ease she has gien me at this moment!— + And God bless you too, my Lord!—without your help I wad ne’er hae + won near her.” + </p> + <p> + The Duke let her dwell upon this subject for a considerable time, curious, + perhaps, to see how long the feelings of gratitude would continue to + supersede those of curiosity. But so feeble was the latter feeling in + Jeanie’s mind, that his Grace, with whom, perhaps, it was for the time a + little stronger, was obliged once more to bring forward the subject of the + Queen’s present. It was opened accordingly. In the inside of the case was + the usual assortment of silk and needles, with scissors, tweezers, etc.; + and in the pocket was a bank-bill for fifty pounds. + </p> + <p> + The Duke had no sooner informed Jeanie of the value of this last document, + for she was unaccustomed to see notes for such sums, than she expressed + her regret at the mistake which had taken place. “For the hussy itsell,” + she said, “was a very valuable thing for a keepsake, with the Queen’s name + written in the inside with her ain hand doubtless—<i>Caroline</i>—as + plain as could be, and a crown drawn aboon it.” + </p> + <p> + She therefore tendered the bill to the Duke, requesting him to find some + mode of returning it to the royal owner. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, Jeanie,” said the Duke, “there is no mistake in the case. Her + Majesty knows you have been put to great expense, and she wishes to make + it up to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure she is even ower gude,” said Jeanie, “and it glads me muckle + that I can pay back Dumbiedikes his siller, without distressing my father, + honest man.” + </p> + <p> + “Dumbiedikes! What, a freeholder of Mid-Lothian, is he not?” said his + Grace, whose occasional residence in that county made him acquainted with + most of the heritors, as landed persons are termed in Scotland.—“He + has a house not far from Dalkeith, wears a black wig and a laced hat?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes sir,” answered Jeanie, who had her reasons for being brief in her + answers upon this topic. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my old friend Dumbie!” said the Duke; “I have thrice seen him fou, + and only once heard the sound of his voice—Is he a cousin of yours, + Jeanie?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,—my Lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he must be a well-wisher, I suspect?” + </p> + <p> + “Ye—yes,—my Lord, sir,” answered Jeanie, blushing, and with + hesitation. + </p> + <p> + “Aha! then, if the Laird starts, I suppose my friend Butler must be in + some danger?” + </p> + <p> + “O no, sir,” answered Jeanie, much more readily, but at the same time + blushing much more deeply. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Jeanie,” said the Duke, “you are a girl may be safely trusted with + your own matters, and I shall inquire no farther about them. But as to + this same pardon, I must see to get it passed through the proper forms; + and I have a friend in office who will for auld lang syne, do me so much + favour. And then, Jeanie, as I shall have occasion to send an express down + to Scotland, who will travel with it safer and more swiftly than you can + do, I will take care to have it put into the proper channel; meanwhile you + may write to your friends by post of your good success.” + </p> + <p> + “And does your Honour think,” said Jeanie, “that will do as weel as if I + were to take my tap in my lap, and slip my ways hame again on my ain + errand?” + </p> + <p> + “Much better, certainly,” said the Duke. “You know the roads are not very + safe for a single woman to travel.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie internally acquiesced in this observation. + </p> + <p> + “And I have a plan for you besides. One of the Duchess’s attendants, and + one of mine—your acquaintance Archibald—are going down to + Inverary in a light calash, with four horses I have bought, and there is + room enough in the carriage for you to go with them as far as Glasgow, + where Archibald will find means of sending you safely to Edinburgh.—And + in the way I beg you will teach the woman as much as you can of the + mystery of cheese-making, for she is to have a charge in the dairy, and I + dare swear you are as tidy about your milk-pail as about your dress.” + </p> + <p> + “Does your Honour like cheese?” said Jeanie, with a gleam of conscious + delight as she asked the question. + </p> + <p> + “Like it?” said the Duke, whose good-nature anticipated what was to + follow,—“cakes and cheese are a dinner for an emperor, let alone a + Highlandman.” + </p> + <p> + “Because,” said Jeanie, with modest confidence, and great and evident + self-gratulation, “we have been thought so particular in making cheese, + that some folk think it as gude as the real Dunlop; and if your honour’s + Grace wad but accept a stane or twa, blithe, and fain, and proud it wad + make us? But maybe ye may like the ewe-milk, that is, the Buckholmside* + cheese better; or maybe the gait-milk, as ye come frae the Highlands—and + I canna pretend just to the same skeel o’ them; but my cousin Jean, that + lives at Lockermachus in Lammermuir, I could speak to her, and—” + </p> + <p> + * The hilly pastures of Buckholm, which the Author now surveys,—“Not + in the frenzy of a dreamer’s eye,”—are famed for producing the best + ewe-milk cheese in the south of Scotland. + </p> + <p> + “Quite unnecessary,” said the Duke; “the Dunlop is the very cheese of + which I am so fond, and I will take it as the greatest favour you can do + me to send one to Caroline Park. But remember, be on honour with it, + Jeanie, and make it all yourself, for I am a real good judge.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not feared,” said Jeanie, confidently, “that I may please your + Honour; for I am sure you look as if you could hardly find fault wi’ + onybody that did their best; and weel is it my part, I trow, to do mine.” + </p> + <p> + This discourse introduced a topic upon which the two travellers, though so + different in rank and education, found each a good deal to say. The Duke, + besides his other patriotic qualities, was a distinguished agriculturist, + and proud of his knowledge in that department. He entertained Jeanie with + his observations on the different breeds of cattle in Scotland, and their + capacity for the dairy, and received so much information from her + practical experience in return, that he promised her a couple of + Devonshire cows in reward for the lesson. In short his mind was so + transported back to his rural employments and amusements, that he sighed + when his carriage stopped opposite to the old hackney-coach, which + Archibald had kept in attendance at the place where they had left it. + While the coachman again bridled his lean cattle, which had been indulged + with a bite of musty hay, the Duke cautioned Jeanie not to be too + communicative to her landlady concerning what had passed. “There is,” he + said, “no use of speaking of matters till they are actually settled; and + you may refer the good lady to Archibald, if she presses you hard with + questions. She is his old acquaintance, and he knows how to manage with + her.” + </p> + <p> + He then took a cordial farewell of Jeanie, and told her to be ready in the + ensuing week to return to Scotland—saw her safely established in her + hackney-coach, and rolled of in his own carriage, humming a stanza of the + ballad which he is said to have composed:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “At the sight of Dumbarton once again, + I’ll cock up my bonnet and march amain, + With my claymore hanging down to my heel, + To whang at the bannocks of barley meal.” + </pre> + <p> + Perhaps one ought to be actually a Scotsman to conceive how ardently, + under all distinctions of rank and situation, they feel their mutual + connection with each other as natives of the same country. There are, I + believe, more associations common to the inhabitants of a rude and wild, + than of a well-cultivated and fertile country; their ancestors have more + seldom changed their place of residence; their mutual recollection of + remarkable objects is more accurate; the high and the low are more + interested in each other’s welfare; the feelings of kindred and + relationship are more widely extended, and in a word, the bonds of + patriotic affection, always honourable even when a little too exclusively + strained, have more influence on men’s feelings and actions. + </p> + <p> + The rumbling hackney-coach, which tumbled over the (then) execrable London + pavement, at a rate very different from that which had conveyed the ducal + carriage to Richmond, at length deposited Jeanie Deans and her attendant + at the national sign of the Thistle. Mrs. Glass, who had been in long and + anxious expectation, now rushed, full of eager curiosity and open-mouthed + interrogation, upon our heroine, who was positively unable to sustain the + overwhelming cataract of her questions, which burst forth with the + sublimity of a grand gardyloo:— + </p> + <p> + “Had she seen the Duke, God bless him—the Duchess—the young + ladies?— Had she seen the King, God bless him—the Queen—the + Prince of Wales—the Princess—or any of the rest of the royal + family?—Had she got her sister’s pardon?—Was it out and out—or + was it only a commutation of punishment?—How far had she gone—where + had she driven to—whom had she seen—what had been said—what + had kept her so long?” + </p> + <p> + Such were the various questions huddled upon each other by a curiosity so + eager, that it could hardly wait for its own gratification. Jeanie would + have been more than sufficiently embarrassed by this overbearing tide of + interrogations, had not Archibald, who had probably received from his + master a hint to that purpose, advanced to her rescue. “Mrs. Glass,” said + Archibald, “his Grace desired me particularly to say, that he would take + it as a great favour if you would ask the young woman no questions, as he + wishes to explain to you more distinctly than she can do how her affairs + stand, and consult you on some matters which she cannot altogether so well + explain. The Duke will call at the Thistle to-morrow or next day for that + purpose.” + </p> + <p> + “His Grace is very condescending,” said Mrs. Glass, her zeal for inquiry + slaked for the present by the dexterous administration of this sugar plum—“his + Grace is sensible that I am in a manner accountable for the conduct of my + young kinswoman, and no doubt his Grace is the best judge how far he + should intrust her or me with the management of her affairs.” + </p> + <p> + “His Grace is quite sensible of that,” answered Archibald, with national + gravity, “and will certainly trust what he has to say to the most discreet + of the two; and therefore, Mrs. Glass, his Grace relies you will speak + nothing to Mrs. Jean Deans, either of her own affairs or her sister’s, + until he sees you himself. He desired me to assure you, in the meanwhile, + that all was going on as well as your kindness could wish, Mrs. Glass.” + </p> + <p> + “His Grace is very kind—very considerate, certainly, Mr. Archibald—his + Grace’s commands shall be obeyed, and—But you have had a far drive, + Mr. Archibald, as I guess by the time of your absence, and I guess” (with + an engaging smile) “you winna be the waur o’ a glass of the right Rosa + Solis.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, Mrs. Glass,” said the great man’s great man, “but I am under + the necessity of returning to my Lord directly.” And, making his adieus + civilly to both cousins, he left the shop of the Lady of the Thistle. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad your affairs have prospered so well, Jeanie, my love,” said + Mrs. Glass; “though, indeed, there was little fear of them so soon as the + Duke of Argyle was so condescending as to take them into hand. I will ask + you no questions about them, because his Grace, who is most considerate + and prudent in such matters, intends to tell me all that you ken yourself, + dear, and doubtless a great deal more; so that anything that may lie + heavily on your mind may be imparted to me in the meantime, as you see it + is his Grace’s pleasure that I should be made acquainted with the whole + matter forthwith, and whether you or he tells it, will make no difference + in the world, ye ken. If I ken what he is going to say beforehand, I will + be much more ready to give my advice, and whether you or he tell me about + it, cannot much signify after all, my dear. So you may just say whatever + you like, only mind I ask you no questions about it.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie was a little embarrassed. She thought that the communication she + had to make was perhaps the only means she might have in her power to + gratify her friendly and hospitable kinswoman. But her prudence instantly + suggested that her secret interview with Queen Caroline, which seemed to + pass under a certain sort of mystery, was not a proper subject for the + gossip of a woman like Mrs. Glass, of whose heart she had a much better + opinion than of her prudence. She, therefore, answered in general, that + the Duke had had the extraordinary kindness to make very particular + inquiries into her sister’s bad affair, and that he thought he had found + the means of putting it a’ straight again, but that he proposed to tell + all that he thought about the matter to Mrs. Glass herself. + </p> + <p> + This did not quite satisfy the penetrating mistress of the Thistle. + Searching as her own small rappee, she, in spite of her promise, urged + Jeanie with still farther questions. “Had she been a’ that time at Argyle + House? Was the Duke with her the whole time? and had she seen the Duchess? + and had she seen the young ladies—and specially Lady Caroline + Campbell?”—To these questions Jeanie gave the general reply, that + she knew so little of the town that she could not tell exactly where she + had been; that she had not seen the Duchess to her knowledge; that she had + seen two ladies, one of whom, she understood, bore the name of Caroline; + and more, she said, she could not tell about the matter. + </p> + <p> + “It would be the Duke’s eldest daughter, Lady Caroline Campbell, there is + no doubt of that,” said Mrs. Glass; “but doubtless, I shall know more + particularly through his Grace.—And so, as the cloth is laid in the + little parlour above stairs, and it is past three o’clock, for I have been + waiting this hour for you, and I have had a snack myself; and, as they + used to say in Scotland in my time—I do not ken if the word be used + now—there is ill talking between a full body and a fasting.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0015" id="Alink2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER FIFTEENTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Heaven first taught letters for some wretch’s aid,— + Some banished lover or some captive maid. + Pope. +</pre> + <p> + By dint of unwonted labour with the pen, Jeanie Deans contrived to indite, + and give to the charge of the postman on the ensuing day, no less than + three letters, an exertion altogether strange to her habits; insomuch so, + that, if milk had been plenty, she would rather have made thrice as many + Dunlop cheeses. The first of them was very brief. It was addressed to + George Staunton, Esq., at the Rectory, Willingham, by Grantham; the + address being part of the information she had extracted from the + communicative peasant who rode before her to Stamford. It was in these + words:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +“Sir,—To prevent farder mischieves, whereof there hath been enough, +comes these: Sir, I have my sister’s pardon from the Queen’s Majesty, +whereof I do not doubt you will be glad, having had to say naut of +matters whereof you know the purport. So, Sir, I pray for your better +welfare in bodie and soul, and that it will please the fisycian to visit +you in His good time. Alwaies, sir, I pray you will never come again to +see my sister, whereof there has been too much. And so, wishing you no +evil, but even your best good, that you may be turned from your iniquity +(for why suld ye die?) I rest your humble servant to command, + “<i>Ye ken wha.</i>” + </pre> + <p> + The next letter was to her father. It is too long altogether for + insertion, so we only give a few extracts. It commenced— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +“Dearest and truly honoured father,—This comes with my duty to inform +you, that it has pleased God to redeem that captivitie of my poor sister, +in respect the Queen’s blessed Majesty, for whom we are ever bound to +pray, hath redeemed her soul from the slayer, granting the ransom of her, +whilk is ane pardon or reprieve. And I spoke with the Queen face to face +and yet live; for she is not muckle differing from other grand leddies, +saying that she has a stately presence, and een like a blue huntin’ +hawk’s, whilk gaed throu’ and throu’ me like a Highland durk—And all +this good was, alway under the Great Giver, to whom all are but +instruments, wrought forth for us by the Duk of Argile, wha is ane native +true-hearted Scotsman, and not pridefu’, like other folk we ken of—and +likewise skeely enow in bestial, whereof he has promised to gie me twa +Devonshire kye, of which he is enamoured, although I do still haud by the +real hawlit Airshire breed—and I have promised him a cheese; and I wad +wuss ye, if Gowans, the brockit cow, has a quey, that she suld suck her +fill of milk, as I am given to understand he has none of that breed, and +is not scornfu’ but will take a thing frae a puir body, that it may +lighten their heart of the loading of debt that they awe him. Also his +honour the Duke will accept ane of our Dunlop cheeses, and it sall be my +faut if a better was ever yearned in Lowden.”—[Here follow some +observations respecting the breed of cattle, and the produce of the +dairy, which it is our intention to forward to the Board of +Agriculture.]—“Nevertheless, these are but matters of the after-harvest, +in respect of the great good which Providence hath gifted us with—and, +in especial, poor Effie’s life. And oh, my dear father, since it hath +pleased God to be merciful to her, let her not want your free pardon, +whilk will make her meet to be ane vessel of grace, and also a comfort to +your ain graie hairs. Dear Father, will ye let the Laird ken that we have +had friends strangely raised up to us, and that the talent whilk he lent +me will be thankfully repaid. I hae some of it to the fore; and the rest +of it is not knotted up in ane purse or napkin, but in ane wee bit paper, +as is the fashion heir, whilk I am assured is gude for the siller. And, +dear father, through Mr. Butler’s means I hae gude friendship with the +Duke, for their had been kindness between their forbears in the auld +troublesome time bye-past. And Mrs. Glass has been kind like my very +mother. She has a braw house here, and lives bien and warm, wi’ twa +servant lasses, and a man and a callant in the shop. And she is to send +you doun a pound of her hie-dried, and some other tobaka, and we maun +think of some propine for her, since her kindness hath been great. And +the Duk is to send the pardun doun by an express messenger, in respect +that I canna travel sae fast; and I am to come doun wi’ twa of his +Honour’s servants—that is, John Archibald, a decent elderly gentleman, +that says he has seen you lang syne, when ye were buying beasts in the +west frae the Laird of Aughtermuggitie—but maybe ye winna mind him—ony +way, he’s a civil man—and Mrs. Dolly Dutton, that is to be dairy-maid at +Inverara; and they bring me on as far as Glasgo, whilk will make it nae +pinch to win hame, whilk I desire of all things. May the Giver of all +good things keep ye in your outgauns and incomings, whereof devoutly +prayeth your loving dauter, + “Jean Deans.” + </pre> + <p> + The third letter was to Butler, and its tenor as follows:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +“Master Butler.—Sir,—It will be pleasure to you to ken, that all I came +for is, thanks be to God, weel dune and to the gude end, and that your +forbear’s letter was right welcome to the Duke of Argile, and that he +wrote your name down with a kylevine pen in a leathern book, whereby it +seems like he will do for you either wi’ a scule or a kirk; he has enow +of baith, as I am assured. And I have seen the queen, which gave me a +hussy-case out of her own hand. She had not her crown and skeptre, but +they are laid by for her, like the bairns’ best claise, to be worn when +she needs them. And they are keepit in a tour, whilk is not like the tour +of Libberton, nor yet Craigmillar, but mair like to the castell of +Edinburgh, if the buildings were taen and set down in the midst of the +Nor’-Loch. Also the Queen was very bounteous, giving me a paper worth +fiftie pounds, as I am assured, to pay my expenses here and back agen. +Sae, Master Butler, as we were aye neebours’ bairns, forby onything else +that may hae been spoken between us, I trust you winna skrimp yoursell +for what is needfu’ for your health, since it signifies not muckle whilk +o’ us has the siller, if the other wants it. And mind this is no meant to +haud ye to onything whilk ye wad rather forget, if ye suld get a charge +of a kirk or a scule, as above said. Only I hope it will be a scule, and +not a kirk, because of these difficulties anent aiths and patronages, +whilk might gang ill down wi’ my honest father. Only if ye could compass +a harmonious call frae the parish of Skreegh-me-dead, as ye anes had hope +of, I trow it wad please him weel; since I hae heard him say, that the +root of the matter was mair deeply hafted in that wild muirland parish +than in the Canongate of Edinburgh. I wish I had whaten books ye wanted, +Mr. Butler, for they hae haill houses of them here, and they are obliged +to set sum out in the street, whilk are sald cheap, doubtless, to get +them out of the weather. It is a muckle place, and I hae seen sae muckle +of it, that my poor head turns round. And ye ken langsyne, I am nae great +pen-woman, and it is near eleven o’clock o’ the night. I am cumming down +in good company, and safe—and I had troubles in gaun up whilk makes me +blither of travelling wi’ kend folk. My cousin, Mrs. Glass, has a braw +house here, but a’ thing is sae poisoned wi’ snuff, that I am like to be +scomfished whiles. But what signifies these things, in comparison of the +great deliverance whilk has been vouchsafed to my father’s house, in +whilk you, as our auld and dear well-wisher, will, I dout not, rejoice +and be exceedingly glad. And I am, dear Mr. Butler, your sincere +well-wisher in temporal and eternal things, + “J. D.” + </pre> + <p> + After these labours of an unwonted kind, Jeanie retired to her bed, yet + scarce could sleep a few minutes together, so often was she awakened by + the heart-stirring consciousness of her sister’s safety, and so powerfully + urged to deposit her burden of joy, where she had before laid her doubts + and sorrows, in the warm and sincere exercises of devotion. + </p> + <p> + All the next, and all the succeeding day, Mrs. Glass fidgeted about her + shop in the agony of expectation, like a pea (to use a vulgar simile which + her profession renders appropriate) upon one of her own tobacco pipes. + With the third morning came the expected coach, with four servants + clustered behind on the footboard, in dark brown and yellow liveries; the + Duke in person, with laced coat, gold-headed cane, star and garter, all, + as the story-book says, very grand. + </p> + <p> + He inquired for his little countrywoman of Mrs. Glass, but without + requesting to see her, probably because he was unwilling to give an + appearance of personal intercourse betwixt them, which scandal might have + misinterpreted. “The Queen,” he said to Mrs. Glass, “had taken the case of + her kinswoman into her gracious consideration, and being specially moved + by the affectionate and resolute character of the elder sister, had + condescended to use her powerful intercession with his Majesty, in + consequence of which a pardon had been despatched to Scotland to Effie + Deans, on condition of her banishing herself forth of Scotland for + fourteen years. The King’s Advocate had insisted,” he said, “upon this + qualification of the pardon, having pointed out to his Majesty’s + ministers, that, within the course of only seven years, twenty-one + instances of child-murder had occurred in Scotland. + </p> + <p> + “Weary on him!” said Mrs. Glass, “what for needed he to have telled that + of his ain country, and to the English folk abune a’? I used aye to think + the Advocate a douce decent man, but it is an ill bird*—begging your + Grace’s pardon for speaking of such a coorse by-word. + </p> + <p> + * [It’s an ill bird that fouls its own pest.] + </p> + <p> + And then what is the poor lassie to do in a foreign land?—Why, wae’s + me, it’s just sending her to play the same pranks ower again, out of sight + or guidance of her friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Pooh! pooh!” said the Duke, “that need not be anticipated. Why, she may + come up to London, or she may go over to America, and marry well for all + that is come and gone.” + </p> + <p> + “In troth, and so she may, as your Grace is pleased to intimate,” replied + Mrs. Glass; “and now I think upon it, there is my old correspondent in + Virginia, Ephraim Buckskin, that has supplied the Thistle this forty years + with tobacco, and it is not a little that serves our turn, and he has been + writing to me this ten years to send him out a wife. The carle is not + above sixty, and hale and hearty, and well to pass in the world, and a + line from my hand would settle the matter, and Effie Deans’s misfortune + (forby that there is no special occasion to speak about it) would be + thought little of there.” + </p> + <p> + “Is she a pretty girl?” said the Duke; “her sister does not get beyond a + good comely sonsy lass.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, far prettier is Effie than Jeanie,” said Mrs. Glass; “though it is + long since I saw her mysell, but I hear of the Deanses by all my Lowden + friends when they come—your Grace kens we Scots are clannish + bodies.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better for us,” said the Duke, “and the worse for those who + meddle with us, as your good old-fashioned sign says, Mrs. Glass. And now + I hope you will approve of the measures I have taken for restoring your + kinswoman to her friends.” These he detailed at length, and Mrs. Glass + gave her unqualified approbation, with a smile and a courtesy at every + sentence. “And now, Mrs. Glass, you must tell Jeanie, I hope, she will not + forget my cheese when she gets down to Scotland. Archibald has my orders + to arrange all her expenses.” + </p> + <p> + “Begging your Grace’s humble pardon,” said Mrs. Glass, “it is a pity to + trouble yourself about them; the Deanses are wealthy people in their way, + and the lass has money in her pocket.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s all very true,” said the Duke; “but you know, where MacCallummore + travels he pays all; it is our Highland privilege to take from all what <i>we</i> + want, and to give to all what <i>they</i> want.” + </p> + <p> + “Your Grace is better at giving than taking,” said Mrs. Glass. + </p> + <p> + “To show you the contrary,” said the Duke, “I will fill my box out of this + canister without paying you a bawbee;” and again desiring to be remembered + to Jeanie, with his good wishes for her safe journey, he departed, leaving + Mrs. Glass uplifted in heart and in countenance, the proudest and happiest + of tobacco and snuff dealers. + </p> + <p> + Reflectively, his Grace’s good humour and affability had a favourable + effect upon Jeanie’s situation.—Her kinswoman, though civil and kind + to her, had acquired too much of London breeding to be perfectly satisfied + with her cousin’s rustic and national dress, and was, besides, something + scandalised at the cause of her journey to London. Mrs. Glass might, + therefore, have been less sedulous in her attentions towards Jeanie, but + for the interest which the foremost of the Scottish nobles (for such, in + all men’s estimation, was the Duke of Argyle) seemed to take in her fate. + Now, however, as a kinswoman whose virtues and domestic affections had + attracted the notice and approbation of royalty itself, Jeanie stood to + her relative in a light very different and much more favourable, and was + not only treated with kindness, but with actual observance and respect. + </p> + <p> + It depended on herself alone to have made as many visits, and seen as many + sights, as lay within Mrs. Glass’s power to compass. But, excepting that + she dined abroad with one or two “far away kinsfolk,” and that she paid + the same respect, on Mrs. Glass’s strong urgency, to Mrs. Deputy Dabby, + wife of the Worshipful Mr. Deputy Dabby, of Farringdon Without, she did + not avail herself of the opportunity. As Mrs. Dabby was the second lady of + great rank whom Jeanie had seen in London, she used sometimes afterwards + to draw a parallel betwixt her and the Queen, in which she observed, “that + Mrs. Dabby was dressed twice as grand, and was twice as big, and spoke + twice as loud, and twice as muckle, as the Queen did, but she hadna the + same goss-hawk glance that makes the skin creep, and the knee bend; and + though she had very kindly gifted her with a loaf of sugar and twa punds + of tea, yet she hadna a’thegither the sweet look that the Queen had when + she put the needle-book into her hand.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie might have enjoyed the sights and novelties of this great city + more, had it not been for the qualification added to her sister’s pardon, + which greatly grieved her affectionate disposition. On this subject, + however, her mind was somewhat relieved by a letter which she received in + return of post, in answer to that which she had written to her father. + With his affectionate blessing, it brought his full approbation of the + step which she had taken, as one inspired by the immediate dictates of + Heaven, and which she had been thrust upon in order that she might become + the means of safety to a perishing household. + </p> + <p> + “If ever a deliverance was dear and precious, this,” said the letter, “is + a dear and precious deliverance—and if life saved can be made more + sweet and savoury, it is when it cometh by the hands of those whom we hold + in the ties of affection. And do not let your heart be disquieted within + you, that this victim, who is rescued from the horns of the altar, + whereuntil she was fast bound by the chains of human law, is now to be + driven beyond the bounds of our land. Scotland is a blessed land to those + who love the ordinances of Christianity, and it is a faer land to look + upon, and dear to them who have dwelt in it a’ their days; and weel said + that judicious Christian, worthy John Livingstone, a sailor in + Borrowstouness, as the famous Patrick Walker reporteth his words, that + howbeit he thought Scotland was a Gehennah of wickedness when he was at + home, yet when he was abroad, he accounted it ane paradise; for the evils + of Scotland he found everywhere, and the good of Scotland he found + nowhere. But we are to hold in remembrance that Scotland, though it be our + native land, and the land of our fathers, is not like Goshen, in Egypt, on + whilk the sun of the heavens and of the gospel shineth allenarly, and + leaveth the rest of the world in utter darkness. Therefore, and also + because this increase of profit at Saint Leonard’s Crags may be a cauld + waff of wind blawing from the frozen land of earthly self, where never + plant of grace took root or grew, and because my concerns make me take + something ower muckle a grip of the gear of the warld in mine arms, I + receive this dispensation anent Effie as a call to depart out of Haran, as + righteous Abraham of old, and leave my father’s kindred and my mother’s + house, and the ashes and mould of them who have gone to sleep before me, + and which wait to be mingled with these auld crazed bones of mine own. And + my heart is lightened to do this, when I call to mind the decay of active + and earnest religion in this land, and survey the height and the depth, + the length and the breadth, of national defections, and how the love of + many is waxing lukewarm and cold; and I am strengthened in this resolution + to change my domicile likewise, as I hear that store-farms are to be set + at an easy mail in Northumberland, where there are many precious souls + that are of our true though suffering persuasion. And sic part of the kye + or stock as I judge it fit to keep, may be driven thither without + incommodity—say about Wooler, or that gate, keeping aye a shouther + to the hills,—and the rest may be sauld to gude profit and + advantage, if we had grace weel to use and guide these gifts of the warld. + The Laird has been a true friend on our unhappy occasions, and I have paid + him back the siller for Effie’s misfortune, whereof Mr. Nichil Novit + returned him no balance, as the Laird and I did expect he wad hae done. + But law licks up a’, as the common folk say. I have had the siller to + borrow out of sax purses. Mr. Saddletree advised to give the Laird of + Lounsbeck a charge on his hand for a thousand merks. But I hae nae broo’ + of charges, since that awfu’ morning that a tout of a horn, at the Cross + of Edinburgh, blew half the faithfu’ ministers of Scotland out of their + pulpits. However, I sall raise an adjudication, whilk Mr. Saddletree says + comes instead of the auld apprisings, and will not lose weel-won gear with + the like of him, if it may be helped. As for the Queen, and the credit + that she hath done to a poor man’s daughter, and the mercy and the grace + ye found with her, I can only pray for her weel-being here and hereafter, + for the establishment of her house now and for ever, upon the throne of + these kingdoms. I doubt not but what you told her Majesty, that I was the + same David Deans of whom there was a sport at the Revolution, when I + noited thegither the heads of twa false prophets, these ungracious Graces + the prelates, as they stood on the Hie Street, after being expelled from + the Convention-parliament.* + </p> + <p> + * Note P. Expulsion of the Scotch Bishops. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of Argyle is a noble and true-hearted nobleman, who pleads the + cause of the poor, and those who have none to help them; verily his reward + shall not be lacking unto him.—I have, been writing of many things, + but not of that whilk lies nearest mine heart. I have seen the misguided + thing, she will be at freedom the morn, on enacted caution that she shall + leave Scotland in four weeks. Her mind is in an evil frame,—casting + her eye backward on Egypt, I doubt, as if the bitter waters of the + wilderness were harder to endure than the brick furnaces, by the side of + which there were savoury flesh-pots. I need not bid you make haste down, + for you are, excepting always my Great Master, my only comfort in these + straits. I charge you to withdraw your feet from the delusion of that + Vanity-fair in whilk ye are a sojourner, and not to go to their worship, + whilk is an ill-mumbled mass, as it was weel termed by James the Sext, + though he afterwards, with his unhappy son, strove to bring it ower back + and belly into his native kingdom, wherethrough their race have been cut + off as foam upon the water, and shall be as wanderers among the + nations-see the prophecies of Hosea, ninth and seventeenth, and the same, + tenth and seventh. But us and our house, let us say with the same prophet, + ‘Let us return to the Lord, for he hath torn, and he will heal us—He + hath smitten, and he will bind us up.’” + </p> + <p> + He proceeded to say, that he approved of her proposed mode of returning by + Glasgow, and entered into sundry minute particulars not necessary to be + quoted. A single line in the letter, but not the least frequently read by + the party to whom it was addressed, intimated, that “Reuben Butler had + been as a son to him in his sorrows.” As David Deans scarce ever mentioned + Butler before, without some gibe, more or less direct, either at his + carnal gifts and learning, or at his grandfather’s heresy, Jeanie drew a + good omen from no such qualifying clause being added to this sentence + respecting him. + </p> + <p> + A lover’s hope resembles the bean in the nursery tale,—let it once + take root, and it will grow so rapidly, that in the course of a few hours + the giant Imagination builds a castle on the top, and by and by comes + Disappointment with the “curtal axe,” and hews down both the plant and the + superstructure. Jeanie’s fancy, though not the most powerful of her + faculties, was lively enough to transport her to a wild farm in + Northumberland, well stocked with milk-cows, yeald beasts, and sheep; a + meeting-house, hard by, frequented by serious Presbyterians, who had + united in a harmonious call to Reuben Butler to be their spiritual guide—Effie + restored, not to gaiety, but to cheerfulness at least—their father, + with his grey hairs smoothed down, and spectacles on his nose—herself, + with the maiden snood exchanged for a matron’s curch—all arranged in + a pew in the said meeting-house, listening to words of devotion, rendered + sweeter and more powerful by the affectionate ties which combined them + with the preacher. She cherished such visions from day to day, until her + residence in London began to become insupportable and tedious to her; and + it was with no ordinary satisfaction that she received a summons from + Argyle House, requiring her in two days to be prepared to join their + northward party. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0016" id="Alink2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER SIXTEENTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + One was a female, who had grievous ill + Wrought in revenge, and she enjoy’d it still; + Sullen she was, and threatening; in her eye + Glared the stern triumph that she dared to die. + Crabbe. +</pre> + <p> + The summons of preparation arrived after Jeanie Deans had resided in the + metropolis about three weeks. + </p> + <p> + On the morning appointed she took a grateful farewell of Mrs. Glass, as + that good woman’s attention to her particularly required, placed herself + and her movable goods, which purchases and presents had greatly increased, + in a hackney-coach, and joined her travelling companions in the + housekeeper’s apartment at Argyle House. While the carriage was getting + ready, she was informed that the Duke wished to speak with her; and being + ushered into a splendid saloon, she was surprised to find that he wished + to present her to his lady and daughters. + </p> + <p> + “I bring you my little countrywoman, Duchess,” these were the words of the + introduction. “With an army of young fellows, as gallant and steady as she + is, and, a good cause, I would not fear two to one.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, papa!” said a lively young lady, about twelve years old, “remember + you were full one to two at Sheriffmuir, and yet” (singing the well-known + ballad)— + </p> + <p> + “Some say that we wan, and some say that they wan, And some say that nane + wan at a’, man But of ae thing I’m sure, that on Sheriff-muir A battle + there was that I saw, man.” + </p> + <p> + “What, little Mary turned Tory on my hands?—This will be fine news + for our countrywoman to carry down to Scotland!” + </p> + <p> + “We may all turn Tories for the thanks we have got for remaining Whigs,” + said the second young lady. + </p> + <p> + “Well, hold your peace, you discontented monkeys, and go dress your + babies; and as for the Bob of Dunblane, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘If it wasna weel bobbit, weel bobbit, weel bobbit, + If it wasna weel bobbit, we’ll bob it again.’” + </pre> + <p> + “Papa’s wit is running low,” said Lady Mary: “the poor gentleman is + repeating himself—he sang that on the field of battle, when he was + told the Highlanders had cut his left wing to pieces with their + claymores.” + </p> + <p> + A pull by the hair was the repartee to this sally. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! brave Highlanders and bright claymores,” said the Duke, “well do I + wish them, ‘for a’ the ill they’ve done me yet,’ as the song goes.—But + come, madcaps, say a civil word to your countrywoman—I wish ye had + half her canny hamely sense; I think you may be as leal and true-hearted.” + </p> + <p> + The Duchess advanced, and, in a few words, in which there was as much + kindness as civility, assured Jeanie of the respect which she had for a + character so affectionate, and yet so firm, and added, “When you get home, + you will perhaps hear from me.” + </p> + <p> + “And from me.” “And from me.” “And from me, Jeanie,” added the young + ladies one after the other, “for you are a credit to the land we love so + well.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie, overpowered by these unexpected compliments, and not aware that + the Duke’s investigation had made him acquainted with her behaviour on her + sister’s trial, could only answer by blushing, and courtesying round and + round, and uttering at intervals, “Mony thanks! mony thanks!” + </p> + <p> + “Jeanie,” said the Duke, “you must have <i>doch an’ dorroch,</i> or you + will be unable to travel.” + </p> + <p> + There was a salver with cake and wine on the table. He took up a glass, + drank “to all true hearts that lo’ed Scotland,” and offered a glass to his + guest. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie, however, declined it, saying, “that she had never tasted wine in + her life.” + </p> + <p> + “How comes that, Jeanie?” said the Duke,—“wine maketh glad the + heart, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, sir, but my father is like Jonadab the son of Rechab, who charged his + children that they should drink no wine.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought your father would have had more sense,” said the Duke, “unless + indeed he prefers brandy. But, however, Jeanie, if you will not drink, you + must eat, to save the character of my house.” + </p> + <p> + He thrust upon her a large piece of cake, nor would he permit her to break + off a fragment, and lay the rest on a salver. + </p> + <p> + “Put it in your pouch, Jeanie,” said he; “you will be glad of it before + you see St. Giles’s steeple. I wish to Heaven I were to see it as soon as + you! and so my best service to all my friends at and about Auld Reekie, + and a blithe journey to you.” + </p> + <p> + And, mixing the frankness of a soldier with his natural affability, he + shook hands with his prote’ge’e, and committed her to the charge of + Archibald, satisfied that he had provided sufficiently for her being + attended to by his domestics, from the unusual attention with which he had + himself treated her. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, in the course of her journey, she found both her companions + disposed to pay her every possible civility, so that her return, in point + of comfort and safety, formed a strong contrast to her journey to London. + </p> + <p> + Her heart also was disburdened of the weight of grief, shame, + apprehension, and fear, which had loaded her before her interview with the + Queen at Richmond. But the human mind is so strangely capricious, that, + when freed from the pressure of real misery, it becomes open and sensitive + to the apprehension of ideal calamities. She was now much disturbed in + mind, that she had heard nothing from Reuben Butler, to whom the operation + of writing was so much more familiar than it was to herself. + </p> + <p> + “It would have cost him sae little fash,” she said to herself; “for I hae + seen his pen gan as fast ower the paper, as ever it did ower the water + when it was in the grey goose’s wing. Wae’s me! maybe he may be badly—but + then my father wad likely hae said somethin about it—Or maybe he may + hae taen the rue, and kensna how to let me wot of his change of mind. He + needna be at muckle fash about it,”—she went on, drawing herself up, + though the tear of honest pride and injured affection gathered in her eye, + as she entertained the suspicion,— “Jeanie Deans is no the lass to + pu’ him by the sleeve, or put him in mind of what he wishes to forget. I + shall wish him weel and happy a’ the same; and if he has the luck to get a + kirk in our country, I sall gang and hear him just the very same, to show + that I bear nae malice.” And as she imagined the scene, the tear stole + over her eye. + </p> + <p> + In these melancholy reveries, Jeanie had full time to indulge herself; for + her travelling companions, servants in a distinguished and fashionable + family, had, of course, many topics of conversation, in which it was + absolutely impossible she could have either pleasure or portion. She had, + therefore, abundant leisure for reflection, and even for self-tormenting, + during the several days which, indulging the young horses the Duke was + sending down to the North with sufficient ease and short stages, they + occupied in reaching the neighbourhood of Carlisle. + </p> + <p> + In approaching the vicinity of that ancient city, they discerned a + considerable crowd upon an eminence at a little distance from the high + road, and learned from some passengers who were gathering towards that + busy scene from the southward, that the cause of the concourse was, the + laudable public desire “to see a doomed Scotch witch and thief get half of + her due upo’ Haribeebroo’ yonder, for she was only to be hanged; she + should hae been boorned aloive, an’ cheap on’t.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear Mr. Archibald,” said the dame of the dairy elect, “I never seed a + woman hanged in a’ my life, and only four men, as made a goodly + spectacle.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Archibald, however, was a Scotchman, and promised himself no exuberant + pleasure in seeing his countrywoman undergo “the terrible behests of law.” + Moreover, he was a man of sense and delicacy in his way, and the late + circumstances of Jeanie’s family, with the cause of her expedition to + London, were not unknown to him; so that he answered drily, it was + impossible to stop, as he must be early at Carlisle on some business of + the Duke’s, and he accordingly bid the postilions get on. + </p> + <p> + The road at that time passed at about a quarter of a mile’s distance from + the eminence, called Haribee or Harabee-brow, which, though it is very + moderate in size and height, is nevertheless seen from a great distance + around, owing to the flatness of the country through which the Eden flows. + Here many an outlaw, and border-rider of both kingdoms, had wavered in the + wind during the wars, and scarce less hostile truces, between the two + countries. Upon Harabee, in latter days, other executions had taken place + with as little ceremony as compassion; for these frontier provinces + remained long unsettled, and, even at the time of which we write, were + ruder than those in the centre of England. + </p> + <p> + The postilions drove on, wheeling as the Penrith road led them, round the + verge of the rising ground. Yet still the eyes of Mrs. Dolly Dutton, + which, with the head and substantial person to which they belonged, were + all turned towards the scene of action, could discern plainly the outline + of the gallows-tree, relieved against the clear sky, the dark shade formed + by the persons of the executioner and the criminal upon the light rounds + of the tall aerial ladder, until one of the objects, launched into the + air, gave unequivocal signs of mortal agony, though appearing in the + distance not larger than a spider dependent at the extremity of his + invisible thread, while the remaining form descended from its elevated + situation, and regained with all speed an undistinguished place among the + crowd. This termination of the tragic scene drew forth of course a squall + from Mrs. Dutton, and Jeanie, with instinctive curiosity, turned her head + in the same direction. + </p> + <p> + The sight of a female culprit in the act of undergoing the fatal + punishment from which her beloved sister had been so recently rescued, was + too much, not perhaps for her nerves, but for her mind and feelings. She + turned her head to the other side of the carriage, with a sensation of + sickness, of loathing, and of fainting. Her female companion overwhelmed + her with questions, with proffers of assistance, with requests that the + carriage might be stopped—that a doctor might be fetched—that + drops might be gotten—that burnt feathers and asafoetida, fair + water, and hartshorn, might be procured, all at once, and without one + instant’s delay. Archibald, more calm and considerate, only desired the + carriage to push forward; and it was not till they had got beyond sight of + the fatal spectacle, that, seeing the deadly paleness of Jeanie’s + countenance, he stopped the carriage, and jumping out himself, went in + search of the most obvious and most easily procured of Mrs. Dutton’s + pharmacopoeia—a draught, namely, of fair water. + </p> + <p> + While Archibald was absent on this good-natured piece of service, damning + the ditches which produced nothing but mud, and thinking upon the thousand + bubbling springlets of his own mountains, the attendants on the execution + began to pass the stationary vehicle in their way back to Carlisle. + </p> + <p> + From their half-heard and half-understood words, Jeanie, whose attention + was involuntarily rivetted by them, as that of children is by ghost + stories, though they know the pain with which they will afterwards + remember them, Jeanie, I say, could discern that the present victim of the + law had died game, as it is termed by those unfortunates; that is, sullen, + reckless, and impenitent, neither fearing God nor regarding man. + </p> + <p> + “A sture woife, and a dour,” said one Cumbrian peasant, as he clattered by + in his wooden brogues, with a noise like the trampling of a dray-horse. + </p> + <p> + “She has gone to ho master, with ho’s name in her mouth,” said another; + “Shame the country should be harried wi’ Scotch witches and Scotch bitches + this gate—but I say hang and drown.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, Gaffer Tramp, take awa yealdon, take awa low—hang the + witch, and there will be less scathe amang us; mine owsen hae been reckan + this towmont.” + </p> + <p> + “And mine bairns hae been crining too, mon,” replied his neighbour. + </p> + <p> + “Silence wi’ your fule tongues, ye churls,” said an old woman, who hobbled + past them, as they stood talking near the carriage; “this was nae witch, + but a bluidy-fingered thief and murderess.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay? was it e’en sae, Dame Hinchup?” said one in a civil tone, and + stepping out of his place to let the old woman pass along the footpath—“Nay, + you know best, sure—but at ony rate, we hae but tint a Scot of her, + and that’s a thing better lost than found.” + </p> + <p> + The old woman passed on without making any answer. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, neighbour,” said Gaffer Tramp, “seest thou how one witch will + speak for t’other—Scots or English, the same to them.” + </p> + <p> + His companion shook his head, and replied in the same subdued tone, “Ay, + ay, when a Sark-foot wife gets on her broomstick, the dames of Allonby are + ready to mount, just as sure as the by-word gangs o’ the hills,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + If Skiddaw hath a cap, + Criffel, wots full weel of that.” + </pre> + <p> + “But,” continued Gager Tramp, “thinkest thou the daughter o’ yon hangit + body isna as rank a witch as ho?” + </p> + <p> + “I kenna clearly,” returned the fellow, “but the folk are speaking o’ + swimming her i’ the Eden.” And they passed on their several roads, after + wishing each other good-morning. + </p> + <p> + Just as the clowns left the place, and as Mr. Archibald returned with some + fair water, a crowd of boys and girls, and some of the lower rabble of + more mature age, came up from the place of execution, grouping themselves + with many a yell of delight around a tall female fantastically dressed, + who was dancing, leaping, and bounding in the midst of them. A horrible + recollection pressed on Jeanie as she looked on this unfortunate creature; + and the reminiscence was mutual, for by a sudden exertion of great + strength and agility, Madge Wildfire broke out of the noisy circle of + tormentors who surrounded her, and clinging fast to the door of the + calash, uttered, in a sound betwixt laughter and screaming, “Eh, d’ye ken, + Jeanie Deans, they hae hangit our mother?” Then suddenly changing her tone + to that of the most piteous entreaty, she added, “O gar them let me gang + to cut her down!—let me but cut her down!—she is my mother, if + she was waur than the deil, and she’ll be nae mair kenspeckle than + half-hangit Maggie Dickson,* that cried saut mony a day after she had been + hangit; her voice was roupit and hoarse, and her neck was a wee agee, or + ye wad hae kend nae odds on her frae ony other saut-wife.” + </p> + <p> + * Note Q. Half-hanged Maggie Dickson. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Archibald, embarrassed by the madwoman’s clinging to the carriage, and + detaining around them her noisy and mischievous attendants, was all this + while looking out for a constable or beadle, to whom he might commit the + unfortunate creature. But seeing no such person of authority, he + endeavoured to loosen her hold from the carriage, that they might escape + from her by driving on. This, however, could hardly be achieved without + some degree of violence; Madge held fast, and renewed her frantic + entreaties to be permitted to cut down her mother. “It was but a tenpenny + tow lost,” she said, “and what was that to a woman’s life?” There came up, + however, a parcel of savage-looking fellows, butchers and graziers + chiefly, among whose cattle there had been of late a very general and + fatal distemper, which their wisdom imputed to witchcraft. They laid + violent hands on Madge, and tore her from the carriage, exclaiming— + “What, doest stop folk o’ king’s high-way? Hast no done mischief enow + already, wi’ thy murders and thy witcherings?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Jeanie Deans—Jeanie Deans!” exclaimed the poor maniac, “save my + mother, and I will take ye to the Interpreter’s house again,—and I + will teach ye a’ my bonny sangs,—and I will tell ye what came o’ + the.” The rest of her entreaties were drowned in the shouts of the rabble. + </p> + <p> + “Save her, for God’s sake!—save her from those people!” exclaimed + Jeanie to Archibald. + </p> + <p> + “She is mad, but quite innocent; she is mad, gentlemen,” said Archibald; + “do not use her ill, take her before the Mayor.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, we’se hae care enow on her,” answered one of the fellows; “gang + thou thy gate, man, and mind thine own matters.” + </p> + <p> + “He’s a Scot by his tongue,” said another; “and an he will come out o’ his + whirligig there, I’se gie him his tartan plaid fu’ o’ broken banes.” + </p> + <p> + It was clear nothing could be done to rescue Madge; and Archibald, who was + a man of humanity, could only bid the postilions hurry on to Carlisle, + that he might obtain some assistance to the unfortunate woman. As they + drove off, they heard the hoarse roar with which the mob preface acts of + riot or cruelty, yet even above that deep and dire note, they could + discern the screams of the unfortunate victim. They were soon out of + hearing of the cries, but had no sooner entered the streets of Carlisle, + than Archibald, at Jeanie’s earnest and urgent entreaty, went to a + magistrate, to state the cruelty which was likely to be exercised on this + unhappy creature. + </p> + <p> + In about an hour and a half he returned, and reported to Jeanie, that the + magistrate had very readily gone in person, with some assistance, to the + rescue of the unfortunate woman, and that he had himself accompanied him; + that when they came to the muddy pool, in which the mob were ducking her, + according to their favourite mode of punishment, the magistrate succeeded + in rescuing her from their hands, but in a state of insensibility, owing + to the cruel treatment which she had received. He added, that he had seen + her carried to the workhouse, and understood that she had been brought to + herself, and was expected to do well. + </p> + <p> + This last averment was a slight alteration in point of fact, for Madge + Wildfire was not expected to survive the treatment she had received; but + Jeanie seemed so much agitated, that Mr. Archibald did not think it + prudent to tell her the worst at once. Indeed, she appeared so fluttered + and disordered by this alarming accident, that, although it had been their + intention to proceed to Longtown that evening, her companions judged it + most advisable to pass the night at Carlisle. + </p> + <p> + This was particularly agreeable to Jeanie, who resolved, if possible, to + procure an interview with Madge Wildfire. Connecting some of her wild + flights with the narrative of George Staunton, she was unwilling to omit + the opportunity of extracting from her, if possible, some information + concerning the fate of that unfortunate infant which had cost her sister + so dear. Her acquaintance with the disordered state of poor Madge’s mind + did not permit her to cherish much hope that she could acquire from her + any useful intelligence; but then, since Madge’s mother had suffered her + deserts, and was silent for ever, it was her only chance of obtaining any + kind of information, and she was loath to lose the opportunity. + </p> + <p> + She coloured her wish to Mr. Archibald by saying that she had seen Madge + formerly, and wished to know, as a matter of humanity, how she was + attended to under her present misfortunes. That complaisant person + immediately went to the workhouse, or hospital, in which he had seen the + sufferer lodged, and brought back for reply, that the medical attendants + positively forbade her seeing any one. When the application for admittance + was repeated next day, Mr. Archibald was informed that she had been very + quiet and composed, insomuch that the clergyman who acted as chaplain to + the establishment thought it expedient to read prayers beside her bed, but + that her wandering fit of mind had returned soon after his departure; + however, her countrywoman might see her if she chose it. She was not + expected to live above an hour or two. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie had no sooner received this information than she hastened to the + hospital, her companions attending her. They found the dying person in a + large ward, where there were ten beds, of which the patient’s was the only + one occupied. + </p> + <p> + Madge was singing when they entered—singing her own wild snatches of + songs and obsolete airs, with a voice no longer overstrained by false + spirits, but softened, saddened, and subdued by bodily exhaustion. She was + still insane, but was no longer able to express her wandering ideas in the + wild notes of her former state of exalted imagination. There was death in + the plaintive tones of her voice, which yet, in this moderated and + melancholy mood, had something of the lulling sound with which a mother + sings her infant asleep. As Jeanie entered she heard first the air, and + then a part of the chorus and words, of what had been, perhaps, the song + of a jolly harvest-home. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Our work is over—over now, + The goodman wipes his weary brow, + The last long wain wends slow away, + And we are free to sport and play. + + “The night comes on when sets the sun, + And labour ends when day is done. + When Autumn’s gone and Winter’s come, + We hold our jovial harvest-home.” + </pre> + <p> + Jeanie advanced to the bedside when the strain was finished, and addressed + Madge by her name. But it produced no symptoms of recollection. On the + contrary, the patient, like one provoked by interruption, changed her + posture, and called out with an impatient tone, “Nurse—nurse, turn + my face to the wa’, that I may never answer to that name ony mair, and + never see mair of a wicked world.” + </p> + <p> + The attendant on the hospital arranged her in her bed as she desired, with + her face to the wall and her back to the light. So soon as she was quiet + in this new position, she began again to sing in the same low and + modulated strains, as if she was recovering the state of abstraction which + the interruption of her visitants had disturbed. The strain, however, was + different, and rather resembled the music of the Methodist hymns, though + the measure of the song was similar to that of the former: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “When the fight of grace is fought— + When the marriage vest is wrought— + When Faith hath chased cold Doubt away, + And Hope but sickens at delay— + + “When Charity, imprisoned here, + Longs for a more expanded sphere, + Doff thy robes of sin and clay; + Christian, rise, and come away.” + </pre> + <p> + The strain was solemn and affecting, sustained as it was by the pathetic + warble of a voice which had naturally been a fine one, and which weakness, + if it diminished its power, had improved in softness. Archibald, though a + follower of the court, and a pococurante by profession, was confused, if + not affected; the dairy-maid blubbered; and Jeanie felt the tears rise + spontaneously to her eyes. Even the nurse, accustomed to all modes in + which the spirit can pass, seemed considerably moved. + </p> + <p> + The patient was evidently growing weaker, as was intimated by an apparent + difficulty of breathing, which seized her from time to time, and by the + utterance of low listless moans, intimating that nature was succumbing in + the last conflict. But the spirit of melody, which must originally have so + strongly possessed this unfortunate young woman, seemed, at every interval + of ease, to triumph over her pain and weakness. And it was remarkable that + there could always be traced in her songs something appropriate, though + perhaps only obliquely or collaterally so, to her present situation. Her + next seemed the fragment of some old ballad: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Cauld is my bed, Lord Archibald, + And sad my sleep of sorrow; + But thine sall be as sad and cauld, + My fause true-love! to-morrow. + + “And weep ye not, my maidens free, + Though death your mistress borrow; + For he for whom I die to-day + Shall die for me to-morrow.” + </pre> + <p> + Again she changed the tune to one wilder, less monotonous, and less + regular. But of the words, only a fragment or two could be collected by + those who listened to this singular scene: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Proud Maisie is in the wood, + Walking so early; + Sweet Robin sits on the bush, + Singing so rarely. + + “‘Tell me, thou bonny bird. + When shall I marry me?’ + ‘When six braw gentlemen + Kirkward shall carry ye.’ + + “‘Who makes the bridal bed, + Birdie, say truly?’— + ‘The grey-headed sexton, + That delves the grave duly. + + “The glow-worm o’er grave and stone + Shall light thee steady; + The owl from the steeple sing, + ‘Welcome, proud lady.’” + </pre> + <p> + Her voice died away with the last notes, and she fell into a slumber, from + which the experienced attendant assured them that she never would awake at + all, or only in the death agony. + </p> + <p> + The nurse’s prophecy proved true. The poor maniac parted with existence, + without again uttering a sound of any kind. But our travellers did not + witness this catastrophe. They left the hospital as soon as Jeanie had + satisfied herself that no elucidation of her sister’s misfortunes was to + be hoped from the dying person.* + </p> + <p> + * Note R. Madge Wildfire. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0017" id="Alink2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Wilt thou go on with me? + The moon is bright, the sea is calm, + And I know well the ocean paths . . . + Thou wilt go on with me! + Thalaba. +</pre> + <p> + The fatigue and agitation of these various scenes had agitated Jeanie so + much, notwithstanding her robust strength of constitution, that Archibald + judged it necessary that she should have a day’s repose at the village of + Longtown. It was in vain that Jeanie protested against any delay. The Duke + of Argyle’s man of confidence was of course consequential; and as he had + been bred to the medical profession in his youth (at least he used this + expression to describe his having, thirty years before, pounded for six + months in the mortar of old Mungo Mangleman, the surgeon at Greenock), he + was obstinate whenever a matter of health was in question. + </p> + <p> + In this case he discovered febrile symptoms, and having once made a happy + application of that learned phrase to Jeanie’s case, all farther + resistance became in vain; and she was glad to acquiesce, and even to go + to bed, and drink water-gruel, in order that she might possess her soul in + quiet and without interruption. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Archibald was equally attentive in another particular. He observed + that the execution of the old woman, and the miserable fate of her + daughter, seemed to have had a more powerful effect upon Jeanie’s mind, + than the usual feelings of humanity might naturally have been expected to + occasion. Yet she was obviously a strong-minded, sensible young woman, and + in no respect subject to nervous affections; and therefore Archibald, + being ignorant of any special connection between his master’s prote’ge’e + and these unfortunate persons, excepting that she had seen Madge formerly + in Scotland, naturally imputed the strong impression these events had made + upon her, to her associating them with the unhappy circumstances in which + her sister had so lately stood. He became anxious, therefore, to prevent + anything occurring which might recall these associations to Jeanie’s mind. + </p> + <p> + Archibald had speedily an opportunity of exercising this precaution. A + pedlar brought to Longtown that evening, amongst other wares, a large + broad-side sheet, giving an account of the “Last Speech and Execution of + Margaret Murdockson, and of the barbarous Murder of her Daughter, + Magdalene or Madge Murdockson, called Madge Wildfire; and of her pious + conversation with his Reverence Archdeacon Fleming;” which authentic + publication had apparently taken place on the day they left Carlisle, and + being an article of a nature peculiarly acceptable to such country-folk as + were within hearing of the transaction, the itinerant bibliopolist had + forthwith added them to his stock in trade. He found a merchant sooner + than he expected; for Archibald, much applauding his own prudence, + purchased the whole lot for two shillings and ninepence; and the pedlar, + delighted with the profit of such a wholesale transaction, instantly + returned to Carlisle to supply himself with more. + </p> + <p> + The considerate Mr. Archibald was about to commit his whole purchase to + the flames, but it was rescued by the yet more considerate dairy-damsel, + who said, very prudently, it was a pity to waste so much paper, which + might crepe hair, pin up bonnets, and serve many other useful purposes; + and who promised to put the parcel into her own trunk, and keep it + carefully out of the sight of Mrs. Jeanie Deans: “Though, by-the-bye, she + had no great notion of folk being so very nice. Mrs. Deans might have had + enough to think about the gallows all this time to endure a sight of it, + without all this to-do about it.” + </p> + <p> + Archibald reminded the dame of the dairy of the Duke’s particular charge, + that they should be attentive and civil to Jeanie as also that they were + to part company soon, and consequently would not be doomed to observing + any one’s health or temper during the rest of the journey. With which + answer Mrs. Dolly Dutton was obliged to hold herself satisfied. On the + morning they resumed their journey, and prosecuted it successfully, + travelling through Dumfriesshire and part of Lanarkshire, until they + arrived at the small town of Rutherglen, within about four miles of + Glasgow. Here an express brought letters to Archibald from the principal + agent of the Duke of Argyle in Edinburgh. + </p> + <p> + He said nothing of their contents that evening; but when they were seated + in the carriage the next day, the faithful squire informed Jeanie, that he + had received directions from the Duke’s factor, to whom his Grace had + recommended him to carry her, if she had no objection, for a stage or two + beyond Glasgow. Some temporary causes of discontent had occasioned tumults + in that city and the neighbourhood, which would render it unadvisable for + Mrs. Jeanie Deans to travel alone and unprotected betwixt that city and + Edinburgh; whereas, by going forward a little farther, they would meet one + of his Grace’s subfactors, who was coming down from the Highlands to + Edinburgh with his wife, and under whose charge she might journey with + comfort and in safety. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie remonstrated against this arrangement. “She had been lang,” she + said, “frae hame—her father and her sister behoved to be very + anxious to see her—there were other friends she had that werena weel + in health. She was willing to pay for man and horse at Glasgow, and surely + naebody wad meddle wi’ sae harmless and feckless a creature as she was.—She + was muckle obliged by the offer; but never hunted deer langed for its + resting-place as I do to find myself at Saint Leonard’s.” + </p> + <p> + The groom of the chambers exchanged a look with his female companion, + which seemed so full of meaning, that Jeanie screamed aloud—“O Mr. + Archibald—Mrs. Dutton, if ye ken of onything that has happened at + Saint Leonard’s, for God’s sake—for pity’s sake, tell me, and dinna + keep me in suspense!” + </p> + <p> + “I really know nothing, Mrs. Deans,” said the groom of the chambers. + </p> + <p> + “And I—I—I am sure, I knows as little,” said the dame of the + dairy, while some communication seemed to tremble on her lips, which, at a + glance of Archibald’s eye, she appeared to swallow down, and compressed + her lips thereafter into a state of extreme and vigilant firmness, as if + she had been afraid of its bolting out before she was aware. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie saw there was to be something concealed from her, and it was only + the repeated assurances of Archibald that her father—her sister—all + her friends were, as far as he knew, well and happy, that at all pacified + her alarm. From such respectable people as those with whom she travelled + she could apprehend no harm, and yet her distress was so obvious, that + Archibald, as a last resource, pulled out, and put into her hand, a slip + of paper, on which these words were written:— + </p> + <p> + “Jeanie Deans—You will do me a favour by going with Archibald and my + female domestic a day’s journey beyond Glasgow, and asking them no + questions, which will greatly oblige your friend, ‘Argyle & + Greenwich.’” + </p> + <p> + Although this laconic epistle, from a nobleman to whom she was bound by + such inestimable obligations, silenced all Jeanie’s objections to the + proposed route, it rather added to than diminished the eagerness of her + curiosity. The proceeding to Glasgow seemed now no longer to be an object + with her fellow-travellers. On the contrary, they kept the left-hand side + of the river Clyde, and travelled through a thousand beautiful and + changing views down the side of that noble stream, till, ceasing to hold + its inland character, it began to assume that of a navigable river. + </p> + <p> + “You are not for gaun intill Glasgow then?” said Jeanie, as she observed + that the drivers made no motion for inclining their horses’ heads towards + the ancient bridge, which was then the only mode of access to St. Mungo’s + capital. + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Archibald; “there is some popular commotion, and as our Duke + is in opposition to the court, perhaps we might be too well received; or + they might take it in their heads to remember that the Captain of Carrick + came down upon them with his Highlandmen in the time of Shawfield’s mob in + 1725, and then we would be too ill received.* And, at any rate, it is best + for us, and for me in particular, who may be supposed to possess his + Grace’s mind upon many particulars, to leave the good people of the + Gorbals to act according to their own imaginations, without either + provoking or encouraging them by my presence.” + </p> + <p> + * In 1725, there was a great riot in Glasgow on account of the malt-tax. + Among the troops brought in to restore order, was one of the independent + companies of Highlanders levied in Argyleshire, and distinguished, in a + lampoon of the period, as “Campbell of Carrick and his Highland thieves.” + It was called Shawfield’s Mob, because much of the popular violence was + directed against Daniel Campbell, Esq. of Shawfield, M. P., Provost of the + town. + </p> + <p> + To reasoning of such tone and consequence Jeanie had nothing to reply, + although it seemed to her to contain fully as much self-importance as + truth. + </p> + <p> + The carriage meantime rolled on; the river expanded itself, and gradually + assumed the dignity of an estuary or arm of the sea. The influence of the + advancing and retiring tides became more and more evident, and in the + beautiful words of him of the laurel wreath, the river waxed— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A broader and yet broader stream. + The cormorant stands upon its shoals, + His black and dripping wings + Half open’d to the wind. + [From Southey’s <i>Thalaba,</i> Book xi. stanza 36.] +</pre> + <p> + “Which way lies Inverary?” said Jeanie, gazing on the dusky ocean of + Highland hills, which now, piled above each other, and intersected by many + a lake, stretched away on the opposite side of the river to the northward. + “Is yon high castle the Duke’s hoose?” + </p> + <p> + “That, Mrs. Deans?—Lud help thee,” replied Archibald, “that’s the + old castle of Dumbarton, the strongest place in Europe, be the other what + it may. Sir William Wallace was governor of it in the old war with the + English, and his Grace is governor just now. It is always entrusted to the + best man in Scotland.” + </p> + <p> + “And does the Duke live on that high rock, then?” demanded Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, he has his deputy-governor, who commands in his absence; he lives + in the white house you see at the bottom of the rock—His Grace does + not reside there himself.” + </p> + <p> + “I think not, indeed,” said the dairy-woman, upon whose mind the road, + since they had left Dumfries, had made no very favourable impression, “for + if he did, he might go whistle for a dairy-woman, an he were the only duke + in England. I did not leave my place and my friends to come down to see + cows starve to death upon hills as they be at that pig-stye of Elfinfoot, + as you call it, Mr. Archibald, or to be perched upon the top of a rock, + like a squirrel in his cage, hung out of a three pair of stairs’ window.” + </p> + <p> + Inwardly chuckling that these symptoms of recalcitration had not taken + place until the fair malcontent was, as he mentally termed it, under his + thumb, Archibald coolly replied, “That the hills were none of his making, + nor did he know how to mend them; but as to lodging, they would soon be in + a house of the Duke’s in a very pleasant island called Roseneath, where + they went to wait for shipping to take them to Inverary, and would meet + the company with whom Jeanie was to return to Edinburgh.” + </p> + <p> + “An island?” said Jeanie, who, in the course of her various and + adventurous travels, had never quitted terra firma, “then I am doubting we + maun gang in ane of these boats; they look unco sma’, and the waves are + something rough, and—” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Archibald,” said Mrs. Dutton, “I will not consent to it; I was never + engaed to leave the country, and I desire you will bid the boys drive + round the other way to the Duke’s house.” + </p> + <p> + “There is a safe pinnace belonging to his Grace, ma’am, close by,” replied + Archibald, “and you need be under no apprehensions whatsoever.” + </p> + <p> + “But I am under apprehensions,” said the damsel; “and I insist upon going + round by land, Mr. Archibald, were it ten miles about.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry I cannot oblige you, madam, as Roseneath happens to be an + island.” + </p> + <p> + “If it were ten islands,” said the incensed dame, “that’s no reason why I + should be drowned in going over the seas to it.” + </p> + <p> + “No reason why you should be drowned certainly, ma’am,” answered the + unmoved groom of the chambers, “but an admirable good one why you cannot + proceed to it by land.” And, fixed his master’s mandates to perform, he + pointed with his hand, and the drivers, turning off the high-road, + proceeded towards a small hamlet of fishing huts, where a shallop, + somewhat more gaily decorated than any which they had yet seen, having a + flag which displayed a boar’s head, crested with a ducal coronet, waited + with two or three seamen, and as many Highlanders. + </p> + <p> + The carriage stopped, and the men began to unyoke their horses, while Mr. + Archibald gravely superintended the removal of the baggage from the + carriage to the little vessel. “Has the Caroline been long arrived?” said + Archibald to one of the seamen. + </p> + <p> + “She has been here in five days from Liverpool, and she’s lying down at + Greenock,” answered the fellow. + </p> + <p> + “Let the horses and carriage go down to Greenock then,” said Archibald, + “and be embarked there for Inverary when I send notice—they may + stand in my cousin’s, Duncan Archibald the stabler’s.—Ladies,” he + added, “I hope you will get yourselves ready; we must not lose the tide.” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Deans,” said the Cowslip of Inverary, “you may do as you please—but + I will sit here all night, rather than go into that there painted + egg-shell.—Fellow—fellow!” (this was addressed to a Highlander + who was lifting a travelling trunk), “that trunk is <i>mine,</i> and that + there band-box, and that pillion mail, and those seven bundles, and the + paper-bag; and if you venture to touch one of them, it shall be at your + peril.” + </p> + <p> + The Celt kept his eye fixed on the speaker, then turned his head towards + Archibald, and receiving no countervailing signal, he shouldered the + portmanteau, and without farther notice of the distressed damsel, or + paying any attention to remonstrances, which probably he did not + understand, and would certainly have equally disregarded whether he + understood them or not, moved off with Mrs. Dutton’s wearables, and + deposited the trunk containing them safely in the boat. + </p> + <p> + The baggage being stowed in safety, Mr. Archibald handed Jeanie out of the + carriage, and, not without some tremor on her part, she was transported + through the surf and placed in the boat. He then offered the same civility + to his fellow-servant, but she was resolute in her refusal to quit the + carriage, in which she now remained in solitary state, threatening all + concerned or unconcerned with actions for wages and board-wages, damages + and expenses, and numbering on her fingers the gowns and other + habiliments, from which she seemed in the act of being separated for ever. + Mr. Archibald did not give himself the trouble of making many + remonstrances, which, indeed, seemed only to aggravate the damsel’s + indignation, but spoke two or three words to the Highlanders in Gaelic; + and the wily mountaineers, approaching the carriage cautiously, and + without giving the slightest intimation of their intention, at once seized + the recusant so effectually fast that she could neither resist nor + struggle, and hoisting her on their shoulders in nearly a horizontal + posture, rushed down with her to the beach, and through the surf, and with + no other inconvenience than ruffling her garments a little, deposited her + in the boat; but in a state of surprise, mortification, and terror, at her + sudden transportation, which rendered her absolutely mute for two or three + minutes. The men jumped in themselves; one tall fellow remained till he + had pushed off the boat, and then tumbled in upon his companions. They + took their oars and began to pull from the shore, then spread their sail, + and drove merrily across the firth. + </p> + <p> + “You Scotch villain!” said the infuriated damsel to Archibald, “how dare + you use a person like me in this way?” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” said Archibald, with infinite composure, “it’s high time you + should know you are in the Duke’s country, and that there is not one of + these fellows but would throw you out of the boat as readily as into it, + if such were his Grace’s pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Then the Lord have mercy on me!” said Mrs. Dutton. “If I had had any on + myself, I would never have engaged with you.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s something of the latest to think of that now, Mrs. Dutton,” said + Archibald; “but I assure you, you will find the Highlands have their + pleasures. You will have a dozen of cow-milkers under your own authority + at Inverary, and you may throw any of them into the lake, if you have a + mind, for the Duke’s head people are almost as great as himself.” + </p> + <p> + “This is a strange business, to be sure, Mr. Archibald,” said the lady; + “but I suppose I must make the best on’t.—Are you sure the boat will + not sink? it leans terribly to one side, in my poor mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Fear nothing,” said Mr. Archibald, taking a most important pinch of + snuff; “this same ferry on Clyde knows us very well, or we know it, which + is all the same; no fear of any of our people meeting with any accident. + We should have crossed from the opposite shore, but for the disturbances + at Glasgow, which made it improper for his Grace’s people to pass through + the city.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you not afeard, Mrs. Deans,” said the dairy-vestal, addressing + Jeanie, who sat, not in the most comfortable state of mind, by the side of + Archibald, who himself managed the helm.—“are you not afeard of + these wild men with their naked knees, and of this nut-shell of a thing, + that seems bobbing up and down like a skimming-dish in a milk-pail?” + </p> + <p> + “No—no—madam,” answered Jeanie with some hesitation, “I am not + feared; for I hae seen Hielandmen before, though never was sae near them; + and for the danger of the deep waters, I trust there is a Providence by + sea as well as by land.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Mrs. Dutton, “it is a beautiful thing to have learned to + write and read, for one can always say such fine words whatever should + befall them.” + </p> + <p> + Archibald, rejoicing in the impression which his vigorous measures had + made upon the intractable dairymaid, now applied himself, as a sensible + and good-natured man, to secure by fair means the ascendency which he had + obtained by some wholesome violence; and he succeeded so well in + representing to her the idle nature of her fears, and the impossibility of + leaving her upon the beach enthroned in an empty carriage, that the good + understanding of the party was completely revived ere they landed at + Roseneath. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0018" id="Alink2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Did Fortune guide, + Or rather Destiny, our bark, to which + We could appoint no port, to this best place? + Fletcher. +</pre> + <p> + The islands in the Firth of Clyde, which the daily passage of so many + smoke-pennoned steamboats now renders so easily accessible, were in our + fathers’ times secluded spots, frequented by no travellers, and few + visitants of any kind. They are of exquisite, yet varied beauty. Arran, a + mountainous region, or Alpine island, abounds with the grandest and most + romantic scenery. Bute is of a softer and more woodland character. The + Cumbrays, as if to exhibit a contrast to both, are green, level, and bare, + forming the links of a sort of natural bar which is drawn along the mouth + of the firth, leaving large intervals, however, of ocean. Roseneath, a + smaller isle, lies much higher up the firth, and towards its western + shore, near the opening of the lake called the Gare Loch, and not far from + Loch Long and Loch Scant, or the Holy Loch, which wind from the mountains + of the Western Highlands to join the estuary of the Clyde. + </p> + <p> + In these isles the severe frost winds which tyrannise over the vegetable + creation during a Scottish spring, are comparatively little felt; nor, + excepting the gigantic strength of Arran, are they much exposed to the + Atlantic storms, lying landlocked and protected to the westward by the + shores of Ayrshire. Accordingly, the weeping-willow, the weeping-birch, + and other trees of early and pendulous shoots, flourish in these favoured + recesses in a degree unknown in our eastern districts; and the air is also + said to possess that mildness which is favourable to consumptive cases. + </p> + <p> + The picturesque beauty of the island of Roseneath, in particular, had such + recommendations, that the Earls and Dukes of Argyle, from an early period, + made it their occasional residence, and had their temporary accommodation + in a fishing or hunting-lodge, which succeeding improvements have since + transformed into a palace. It was in its original simplicity when the + little bark which we left traversing the firth at the end of last CHAPTER + approached the shores of the isle. + </p> + <p> + When they touched the landing-place, which was partly shrouded by some old + low but wide-spreading oak-trees, intermixed with hazel-bushes, two or + three figures were seen as if awaiting their arrival. To these Jeanie paid + little attention, so that it was with a shock of surprise almost + electrical, that, upon being carried by the rowers out of the boat to the + shore, she was received in the arms of her father! + </p> + <p> + It was too wonderful to be believed—too much like a happy dream to + have the stable feeling of reality—She extricated herself from his + close and affectionate embrace, and held him at arm’s length, to satisfy + her mind that it was no illusion. But the form was indisputable—Douce + David Deans himself, in his best light-blue Sunday’s coat, with broad + metal buttons, and waistcoat and breeches of the same, his strong + gramashes or leggins of thick grey cloth—the very copper buckles—the + broad Lowland blue bonnet, thrown back as he lifted his eyes to Heaven in + speechless gratitude—the grey locks that straggled from beneath it + down his weather-beaten “haffets”—the bald and furrowed forehead—the + clear blue eye, that, undimmed by years, gleamed bright and pale from + under its shaggy grey pent-house—the features, usually so stern and + stoical, now melted into the unwonted expression of rapturous joy, + affection, and gratitude—were all those of David Deans; and so + happily did they assort together, that, should I ever again see my friends + Wilkie or Allan, I will try to borrow or steal from them a sketch of this + very scene. + </p> + <p> + “Jeanie—my ain Jeanie—my best—my maist dutiful bairn—the + Lord of Israel be thy father, for I am hardly worthy of thee! Thou hast + redeemed our captivity—brought back the honour of our house—Bless + thee, my bairn, with mercies promised and purchased! But He <i>has</i> + blessed thee, in the good of which He has made thee the instrument.” + </p> + <p> + These words broke from him not without tears, though David was of no + melting mood. Archibald had, with delicate attention, withdrawn the + spectators from the interview, so that the wood and setting sun alone were + witnesses of the expansion of their feelings. + </p> + <p> + “And Effie?—and Effie, dear father?” was an eager interjectional + question which Jeanie repeatedly threw in among her expressions of joyful + thankfulness. + </p> + <p> + “Ye will hear—Ye will hear,” said David hastily, and over and anon + renewed his grateful acknowledgments to Heaven for sending Jeanie safe + down from the land of prelatic deadness and schismatic heresy; and had + delivered her from the dangers of the way, and the lions that were in the + path. + </p> + <p> + “And Effie?” repeated her affectionate sister again and again. “And—and” + (fain would she have said Butler, but she modified the direct inquiry)—“and + Mr. and Mrs. Saddletree—and Dumbiedikes—and a’ friends?” + </p> + <p> + “A’ weel—a’ weel, praise to His name!” + </p> + <p> + “And—Mr. Butler—he wasna weel when I gaed awa?” + </p> + <p> + “He is quite mended—quite weel,” replied her father. + </p> + <p> + “Thank God—but O, dear father, Effie?—Effie?” + </p> + <p> + “You will never see her mair, my bairn,” answered Deans in a solemn tone— + “You are the ae and only leaf left now on the auld tree—hale be your + portion!” + </p> + <p> + “She is dead!—She is slain!—It has come ower late!” exclaimed + Jeanie, wringing her hands. + </p> + <p> + “No, Jeanie,” returned Deans, in the same grave melancholy tone. “She + lives in the flesh, and is at freedom from earthly restraint, if she were + as much alive in faith, and as free from the bonds of Satan.” + </p> + <p> + “The Lord protect us!” said Jeanie.—“Can the unhappy bairn hae left + you for that villain?” + </p> + <p> + “It is ower truly spoken,” said Deans—“She has left her auld father, + that has wept and prayed for her—She has left her sister, that + travailed and toiled for her like a mother—She has left the bones of + her mother, and the land of her people, and she is ower the march wi’ that + son of Belial—She has made a moonlight flitting of it.” He paused, + for a feeling betwixt sorrow and strong resentment choked his utterance. + </p> + <p> + “And wi’ that man?—that fearfu’ man?” said Jeanie. “And she has left + us to gang aff wi’ him?—O Effie, Effie, wha could hae thought it, + after sic a deliverance as you had been gifted wi’!” + </p> + <p> + “She went out from us, my bairn, because she was not of us,” replied + David. “She is a withered branch will never bear fruit of grace—a + scapegoat gone forth into the wilderness of the world, to carry wi’ her, + as I trust, the sins of our little congregation. The peace of the warld + gang wi’ her, and a better peace when she has the grace to turn to it! If + she is of His elected, His ain hour will come. What would her mother have + said, that famous and memorable matron, Rebecca MacNaught, whose memory is + like a flower of sweet savour in Newbattle, and a pot of frankincense in + Lugton? But be it sae—let her part—let her gang her gate—let + her bite on her ain bridle—The Lord kens his time—She was the + bairn of prayers, and may not prove an utter castaway. But never, Jeanie, + never more let her name be spoken between you and me—She hath passed + from us like the brook which vanisheth when the summer waxeth warm, as + patient Job saith—let her pass, and be forgotten.” + </p> + <p> + There was a melancholy pause which followed these expressions. Jeanie + would fain have asked more circumstances relating to her sister’s + departure, but the tone of her father’s prohibition was positive. She was + about to mention her interview with Staunton at his father’s rectory; but, + on hastily running over the particulars in her memory, she thought that, + on the whole, they were more likely to aggravate than diminish his + distress of mind. She turned, therefore, the discourse from this painful + subject, resolving to suspend farther inquiry until she should see Butler, + from whom she expected to learn the particulars of her sister’s elopement. + </p> + <p> + But when was she to see Butler? was a question she could not forbear + asking herself, especially while her father, as if eager to escape from + the subject of his youngest daughter, pointed to the opposite shore of + Dumbartonshire, and asking Jeanie “if it werena a pleasant abode?” + declared to her his intention of removing his earthly tabernacle to that + country, “in respect he was solicited by his Grace the Duke of Argyle, as + one well skilled in country labour, and a’ that appertained to flocks and + herds, to superintend a store-farm, whilk his Grace had taen into his ain + hand for the improvement of stock.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie’s heart sunk within her at this declaration. “She allowed it was a + goodly and pleasant land, and sloped bonnily to the western sun; and she + doubtedna that the pasture might be very gude, for the grass looked green, + for as drouthy as the weather had been. But it was far frae hame, and she + thought she wad be often thinking on the bonny spots of turf, sae fu’ of + gowans and yellow king-cups, amang the Crags at St. Leonard’s.” + </p> + <p> + “Dinna speak on’t, Jeanie,” said her father; “I wish never to hear it + named mair—that is, after the rouping is ower, and the bills paid. + But I brought a’ the beasts owerby that I thought ye wad like best. There + is Gowans, and there’s your ain brockit cow, and the wee hawkit ane, that + ye ca’d—I needna tell ye how ye ca’d it—but I couldna bid them + sell the petted creature, though the sight o’ it may sometimes gie us a + sair heart—it’s no the poor dumb creature’s fault—And ane or + twa beasts mair I hae reserved, and I caused them to be driven before the + other beasts, that men might say, as when the son of Jesse returned from + battle, ‘This is David’s spoil.’” + </p> + <p> + Upon more particular inquiry, Jeanie found new occasion to admire the + active beneficence of her friend the Duke of Argyle. While establishing a + sort of experimental farm on the skirts of his immense Highland estates, + he had been somewhat at a loss to find a proper person in whom to vest the + charge of it. The conversation his Grace had upon country matters with + Jeanie Deans during their return from Richmond, had impressed him with a + belief that the father, whose experience and success she so frequently + quoted, must be exactly the sort of person whom he wanted. When the + condition annexed to Effie’s pardon rendered it highly probable that David + Deans would choose to change his place of residence, this idea again + occurred to the Duke more strongly, and as he was an enthusiast equally in + agriculture and in benevolence, he imagined he was serving the purposes of + both, when he wrote to the gentleman in Edinburgh entrusted with his + affairs, to inquire into the character of David Deans, cowfeeder, and so + forth, at St. Leonard’s Crags; and if he found him such as he had been + represented, to engage him without delay, and on the most liberal terms, + to superintend his fancy-farm in Dumbartonshire. + </p> + <p> + The proposal was made to old David by the gentleman so commissioned, on + the second day after his daughter’s pardon had reached Edinburgh. His + resolution to leave St. Leonard’s had been already formed; the honour of + an express invitation from the Duke of Argyle to superintend a department + where so much skill and diligence was required, was in itself extremely + flattering; and the more so, because honest David, who was not without an + exeellent opinion of his own talents, persuaded himself that, by accepting + this charge, he would in some sort repay the great favour he had received + at the hands of the Argyle family. The appointments, including the right + of sufficient grazing for a small stock of his own, were amply liberal; + and David’s keen eye saw that the situation was convenient for trafficking + to advantage in Highland cattle. There was risk of “her’ship” * from the + neighbouring mountains, indeed, but the awful name of the Duke of Argyle + would be a great security, and a trifle of <i>black-mail</i> would, David + was aware, assure his safety. + </p> + <p> + * Her’ship, a Scottish word which may be said to be now obsolete; because, + fortunately, the practice of “plundering by armed force,” which is its + meaning, does not require to be commonly spoken of. + </p> + <p> + Still however, there were two points on which he haggled. The first was + the character of the clergyman with whose worship he was to join; and on + this delicate point he received, as we will presently show the reader, + perfect satisfaction. The next obstacle was the condition of his youngest + daughter, obliged as she was to leave Scotland for so many years. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman of the law smiled, and said, “There was no occasion to + interpret that clause very strictly—that if the young woman left + Scotland for a few months, or even weeks, and came to her father’s new + residence by sea from the western side of England, nobody would know of + her arrival, or at least nobody who had either the right or inclination to + give her disturbance. The extensive heritable jurisdictions of his Grace + excluded the interference of other magistrates with those living on his + estates, and they who were in immediate dependence on him would receive + orders to give the young woman no disturbance. Living on the verge of the + Highlands, she might, indeed, be said to be out of Scotland, that is, + beyond the bounds of ordinary law and civilisation.” + </p> + <p> + Old Deans was not quite satisfied with this reasoning; but the elopement + of Effie, which took place on the third night after her liberation, + rendered his residence at St. Leonard’s so detestable to him, that he + closed at once with the proposal which had been made him, and entered with + pleasure into the idea of surprising Jeanie, as had been proposed by the + Duke, to render the change of residence more striking to her. The Duke had + apprised Archibald of these circumstances, with orders to act according to + the instructions he should receive from Edinburgh, and by which + accordingly he was directed to bring Jeanie to Roseneath. + </p> + <p> + The father and daughter communicated these matters to each other, now + stopping, now walking slowly towards the Lodge, which showed itself among + the trees, at about half-a-mile’s distance from the little bay in which + they had landed. As they approached the house, David Deans informed his + daughter, with somewhat like a grim smile, which was the utmost advance he + ever made towards a mirthful expression of visage, that “there was baith a + worshipful gentleman, and ane reverend gentleman, residing therein. The + worshipful gentleman was his honour the Laird of Knocktarlitie, who was + bailie of the lordship under the Duke of Argyle, ane Highland gentleman, + tarr’d wi’ the same stick,” David doubted, “as mony of them, namely, a + hasty and choleric temper, and a neglect of the higher things that belong + to salvation, and also a gripping unto the things of this world, without + muckle distinction of property; but, however, ane gude hospitable + gentleman, with whom it would be a part of wisdom to live on a gude + understanding (for Hielandmen were hasty, ower hasty). As for the reverend + person of whom he had spoken, he was candidate by favour of the Duke of + Argyle (for David would not for the universe have called him presentee) + for the kirk of the parish in which their farm was situated, and he was + likely to be highly acceptable unto the Christian souls of the parish, who + were hungering for spiritual manna, having been fed but upon sour Hieland + sowens by Mr. Duncan MacDonought, the last minister, who began the morning + duly, Sunday and Saturday, with a mutchkin of usquebaugh. But I need say + the less about the present lad,” said David, again grimly grimacing, “as I + think ye may hae seen him afore; and here he is come to meet us.” + </p> + <p> + She had indeed seen him before, for it was no other than Reuben Butler + himself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0019" id="Alink2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER NINETEENTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + No more shalt thou behold thy sister’s face; + Thou hast already had her last embrace. + Elegy on Mrs. Anne Killigrew. +</pre> + <p> + This second surprise had been accomplished for Jeanie Deans by the rod of + the same benevolent enchanter, whose power had transplanted her father + from the Crags of St. Leonard’s to the banks of the Gare Loch. The Duke of + Argyle was not a person to forget the hereditary debt of gratitude, which + had been bequeathed to him by his grandfather, in favour of the grandson + of old Bible Butler. He had internally resolved to provide for Reuben + Butler in this kirk of Knocktarlitie, of which the incumbent had just + departed this life. Accordingly, his agent received the necessary + instructions for that purpose, under the qualifying condition always, that + the learning and character of Mr. Butler should be found proper for the + charge. Upon inquiry, these were found as highly satisfactory as had been + reported in the case of David Deans himself. + </p> + <p> + By this preferment, the Duke of Argyle more essentially benefited his + friend and <i>protegee</i>, Jeanie, than he himself was aware of, since he + contributed to remove objections in her father’s mind to the match, which + he had no idea had been in existence. + </p> + <p> + We have already noticed that Deans had something of a prejudice against + Butler, which was, perhaps, in some degree owing to his possessing a sort + of consciousness that the poor usher looked with eyes of affection upon + his eldest daughter. This, in David’s eyes, was a sin of presumption, even + although it should not be followed by any overt act, or actual proposal. + But the lively interest which Butler had displayed in his distresses, + since Jeanie set forth on her London expedition, and which, therefore, he + ascribed to personal respect for himself individually, had greatly + softened the feelings of irritability with which David had sometimes + regarded him. And, while he was in this good disposition towards Butler, + another incident took place which had great influence on the old man’s + mind. So soon as the shock of Effie’s second elopement was over, it was + Deans’s early care to collect and refund to the Laird of Dumbiedikes the + money which he had lent for Effie’s trial, and for Jeanie’s travelling + expenses. The Laird, the pony, the cocked hat, and the tabacco-pipe, had + not been seen at St. Leonard’s Crags for many a day; so that, in order to + pay this debt, David was under the necessity of repairing in person to the + mansion of Dumbiedikes. + </p> + <p> + He found it in a state of unexpected bustle. There were workmen pulling + down some of the old hangings, and replacing them with others, altering, + repairing, scrubbing, painting, and white-washing. There was no knowing + the old house, which had been so long the mansion of sloth and silence. + The Laird himself seemed in some confusion, and his reception, though + kind, lacked something of the reverential cordiality, with which he used + to greet David Deans. There was a change also, David did not very well + know of what nature, about the exterior of this landed proprietor—an + improvement in the shape of his garments, a spruceness in the air with + which they were put on, that were both novelties. Even the old hat looked + smarter; the cock had been newly pointed, the lace had been refreshed, and + instead of slouching backward or forward on the Laird’s head, as it + happened to be thrown on, it was adjusted with a knowing inclination over + one eye. + </p> + <p> + David Deans opened his business, and told down the cash. Dumbiedikes + steadily inclined his ear to the one, and counted the other with great + accuracy, interrupting David, while he was talking of the redemption of + the captivity of Judah, to ask him whether he did not think one or two of + the guineas looked rather light. When he was satisfied on this point, had + pocketed his money, and had signed a receipt, he addressed David with some + little hesitation,—“Jeanie wad be writing ye something, gudeman?” + </p> + <p> + “About the siller?” replied David—“Nae doubt, she did.” + </p> + <p> + “And did she say nae mair about me?” asked the Laird. + </p> + <p> + “Nae mair but kind and Christian wishes—what suld she hae said?” + replied David, fully expecting that the Laird’s long courtship (if his + dangling after Jeanie deserves so active a name) was now coming to a + point. And so indeed it was, but not to that point which he wished or + expected. + </p> + <p> + “Aweel, she kens her ain mind best, gudeman. I hae made a clean house o’ + Jenny Balchristie, and her niece. They were a bad pack—steal’d meat + and mault, and loot the carters magg the coals—I’m to be married the + morn, and kirkit on Sunday.” + </p> + <p> + Whatever David felt, he was too proud and too steady-minded to show any + unpleasant surprise in his countenance and manner. + </p> + <p> + “I wuss ye happy, sir, through Him that gies happiness—marriage is + an honourable state.” + </p> + <p> + “And I am wedding into an honourable house, David—the Laird of + Lickpelf’s youngest daughter—she sits next us in the kirk, and + that’s the way I came to think on’t.” + </p> + <p> + There was no more to be said but again to wish the Laird joy, to taste a + cup of his liquor, and to walk back again to St. Leonard’s, musing on the + mutability of human affairs and human resolutions. The expectation that + one day or other Jeanie would be Lady Dumbiedikes, had, in spite of + himself, kept a more absolute possession of David’s mind than he himself + was aware of. At least, it had hitherto seemed a union at all times within + his daughter’s reach, whenever she might choose to give her silent lover + any degree of encouragement, and now it was vanished for ever. David + returned, therefore, in no very gracious humour for so good a man. He was + angry with Jeanie for not having encouraged the Laird—he was angry + with the Laird for requiring encouragement—and he was angry with + himself for being angry at all on the occasion. + </p> + <p> + On his return he found the gentleman who managed the Duke of Argyle’s + affairs was desirous of seeing him, with a view to completing the + arrangement between them. Thus, after a brief repose, he was obliged to + set off anew for Edinburgh, so that old May Hettly declared, “That a’ this + was to end with the master just walking himself aff his feet.” + </p> + <p> + When the business respecting the farm had been talked over and arranged, + the professional gentleman acquainted David Deans, in answer to his + inquiries concerning the state of public worship, that it was the pleasure + of the Duke to put an excellent young clergyman, called Reuben Butler, + into the parish, which was to be his future residence. + </p> + <p> + “Reuben Butler!” exclaimed David—“Reuben Butler, the usher at + Liberton?” + </p> + <p> + “The very same,” said the Duke’s commissioner; “his Grace has heard an + excellent character of him, and has some hereditary obligations to him + besides—few ministers will be so comfortable as I am directed to + make Mr. Butler.” + </p> + <p> + “Obligations?—The Duke?—Obligations to Reuben Butler—Reuben + Butler a placed minister of the Kirk of Scotland?” exclaimed David, in + interminable astonishment, for somehow he had been led by the bad success + which Butler had hitherto met with in all his undertakings, to consider + him as one of those step-sons of Fortune, whom she treats with unceasing + rigour, and ends with disinheriting altogether. + </p> + <p> + There is, perhaps, no time at which we are disposed to think so highly of + a friend, as when we find him standing higher than we expected in the + esteem of others. When assured of the reality of Butler’s change of + prospects, David expressed his great satisfaction at his success in life, + which, he observed, was entirely owing to himself (David). “I advised his + puir grand-mother, who was but a silly woman, to breed him up to the + ministry; and I prophesied that, with a blessing on his endeavours, he + would become a polished shaft in the temple. He may be something ower + proud o’ his carnal learning, but a gude lad, and has the root of the + matter—as ministers gang now, where yell find ane better, ye’ll find + ten waur, than Reuben Butler.” + </p> + <p> + He took leave of the man of business, and walked homeward, forgetting his + weariness in the various speculations to which this wonderful piece of + intelligence gave rise. Honest David had now, like other great men, to go + to work to reconcile his speculative principles with existing + circumstances; and, like other great men, when they set seriously about + that task, he was tolerably successful. + </p> + <p> + Ought Reuben Butler in conscience to accept of this preferment in the Kirk + of Scotland, subject as David at present thought that establishment was to + the Erastian encroachments of the civil power? This was the leading + question, and he considered it carefully. “The Kirk of Scotland was shorn + of its beams, and deprived of its full artillery and banners of authority; + but still it contained zealous and fructifying pastors, attentive + congregations, and, with all her spots and blemishes, the like of this + Kirk was nowhere else to be seen upon earth.” + </p> + <p> + David’s doubts had been too many and too critical to permit him ever + unequivocally to unite himself with any of the dissenters, who upon + various accounts absolutely seceded from the national church. He had often + joined in communion with such of the established clergy as approached + nearest to the old Presbyterian model and principles of 1640. And although + there were many things to be amended in that system, yet he remembered + that he, David Deans, had himself ever been an humble pleader for the good + old cause in a legal way, but without rushing into right-hand excesses, + divisions and separations. But, as an enemy to separation, he might join + the right-hand of fellowship with a minister of the Kirk of Scotland in + its present model. <i>Ergo,</i> Reuben Butler might take possession of the + parish of Knocktarlitie, without forfeiting his friendship or favour—Q. + E. D. But, secondly, came the trying point of lay-patronage, which David + Deans had ever maintained to be a coming in by the window, and over the + wall, a cheating and starving the souls of a whole parish, for the purpose + of clothing the back and filling the belly of the incumbent. + </p> + <p> + This presentation, therefore, from the Duke of Argyle, whatever was the + worth and high character of that nobleman, was a limb of the brazen image, + a portion of the evil thing, and with no kind of consistency could David + bend his mind to favour such a transaction. But if the parishioners + themselves joined in a general call to Reuben Butler to be their pastor, + it did not seem quite so evident that the existence of this unhappy + presentation was a reason for his refusing them the comforts of his + doctrine. If the Presbytery admitted him to the kirk, in virtue rather of + that act of patronage than of the general call of the congregation, that + might be their error, and David allowed it was a heavy one. But if Reuben + Butler accepted of the cure as tendered to him by those whom he was called + to teach, and who had expressed themselves desirous to learn, David, after + considering and reconsidering the matter, came, through the great virtue + of if, to be of opinion that he might safely so act in that matter. + </p> + <p> + There remained a third stumbling-block—the oaths to Government + exacted from the established clergymen, in which they acknowledge an + Erastian king and parliament, and homologate the incorporating Union + between England and Scotland, through which the latter kingdom had become + part and portion of the former, wherein Prelacy, the sister of Popery, had + made fast her throne, and elevated the horns of her mitre. These were + symptoms of defection which had often made David cry out, “My bowels—my + bowels!—I am pained at the very heart!” And he remembered that a + godly Bow-head matron had been carried out of the Tolbooth church in a + swoon, beyond the reach of brandy and burnt feathers, merely on hearing + these fearful words, “It is enacted by the Lords <i>spiritual</i> and + temporal,” pronounced from a Scottish pulpit, in the proem to the Porteous + Proclamation. These oaths were, therefore, a deep compliance and dire + abomination—a sin and a snare, and a danger and a defection. But + this shibboleth was not always exacted. Ministers had respect to their own + tender consciences, and those of their brethren; and it was not till a + later period that the reins of discipline were taken up tight by the + General Assemblies and Presbyteries. The peacemaking particle came again + to David’s assistance. <i>If</i> an incumbent was not called upon to make + such compliances, and <i>if</i> he got a right entry into the church + without intrusion, and by orderly appointment, why, upon the whole, David + Deans came to be of opinion, that the said incumbent might lawfully enjoy + the spirituality and temporality of the cure of souls at Knocktarlitie, + with stipend, manse, glebe, and all thereunto appertaining. + </p> + <p> + The best and most upright-minded men are so strongly influenced by + existing circumstances, that it would be somewhat cruel to inquire too + nearly what weight parental affection gave to these ingenious trains of + reasoning. Let David Deans’s situation be considered. He was just deprived + of one daughter, and his eldest, to whom he owed so much, was cut off, by + the sudden resolution of Dumbiedikes, from the high hope which David had + entertained, that she might one day be mistress of that fair lordship. + Just while this disappointment was bearing heavy on his spirits, Butler + comes before his imagination—no longer the half-starved threadbare + usher, but fat and sleek and fair, the beneficed minister of + Knocktarlitie, beloved by his congregation—exemplary in his life—powerful + in his doctrine—doing the duty of the kirk as never Highland + minister did before—turning sinners as a colley dog turns sheep—a + favourite of the Duke of Argyle, and drawing a stipend of eight hundred + punds Scots, and four chalders of victual. Here was a match, making up in + David’s mind, in a tenfold degree, the disappointment in the case of + Dumbiedikes, in so far as the goodman of St. Leonard’s held a powerful + minister in much greater admiration than a mere landed proprietor. It did + not occur to him, as an additional reason in favour of the match, that + Jeanie might herself have some choice in the matter; for the idea of + consulting her feelings never once entered into the honest man’s head, any + more than the possibility that her inclination might perhaps differ from + his own. + </p> + <p> + The result of his meditations was, that he was called upon to take the + management of the whole affair into his own hand, and give, if it should + be found possible without sinful compliance, or backsliding, or defection + of any kind, a worthy pastor to the kirk of Knocktarlitie. Accordingly, by + the intervention of the honest dealer in butter-milk who dwelt in + Liberton, David summoned to his presence Reuben Butler. Even from this + worthy messenger he was unable to conceal certain swelling emotions of + dignity, insomuch, that, when the carter had communicated his message to + the usher, he added, that “Certainly the Gudeman of St. Leonard’s had some + grand news to tell him, for he was as uplifted as a midden-cock upon + pattens.” + </p> + <p> + Butler, it may readily be conceived, immediately obeyed the summons. He + was a plain character, in which worth and good sense and simplicity were + the principal ingredients; but love, on this occasion, gave him a certain + degree of address. He had received an intimation of the favour designed + him by the Duke of Argyle, with what feelings those only can conceive who + have experienced a sudden prospect of being raised to independence and + respect from penury and toil. He resolved, however, that the old man + should retain all the consequence of being, in his own opinion, the first + to communicate the important intelligence. At the same time, he also + determined that in the expected conference he would permit David Deans to + expatiate at length upon the proposal, in all its bearings, without + irritating him either by interruption or contradiction. This last was the + most prudent plan he could have adopted; because, although there were many + doubts which David Deans could himself clear up to his own satisfaction, + yet he might have been by no means disposed to accept the solution of any + other person; and to engage him in an argument would have been certain to + confirm him at once and for ever in the opinion which Butler chanced to + impugn. + </p> + <p> + He received his friend with an appearance of important gravity, which real + misfortune had long compelled him to lay aside, and which belonged to + those days of awful authority in which he predominated over Widow Butler, + and dictated the mode of cultivating the crofts of Beersheba. He made + known to Reuben, with great prolixity, the prospect of his changing his + present residence for the charge of the Duke of Argyle’s stock-farm in + Dumbartonshire, and enumerated the various advantages of the situation + with obvious self-congratulation; but assured the patient hearer, that + nothing had so much moved him to acceptance, as the sense that, by his + skill in bestial, he could render the most important services to his Grace + the Duke of Argyle, to whom, “in the late unhappy circumstance” (here a + tear dimmed the sparkle of pride in the old man’s eye), “he had been sae + muckle obliged.” + </p> + <p> + “To put a rude Hielandman into sic a charge,” he continued, “what could be + expected but that he suld be sic a chiefest herdsman, as wicked Doeg the + Edomite? whereas, while this grey head is to the fore, not a clute o’ them + but sall be as weel cared for as if they were the fatted kine of Pharaoh.—And + now, Reuben, lad, seeing we maun remove our tent to a strange country, ye + will be casting a dolefu’ look after us, and thinking with whom ye are to + hold counsel anent your government in thae slippery and backsliding times; + and nae doubt remembering, that the auld man, David Deans, was made the + instrument to bring you out of the mire of schism and heresy, wherein your + father’s house delighted to wallow; aften also, nae doubt, when ye are + pressed wi’ ensnaring trials and tentations and heart-plagues, you, that + are like a recruit that is marching for the first time to the touk of + drum, will miss the auld, bauld, and experienced veteran soldier that has + felt the brunt of mony a foul day, and heard the bullets whistle as aften + as he has hairs left on his auld pow.” + </p> + <p> + It is very possible that Butler might internally be of opinion, that the + reflection on his ancestor’s peculiar tenets might have been spared, or + that he might be presumptuous enough even to think, that, at his years, + and with his own lights, he might be able to hold his course without the + pilotage of honest David. But he only replied, by expressing his regret, + that anything should separate him from an ancient, tried, and affectionate + friend. + </p> + <p> + “But how can it be helped, man?” said David, twisting his features into a + sort of smile—“How can we help it?—I trow, ye canna tell me + that—Ye maun leave that to ither folk—to the Duke of Argyle + and me, Reuben. It’s a gude thing to hae friends in this warld—how + muckle better to hae an interest beyond it!” + </p> + <p> + And David, whose piety, though not always quite rational, was as sincere + as it was habitual and fervent, looked reverentially upward and paused. + Mr. Butler intimated the pleasure with which he would receive his friend’s + advice on a subject so important, and David resumed. + </p> + <p> + “What think ye now, Reuben, of a kirk—a regular kirk under the + present establishment?—Were sic offered to ye, wad ye be free to + accept it, and under whilk provisions?—I am speaking but by way of + query.” + </p> + <p> + Butler replied, “That if such a prospect were held out to him, he would + probably first consult whether he was likely to be useful to the parish he + should be called to; and if there appeared a fair prospect of his proving + so, his friend must be aware, that in every other point of view, it would + be highly advantageous for him.” + </p> + <p> + “Right, Reuben, very right, lad,” answered the monitor, “your ain + conscience is the first thing to be satisfied—for how sall he teach + others that has himself sae ill learned the Scriptures, as to grip for the + lucre of foul earthly preferment, sic as gear and manse, money and + victual, that which is not his in a spiritual sense—or wha makes his + kirk a stalking-horse, from behind which he may tak aim at his stipend? + But I look for better things of you—and specially ye maun be minded + not to act altogether on your ain judgment, for therethrough comes sair + mistakes, backslidings and defections, on the left and on the right. If + there were sic a day of trial put to you, Reuben, you, who are a young + lad, although it may be ye are gifted wi’ the carnal tongues, and those + whilk were spoken at Rome, whilk is now the seat of the scarlet + abomination, and by the Greeks, to whom the Gospel was as foolishness, yet + nae-the-less ye may be entreated by your weel-wisher to take the counsel + of those prudent and resolved and weather-withstanding professors, wha hae + kend what it was to lurk on banks and in mosses, in bogs and in caverns, + and to risk the peril of the head rather than renounce the honesty of the + heart.” + </p> + <p> + Butler replied, “That certainly, possessing such a friend as he hoped and + trusted he had in the goodman himself, who had seen so many changes in the + preceding century, he should be much to blame if he did not avail himself + of his experience and friendly counsel.” + </p> + <p> + “Eneugh said—eneugh said, Reuben,” said David Deans, with internal + exultation; “and say that ye were in the predicament whereof I hae spoken, + of a surety I would deem it my duty to gang to the root o’ the matter, and + lay bare to you the ulcers and imposthumes, and the sores and the + leprosies, of this our time, crying aloud and sparing not.” + </p> + <p> + David Deans was now in his element. He commenced his examination of the + doctrines and belief of the Christian Church with the very Culdees, from + whom he passed to John Knox,—from John Knox to the recusants in + James the Sixth’s time—Bruce, Black, Blair, Livingstone,—from + them to the brief, and at length triumphant period of the Presbyterian + Church’s splendour, until it was overrun by the English Independents. Then + followed the dismal times of prelacy, the indulgences, seven in number, + with all their shades and bearings, until he arrived at the reign of King + James the Second, in which he himself had been, in his own mind, neither + an obscure actor nor an obscure sufferer. Then was Butler doomed to hear + the most detailed and annotated edition of what he had so often heard + before,—David Deans’s confinement, namely, in the iron cage in the + Canongate Tolbooth, and the cause thereof. + </p> + <p> + We should be very unjust to our friend David Deans, if we should + “pretermit”—to use his own expression—a narrative which he + held essential to his fame. A drunken trooper of the Royal Guards, Francis + Gordon by name, had chased five or six of the skulking Whigs, among whom + was our friend David; and after he had compelled them to stand, and was in + the act of brawling with them, one of their number fired a pocket-pistol, + and shot him dead. David used to sneer and shake his head when any one + asked him whether <i>he</i> had been the instrument of removing this + wicked persecutor from the face of the earth. In fact the merit of the + deed lay between him and his friend, Patrick Walker, the pedlar, whose + words he was so fond of quoting. Neither of them cared directly to claim + the merit of silencing Mr. Francis Gordon of the Life-Guards, there being + some wild cousins of his about Edinburgh, who might have been even yet + addicted to revenge, but yet neither of them chose to disown or yield to + the other the merit of this active defence of their religious rights. + David said, that if he had fired a pistol then, it was what he never did + after or before. And as for Mr. Patrick Walker, he has left it upon + record, that his great surprise was, that so small a pistol could kill so + big a man. These are the words of that venerable biographer, whose trade + had not taught him by experience, that an inch was as good as an ell. + “He,” (Francis Gordon) “got a shot in his head out of a pocket-pistol, + rather fit for diverting a boy than killing such a furious, mad, brisk + man, which notwithstanding killed him dead!”* + </p> + <p> + * Note S. Death of Francis Gordon. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Upon the extensive foundation which the history of the kirk afforded, +during its short-lived triumph and long tribulation, David, with length +of breath and of narrative, which would have astounded any one but a +lover of his daughter, proceeded to lay down his own rules for guiding +the conscience of his friend, as an aspirant to serve in the ministry. +Upon this subject, the good man went through such a variety of nice and +casuistical problems, supposed so many extreme cases, made the +distinctions so critical and nice betwixt the right hand and the left +hand—betwixt compliance and defection—holding back and stepping +aside—slipping and stumbling—snares and errors—that at length, after +having limited the path of truth to a mathematical line, he was brought +to the broad admission, that each man’s conscience, after he had gained +a certain view of the difficult navigation which he was to encounter, +would be the best guide for his pilotage. He stated the examples and +arguments for and against the acceptance of a kirk on the present +revolution model, with much more impartiality to Butler than he had been +able to place them before his own view. And he concluded, that his young +friend ought to think upon these things, and be guided by the voice of +his own conscience, whether he could take such an awful trust as the +charge of souls without doing injury to his own internal conviction of +what is right or wrong. +</pre> + <p> + When David had finished his very long harangue, which was only interrupted + by monosyllables, or little more, on the part of Butler, the orator + himself was greatly astonished to find that the conclusion, at which he + very naturally wished to arrive, seemed much less decisively attained than + when he had argued the case in his own mind. + </p> + <p> + In this particular, David’s current of thinking and speaking only + illustrated the very important and general proposition, concerning the + excellence of the publicity of debate. For, under the influence of any + partial feeling, it is certain, that most men can more easily reconcile + themselves to any favourite measure, when agitating it in their own mind, + than when obliged to expose its merits to a third party, when the + necessity of seeming impartial procures for the opposite arguments a much + more fair statement than that which he affords it in tacit meditation. + Having finished what he had to say, David thought himself obliged to be + more explicit in point of fact, and to explain that this was no + hypothetical case, but one on which (by his own influence and that of the + Duke of Argyle) Reuben Butler would soon be called to decide. + </p> + <p> + It was even with something like apprehension that David Deans heard Butler + announce, in return to this communication, that he would take that night + to consider on what he had said with such kind intentions, and return him + an answer the next morning. The feelings of the father mastered David on + this occasion. He pressed Butler to spend the evening with him—He + produced, most unusual at his meals, one, nay, two bottles of aged strong + ale.—He spoke of his daughter—of her merits—her + housewifery—her thrift—her affection. He led Butler so + decidedly up to a declaration of his feelings towards Jeanie, that, before + nightfall, it was distinctly understood she was to be the bride of Reuben + Butler; and if they thought it indelicate to abridge the period of + deliberation which Reuben had stipulated, it seemed to be sufficiently + understood betwixt them, that there was a strong probability of his + becoming minister of Knocktarlitie, providing the congregation were as + willing to accept of him, as the Duke to grant him the presentation. The + matter of the oaths, they agreed, it was time enough to dispute about, + whenever the shibboleth should be tendered. + </p> + <p> + Many arrangements were adopted that evening, which were afterwards ripened + by correspondence with the Duke of Argyle’s man of business, who intrusted + Deans and Butler with the benevolent wish of his principal, that they + should all meet with Jeanie, on her return from England, at the Duke’s + hunting-lodge in Roseneath. + </p> + <p> + This retrospect, so far as the placid loves of Jeanie Deans and Reuben + Butler are concerned, forms a full explanation of the preceding narrative + up to their meeting on the island, as already mentioned. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0020" id="Alink2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTIETH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “I come,” he said, “my love, my life, + And—nature’s dearest name—my wife: + Thy father’s house and friends resign, + My home, my friends, my sire, are thine.” + Logan. +</pre> + <p> + The meeting of Jeanie and Butler, under circumstances promising to crown + an affection so long delayed, was rather affecting, from its simple + sincerity than from its uncommon vehemence of feeling. David Deans, whose + practice was sometimes a little different from his theory, appalled them + at first, by giving them the opinion of sundry of the suffering preachers + and champions of his younger days, that marriage, though honourable by the + laws of Scripture, was yet a state over-rashly coveted by professors, and + specially by young ministers, whose desire, he said, was at whiles too + inordinate for kirks, stipends, and wives, which had frequently occasioned + over-ready compliance with the general defections of the times. He + endeavoured to make them aware also, that hasty wedlock had been the bane + of many a savoury professor—that the unbelieving wife had too often + reversed the text and perverted the believing husband—that when the + famous Donald Cargill, being then hiding in Lee-Wood, in Lanarkshire, it + being killing-time, did, upon importunity, marry Robert Marshal of Starry + Shaw, he had thus expressed himself: “What hath induced Robert to marry + this woman? her ill will overcome his good—he will not keep the way + long—his thriving days are done.” To the sad accomplishment of which + prophecy David said he was himself a living witness, for Robert Marshal, + having fallen into foul compliances with the enemy, went home, and heard + the curates, declined into other steps of defection, and became lightly + esteemed. Indeed, he observed, that the great upholders of the standard, + Cargill, Peden, Cameron, and Renwick, had less delight in tying the bonds + of matrimony than in any other piece of their ministerial work; and + although they would neither dissuade the parties, nor refuse their office, + they considered the being called to it as an evidence of indifference, on + the part of those between whom it was solemnised, to the many grievous + things of the day. Notwithstanding, however, that marriage was a snare + unto many, David was of opinion (as, indeed, he had showed in his + practice) that it was in itself honourable, especially if times were such + that honest men could be secure against being shot, hanged, or banished, + and had ane competent livelihood to maintain themselves, and those that + might come after them. “And, therefore,” as he concluded something + abruptly, addressing Jeanie and Butler, who, with faces as high-coloured + as crimson, had been listening to his lengthened argument for and against + the holy state of matrimony, “I will leave you to your ain cracks.” + </p> + <p> + As their private conversation, however interesting to themselves, might + probably be very little so to the reader, so far as it respected their + present feelings and future prospects, we shall pass it over, and only + mention the information which Jeanie received from Butler concerning her + sister’s elopement, which contained many particulars that she had been + unable to extract from her father. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie learned, therefore, that, for three days after her pardon had + arrived, Effie had been the inmate of her father’s house at St. Leonard’s—that + the interviews betwixt David and his erring child, which had taken place + before she was liberated from prison, had been touching in the extreme; + but Butler could not suppress his opinion, that, when he was freed from + the apprehension of losing her in a manner so horrible, her father had + tightened the bands of discipline, so as, in some degree, to gall the + feelings, and aggravate the irritability of a spirit naturally impatient + and petulant, and now doubly so from the sense of merited disgrace. + </p> + <p> + On the third night, Effie disappeared from St. Leonard’s, leaving no + intimation whatever of the route she had taken. Butler, however, set out + in pursuit of her, and with much trouble traced her towards a little + landing-place, formed by a small brook which enters the sea betwixt + Musselburgh and Edinburgh. This place, which has been since made into a + small harbour, surrounded by many villas and lodging-houses, is now termed + Portobello. At this time it was surrounded by a waste common, covered with + furze, and unfrequented, save by fishing-boats, and now and then a + smuggling lugger. A vessel of this description had been hovering in the + firth at the time of Effie’s elopement, and, as Butler ascertained, a boat + had come ashore in the evening on which the fugitive had disappeared, and + had carried on board a female. As the vessel made sail immediately, and + landed no part of their cargo, there seemed little doubt that they were + accomplices of the notorious Robertson, and that the vessel had only come + into the firth to carry off his paramour. + </p> + <p> + This was made clear by a letter which Butler himself soon afterwards + received by post, signed E. D., but without bearing any date of place or + time. It was miserably ill written and spelt; sea-sickness having + apparently aided the derangement of Effie’s very irregular orthography and + mode of expression. In this epistle, however, as in all that unfortunate + girl said or did, there was something to praise as well as to blame. She + said in her letter, “That she could not endure that her father and her + sister should go into banishment, or be partakers of her shame,—that + if her burden was a heavy one, it was of her own binding, and she had the + more right to bear it alone,—that in future they could not be a + comfort to her, or she to them, since every look and word of her father + put her in mind of her transgression, and was like to drive her mad,—that + she had nearly lost her judgment during the three days she was at St. + Leonard’s—her father meant weel by her, and all men, but he did not + know the dreadful pain he gave her in casting up her sins. If Jeanie had + been at hame, it might hae dune better—Jeanie was ane, like the + angels in heaven, that rather weep for sinners, than reckon their + transgressions. But she should never see Jeanie ony mair, and that was the + thought that gave her the sairest heart of a’ that had come and gane yet. + On her bended knees would she pray for Jeanie night and day, baith for + what she had done, and what she had scorned to do, in her behalf; for what + a thought would it have been to her at that moment o’ time, if that + upright creature had made a fault to save her! She desired her father + would give Jeanie a’ the gear—her ain (<i>i.e.</i> Effie’s) mother’s + and a’—She had made a deed, giving up her right, and it was in Mr. + Novit’s hand—Warld’s gear was henceforward the least of her care, + nor was it likely to be muckle her mister—She hoped this would make + it easy for her sister to settle;” and immediately after this expression, + she wished Butler himself all good things, in return for his kindness to + her. “For herself,” she said, “she kend her lot would be a waesome ane, + but it was of her own framing, sae she desired the less pity. But, for her + friends’ satisfaction, she wished them to know that she was gaun nae ill + gate—that they who had done her maist wrong were now willing to do + her what justice was in their power; and she would, in some warldly + respects, be far better off than she deserved. But she desired her family + to remain satisfied with this assurance, and give themselves no trouble in + making farther inquiries after her.” + </p> + <p> + To David Deans and to Butler this letter gave very little comfort; for + what was to be expected from this unfortunate girl’s uniting her fate to + that of a character so notorious as Robertson, who they readily guessed + was alluded to in the last sentence, excepting that she should become the + partner and victim of his future crimes? Jeanie, who knew George + Staunton’s character and real rank, saw her sister’s situation under a ray + of better hope. She augured well of the haste he had shown to reclaim his + interest in Effie, and she trusted he had made her his wife. If so, it + seemed improbable that, with his expected fortune, and high connections, + he should again resume the life of criminal adventure which he had led, + especially since, as matters stood, his life depended upon his keeping his + own secret, which could only be done by an entire change of his habits, + and particularly by avoiding all those who had known the heir of + Willingham under the character of the audacious, criminal, and condemned + Robertson. + </p> + <p> + She thought it most likely that the couple would go abroad for a few + years, and not return to England until the affair of Porteous was totally + forgotten. Jeanie, therefore, saw more hopes for her sister than Butler or + her father had been able to perceive; but she was not at liberty to impart + the comfort which she felt in believing that she would be secure from the + pressure of poverty, and in little risk of being seduced into the paths of + guilt. She could not have explained this without making public what it was + essentially necessary for Effie’s chance of comfort to conceal, the + identity, namely, of George Staunton and George Robertson. After all, it + was dreadful to think that Effie had united herself to a man condemned for + felony, and liable to trial for murder, whatever might be his rank in + life, and the degree of his repentance. Besides, it was melancholy to + reflect, that, she herself being in possession of the whole dreadful + secret, it was most probable he would, out of regard to his own feelings, + and fear for his safety, never again permit her to see poor Effie. After + perusing and re-perusing her sister’s valedictory letter, she gave ease to + her feelings in a flood of tears, which Butler in vain endeavoured to + check by every soothing attention in his power. She was obliged, however, + at length to look up and wipe her eyes, for her father, thinking he had + allowed the lovers time enough for conference, was now advancing towards + them from the Lodge, accompanied by the Captain of Knockdunder, or, as his + friends called him for brevity’s sake, Duncan Knock, a title which some + youthful exploits had rendered peculiarly appropriate. + </p> + <p> + This Duncan of Knockdunder was a person of first-rate importance in the + island of Roseneath,* and the continental parishes of Knocktarlitie, + Kilmun, and so forth; nay, his influence extended as far as Cowal, where, + however, it was obscured by that of another factor. + </p> + <p> + * [This is, more correctly speaking, a peninsula.] + </p> + <p> + The Tower of Knockdunder still occupies, with its remains, a cliff + overhanging the Holy Loch. Duncan swore it had been a royal castle; if so, + it was one of the smallest, the space within only forming a square of + sixteen feet, and bearing therefore a ridiculous proportion to the + thickness of the walls, which was ten feet at least. Such as it was, + however, it had long given the title of Captain, equivalent to that of + Chatellain, to the ancestors of Duncan, who were retainers of the house of + Argyle, and held a hereditary jurisdiction under them, of little extent + indeed, but which had great consequence in their own eyes, and was usually + administered with a vigour somewhat beyond the law. + </p> + <p> + The present representative of that ancient family was a stout short man + about fifty, whose pleasure it was to unite in his own person the dress of + the Highlands and Lowlands, wearing on his head a black tie-wig, + surmounted by a fierce cocked-hat, deeply guarded with gold lace, while + the rest of his dress consisted of the plaid and philabeg. Duncan + superintended a district which was partly Highland, partly Lowland, and + therefore might be supposed to combine their national habits, in order to + show his impartiality to Trojan or Tyrian. The incongruity, however, had a + whimsical and ludicrous effect, as it made his head and body look as if + belonging to different individuals; or, as some one said who had seen the + executions of the insurgent prisoners in 1715, it seemed as if some + Jacobite enchanter, having recalled the sufferers to life, had clapped, in + his haste, an Englishman’s head on a Highlander’s body. To finish the + portrait, the bearing of the gracious Duncan was brief, bluff, and + consequential, and the upward turn of his short copper-coloured nose + indicated that he was somewhat addicted to wrath and usquebaugh. + </p> + <p> + When this dignitary had advanced up to Butler and to Jeanie, “I take the + freedom, Mr. Deans,” he said in a very consequential manner, “to salute + your daughter, whilk I presume this young lass to be—I kiss every + pretty girl that comes to Roseneath, in virtue of my office.” Having made + this gallant speech, he took out his quid, saluted Jeanie with a hearty + smack, and bade her welcome to Argyle’s country. Then addressing Butler, + he said, “Ye maun gang ower and meet the carle ministers yonder the Morn, + for they will want to do your job, and synd it down with usquebaugh + doubtless—they seldom make dry wark in this kintra.” + </p> + <p> + “And the Laird”—said David Deans, addressing Butler in farther + explanation— + </p> + <p> + “The Captain, man,” interrupted Duncan; “folk winna ken wha ye are + speaking aboot, unless ye gie shentlemens their proper title.” + </p> + <p> + “The Captain, then,” said David, “assures me that the call is unanimous on + the part of the parishioners—a real harmonious call, Reuben.” + </p> + <p> + “I pelieve,” said Duncan, “it was as harmonious as could pe expected, when + the tae half o’ the bodies were clavering Sassenach, and the t’other + skirting Gaelic, like sea-maws and clackgeese before a storm. Ane wad hae + needed the gift of tongues to ken preceesely what they said—but I + pelieve the best end of it was, ‘Long live MacCallummore and Knockdunder!’—And + as to its being an unanimous call, I wad be glad to ken fat business the + carles have to call ony thing or ony body but what the Duke and mysell + likes!” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless,” said Mr. Butler, “if any of the parishioners have any + scruples, which sometimes happen in the mind of sincere professors, I + should be happy of an opportunity of trying to remove—” + </p> + <p> + “Never fash your peard about it, man,” interrupted Duncan Knock—“Leave + it a’ to me.—Scruple! deil ane o’ them has been bred up to scruple + onything that they’re bidden to do. And if sic a thing suld happen as ye + speak o’, ye sall see the sincere professor, as ye ca’ him, towed at the + stern of my boat for a few furlongs. I’ll try if the water of the Haly + Loch winna wash off scruples as weel as fleas—Cot tam!” + </p> + <p> + The rest of Duncan’s threat was lost in a growling gargling sort of sound, + which he made in his throat, and which menaced recusants with no gentle + means of conversion. David Deans would certainly have given battle in + defence of the right of the Christian congregation to be consulted in the + choice of their own pastor, which, in his estimation, was one of the + choicest and most inalienable of their privileges; but he had again + engaged in close conversation with Jeanie, and, with more interest than he + was in use to take in affairs foreign alike to his occupation and to his + religious tenets, was inquiring into the particulars of her London + journey. This was, perhaps, fortunate for the newformed friendship betwixt + him and the Captain of Knockdunder, which rested, in David’s estimation, + upon the proofs he had given of his skill in managing stock; but, in + reality, upon the special charge transmitted to Duncan from the Duke and + his agent, to behave with the utmost attention to Deans and his family. + </p> + <p> + “And now, sirs,” said Duncan, in a commanding tone, “I am to pray ye a’ to + come in to your supper, for yonder is Mr. Archibald half famished, and a + Saxon woman, that looks as if her een were fleeing out o’ her head wi’ + fear and wonder, as if she had never seen a shentleman in a philabeg + pefore.” + </p> + <p> + “And Reuben Butler,” said David, “will doubtless desire instantly to + retire, that he may prepare his mind for the exercise of to-morrow, that + his work may suit the day, and be an offering of a sweet savour in the + nostrils of the reverend Presbytery!” + </p> + <p> + “Hout tout, man, it’s but little ye ken about them,” interrupted the + Captain. “Teil a ane o’ them wad gie the savour of the hot venison pasty + which I smell” (turning his squab nose up in the air) “a’ the way frae the + Lodge, for a’ that Mr. Putler, or you either, can say to them.” + </p> + <p> + David groaned; but judging he had to do with a Gallio, as he said, did not + think it worth his while to give battle. They followed the Captain to the + house, and arranged themselves with great ceremony round a well-loaded + supper-table. The only other circumstance of the evening worthy to be + recorded is, that Butler pronounced the blessing; that Knockdunder found + it too long, and David Deans censured it as too short, from which the + charitable reader may conclude it was exactly the proper length. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0021" id="Alink2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY-FIRST. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Now turn the Psalms of David ower, + And lilt wi’ holy clangor; + Of double verse come gie us four, + And skirl up the Bangor. + Burns. +</pre> + <p> + The next was the important day, when, according to the forms and ritual of + the Scottish Kirk, Reuben Butler was to be ordained minister of + Knocktarlitie, by the Presbytery of ———. And so eager + were the whole party, that all, excepting Mrs. Dutton, the destined + Cowslip of Inverary, were stirring at an early hour. + </p> + <p> + Their host, whose appetite was as quick and keen as his temper, was not + long in summoning them to a substantial breakfast, where there were at + least a dozen of different preparations of milk, plenty of cold meat, + scores boiled and roasted eggs, a huge cag of butter, half-a-firkin + herrings boiled and broiled, fresh and salt, and tea and coffee for them + that liked it, which, as their landlord assured them, with a nod and a + wink, pointing, at the same time, to a little cutter which seemed dodging + under the lee of the island, cost them little beside the fetching ashore. + </p> + <p> + “Is the contraband trade permitted here so openly?” said Butler. “I should + think it very unfavourable to the people’s morals.” + </p> + <p> + “The Duke, Mr. Putler, has gien nae orders concerning the putting of it + down,” said the magistrate, and seemed to think that he had said all that + was necessary to justify his connivance. Butler was a man of prudence, and + aware that real good can only be obtained by remonstrance when + remonstrance is well-timed; so for the present he said nothing more on the + subject. + </p> + <p> + When breakfast was half over, in flounced Mrs. Dolly, as fine as a blue + sacque and cherry-coloured ribands could make her. + </p> + <p> + “Good morrow to you, madam,” said the master of ceremonies; “I trust your + early rising will not skaith ye.” + </p> + <p> + The dame apologised to Captain Knockunder, as she was pleased to term + their entertainer; “but, as we say in Cheshire,” she added, “I was like + the Mayor of Altringham, who lies in bed while his breeches are mending, + for the girl did not bring up the right bundle to my room, till she had + brought up all the others by mistake one after t’other—Well, I + suppose we are all for church to-day, as I understand—Pray may I be + so bold as to ask, if it is the fashion for your North country gentlemen + to go to church in your petticoats, Captain Knockunder?” + </p> + <p> + “Captain of Knockdunder, madam, if you please, for I knock under to no + man; and in respect of my garb, I shall go to church as I am, at your + service, madam; for if I were to lie in bed like your Major + What-d’ye-callum, till my preeches were mended, I might be there all my + life, seeing I never had a pair of them on my person but twice in my life, + which I am pound to remember, it peing when the Duke brought his Duchess + here, when her Grace pehoved to be pleasured; so I e’en porrowed the + minister’s trews for the twa days his Grace was pleased to stay—but + I will put myself under sic confinement again for no man on earth, or + woman either, but her Grace being always excepted, as in duty pound.” + </p> + <p> + The mistress of the milking-pail stared but, making no answer to this + round declaration, immediately proceeded to show, that the alarm of the + preceding evening had in no degree injured her appetite. + </p> + <p> + When the meal was finished, the Captain proposed to them to take boat, in + order that Mrs. Jeanie might see her new place of residence, and that he + himself might inquire whether the necessary preparations had been made + there, and at the Manse, for receiving the future inmates of these + mansions. + </p> + <p> + The morning was delightful, and the huge mountain-shadows slept upon the + mirrored wave of the firth, almost as little disturbed as if it had been + an inland lake. Even Mrs. Dutton’s fears no longer annoyed her. She had + been informed by Archibald, that there was to be some sort of junketting + after the sermon, and that was what she loved dearly; and as for the + water, it was so still that it would look quite like a pleasuring on the + Thames. + </p> + <p> + The whole party being embarked, therefore, in a large boat, which the + captain called his coach and six, and attended by a smaller one termed his + gig, the gallant Duncan steered straight upon the little tower of the + old-fashioned church of Knocktarlitie, and the exertions of six stout + rowers sped them rapidly on their voyage. As they neared the land, the + hills appeared to recede from them, and a little valley, formed by the + descent of a small river from the mountains, evolved itself as it were + upon their approach. The style of the country on each side was simply + pastoral, and resembled, in appearance and character, the description of a + forgotten Scottish poet, which runs nearly thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The water gently down a level slid, + With little din, but couthy what it made; + On ilka side the trees grew thick and lang, + And wi’ the wild birds’ notes were a’ in sang; + On either side, a full bow-shot and mair, + The green was even, gowany, and fair; + With easy slope on every hand the braes + To the hills’ feet with scatter’d bushes raise; + With goats and sheep aboon, and kye below, + The bonny banks all in a swarm did go.* +</pre> + <p> + * Ross’s <i>Fortunate Shepherdess.</i> Edit. 1778, p. 23. + </p> + <p> + They landed in this Highland Arcadia, at the mouth of the small stream + which watered the delightful and peaceable valley. Inhabitants of several + descriptions came to pay their respects to the Captain of Knockdunder, a + homage which he was very peremptory in exacting, and to see the new + settlers. Some of these were men after David Deans’s own heart, elders of + the kirk-session, zealous professors, from the Lennox, Lanarkshire, and + Ayrshire, to whom the preceding Duke of Argyle had given <i>rooms</i> in + this corner of his estate, because they had suffered for joining his + father, the unfortunate Earl, during his ill-fated attempt in 1686. These + were cakes of the right leaven for David regaling himself with; and, had + it not been for this circumstance, he has been heard to say, “that the + Captain of Knockdunder would have swore him out of the country in + twenty-four hours, sae awsome it was to ony thinking soul to hear his + imprecations, upon the slightest temptation that crossed his humour.” + </p> + <p> + Besides these, there were a wilder set of parishioners, mountaineers from + the upper glen and adjacent hill, who spoke Gaelic, went about armed, and + wore the Highland dress. But the strict commands of the Duke had + established such good order in this part of his territories, that the Gael + and Saxons lived upon the best possible terms of good neighbourhood. They + first visited the Manse, as the parsonage is termed in Scotland. It was + old, but in good repair, and stood snugly embosomed in a grove of + sycamore, with a well-stocked garden in front, bounded by the small river, + which was partly visible from the windows, partly concealed by the bushes, + trees, and bounding hedge. Within, the house looked less comfortable than + it might have been, for it had been neglected by the late incumbent; but + workmen had been labouring, under the directions of the Captain of + Knockdunder, and at the expense of the Duke of Argyle, to put it into some + order. The old “plenishing” had been removed, and neat, but plain + household furniture had been sent down by the Duke in a brig of his own + called the Caroline, and was now ready to be placed in order in the + apartments. + </p> + <p> + The gracious Duncan, finding matters were at a stand among the workmen, + summoned before him the delinquents, and impressed all who heard him with + a sense of his authority, by the penalties with which he threatened them + for their delay. Mulcting them in half their charge, he assured them, + would be the least of it; for, if they were to neglect his pleasure and + the Duke’s, “he would be tamn’d if he paid them the t’other half either, + and they might seek law for it where they could get it.” The work-people + humbled themselves before the offended dignitary, and spake him soft and + fair; and at length, upon Mr. Butler recalling to his mind that it was the + ordination-day, and that the workmen were probably thinking of going to + church, Knockdunder agreed to forgive them, out of respect to their new + minister. + </p> + <p> + “But an I catch them neglecking my duty again, Mr. Putler, the teil pe in + me if the kirk shall be an excuse; for what has the like o’ them rapparees + to do at the kirk ony day put Sundays, or then either, if the Duke and I + has the necessitous uses for them?” + </p> + <p> + It may be guessed with what feelings of quiet satisfaction and delight + Butler looked forward to spending his days, honoured and useful as he + trusted to be, in this sequestered valley, and how often an intelligent + glance was exchanged betwixt him and Jeanie, whose good-humoured face + looked positively handsome, from the expression of modesty, and, at the + same time, of satisfaction, which she wore when visiting the apartments of + which she was soon to call herself mistress. She was left at liberty to + give more open indulgence to her feelings of delight and admiration, when, + leaving the Manse, the company proceeded to examine the destined + habitation of David Deans. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie found with pleasure that it was not above a musket-shot from the + Manse; for it had been a bar to her happiness to think she might be + obliged to reside at a distance from her father, and she was aware that + there were strong objections to his actually living in the same house with + Butler. But this brief distance was the very thing which she could have + wished. + </p> + <p> + The farmhouse was on the plan of an improved cottage, and contrived with + great regard to convenience; an excellent little garden, an orchard, and a + set of offices complete, according to the best ideas of the time, combined + to render it a most desirable habitation for the practical farmer, and far + superior to the hovel at Woodend, and the small house at Saint Leonard’s + Crags. The situation was considerably higher than that of the Manse, and + fronted to the west. The windows commanded an enchanting view of the + little vale over which the mansion seemed to preside, the windings of the + stream, and the firth, with its associated lakes and romantic islands. The + hills of Dumbartonshire, once possessed by the fierce clan of MacFarlanes, + formed a crescent behind the valley, and far to the right were seen the + dusky and more gigantic mountains of Argyleshire, with a seaward view of + the shattered and thunder-splitten peaks of Arran. + </p> + <p> + But to Jeanie, whose taste for the picturesque, if she had any by nature, + had never been awakened or cultivated, the sight of the faithful old May + Hettly, as she opened the door to receive them in her clean toy, Sunday’s + russet-gown, and blue apron, nicely smoothed down before her, was worth + the whole varied landscape. The raptures of the faithful old creature at + seeing Jeanie were equal to her own, as she hastened to assure her, “that + baith the gudeman and the beasts had been as weel seen after as she + possibly could contrive.” Separating her from the rest of the company, May + then hurried her young mistress to the offices, that she might receive the + compliments she expected for her care of the cows. Jeanie rejoiced, in the + simplicity of her heart, to see her charge once more; and the mute + favourites of our heroine, Gowans, and the others, acknowledged her + presence by lowing, turning round their broad and decent brows when they + heard her well-known “Pruh, my leddy—pruh, my woman,” and, by + various indications, known only to those who have studied the habits of + the milky mothers, showing sensible pleasure as she approached to caress + them in their turn. + </p> + <p> + “The very brute beasts are glad to see ye again,” said May; “but nae + wonder, Jeanie, for ye were aye kind to beast and body. And I maun learn + to ca’ ye <i>mistress</i> now, Jeanie, since ye hae been up to Lunnon, and + seen the Duke, and the King, and a’ the braw folk. But wha kens,” added + the old dame slily, “what I’ll hae to ca’ ye forby mistress, for I am + thinking it wunna lang be Deans.” + </p> + <p> + “Ca’ me your ain Jeanie, May, and then ye can never gang wrang.” + </p> + <p> + In the cow-house which they examined, there was one animal which Jeanie + looked at till the tears gushed from her eyes. May, who had watched her + with a sympathising expression, immediately observed, in an under-tone, + “The gudeman aye sorts that beast himself, and is kinder to it than ony + beast in the byre; and I noticed he was that way e’en when he was + angriest, and had maist cause to be angry.—Eh, sirs! a parent’s + heart’s a queer thing!—Mony a warsle he has had for that puir lassie—I + am thinking he petitions mair for her than for yoursell, hinny; for what + can he plead for you but just to wish you the blessing ye deserve? And + when I sleepit ayont the hallan, when we came first here, he was often + earnest a’ night, and I could hear him come ower and ower again wi’, + ‘Effie—puir blinded misguided thing!’ it was aye ‘Effie! Effie!’—If + that puir wandering lamb comena into the sheepfauld in the Shepherd’s ain + time, it will be an unco wonder, for I wot she has been a child of + prayers. Oh, if the puir prodigal wad return, sae blithely as the goodman + wad kill the fatted calf!—though Brockie’s calf will no be fit for + killing this three weeks yet.” + </p> + <p> + And then, with the discursive talent of persons of her description, she + got once more afloat in her account of domestic affairs, and left this + delicate and affecting topic. + </p> + <p> + Having looked at every thing in the offices and the dairy, and expressed + her satisfaction with the manner in which matters had been managed in her + absence, Jeanie rejoined the rest of the party, who were surveying the + interior of the house, all excepting David Deans and Butler, who had gone + down to the church to meet the kirk-session and the clergymen of the + Presbytery, and arrange matters for the duty of the day. + </p> + <p> + In the interior of the cottage all was clean, neat, and suitable to the + exterior. It had been originally built and furnished by the Duke, as a + retreat for a favourite domestic of the higher class, who did not long + enjoy it, and had been dead only a few months, so that every thing was in + excellent taste and good order. But in Jeanie’s bedroom was a neat trunk, + which had greatly excited Mrs. Dutton’s curiosity, for she was sure that + the direction, “For Mrs. Jean Deans, at Auchingower, parish of + Knocktarlitie,” was the writing of Mrs. Semple, the Duchess’s own woman. + May Hettly produced the key in a sealed parcel, which bore the same + address, and attached to the key was a label, intimating that the trunk + and its contents were “a token of remembrance to Jeanie Deans, from her + friends the Duchess of Argyle and the young ladies.” The trunk, hastily + opened, as the reader will not doubt, was found to be full of wearing + apparel of the best quality, suited to Jeanie’s rank in life; and to most + of the articles the names of the particular donors were attached, as if to + make Jeanie sensible not only of the general, but of the individual + interest she had excited in the noble family. To name the various articles + by their appropriate names, would be to attempt things unattempted yet in + prose or rhyme; besides that the old-fashioned terms of manteaus, sacques, + kissing-strings, and so forth, would convey but little information even to + the milliners of the present day. I shall deposit, however, an accurate + inventory of the contents of the trunk with my kind friend, Miss Martha + Buskbody, who has promised, should the public curiosity seem interested in + the subject, to supply me with a professional glossary and commentary. + Suffice it to say, that the gift was such as became the donors, and was + suited to the situation of the receiver; that every thing was handsome and + appropriate, and nothing forgotten which belonged to the wardrobe of a + young person in Jeanie’s situation in life, the destined bride of a + respectable clergyman. + </p> + <p> + Article after article was displayed, commented upon, and admired, to the + wonder of May, who declared, “she didna think the queen had mair or better + claise,” and somewhat to the envy of the northern Cowslip. This unamiable, + but not very unnatural, disposition of mind, broke forth in sundry + unfounded criticisms to the disparagement of the articles, as they were + severally exhibited. But it assumed a more direct character, when, at the + bottom of all, was found a dress of white silk, very plainly made, but + still of white silk, and French silk to boot, with a paper pinned to it, + bearing that it was a present from the Duke of Argyle to his travelling + companion, to be worn on the day when she should change her name. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dutton could forbear no longer, but whispered into Mr. Archibald’s + ear, that it was a clever thing to be a Scotchwoman: “She supposed all <i>her</i> + sisters, and she had half-a-dozen, might have been hanged, without any one + sending her a present of a pocket handkerchief.” + </p> + <p> + “Or without your making any exertion to save them, Mrs. Dolly,” answered + Archibald drily.—“But I am surprised we do not hear the bell yet,” + said he, looking at his watch. + </p> + <p> + “Fat ta deil, Mr. Archibald,” answered the Captain of Knockdunder, “wad ye + hae them ring the bell before I am ready to gang to kirk?—I wad gar + the bedral eat the bell-rope, if he took ony sic freedom. But if ye want + to hear the bell, I will just show mysell on the knowe-head, and it will + begin jowing forthwith.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, so soon as they sallied out, and that the gold-laced hat of + the Captain was seen rising like Hesper above the dewy verge of the rising + ground, the clash (for it was rather a clash than a clang) of the bell was + heard from the old moss-grown tower, and the clapper continued to thump + its cracked sides all the while they advanced towards the kirk, Duncan + exhorting them to take their own time, “for teil ony sport wad be till he + came.” * + </p> + <p> + * Note T. Tolling to service in Scotland. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Accordingly, the bell only changed to the final and impatient chime when +they crossed the stile; and “rang in,” that is, concluded its mistuned +summons, when they had entered the Duke’s seat, in the little kirk, where +the whole party arranged themselves, with Duncan at their head, excepting +David Deans, who already occupied a seat among the elders. +</pre> + <p> + The business of the day, with a particular detail of which it is + unnecessary to trouble the reader, was gone through according to the + established form, and the sermon pronounced upon the occasion had the good + fortune to please even the critical David Deans, though it was only an + hour and a quarter long, which David termed a short allowance of spiritual + provender. + </p> + <p> + The preacher, who was a divine that held many of David’s opinions, + privately apologised for his brevity by saying, “That he observed the + Captain was gaunting grievously, and that if he had detained him longer, + there was no knowing how long he might be in paying the next term’s + victual stipend.” + </p> + <p> + David groaned to find that such carnal motives could have influence upon + the mind of a powerful preacher. He had, indeed, been scandalised by + another circumstance during the service. + </p> + <p> + So soon as the congregation were seated after prayers, and the clergyman + had read his text, the gracious Duncan, after rummaging the leathern purse + which hung in front of his petticoat, produced a short tobacco-pipe made + of iron, and observed, almost aloud, “I hae forgotten my spleuchan—Lachlan, + gang down to the clachan, and bring me up a pennyworth of twist.” Six + arms, the nearest within reach, presented, with an obedient start, as many + tobacco-pouches to the man of office. He made choice of one with an nod of + acknowledgment, filled his pipe, lighted it with the assistance of his + pistol-flint, and smoked with infinite composure during the whole time of + the sermon. When the discourse was finished, he knocked the ashes out of + his pipe, replaced it in his sporran, returned the tobacco-pouch or + spleuchan to its owner, and joined in the prayer with decency and + attention. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Aimage-0009" id="Aimage-0009"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/pb303.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="The Captain of Knockdunder " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + At the end of the service, when Butler had been admitted minister of the + kirk of Knocktarlitie, with all its spiritual immunities and privileges, + David, who had frowned, groaned, and murmured at Knockdunder’s irreverent + demeanour, communicated his plain thoughts of the matter to Isaac + Meiklehose, one of the elders, with whom a reverential aspect and huge + grizzle wig had especially disposed him to seek fraternisation. “It didna + become a wild Indian,” David said, “much less a Christian, and a + gentleman, to sit in the kirk puffing tobacco-reek, as if he were in a + change-house.” + </p> + <p> + Meiklehose shook his head, and allowed it was “far frae beseeming—But + what will ye say? The Captain’s a queer hand, and to speak to him about + that or onything else that crosses the maggot, wad be to set the kiln + a-low. He keeps a high hand ower the country, and we couldna deal wi’ the + Hielandmen without his protection, sin’ a’ the keys o’ the kintray hings + at his belt; and he’s no an ill body in the main, and maistry, ye ken, + maws the meadows doun.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be very true, neighbour,” said David; “but Reuben Butler isna + the man I take him to be, if he disna learn the Captain to fuff his pipe + some other gate than in God’s house, or the quarter be ower.” + </p> + <p> + “Fair and softly gangs far,” said Meiklehose; “and if a fule may gie a + wise man a counsel, I wad hae him think twice or he mells with Knockdunder—He + auld hae a lang-shankit spune that wad sup kail wi’ the deil. But they are + a’ away to their dinner to the change-house, and if we dinna mend our + pace, we’ll come short at meal-time.” + </p> + <p> + David accompanied his friend without answer; but began to feel from + experience, that the glen of Knocktarlitie, like the rest of the world, + was haunted by its own special subjects of regret and discontent. His mind + was, so much occupied by considering the best means of converting Duncan + of Knock to a sense of reverend decency during public worship, that he + altogether forgot to inquire whether Butler was called upon to subscribe + the oaths to Government. + </p> + <p> + Some have insinuated, that his neglect on this head was, in some degree, + intentional; but I think this explanation inconsistent with the simplicity + of my friend David’s character. Neither have I ever been able, by the most + minute inquiries, to know whether the <i>formula,</i> at which he so much + scrupled, had been exacted from Butler, ay or no. The books of the + kirk-session might have thrown some light on this matter; but + unfortunately they were destroyed in the year 1746, by one Donacha Dhu na + Dunaigh, at the instance, it was said, or at least by the connivance, of + the gracious Duncan of Knock, who had a desire to obliterate the recorded + foibles of a certain Kate Finlayson. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0022" id="Alink2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY-SECOND. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Now butt and ben the change-house fills + Wi’ yill-caup commentators, + Here’s crying out for bakes and gills, + And there the pint-stoup clatters. + Wi’ thick and thrang, and loud and lang,— + Wi’ logic and wi’ scripture, + They raise a din that in the end + Is like to breed a rupture, + O’ wrath that day. + Burns. +</pre> + <p> + A plentiful entertainment, at the Duke of Argyle’s cost, regaled the + reverend gentlemen who had assisted at the ordination of Reuben Butler, + and almost all the respectable part of the parish. The feast was, indeed, + such as the country itself furnished; for plenty of all the requisites for + “a rough and round dinner” were always at Duncan of Knock’s command. There + was the beef and mutton on the braes, the fresh and salt-water fish in the + lochs, the brooks, and firth; game of every kind, from the deer to the + leveret, were to be had for the killing, in the Duke’s forests, moors, + heaths, and mosses; and for liquor, home-brewed ale flowed as freely as + water; brandy and usquebaugh both were had in those happy times without + duty; even white wine and claret were got for nothing, since the Duke’s + extensive rights of admiralty gave him a title to all the wine in cask + which is drifted ashore on the western coast and isles of Scotland, when + shipping have suffered by severe weather. In short, as Duncan boasted, the + entertainment did not cost MacCallummore a plack out of his sporran, and + was nevertheless not only liberal, but overflowing. + </p> + <p> + The Duke’s health was solemnised in a <i>bona fide</i> bumper, and David + Deans himself added perhaps the first huzza that his lungs had ever + uttered, to swell the shout with which the pledge was received. Nay, so + exalted in heart was he upon this memorable occasion, and so much disposed + to be indulgent, that, he expressed no dissatisfaction when three + bagpipers struck up, “The Campbells are coming.” The health of the + reverend minister of Knocktarlitie was received with similar honours; and + there was a roar of laughter, when one of his brethren slily subjoined the + addition of, “A good wife to our brother, to keep the Manse in order.” On + this occasion David Deans was delivered of his first-born joke; and + apparently the parturition was accompanied with many throes, for sorely + did he twist about his physiognomy, and much did he stumble in his speech, + before he could express his idea, “That the lad being now wedded to his + spiritual bride, it was hard to threaten him with ane temporal spouse in + the same day.” He then laughed a hoarse and brief laugh, and was suddenly + grave and silent, as if abashed at his own vivacious effort. + </p> + <p> + After another toast or two, Jeanie, Mrs. Dolly, and such of the female + natives as had honoured the feast with their presence, retired to David’s + new dwelling at Auchingower, and left the gentlemen to their potations. + </p> + <p> + The feast proceeded with great glee. The conversation, where Duncan had it + under his direction, was not indeed always strictly canonical, but David + Deans escaped any risk of being scandalised, by engaging with one of his + neighbours in a recapitulation of the sufferings of Ayrshire and + Lanarkshire, during what was called the invasion of the Highland Host; the + prudent Mr. Meiklehose cautioning them from time to time to lower their + voices, “for that Duncan Knock’s father had been at that onslaught, and + brought back muckle gude plenishing, and that Duncan was no unlikely to + hae been there himself, for what he kend.” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, as the mirth grew fast and furious, the graver members of the + party began to escape as well as they could. David Deans accomplished his + retreat, and Butler anxiously watched an opportunity to follow him. + Knockdunder, however, desirous, he said, of knowing what stuff was in the + new minister, had no intention to part with him so easily, but kept him + pinned to his side, watching him sedulously, and with obliging violence + filling his glass to the brim, as often as he could seize an opportunity + of doing so. At length, as the evening was wearing late, a venerable + brother chanced to ask Mr. Archibald when they might hope to see the Duke, + <i>tam carum caput,</i> as he would venture to term him, at the Lodge of + Roseneath. Duncan of Knock, whose ideas were somewhat conglomerated, and + who, it may be believed, was no great scholar, catching up some imperfect + sound of the words, conceived the speaker was drawing a parallel between + the Duke and Sir Donald Gorme of Sleat; and being of opinion that such + comparison was odious, snorted thrice, and prepared himself to be in a + passion. + </p> + <p> + To the explanation of the venerable divine the Captain answered, “I heard + the word Gorme myself, sir, with my ain ears. D’ye think I do not know + Gaelic from Latin?” + </p> + <p> + “Apparently not, sir;”—so the clergyman, offended in his turn, and + taking a pinch of snuff, answered with great coolness. + </p> + <p> + The copper nose of the gracious Duncan now became heated like the Bull of + Phalaris, and while Mr. Archibald mediated betwixt the offended parties, + and the attention of the company was engaged by their dispute, Butler took + an opportunity to effect his retreat. + </p> + <p> + He found the females at Auchingower very anxious for the breaking up of + the convivial party; for it was a part of the arrangement, that although + David Deans was to remain at Auchingower, and Butler was that night to + take possession of the Manse, yet Jeanie, for whom complete accommodations + were not yet provided in her father’s house, was to return for a day or + two to the Lodge at Roseneath, and the boats had been held in readiness + accordingly. They waited, therefore, for Knockdunder’s return, but + twilight came, and they still waited in vain. At length Mr. Archibald, who + was a man of decorum, had taken care not to exceed in his conviviality, + made his appearance, and advised the females strongly to return to the + island under his escort; observing, that, from the humour in which he had + left the Captain, it was a great chance whether he budged out of the + public-house that night, and it was absolutely certain that he would not + be very fit company for ladies. The gig was at their disposal, he said, + and there was still pleasant twilight for a party on the water. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie, who had considerable confidence in Archibald’s prudence, + immediately acquiesced in this proposal; but Mrs. Dolly positively + objected to the small boat. If the big boat could be gotten, she agreed to + set out, otherwise she would sleep on the floor, rather than stir a step. + Reasoning with Dolly was out of the question, and Archibald did not think + the difficulty so pressing as to require compulsion. He observed, it was + not using the Captain very politely to deprive him of his coach and six; + “but as it was in the ladies’ service,” he gallantly said, “he would use + so much freedom—besides the gig would serve the Captain’s purpose + better, as it could come off at any hour of the tide; the large boat + should, therefore, be at Mrs. Dolly’s service.” + </p> + <p> + They walked to the beach accordingly, accompanied by Butler. It was some + time before the boatmen could be assembled, and ere they were well + embarked, and ready to depart, the pale moon was come over the hill, and + flinging a trembling reflection on the broad and glittering waves. But so + soft and pleasant was the night, that Butler, in bidding farewell to + Jeanie, had no apprehension for her safety; and what is yet more + extraordinary, Mrs. Dolly felt no alarm for her own. The air was soft, and + came over the cooling wave with something of summer fragrance. The + beautiful scene of headlands, and capes, and bays, around them, with the + broad blue chain of mountains, were dimly visible in the moonlight; while + every dash of the oars made the waters glance and sparkle with the + brilliant phenomenon called the sea fire. + </p> + <p> + This last circumstance filled Jeanie with wonder, and served to amuse the + mind of her companion, until they approached the little bay, which seemed + to stretch its dark and wooded arms into the sea as if to welcome them. + </p> + <p> + The usual landing-place was at a quarter of a mile’s distance from the + Lodge, and although the tide did not admit of the large boat coming quite + close to the jetty of loose stones which served as a pier, Jeanie, who was + both bold and active, easily sprung ashore; but Mrs., Dolly positively + refusing to commit herself to the same risk, the complaisant Mr. Archibald + ordered the boat round to a more regular landing-place, at a considerable + distance along the shore. He then prepared to land himself, that he might, + in the meanwhile, accompany Jeanie to the Lodge. But as there was no + mistaking the woodland lane, which led from thence to the shore, and as + the moonlight showed her one of the white chimneys rising out of the wood + which embosomed the building, Jeanie declined this favour with thanks, and + requested him to proceed with Mrs. Dolly, who, being “in a country where + the ways were so strange to her, had mair need of countenance.” + </p> + <p> + This, indeed, was a fortunate circumstance, and might even be said to save + poor Cowslip’s life, if it was true, as she herself used solemnly to aver, + that she must positively have expired for fear, if she had been left alone + in the boat with six wild Highlanders in kilts. + </p> + <p> + The night was so exquisitely beautiful, that Jeanie, instead of + immediately directing her course towards the Lodge, stood looking after + the boat as it again put off from the side, and rowed into the little bay, + the dark figures of her companions growing less and less distinct as they + diminished in the distance, and the jorram, or melancholy boat-song of the + rowers, coming on the ear with softened and sweeter sound, until the boat + rounded the headland, and was lost to her observation. + </p> + <p> + Still Jeanie remained in the same posture, looking out upon the sea. It + would, she was aware, be some time ere her companions could reach the + Lodge, as the distance by the more convenient landing-place was + considerably greater than from the point where she stood, and she was not + sorry to have an opportunity to spend the interval by herself. + </p> + <p> + The wonderful change which a few weeks had wrought in her situation, from + shame and grief, and almost despair, to honour, joy, and a fair prospect + of future happiness, passed before her eyes with a sensation which brought + the tears into them. Yet they flowed at the same time from another source. + As human happiness is never perfect, and as well-constructed minds are + never more sensible of the distresses of those whom they love, than when + their own situation forms a contrast with them, Jeanie’s affectionate + regrets turned to the fate of her poor sister—the child of so many + hopes—the fondled nursling of so many years—now an exile, and, + what was worse, dependent on the will of a man, of whose habits she had + every reason to entertain the worst opinion, and who, even in his + strongest paroxysms of remorse, had appeared too much a stranger to the + feelings of real penitence. + </p> + <p> + While her thoughts were occupied with these melancholy reflections, a + shadowy figure seemed to detach itself from the copsewood on her right + hand. Jeanie started, and the stories of apparitions and wraiths, seen by + solitary travellers in wild situations, at such times, and in such an + hour, suddenly came full upon her imagination. The figure glided on, and + as it came betwixt her and the moon, she was aware that it had the + appearance of a woman. A soft voice twice repeated, + “Jeanie—Jeanie!”— Was it indeed—could it be + the voice of her sister?—Was she still among the living, or had the + grave given up its tenant?—Ere she could state these questions to + her own mind, Effie, alive, and in the body, had clasped her in her arms + and was straining her to her bosom, and devouring her with kisses. + “I have wandered here,” she said, “like a ghaist, to + see you, and nae wonder you take me for ane—I thought but to see + you gang by, or to hear the sound of your voice; but to speak to yoursell + again, Jeanie, was mair than I deserved, and mair than I durst pray + for.” + </p> + <p> + “O Effie! how came ye here alone, and at this hour, and on the wild + seabeach?—Are you sure it’s your ain living sell?” There was + something of Effie’s former humour in her practically answering the + question by a gentle pinch, more beseeming the fingers of a fairy than of + a ghost. And again the sisters embraced, and laughed, and wept by turns. + </p> + <p> + “But ye maun gang up wi’ me to the Lodge, Effie,” said Jeanie, “and tell + me a’ your story—I hae gude folk there that will make ye welcome for + my sake.” + </p> + <p> + “Na, na, Jeanie,” replied her sister sorrowfully,—“ye hae forgotten + what I am—a banished outlawed creature, scarce escaped the gallows + by your being the bauldest and the best sister that ever lived—I’ll + gae near nane o’ your grand friends, even if there was nae danger to me.” + </p> + <p> + “There is nae danger—there shall be nae danger,” said Jeanie + eagerly. “O Effie, dinna be wilfu’—be guided for ance—we will + be sae happy a’ thegither!” + </p> + <p> + “I have a’ the happiness I deserve on this side of the grave, now that I + hae seen you,” answered Effie; “and whether there were danger to mysell or + no, naebody shall ever say that I come with my cheat-the-gallows face to + shame my sister among her grand friends.” + </p> + <p> + “I hae nae grand friends,” said Jeanie; “nae friends but what are friends + of yours—Reuben Butler and my father.—O unhappy lassie, dinna + be dour, and turn your back on your happiness again! We wunna see another + acquaintance—Come hame to us, your ain dearest friends—it’s + better sheltering under an auld hedge than under a new-planted wood.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s in vain speaking, Jeanie,—I maun drink as I hae brewed—I + am married, and I maun follow my husband for better for worse.” + </p> + <p> + “Married, Effie!” exclaimed Jeanie—“Misfortunate creature! and to + that awfu’—” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, hush,” said Effie, clapping one hand on her mouth, and pointing to + the thicket with the other, “he is yonder.” She said this in a tone which + showed that her husband had found means to inspire her with awe, as well + as affection. At this moment a man issued from the wood. + </p> + <p> + It was young Staunton. Even by the imperfect light of the moon, Jeanie + could observe that he was handsomely dressed, and had the air of a person + of rank. + </p> + <p> + “Effie,” he said, “our time is well-nigh spent—the skiff will be + aground in the creek, and I dare not stay longer.—I hope your sister + will allow me to salute her?” But Jeanie shrunk back from him with a + feeling of internal abhorrence. “Well,” he said, “it does not much + signify; if you keep up the feeling of ill-will, at least you do not act + upon it, and I thank you for your respect to my secret, when a word (which + in your place I would have spoken at once) would have cost me my life. + People say, you should keep from the wife of your bosom the secret that + concerns your neck—my wife and her sister both know mine, and I + shall not sleep a wink the less sound.” + </p> + <p> + “But are you really married to my sister, sir?” asked Jeanie, in great + doubt and anxiety; for the haughty, careless tone in which he spoke seemed + to justify her worst apprehensions. + </p> + <p> + “I really am legally married, and by my own name,” replied Staunton, more + gravely. + </p> + <p> + “And your father—and your friends?” + </p> + <p> + “And my father and my friends must just reconcile themselves to that which + is done and cannot be undone,” replied Staunton. “However, it is my + intention, in order to break off dangerous connections, and to let my + friends come to their temper, to conceal my marriage for the present, and + stay abroad for some years. So that you will not hear of us for some time, + if ever you hear of us again at all. It would be dangerous, you must be + aware, to keep up the correspondence; for all would guess that the husband + of Effie was the—what shall I call myself?—the slayer of + Porteous.” + </p> + <p> + Hard-hearted light man! thought Jeanie—to what a character she has + intrusted her happiness!—She has sown the wind, and maun reap the + whirlwind. + </p> + <p> + “Dinna think ill o’ him,” said Effie, breaking away from her husband, and + leading Jeanie a step or two out of hearing—“dinna think very ill o’ + him—he’s gude to me, Jeanie—as gude as I deserve—And he + is determined to gie up his bad courses—Sae, after a’, dinna greet + for Effie; she is better off than she has wrought for.—But you—oh, + you!—how can you be happy eneugh! never till ye get to heaven, where + a’body is as gude as yoursell.—Jeanie, if I live and thrive, ye + shall hear of me—if not, just forget that sic a creature ever lived + to vex ye—fare ye weel—fare—fare ye weel!” + </p> + <p> + She tore herself from her sister’s arms—rejoined her husband—they + plunged into the copsewood, and she saw them no more. The whole scene had + the effect of a vision, and she could almost have believed it such, but + that very soon after they quitted her, she heard the sound of oars, and a + skiff was seen on the firth, pulling swiftly towards the small smuggling + sloop which lay in the offing. It was on board of such a vessel that Effie + had embarked at Portobello, and Jeanie had no doubt that the same + conveyance was destined, as Staunton had hinted, to transport them to a + foreign country. + </p> + <p> + Although it was impossible to determine whether this interview, while it + was passing, gave more pain or pleasure to Jeanie Deans, yet the ultimate + impression which remained on her mind was decidedly favourable. Effie was + married—made, according to the common phrase, an honest woman—that + was one main point; it seemed also as if her husband were about to abandon + the path of gross vice in which he had run so long and so desperately—that + was another. For his final and effectual conversion he did not want + understanding, and God knew his own hour. + </p> + <p> + Such were the thoughts with which Jeanie endeavoured to console her + anxiety respecting her sister’s future fortune. On her arrival at the + lodge, she found Archibald in some anxiety at her stay, and about to walk + out in quest of her. A headache served as an apology for retiring to rest, + in order to conceal her visible agitation of mind from her companions. + </p> + <p> + By this secession also she escaped a scene of a different sort. For, as if + there were danger in all gigs, whether by sea or land, that of Knockdunder + had been run down by another boat, an accident owing chiefly to the + drunkenness of the Captain, his crew, and passengers. Knockdunder, and two + or three guests, whom he was bringing along with him to finish the + conviviality of the evening at the Lodge, got a sound ducking; but, being + rescued by the crew of the boat which endangered them, there was no + ultimate loss, excepting that of the Captain’s laced hat, which, greatly + to the satisfaction of the Highland part of the district, as well as to + the improvement of the conformity of his own personal appearance, he + replaced by a smart Highland bonnet next day. Many were the vehement + threats of vengeance which, on the succeeding morning, the gracious Duncan + threw out against the boat which had upset him; but as neither she, nor + the small smuggling vessel to which she belonged, was any longer to be + seen in the firth, he was compelled to sit down with the affront. This was + the more hard, he said, as he was assured the mischief was done on + purpose, these scoundrels having lurked about after they had landed every + drop of brandy, and every bag of tea they had on board; and he understood + the coxswain had been on shore, making particular inquiries concerning the + time when his boat was to cross over, and to return, and so forth. + </p> + <p> + “Put the neist time they meet me on the firth,” said Duncan, with great + majesty, “I will teach the moonlight rapscallions and vagabonds to keep + their ain side of the road, and pe tamn’d to them!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0023" id="Alink2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY-THIRD. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Lord! who would live turmoiled in a court, + And may enjoy such quiet walks as these? + Shakespeare. +</pre> + <p> + Within a reasonable time after Butler was safely and comfortably settled + in his living, and Jeanie had taken up her abode at Auchingower with her + father,—the precise extent of which interval we request each reader + to settle according to his own sense of what is decent and proper upon the + occasion,—and after due proclamation of banns, and all other + formalities, the long wooing of this worthy pair was ended by their union + in the holy bands of matrimony. On this occasion, David Deans stoutly + withstood the iniquities of pipes, fiddles, and promiscuous dancing, to + the great wrath of the Captain of Knockdunder, who said, if he “had + guessed it was to be sic a tamn’d Quakers’ meeting, he wad hae seen them + peyont the cairn before he wad hae darkened their doors.” + </p> + <p> + And so much rancour remained on the spirits of the gracious Duncan upon + this occasion, that various “picqueerings,” as David called them, took + place upon the same and similar topics and it was only in consequence of + an accidental visit of the Duke to his Lodge at Roseneath, that they were + put a stop to. But upon that occasion his Grace showed such particular + respect to Mr. and Mrs. Butler, and such favour even to old David, that + Knockdunder held it prudent to change his course towards the latter. He, + in future, used to express himself among friends, concerning the minister + and his wife, as “very worthy decent folk, just a little over strict in + their notions; put it was pest for thae plack cattle to err on the safe + side.” And respecting David, he allowed that “he was an excellent judge of + nowte and sheep, and a sensible eneugh carle, an it werena for his tamn’d + Cameronian nonsense, whilk it is not worth while of a shentleman to knock + out of an auld silly head, either by force of reason or otherwise.” So + that, by avoiding topics of dispute, the personages of our tale lived in + great good habits with the gracious Duncan, only that he still grieved + David’s soul, and set a perilous example to the congregation, by sometimes + bringing his pipe to the church during a cold winter day, and almost + always sleeping during sermon in the summer time. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Butler, whom we must no longer, if we can help it, term by the + familiar name of Jeanie, brought into the married state the same firm mind + and affectionate disposition—the same natural and homely good sense, + and spirit of useful exertion—in a word, all the domestic good + qualities of which she had given proof during her maiden life. She did not + indeed rival Butler in learning; but then no woman more devoutly venerated + the extent of her husband’s erudition. She did not pretend to understand + his expositions of divinity; but no minister of the Presbytery had his + humble dinner so well arranged, his clothes and linen in equal good order, + his fireside so neatly swept, his parlour so clean, and his books so well + dusted. + </p> + <p> + If he talked to Jeanie of what she did not understand—and (for the + man was mortal, and had been a schoolmaster) he sometimes did harangue + more scholarly and wisely than was necessary—she listened in placid + silence; and whenever the point referred to common life, and was such as + came under the grasp of a strong natural understanding, her views were + more forcible, and her observations more acute, than his own. In acquired + politeness of manners, when it happened that she mingled a little in + society, Mrs. Butler was, of course, judged deficient. But then she had + that obvious wish to oblige, and that real and natural good-breeding + depending on, good sense and good humour, which, joined to a considerable + degree of archness and liveliness of manner, rendered her behaviour + acceptable to all with whom she was called upon to associate. + Notwithstanding her strict attention to all domestic affairs, she always + appeared the clean well-dressed mistress of the house, never the sordid + household drudge. When complimented on this occasion by Duncan Knock, who + swore “that he thought the fairies must help her, since her house was + always clean, and nobody ever saw anybody sweeping it,” she modestly + replied, “That much might be dune by timing ane’s turns.” + </p> + <p> + Duncan replied, “He heartily wished she could teach that art to the + huzzies at the Lodge, for he could never discover that the house was + washed at a’, except now and then by breaking his shins over the pail— + Cot tamn the jauds!” + </p> + <p> + Of lesser matters there is not occasion to speak much. It may easily be + believed that the Duke’s cheese was carefully made, and so graciously + accepted, that the offering became annual. Remembrances and + acknowledgments of past favours were sent to Mrs. Bickerton and Mrs. + Glass, and an amicable intercourse maintained from time to time with these + two respectable and benevolent persons. + </p> + <p> + It is especially necessary to mention that, in the course of five years, + Mrs. Butler had three children, two boys and a girl, all stout healthy + babes of grace, fair-haired, blue-eyed, and strong-limbed. The boys were + named David and Reuben, an order of nomenclature which was much to the + satisfaction of the old hero of the Covenant, and the girl, by her + mother’s special desire, was christened Euphemia, rather contrary to the + wish both of her father and husband, who nevertheless loved Mrs. Butler + too well, and were too much indebted to her for their hours of happiness, + to withstand any request which she made with earnestness, and as a + gratification to herself. But from some feeling, I know not of what kind, + the child was never distinguished by the name of Effie, but by the + abbreviation of Femie, which in Scotland is equally commonly applied to + persons called Euphemia. + </p> + <p> + In this state of quiet and unostentatious enjoyment, there were, besides + the ordinary rubs and ruffles which disturb even the most uniform life, + two things which particularly chequered Mrs. Butler’s happiness. “Without + these,” she said to our informer, “her life would have been but too happy; + and perhaps,” she added, “she had need of some crosses in this world to + remind her that there was a better to come behind it.” + </p> + <p> + The first of these related to certain polemical skirmishes betwixt her + father and her husband, which, notwithstanding the mutual respect and + affection they entertained for each other, and their great love for her—notwithstanding, + also, their general agreement in strictness, and even severity, of + Presbyterian principle—often threatened unpleasant weather between + them. David Deans, as our readers must be aware, was sufficiently + opinionative and intractable, and having prevailed on himself to become a + member of a kirk-session under the Established Church, he felt doubly + obliged to evince that, in so doing, he had not compromised any whit of + his former professions, either in practice or principle. Now Mr. Butler, + doing all credit to his father-in-law’s motives, was frequently of opinion + that it were better to drop out of memory points of division and + separation, and to act in the manner most likely to attract and unite all + parties who were serious in religion. Moreover, he was not pleased, as a + man and a scholar, to be always dictated to by his unlettered + father-in-law; and as a clergyman, he did not think it fit to seem for + ever under the thumb of an elder of his own kirk-session. A proud but + honest thought carried his opposition now and then a little farther than + it would otherwise have gone. “My brethren,” he said, “will suppose I am + flattering and conciliating the old man for the sake of his succession, if + I defer and give way to him on every occasion; and, besides, there are + many on which I neither can nor will conscientiously yield to his notions. + I cannot be persecuting old women for witches, or ferreting out matter of + scandal among the young ones, which might otherwise have remained + concealed.” + </p> + <p> + From this difference of opinion it happened that, in many cases of nicety, + such as in owning certain defections, and failing to testify against + certain backslidings of the time, in not always severely tracing forth + little matters of scandal and <i>fama clamosa,</i> which David called a + loosening of the reins of discipline, and in failing to demand clear + testimonies in other points of controversy which had, as it were, drifted + to leeward with the change of times, Butler incurred the censure of his + father-in-law; and sometimes the disputes betwixt them became eager and + almost unfriendly. In all such cases Mrs Butler was a mediating spirit, + who endeavoured, by the alkaline smoothness of her own disposition, to + neutralise the acidity of theological controversy. To the complaints of + both she lent an unprejudiced and attentive ear, and sought always rather + to excuse than absolutely to defend the other party. + </p> + <p> + She reminded her father that Butler had not “his experience of the auld + and wrastling times, when folk were gifted wi’ a far look into eternity, + to make up for the oppressions whilk they suffered here below in time. She + freely allowed that many devout ministers and professors in times past had + enjoyed downright revelation, like the blessed Peden, and Lundie, and + Cameron, and Renwick, and John Caird the tinkler, wha entered into the + secrets, and Elizabeth Melvil, Lady Culross, wha prayed in her bed, + surrounded by a great many Christians in a large room, in whilk it was + placed on purpose, and that for three hours’ time, with wonderful + assistance; and Lady Robertland, whilk got six sure outgates of grace, and + mony other in times past; and of a specially, Mr. John Scrimgeour, + minister of Kinghorn, who, having a beloved child sick to death of the + crewels, was free to expostulate with his Maker with such impatience of + displeasure, and complaining so bitterly, that at length it was said unto + him, that he was heard for this time, but that he was requested to use no + such boldness in time coming; so that when he returned he found the child + sitting up in the bed hale and fair, with all its wounds closed, and + supping its parritch, whilk babe he had left at the time of death. But + though these things might be true in these needful times, she contended + that those ministers who had not seen such vouchsafed and especial + mercies, were to seek their rule in the records of ancient times; and + therefore Reuben was carefu’ both to search the Scriptures and the books + written by wise and good men of old; and sometimes in this way it wad + happen that twa precious saints might pu’ sundry wise, like twa cows + riving at the same hayband.” + </p> + <p> + To this David used to reply, with a sigh, “Ah, hinny, thou kenn’st little + o’t; but that saam John Scrimgeour, that blew open the gates of heaven as + an it had been wi’ a sax-pund cannonball, used devoutly to wish that most + part of books were burnt, except the Bible. Reuben’s a gude lad and a kind—I + have aye allowed that; but as to his not allowing inquiry anent the + scandal of Marjory Kittlesides and Rory MacRand, under pretence that they + have southered sin wi’ marriage, it’s clear agane the Christian discipline + o’ the kirk. And then there’s Aily MacClure of Deepheugh, that practises + her abominations, spacing folks’ fortunes wi’ egg-shells, and + mutton-banes, and dreams and divinations, whilk is a scandal to ony + Christian land to suffer sic a wretch to live; and I’ll uphaud that, in a’ + judicatures, civil or ecclesiastical.” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay ye are very right, father,” was the general style of Jeanie’s + answer; “but ye maun come down to the Manse to your dinner the day. The + bits o’ bairns, puir things, are wearying to see their luckie dad; and + Reuben never sleeps weel, nor I neither, when you and he hae had ony bit + outcast.” + </p> + <p> + “Nae outcast, Jeanie; God forbid I suld cast out wi’ thee, or aught that + is dear to thee!” And he put on his Sundays coat, and came to the Manse + accordingly. + </p> + <p> + With her husband, Mrs. Butler had a more direct conciliatory process. + Reuben had the utmost respect for the old man’s motives, and affection for + his person, as well as gratitude for his early friendship. So that, upon + any such occasion of accidental irritation, it was only necessary to + remind him with delicacy of his father-in-law’s age, of his scanty + education, strong prejudices, and family distresses. The least of these + considerations always inclined Butler to measures of conciliation, in so + far as he could accede to them without compromising principle; and thus + our simple and unpretending heroine had the merit of those peacemakers, to + whom it is pronounced as a benediction, that they shall inherit the earth. + </p> + <p> + The second crook in Mrs. Butler’s lot, to use the language of her father, + was the distressing circumstance, that she had never heard of her sister’s + safety, or of the circumstances in which she found herself, though betwixt + four and five years had elapsed since they had parted on the beach of the + island of Roseneath. Frequent intercourse was not to be expected—not + to be desired, perhaps, in their relative situations; but Effie had + promised, that, if she lived and prospered, her sister should hear from + her. She must then be no more, or sunk into some abyss of misery, since + she had never redeemed her pledge. Her silence seemed strange and + portentous, and wrung from Jeanie, who could never forget the early years + of their intimacy, the most painful anticipation concerning her fate. At + length, however, the veil was drawn aside. + </p> + <p> + One day, as the Captain of Knockdunder had called in at the Manse, on his + return from some business in the Highland part of the parish, and had been + accommodated, according to his special request, with a mixture of milk, + brandy, honey, and water, which he said Mrs. Butler compounded “potter + than ever a woman in Scotland,”—for, in all innocent matters, she + studied the taste of every one around her,—he said to Butler, “Py + the py, minister, I have a letter here either for your canny pody of a + wife or you, which I got when I was last at Glasco; the postage comes to + fourpence, which you may either pay me forthwith, or give me tooble or + quits in a hit at packcammon.” + </p> + <p> + The playing at backgammon and draughts had been a frequent amusement of + Mr. Whackbairn, Butler’s principal, when at Liberton school. The minister, + therefore, still piqued himself on his skill at both games, and + occasionally practised them, as strictly canonical, although David Deans, + whose notions of every kind were more rigorous, used to shake his head, + and groan grievously, when he espied the tables lying in the parlour, or + the children playing with the dice boxes or backgammon men. Indeed, Mrs. + Butler was sometimes chidden for removing these implements of pastime into + some closet or corner out of sight. “Let them be where they are, Jeanie,” + would Butler say upon such occasions; “I am not conscious of following + this, or any other trifling relaxation, to the interruption of my more + serious studies, and still more serious duties. I will not, therefore, + have it supposed that I am indulging by stealth, and against my + conscience, in an amusement which, using it so little as I do, I may well + practise openly, and without any check of mind—<i>Nil conscire sibi,</i> + Jeanie, that is my motto; which signifies, my love, the honest and open + confidence which a man ought to entertain when he is acting openly, and + without any sense of doing wrong.” + </p> + <p> + Such being Butler’s humour, he accepted the Captain’s defiance to a + twopenny hit at backgammon, and handed the letter to his wife, observing + the post-mark was York, but, if it came from her friend Mrs. Bickerton, + she had considerably improved her handwriting, which was uncommon at her + years. + </p> + <p> + Leaving the gentlemen to their game, Mrs. Butler went to order something + for supper, for Captain Duncan had proposed kindly to stay the night with + them, and then carelessly broke open her letter. It was not from Mrs. + Bickerton; and, after glancing over the first few lines, she soon found it + necessary to retire to her own bedroom, to read the document at leisure. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0024" id="Alink2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY-FOURTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Happy thou art! then happy be, + Nor envy me my lot; + Thy happy state I envy thee, + And peaceful cot. + Lady Charlotte Campbell. +</pre> + <p> + The letter, which Mrs. Butler, when retired into her own apartment, + perused with anxious wonder, was certainly from Effie, although it had no + other signature than the letter E.; and although the orthography, style, + and penmanship, were very far superior not only to anything which Effie + could produce, who, though a lively girl, had been a remarkably careless + scholar, but even to her more considerate sister’s own powers of + composition and expression. The manuscript was a fair Italian hand, though + something stiff and constrained—the spelling and the diction that of + a person who had been accustomed to read good composition, and mix in good + society. + </p> + <p> + The tenor of the letter was as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “My Dearest Sister,—At many risks I venture to write to you, to + inform you that I am still alive, and, as to worldly situation, that I + rank higher than I could expect or merit. If wealth, and distinction, and + an honourable rank, could make a woman happy, I have them all; but you, + Jeanie, whom the world might think placed far beneath me in all these + respects, are far happier than I am. I have had means of hearing of your + welfare, my dearest Jeanie, from time to time—I think I should have + broken my heart otherwise. I have learned with great pleasure of your + increasing family. We have not been worthy of such a blessing; two infants + have been successively removed, and we are now childless—God’s will + be done! But, if we had a child, it would perhaps divert him from the + gloomy thoughts which make him terrible to himself and others. Yet do not + let me frighten you, Jeanie; he continues to be kind, and I am far better + off than I deserve. You will wonder at my better scholarship; but when I + was abroad, I had the best teachers, and I worked hard, because my + progress pleased him. He is kind, Jeanie, only he has much to distress + him, especially when he looks backward. When I look backward myself, I + have always a ray of comfort: it is in the generous conduct of a sister, + who forsook me not when I was forsaken by every one. You have had your + reward. You live happy in the esteem and love of all who know you, and I + drag on the life of a miserable impostor, indebted for the marks of regard + I receive to a tissue of deceit and lies, which the slightest accident may + unravel. He has produced me to his friends, since the estate opened to + him, as a daughter of a Scotchman of rank, banished on account of the + Viscount of Dundee’s wars—that is, our Fr’s old friend Clavers, you + know—and he says I was educated in a Scotch convent; indeed, I lived + in such a place long enough to enable me to support the character. But + when a countryman approaches me, and begins to talk, as they all do, of + the various families engaged in Dundee’s affair, and to make inquiries + into my connections, and when I see his eye bent on mine with such an + expression of agony, my terror brings me to the very risk of detection. + Good-nature and politeness have hitherto saved me, as they prevented + people from pressing on me with distressing questions. But how long—O + how long, will this be the case!—And if I bring this disgrace on + him, he will hate me—he will kill me, for as much as he loves me; he + is as jealous of his family honour now, as ever he was careless about it. + I have been in England four months, and have often thought of writing to + you; and yet, such are the dangers that might arise from an intercepted + letter, that I have hitherto forborne. But now I am obliged to run the + risk. Last week I saw your great friend, the D. of A. He came to my box, + and sate by me; and something in the play put him in mind of you—Gracious + Heaven! he told over your whole London journey to all who were in the box, + but particularly to the wretched creature who was the occasion of it all. + If he had known—if he could have conceived, beside whom he was + sitting, and to whom the story was told!—I suffered with courage, + like an Indian at the stake, while they are rending his fibres and boring + his eyes, and while he smiles applause at each well-imagined contrivance + of his torturers. It was too much for me at last, Jeanie—I fainted; + and my agony was imputed partly to the heat of the place, and partly to my + extreme sensibility; and, hypocrite all over, I encouraged both opinions—anything + but discovery! Luckily, <i>he</i> was not there. But the incident has more + alarms. I am obliged to meet your great man often; and he seldom sees me + without talking of E. D. and J. D., and R. B. and D. D., as persons in + whom my amiable sensibility is interested. My amiable sensibility!!!—And + then the cruel tone of light indifference with which persons in the + fashionable world speak together on the most affecting subjects! To hear + my guilt, my folly, my agony, the foibles and weaknesses of my friends—even + your heroic exertions, Jeanie, spoken of in the drolling style which is + the present tone in fashionable life—Scarce all that I formerly + endured is equal to this state of irritation—then it was blows and + stabs—now it is pricking to death with needles and pins.—He—I + mean the D.—goes down next month to spend the shooting-season in + Scotland—he says, he makes a point of always dining one day at the + Manse—be on your guard, and do not betray yourself, should he + mention me—Yourself, alas! <i>you</i> have nothing to betray—nothing + to fear; you, the pure, the virtuous, the heroine of unstained faith, + unblemished purity, what can you have to fear from the world or its + proudest minions? It is E. whose life is once more in your hands—it + is E. whom you are to save from being plucked of her borrowed plumes, + discovered, branded, and trodden down, first by him, perhaps, who has + raised her to this dizzy pinnacle!—The enclosure will reach you + twice a-year—do not refuse it—it is out of my own allowance, + and may be twice as much when you want it. With you it may do good—with + me it never can. + </p> + <p> + “Write to me soon, Jeanie, or I shall remain in the agonising apprehension + that this has fallen into wrong hands—Address simply to L. S., under + cover, to the Reverend George Whiterose, in the Minster-Close, York. He + thinks I correspond with some of my noble Jacobite relations who are in + Scotland. How high-church and jacobitical zeal would burn in his checks, + if he knew he was the agent, not of Euphemia Setoun, of the honourable + house of Winton, but of E. D., daughter of a Cameronian cowfeeder!—Jeanie, + I can laugh yet sometimes—but God protect you from such mirth.—My + father—I mean your father, would say it was like the idle crackling + of thorns; but the thorns keep their poignancy, they remain unconsumed. + Farewell, my dearest Jeanie—Do not show this even to Mr. Butler, + much less to any one else. I have every respect for him, but his + principles are over strict, and my case will not endure severe handling.—I + rest your affectionate sister, E.” + </p> + <p> + In this long letter there was much to surprise as well as to distress Mrs. + Butler. That Effie—her sister Effie, should be mingling freely in + society, and apparently on not unequal terms, with the Duke of Argyle, + sounded like something so extraordinary, that she even doubted if she read + truly. Not was it less marvellous, that, in the space of four years, her + education should have made such progress. Jeanie’s humility readily + allowed that Effie had always, when she chose it, been smarter at her book + than she herself was, but then she was very idle, and, upon the whole, had + made much less proficiency. Love, or fear, or necessity, however, had + proved an able school-mistress, and completely supplied all her + deficiencies. + </p> + <p> + What Jeanie least liked in the tone of the letter, was a smothered degree + of egotism. “We should have heard little about her,” said Jeanie to + herself, “but that she was feared the Duke might come to learn wha she + was, and a’ about her puir friends here; but Effie, puir thing, aye looks + her ain way, and folk that do that think mair o’ themselves than of their + neighbours.—I am no clear about keeping her siller,” she added, + taking up a L50 note which had fallen out of the paper to the floor. “We + hae eneugh, and it looks unco like theftboot, or hushmoney, as they ca’ + it; she might hae been sure that I wad say naething wad harm her, for a’ + the gowd in Lunnon. And I maun tell the minister about it. I dinna see + that she suld be sae feared for her ain bonny bargain o’ a gudeman, and + that I shouldna reverence Mr. Butler just as much; and sae I’ll e’en tell + him, when that tippling body the Captain has ta’en boat in the morning.—But + I wonder at my ain state of mind,” she added, turning back, after she had + made a step or two to the door to join the gentlemen; “surely I am no sic + a fule as to be angry that Effie’s a braw lady, while I am only a + minister’s wife?—and yet I am as petted as a bairn, when I should + bless God, that has redeemed her from shame, and poverty, and guilt, as + ower likely she might hae been plunged into.” + </p> + <p> + Sitting down upon a stool at the foot of the bed, she folded her arms upon + her bosom, saying within herself, “From this place will I not rise till I + am in a better frame of mind;” and so placed, by dint of tearing the veil + from the motives of her little temporary spleen against her sister, she + compelled herself to be ashamed of them, and to view as blessings the + advantages of her sister’s lot, while its embarrassments were the + necessary consequences of errors long since committed. And thus she fairly + vanquished the feeling of pique which she naturally enough entertained, at + seeing Effie, so long the object of her care and her pity, soar suddenly + so high above her in life, as to reckon amongst the chief objects of her + apprehension the risk of their relationship being discovered. + </p> + <p> + When this unwonted burst of <i>amour propre</i> was thoroughly subdued, + she walked down to the little parlour where the gentlemen were finishing + their game, and heard from the Captain a confirmation of the news + intimated in her letter, that the Duke of Argyle was shortly expected at + Roseneath. + </p> + <p> + “He’ll find plenty of moor-fowls and plack-cock on the moors of + Auchingower, and he’ll pe nae doubt for taking a late dinner, and a ped at + the Manse, as he has done pefore now.” + </p> + <p> + “He has a gude right, Captain,” said Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “Teil ane potter to ony ped in the kintra,” answered the Captain. “And ye + had potter tell your father, puir body, to get his beasts a’ in order, and + put his tamn’d Cameronian nonsense out o’ his head for twa or three days, + if he can pe so opliging; for fan I speak to him apout prute pestil, he + answers me out o’ the Pible, whilk is not using a shentleman weel, unless + it be a person of your cloth, Mr. Putler.” + </p> + <p> + No one understood better than Jeanie the merit of the soft answer, which + turneth away wrath; and she only smiled, and hoped that his Grace would + find everything that was under her father’s care to his entire + satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + But the Captain, who had lost the whole postage of the letter at + backgammon, was in the pouting mood not unusual to losers, and which, says + the proverb, must be allowed to them. + </p> + <p> + “And, Master Putler, though you know I never meddle with the things of + your kirk-sessions, yet I must pe allowed to say that I will not be + pleased to allow Ailie MacClure of Deepheugh to be poonished as a witch, + in respect she only spaes fortunes, and does not lame, or plind, or + pedevil any persons, or coup cadger’s carts, or ony sort of mischief; put + only tells people good fortunes, as anent our poats killing so many seals + and doug-fishes, whilk is very pleasant to hear.” + </p> + <p> + “The woman,” said Butler, “is, I believe, no witch, but a cheat: and it is + only on that head that she is summoned to the kirk-session, to cause her + to desist in future from practising her impostures upon ignorant persons.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know,” replied the gracious Duncan, “what her practices or + postures are, but I pelieve that if the poys take hould on her to duck her + in the Clachan purn, it will be a very sorry practice—and I pelieve, + moreover, that if I come in thirdsman among you at the kirk-sessions, you + will be all in a tamn’d pad posture indeed.” + </p> + <p> + Without noticing this threat, Mr. Butler replied, “That he had not + attended to the risk of ill-usage which the poor woman might undergo at + the hands of the rabble, and that he would give her the necessary + admonition in private, instead of bringing her before the assembled + session.” + </p> + <p> + “This,” Duncan said, “was speaking like a reasonable shentleman;” and so + the evening passed peaceably off. + </p> + <p> + Next morning, after the Captain had swallowed his morning draught of + Athole brose, and departed in his coach and six, Mrs. Butler anew + deliberated upon communicating to her husband her sister’s letter. But she + was deterred by the recollection, that, in doing so, she would unveil to + him the whole of a dreadful secret, of which, perhaps, his public + character might render him an unfit depositary. Butler already had reason + to believe that Effie had eloped with that same Robertson who had been a + leader in the Porteous mob, and who lay under sentence of death for the + robbery at Kirkcaldy. But he did not know his identity with George + Staunton, a man of birth and fortune, who had now apparently reassumed his + natural rank in society. Jeanie had respected Staunton’s own confession as + sacred, and upon reflection she considered the letter of her sisteras + equally so, and resolved to mention the contents to no one. + </p> + <p> + On reperusing the letter, she could not help observing the staggering and + unsatisfactory condition of those who have risen to distinction by undue + paths, and the outworks and bulwarks of fiction and falsehood, by which + they are under the necessity of surrounding and defending their precarious + advantages. But she was not called upon, she thought, to unveil her + sister’s original history—it would restore no right to any one, for + she was usurping none—it would only destroy her happiness, and + degrade her in the public estimation. Had she been wise, Jeanie thought + she would have chosen seclusion and privacy, in place of public life and + gaiety; but the power of choice might not be hers. The money, she thought, + could not be returned without her seeming haughty and unkind. She + resolved, therefore, upon reconsidering this point, to employ it as + occasion should serve, either in educating her children better than her + own means could compass, or for their future portion. Her sister had + enough, was strongly bound to assist Jeanie by any means in her power, and + the arrangement was so natural and proper, that it ought not to be + declined out of fastidious or romantic delicacy. Jeanie accordingly wrote + to her sister, acknowledging her letter, and requesting to hear from her + as often as she could. In entering into her own little details of news, + chiefly respecting domestic affairs, she experienced a singular + vacillation of ideas; for sometimes she apologised for mentioning things + unworthy the notice of a lady of rank, and then recollected that + everything which concerned her should be interesting to Effie. Her letter, + under the cover of Mr. Whiterose, she committed to the post-office at + Glasgow, by the intervention of a parishioner who had business at that + city. + </p> + <p> + The next week brought the Duke to Roseneath, and shortly afterwards he + intimated his intention of sporting in their neighbourhood, and taking his + bed at the Manse; an honour which he had once or twice done to its inmates + on former occasions. + </p> + <p> + Effie proved to be perfectly right in her auticipations. The Duke had + hardly set himself down at Mrs. Butler’s right hand, and taken upon + himself the task of carving the excellent “barn-door chucky,” which had + been selected as the high dishes upon this honourable occasion, before he + began to speak of Lady Staunton of Willingham, in Lincolnshire, and the + great noise which her wit and beauty made in London. For much of this + Jeanie was, in some measure, prepared—but Effie’s wit! that would + never have entered into her imagination, being ignorant how exactly + raillery in the higher rank resembles flippancy among their inferiors. + </p> + <p> + “She has been the ruling belle—the blazing star—the universal + toast of the winter,” said the Duke; “and is really the most beautiful + creature that was seen at court upon the birth-day.” + </p> + <p> + The birthday! and at court!—Jeanie was annihilated, remembering well + her own presentation, all its extraordinary circumstances, and + particularly the cause of it. + </p> + <p> + “I mention this lady particularly to you, Mrs. Butler,” said the Duke, + “because she has something in the sound of her voice, and cast of her + countenance, that reminded me of you—not when you look so pale + though—you have over-fatigued yourself—you must pledge me in a + glass of wine.” + </p> + <p> + She did so, and Butler observed, “It was dangerous flattery in his Grace + to tell a poor minister’s wife that she was like a court-beauty.” + </p> + <p> + “Oho, Mr. Butler,” said the Duke, “I find you are growing jealous; but + it’s rather too late in the day, for you know how long I have admired your + wife. But seriously, there is betwixt them one of those inexplicable + likenesses which we see in countenances, that do not otherwise resemble + each other.” + </p> + <p> + “The perilous part of the compliment has flown off,” thought Mr. Butler. + </p> + <p> + His wife, feeling the awkwardness of silence, forced herself to say, + “That, perhaps, the lady might be her countrywoman, and the language might + have made some resemblance.” + </p> + <p> + “You are quite right,” replied the Duke. “She is a Scotch-woman, and + speaks with a Scotch accent, and now and then a provincial word drops out + so prettily, that it is quite Doric, Mr. Butler.” + </p> + <p> + “I should have thought,” said the clergyman, “that would have sounded + vulgar in the great city.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all,” replied the Duke; “you must suppose it is not the broad + coarse Scotch that is spoken in the Cowgate of Edinburgh, or in the + Gorbals. This lady has been very little in Scotland, in fact she was + educated in a convent abroad, and speaks that pure court-Scotch, which was + common in my younger days; but it is so generally disused now, that it + sounds like a different dialect, entirely distinct from our modern <i>patois.</i>” + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding her anxiety, Jeanie could not help admiring within + herself, how the most correct judges of life and manners can be imposed on + by their own preconceptions, while the Duke proceeded thus: “She is of the + unfortunate house of Winton, I believe; but, being bred abroad, she had + missed the opportunity of learning her own pedigree, and was obliged to me + for informing her, that she must certainly come of the Setons of + Windygoul. I wish you could have seen how prettily she blushed at her own + ignorance. Amidst her noble and elegant manners, there is now and then a + little touch of bashfulness and conventual rusticity, if I may call it so, + that makes her quite enchanting. You see at once the rose that had bloomed + untouched amid the chaste precincts of the cloister, Mr. Butler.” + </p> + <p> + True to the hint, Mr. Butler failed not to start with his + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Ut flos in septis secretus nascitur hortis,” etc., +</pre> + <p> + while his wife could hardly persuade herself that all this was spoken of + Effie Deans, and by so competent a judge as the Duke of Argyle; and had + she been acquainted with Catullus, would have thought the fortunes of her + sister had reversed the whole passage. + </p> + <p> + She was, however, determined to obtain some indemnification for the + anxious feelings of the moment, by gaining all the intelligence she could; + and therefore ventured to make some inquiry about the husband of the lady + his Grace admired so much. + </p> + <p> + “He is very rich,” replied the Duke; “of an ancient family, and has good + manners: but he is far from being such a general favourite as his wife. + Some people say he can be very pleasant—I never saw him so; but + should rather judge him reserved, and gloomy, and capricious. He was very + wild in his youth, they say, and has bad health; yet he is a good-looking + man enough—a great friend of your Lord High Commissioner of the + Kirk, Mr. Butler.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he is the friend of a very worthy and honourable nobleman,” said + Butler. + </p> + <p> + “Does he admire his lady as much as other people do?” said Jeanie, in a + low voice. + </p> + <p> + “Who—Sir George? They say he is very fond of her,” said the Duke; + “but I observe she trembles a little when he fixes his eye on her, and + that is no good sign—But it is strange how I am haunted by this + resemblance of yours to Lady Staunton, in look and tone of voice. One + would almost swear you were sisters.” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie’s distress became uncontrollable, and beyond concealment. The Duke + of Argyle was much disturbed, good-naturedly ascribing it to his having + unwittingly recalled, to her remembrance her family misfortunes. He was + too well-bred to attempt to apologise; but hastened to change the subject, + and arrange certain points of dispute which had occurred betwixt Duncan of + Knock and the minister, acknowledging that his worthy substitute was + sometimes a little too obstinate, as well as too energetic, in his + executive measures. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Butler admitted his general merits; but said, “He would presume to + apply to the worthy gentleman the words of the poet to Marrucinus Asinius, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Manu + Non belle uteris in joco atque vino.” + </pre> + <p> + The discourse being thus turned on parish business, nothing farther + occurred that can interest the reader. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0025" id="Alink2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY-FIFTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown, + And put a barren sceptre in my gripe, + Thence to be wrench’d by an unlineal hand, + No son of mine succeeding. + Macbeth. +</pre> + <p> + After this period, but under the most strict precautions against + discovery, the sisters corresponded occasionally, exchanging letters about + twice every year. Those of Lady Staunton spoke of her husband’s health and + spirits as being deplorably uncertain; her own seemed also to be sinking, + and one of the topics on which she most frequently dwelt was their want of + family. Sir George Staunton, always violent, had taken some aversion at + the next heir, whom he suspected of having irritated his friends against + him during his absence; and he declared, he would bequeath Willingham and + all its lands to an hospital, ere that fetch-and-carry tell-tale should + inherit an acre of it. + </p> + <p> + “Had he but a child,” said the unfortunate wife, “or had that luckless + infant survived, it would be some motive for living and for exertion. But + Heaven has denied us a blessing which we have not deserved.” + </p> + <p> + Such complaints, in varied form, but turning frequently on the same topic, + filled the letters which passed from the spacious but melancholy halls of + Willingham, to the quiet and happy parsonage at Knocktarlitie. Years + meanwhile rolled on amid these fruitless repinings. John, Duke of Argyle + and Greenwich, died in the year 1743, universally lamented, but by none + more than by the Butlers, to whom his benevolence had been so + distinguished. He was succeeded by his brother Duke Archibald, with whom + they had not the same intimacy; but who continued the protection which his + brother had extended towards them. This, indeed, became more necessary + than ever; for, after the breaking out and suppression of the rebellion in + 1745, the peace of the country, adjacent to the Highlands, was + considerably disturbed. Marauders, or men that had been driven to that + desperate mode of life, quartered themselves in the fastnesses nearest to + the Lowlands, which were their scene of plunder; and there is scarce a + glen in the romantic and now peaceable Highlands of Perth, Stirling, and + Dumbartonshire, where one or more did not take up their residence. + </p> + <p> + The prime pest of the parish of Knocktarlitie was a certain Donacha dhu na + Dunaigh, or Black Duncan the Mischievous, whom we have already casually + mentioned. This fellow had been originally a tinkler, or <i>caird,</i> + many of whom stroll about these districts; but when all police was + disorganised by the civil war, he threw up his profession, and from half + thief became whole robber; and being generally at the head of three or + four active young fellows, and he himself artful, bold, and well + acquainted with the passes, he plied his new profession with emolument to + himself, and infinite plague to the country. + </p> + <p> + All were convinced that Duncan of Knock could have put down his namesake + Donacha any morning he had a mind; for there were in the parish a set of + stout young men, who had joined Argyle’s banner in the war under his old + friend, and behaved very well on several occasions. And as for their + leader, as no one doubted his courage, it was generally supposed that + Donacha had found out the mode of conciliating his favour, a thing not + very uncommon in that age and country. This was the more readily believed, + as David Deans’s cattle (being the property of the Duke) were left + untouched, when the minister’s cows were carried off by the thieves. + Another attempt was made to renew the same act of rapine, and the cattle + were in the act of being driven off, when Butler, laying his profession + aside in a case of such necessity, put himself at the head of some of his + neighbours, and rescued the creagh, an exploit at which Deans attended in + person, notwithstanding his extreme old age, mounted on a Highland pony, + and girded with an old broadsword, likening himself (for he failed not to + arrogate the whole merit of the expedition) to David, the son of Jesse, + when he recovered the spoil of Ziklag from the Amalekites. This spirited + behaviour had so far a good effect, that Donacha dhu na Dunaigh kept his + distance for some time to come; and, though his distant exploits were + frequently spoken of, he did not exercise any depredations in that part of + the country. He continued to flourish, and to be heard of occasionally, + until the year 1751, when, if the fear of the second David had kept him in + check, fate released him from that restraint, for the venerable patriarch + of St. Leonard’s was that year gathered to his fathers. + </p> + <p> + David Deans died full of years and of honour. He is believed, for the + exact time of his birth is not known, to have lived upwards of ninety + years; for he used to speak of events as falling under his own knowledge, + which happened about the time of the battle of Bothwell Bridge. It was + said that he even bore arms there; for once, when a drunken Jacobite laird + wished for a Bothwell Brigg whig, that “he might stow the lugs out of his + head,” David informed him with a peculiar austerity of countenance, that, + if he liked to try such a prank, there was one at his elbow; and it + required the interference of Butler to preserve the peace. + </p> + <p> + He expired in the arms of his beloved daughter, thankful for all the + blessings which Providence had vouchsafed to him while in this valley of + strife and toil—and thankful also for the trials he had been visited + with; having found them, he said, needful to mortify that spiritual pride + and confidence in his own gifts, which was the side on which the wily + Enemy did most sorely beset him. He prayed in the most affecting manner + for Jeanie, her husband, and her family, and that her affectionate duty to + the puir auld man might purchase her length of days here, and happiness + hereafter; then, in a pathetic petition, too well understood by those who + knew his family circumstances, he besought the Shepherd of souls, while + gathering his flock, not to forget the little one that had strayed from + the fold, and even then might be in the hands of the ravening wolf.—He + prayed for the national Jerusalem, that peace might be in her land, and + prosperity in her palaces—for the welfare of the honourable House of + Argyle, and for the conversion of Duncan of Knockdunder. After this he was + silent, being exhausted, nor did he again utter anything distinctly. He + was heard, indeed, to mutter something about national defections, + right-hand extremes, and left-hand failings off; but, as May Hettly + observed, his head was carried at the time; and it is probable that these + expressions occurred to him merely out of general habit, and that he died + in the full spirit of charity with all men. About an hour afterwards he + slept in the Lord. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding her father’s advanced age, his death was a severe shock to + Mrs. Butler. Much of her time had been dedicated to attending to his + health and his wishes, and she felt as if part of her business in the + world was ended, when the good old man was no more. His wealth, which came + nearly to fifteen hundred pounds, in disposable capital, served to raise + the fortunes of the family at the Manse. How to dispose of this sum for + the best advantage of his family, was matter of anxious consideration to + Butler. “If we put it on heritable bond, we shall maybe lose the interest; + for there’s that bond over Lounsbeck’s land, your father could neither get + principal nor interest for it—If we bring it into the funds, we + shall maybe lose the principal and all, as many did in the South Sea + scheme. The little estate of Craigsture is in the market—it lies + within two miles of the Manse, and Knock says his Grace has no thought to + buy it. But they ask L2500, and they may, for it is worth the money; and + were I to borrow the balance, the creditor might call it up suddenly, or + in case of my death my family might be distressed.” + </p> + <p> + “And so if we had mair siller, we might buy that bonny pasture-ground, + where the grass comes so early?” asked Jeanie. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, my dear; and Knockdunder, who is a good judge, is strongly + advising me to it. To be sure it is his nephew that is selling it.” + </p> + <p> + “Aweel, Reuben,” said Jeanie, “ye maun just look up a text in Scripture, + as ye did when ye wanted siller before—just look up a text in the + Bible.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Jeanie,” said Butler, laughing and pressing her hand at the same + time, “the best people in these times can only work miracles once.” + </p> + <p> + “We will see,” said Jeanie composedly; and going to the closet in which + she kept her honey, her sugar, her pots of jelly, her vials of the more + ordinary medicines, and which served her, in short, as a sort of + store-room, she jangled vials and gallipots, till, from out the darkest + nook, well flanked by a triple row of bottles and jars, which she was + under the necessity of displacing, she brought a cracked brown cann, with + a piece of leather tied over the top. Its contents seemed to be written + papers, thrust in disorder into this uncommon <i>secre’taire.</i> But from + among these Jeanie brought an old clasped Bible, which had been David + Deans’s companion in his earlier wanderings, and which he had given to his + daughter when the failure of his eyes had compelled him to use one of a + larger print. This she gave to Butler, who had been looking at her motions + with some surprise, and desired him to see what that book could do for + him. He opened the clasps, and to his astonishment a parcel of L50 + bank-notes dropped out from betwixt the leaves, where they had been + separately lodged, and fluttered upon the floor. “I didna think to hae + tauld you o’ my wealth, Reuben,” said his wife, smiling at his surprise, + “till on my deathbed, or maybe on some family pinch; but it wad be better + laid out on yon bonny grass-holms, than lying useless here in this auld + pigg.” + </p> + <p> + “How on earth came ye by that siller, Jeanie?—Why, here is more than + a thousand pounds,” said Butler, lifting up and counting the notes. + </p> + <p> + “If it were ten thousand, it’s a’ honestly come by,” said Jeanie; “and + troth I kenna how muckle there is o’t, but it’s a’ there that ever I got.—And + as for how I came by it, Reuben—it’s weel come by, and honestly, as + I said before—And it’s mair folk’s secret than mine, or ye wad hae + kend about it lang syne; and as for onything else, I am not free to answer + mair questions about it, and ye maun just ask me nane.” + </p> + <p> + “Answer me but one,” said Butler. “Is it all freely and indisputably your + own property, to dispose of it as you think fit?—Is it possible no + one has a claim in so large a sum except you?” + </p> + <p> + “It <i>was</i> mine, free to dispose of it as I like,” answered Jeanie; + “and I have disposed of it already, for now it is yours, Reuben—You + are Bible Butler now, as well as your forbear, that my puir father had sic + an ill will at. Only, if ye like, I wad wish Femie to get a gude share o’t + when we are gane.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, it shall be as you choose—But who on earth ever pitched + on such a hiding-place for temporal treasures?” + </p> + <p> + “That is just ane o’ my auld-fashioned gates, as you ca’ them, Reuben. I + thought if Donacha Dhu was to make an outbreak upon us, the Bible was the + last thing in the house he wad meddle wi’—but an ony mair siller + should drap in, as it is not unlikely, I shall e’en pay it ower to you, + and ye may lay it out your ain way.” + </p> + <p> + “And I positively must not ask you how you have come by all this money?” + said the clergyman. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, Reuben, you must not; for if you were asking me very sair I wad + maybe tell you, and then I am sure I would do wrong.” + </p> + <p> + “But tell me,” said Butler, “is it anything that distresses your own + mind?” + </p> + <p> + “There is baith weal and woe come aye wi’ world’s gear, Reuben; but ye + maun ask me naething mair—This siller binds me to naething, and can + never be speered back again.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely,” said Mr. Butler, when he had again counted over the money, as if + to assure himself that the notes were real, “there was never man in the + world had a wife like mine—a blessing seems to follow her.” + </p> + <p> + “Never,” said Jeanie, “since the enchanted princess in the bairn’s fairy + tale, that kamed gold nobles out o’ the tae side of her haffit locks, and + Dutch dollars out o’ the tother. But gang away now, minister, and put by + the siller, and dinna keep the notes wampishing in your hand that gate, or + I shall wish them in the brown pigg again, for fear we get a black cast + about them—we’re ower near the hills in these times to be thought to + hae siller in the house. And, besides, ye maun gree wi’ Knockdunder, that + has the selling o’ the lands; and dinna you be simple and let him ken o’ + this windfa’, but keep him to the very lowest penny, as if ye had to + borrow siller to make the price up.” + </p> + <p> + In the last admonition, Jeanie showed distinctly, that, although she did + not understand how to secure the money which came into her hands otherwise + than by saving and hoarding it, yet she had some part of her father + David’s shrewdness, even upon worldly subjects. And Reuben Butler was a + prudent man, and went and did even as his wife had advised him. The news + quickly went abroad into the parish that the minister had bought + Craigsture; and some wished him joy, and some “were sorry it had gane out + of the auld name.” However, his clerical brethren, understanding that he + was under the necessity of going to Edinburgh about the ensuing + Whitsunday, to get together David Deans’s cash to make up the + purchase-money of his new acquisition, took the opportunity to name him + their delegate to the General Assembly, or Convocation of the Scottish + Church, which takes place usually in the latter end of the month of May. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0026" id="Alink2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY-SIXTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + But who is this? what thing of sea or land— + Female of sex it seems— + That so bedeck’d, ornate, and gay, + Comes this way sailing? + Milton. +</pre> + <p> + Not long after the incident of the Bible and the bank-notes, Fortune + showed that she could surprise Mrs Butler as well as her husband. The + Minister, in order to accomplish the various pieces of business which his + unwonted visit to Edinburgh rendered necessary, had been under the + necessity of setting out from home in the latter end of the month of + February, concluding justly that he would find the space betwixt his + departure and the term of Whitsunday (24th May) short enough for the + purpose of bringing forward those various debtors of old David Deans, out + of whose purses a considerable part of the price of his new purchase was + to be made good. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie was thus in the unwonted situation of inhabiting a lonely house, + and she felt yet more solitary from the death of the good old man who used + to divide her cares with her husband. Her children were her principal + resource, and to them she paid constant attention. + </p> + <p> + It happened a day or two after Butler’s departure that, while she was + engaged in some domestic duties, she heard a dispute among the young folk, + which, being maintained with obstinacy, appeared to call for her + interference. All came to their natural umpire with their complaints. + Femie, not yet ten years old, charged Davie and Reubie with an attempt to + take away her book by force; and David and Reuben replied, the elder, + “That it was not a book for Femie to read,” and Reuben, “That it was about + a bad woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Where did you get the book, ye little hempie?” said Mrs. Butler. “How + dare ye touch papa’s books when he is away?” But the little lady, holding + fast a sheet of crumpled paper, declared “It was nane o’ papa’s books, and + May Hettly had taken it off the muckle cheese which came from Inverara;” + for, as was very natural to suppose, a friendly intercourse, with + interchange of mutual civilities, was kept up from time to time between + Mrs. Dolly Dutton, now Mrs. MacCorkindale, and her former friends. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie took the subject of contention out of the child’s hand, to satisfy + herself of the propriety of her studies; but how much was she struck when + she read upon the title of the broadside-sheet, “The Last Speech, + Confession, and Dying Words of Margaret MacCraw, or Murdockson, executed + on Harabee Hill, near Carlisle, the day of 1737.” It was, indeed, one of + those papers which Archibald had bought at Longtown, when he monopolised + the pedlar’s stock, which Dolly had thrust into her trunk out of sheer + economy. One or two copies, it seems, had remained in her repositories at + Inverary, till she chanced to need them in packing a cheese, which, as a + very superior production, was sent, in the way of civil challenge, to the + dairy at Knocktarlitie. + </p> + <p> + The title of this paper, so strangely fallen into the very hands from + which, in well-meant respect to her feelings, it had been so long + detained, was of itself sufficiently startling; but the narrative itself + was so interesting, that Jeanie, shaking herself loose from the children, + ran upstairs to her own apartment, and bolted the door, to peruse it + without interruption. + </p> + <p> + The narrative, which appeared to have been drawn up, or at least + corrected, by the clergyman who attended this unhappy woman, stated the + crime for which she suffered to have been “her active part in that + atrocious robbery and murder, committed near two years since near + Haltwhistle, for which the notorious Frank Levitt was committed for trial + at Lancaster assizes. It was supposed the evidence of the accomplice + Thomas Tuck, commonly called Tyburn Tom, upon which the woman had been + convicted, would weigh equally heavy against him; although many were + inclined to think it was Tuck himself who had struck the fatal blow, + according to the dying statement of Meg Murdockson.” + </p> + <p> + After a circumstantial account of the crime for which she suffered, there + was a brief sketch of Margaret’s life. It was stated that she was a + Scotchwoman by birth, and married a soldier in the Cameronian regiment—that + she long followed the camp, and had doubtless acquired in fields of + battle, and similar scenes, that ferocity and love of plunder for which + she had been afterwards distinguished—that her husband, having + obtained his discharge, became servant to a beneficed clergyman of high + situation and character in Lincolnshire, and that she acquired the + confidence and esteem of that honourable family. She had lost this many + years after her husband’s death, it was stated, in consequence of + conniving at the irregularities of her daughter with the heir of the + family, added to the suspicious circumstances attending the birth of a + child, which was strongly suspected to have met with foul play, in order + to preserve, if possible, the girl’s reputation. After this she had led a + wandering life both in England and Scotland, under colour sometimes of + telling fortunes, sometimes of driving a trade in smuggled wares, but, in + fact, receiving stolen goods, and occasionally actively joining in the + exploits by which they were obtained. Many of her crimes she had boasted + of after conviction, and there was one circumstance for which she seemed + to feel a mixture of joy and occasional compunction. When she was residing + in the suburbs of Edinburgh during the preceding summer, a girl, who had + been seduced by one of her confederates, was intrusted to her charge, and + in her house delivered of a male infant. Her daughter, whose mind was in a + state of derangement ever since she had lost her own child, according to + the criminal’s account, carried off the poor girl’s infant, taking it for + her own, of the reality of whose death she at times could not be + persuaded. + </p> + <p> + Margaret Murdockson stated that she, for some time, believed her daughter + had actually destroyed the infant in her mad fits, and that she gave the + father to understand so, but afterwards learned that a female stroller had + got it from her. She showed some compunction at having separated mother + and child, especially as the mother had nearly suffered death, being + condemned, on the Scotch law, for the supposed murder of her infant. When + it was asked what possible interest she could have had in exposing the + unfortunate girl to suffer for a crime she had not committed, she asked, + if they thought she was going to put her own daughter into trouble to save + another? She did not know what the Scotch law would have done to her for + carrying the child away. This answer was by no means satisfactory to the + clergyman, and he discovered, by close examination, that she had a deep + and revengeful hatred against the young person whom she had thus injured. + But the paper intimated, that, whatever besides she had communicated upon + this subject was confided by her in private to the worthy and reverend + Archdeacon who had bestowed such particular pains in affording her + spiritual assistance. The broadside went on to intimate, that, after her + execution, of which the particulars were given, her daughter, the insane + person mentioned more than once, and who was generally known by the name + of Madge Wildfire, had been very ill-used by the populace, under the + belief that she was a sorceress, and an accomplice in her mother’s crimes, + and had been with difficulty rescued by the prompt interference of the + police. + </p> + <p> + Such (for we omit moral reflections, and all that may seem unnecessary to + the explanation of our story) was the tenor of the broadside. To Mrs. + Butler it contained intelligence of the highest importance, since it + seemed to afford the most unequivocal proof of her sister’s innocence + respecting the crime for which she had so nearly suffered. It is true, + neither she nor her husband, nor even her father, had ever believed her + capable of touching her infant with an unkind hand when in possession of + her reason; but there was a darkness on the subject, and what might have + happened in a moment of insanity was dreadful to think upon. Besides, + whatever was their own conviction, they had no means of establishing + Effie’s innocence to the world, which, according to the tenor of this + fugitive publication, was now at length completely manifested by the dying + confession of the person chiefly interested in concealing it. + </p> + <p> + After thanking God for a discovery so dear to her feelings, Mrs. Butler + began to consider what use she should make of it. To have shown it to her + husband would have been her first impulse; but, besides that he was absent + from home, and the matter too delicate to be the subject of correspondence + by an indifferent penwoman, Mrs. Butler recollected that he was not + possessed of the information necessary to form a judgment upon the + occasion; and that, adhering to the rule which she had considered as most + advisable, she had best transmit the information immediately to her + sister, and leave her to adjust with her husband the mode in which they + should avail themselves of it. Accordingly, she despatched a special + messenger to Glasgow with a packet, enclosing the Confession of Margaret + Murdockson, addressed, as usual, under cover, to Mr. Whiterose of York. + She expected, with anxiety, an answer, but none arrived in the usual + course of post, and she was left to imagine how many various causes might + account for Lady Staunton’s silence. She began to be half sorry that she + had parted with the printed paper, both for fear of its having fallen into + bad hands, and from the desire of regaining the document which might be + essential to establish her sister’s innocence. She was even doubting + whether she had not better commit the whole matter to her husband’s + consideration, when other incidents occurred to divert her purpose. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie (she is a favourite, and we beg her pardon for still using the + familiar title) had walked down to the sea-side with her children one + morning after breakfast, when the boys, whose sight was more + discriminating than hers, exclaimed, that “the Captain’s coach and six was + coming right for the shore, with ladies in it.” Jeanie instinctively bent + her eyes on the approaching boat, and became soon sensible that there were + two females in the stern, seated beside the gracious Duncan, who acted as + pilot. It was a point of politeness to walk towards the landing-place, in + order to receive them, especially as she saw that the Captain of + Knockdunder was upon honour and ceremony. His piper was in the bow of the + boat, sending forth music, of which one half sounded the better that the + other was drowned by the waves and the breeze. Moreover, he himself had + his brigadier wig newly frizzed, his bonnet (he had abjured the + cocked-hat) decorated with Saint George’s red cross, his uniform mounted + as a captain of militia, the Duke’s flag with the boar’s head displayed—all + intimated parade and gala. + </p> + <p> + As Mrs. Butler approached the landing-place, she observed the Captain hand + the ladies ashore with marks of great attention, and the parties advanced + towards her, the Captain a few steps before the two ladies, of whom the + taller and elder leaned on the shoulder of the other, who seemed to be an + attendant or servant. + </p> + <p> + As they met, Duncan, in his best, most important, and deepest tone of + Highland civility, “pegged leave to introduce to Mrs. Putler, Lady—eh—eh—I + hae forgotten your leddyship’s name!” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind my name, sir,” said the lady; “I trust Mrs. Butler will be at + no loss. The Duke’s letter”—And, as she observed Mrs. Butler look + confused, she said again to Duncan somethin sharply, “Did you not send the + letter last night, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “In troth and I didna, and I crave your leddyship’s pardon; but you see, + matam, I thought it would do as weel to-tay, pecause Mrs. Putler is never + taen out o’sorts—never—and the coach was out fishing—and + the gig was gane to Greenock for a cag of prandy—and—Put + here’s his Grace’s letter.” + </p> + <p> + “Give it me, sir,” said the lady, taking it out of his hand; “since you + have not found it convenient to do me the favour to send it before me, I + will deliver it myself.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Butler looked with great attention, and a certain dubious feeling of + deep interest, on the lady, who thus expressed herself with authority over + the man of authority, and to whose mandates he seemed to submit, resigning + the letter with a “Just as your leddyship is pleased to order it.” + </p> + <p> + The lady was rather above the middle size, beautifully made, though + something <i>embonpoint,</i> with a hand and arm exquisitely formed. Her + manner was easy, dignified, and commanding, and seemed to evince high + birth and the habits of elevated society. She wore a travelling dress—a + grey beaver hat, and a veil of Flanders lace. Two footmen, in rich + liveries, who got out of the barge, and lifted out a trunk and + portmanteau, appeared to belong to her suite. + </p> + <p> + “As you did not receive the letter, madam, which should have served for my + introduction—for I presume you are Mrs. Butler—I will not + present it to you till you are so good as to admit me into your house + without it.” + </p> + <p> + “To pe sure, matam,” said Knockdunder, “ye canna doubt Mrs. Putler will do + that.—Mrs. Putler, this is Lady—Lady—these tamned + Southern names rin out o’ my head like a stane trowling down hill—put + I believe she is a Scottish woman porn—the mair our credit—and + I presume her leddyship is of the house of—” + </p> + <p> + “The Duke of Argyle knows my family very well, sir,” said the lady, in a + tone which seemed designed to silence Duncan, or, at any rate, which had + that effect completely. + </p> + <p> + There was something about the whole of this stranger’s address, and tone, + and manner, which acted upon Jeanie’s feelings like the illusions of a + dream, that tease us with a puzzling approach to reality. Something there + was of her sister in the gait and manner of the stranger, as well as in + the sound of her voice, and something also, when, lifting her veil, she + showed features, to which, changed as they were in expression and + complexion, she could not but attach many remembrances. + </p> + <p> + The stranger was turned of thirty certainly; but so well were her personal + charms assisted by the power of dress, and arrangement of ornament, that + she might well have passed for one-and-twenty. And her behaviour was so + steady and so composed, that, as often as Mrs. Butler perceived anew some + point of resemblance to her unfortunate sister, so often the sustained + self-command and absolute composure of the stranger destroyed the ideas + which began to arise in her imagination. She led the way silently towards + the Manse, lost in a confusion of reflections, and trusting the letter + with which she was to be there intrusted, would afford her satisfactory + explanation of what was a most puzzling and embarrassing scene. + </p> + <p> + The lady maintained in the meanwhile the manners of a stranger of rank. + She admired the various points of view like one who has studied nature, + and the best representations of art. At length she took notice of the + children. + </p> + <p> + “These are two fine young mountaineers—Yours, madam, I presume?” + </p> + <p> + Jeanie replied in the affirmative. The stranger sighed, and sighed once + more as they were presented to her by name. + </p> + <p> + “Come here, Femie,” said Mrs. Butler, “and hold your head up.” + </p> + <p> + “What is your daughter’s name, madam?” said the lady. + </p> + <p> + “Euphemia, madam,” answered Mrs. Butler. + </p> + <p> + “I thought the ordinary Scottish contraction of the name had been Effie;” + replied the stranger, in a tone which went to Jeanie’s heart; for in that + single word there was more of her sister—more of <i>lang syne</i> + ideas—than in all the reminiscences which her own heart had + anticipated, or the features and manner of the stranger had suggested. + </p> + <p> + When they reached the Manse, the lady gave Mrs. Butler the letter which + she had taken out of the hands of Knockdunder; and as she gave it she + pressed her hand, adding aloud, “Perhaps, madam, you will have the + goodness to get me a little milk!” + </p> + <p> + “And me a drap of the grey-peard, if you please, Mrs. Putler,” added + Duncan. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Butler withdrew; but, deputing to May Hettly and to David the supply + of the strangers’ wants, she hastened into her own room to read the + letter. The envelope was addressed in the Duke of Argyle’s hand, and + requested Mrs. Butler’s attentions and civility to a lady of rank, a + particular friend of his late brother, Lady Staunton of Willingham, who, + being recommended to drink goats’ whey by the physicians, was to honour + the Lodge at Roseneath with her residence, while her husband made a short + tour in Scotland. But within the same cover, which had been given to Lady + Staunton unsealed, was a letter from that lady, intended to prepare her + sister for meeting her, and which, but for the Captain’s negligence, she + ought to have received on the preceding evening. It stated that the news + in Jeanie’s last letter had been so interesting to her husband, that he + was determined to inquire farther into the confession made at Carlisle, + and the fate of that poor innocent, and that, as he had been in some + degree successful, she had, by the most earnest entreaties, extorted + rather than obtained his permission, under promise of observing the most + strict incognito, to spend a week or two with her sister, or in her + neighbourhood, while he was prosecuting researches, to which (though it + appeared to her very vainly) he seemed to attach some hopes of success. + </p> + <p> + There was a postscript, desiring that Jeanie would trust to Lady S. the + management of their intercourse, and be content with assenting to what she + should propose. After reading and again reading the letter, Mrs. Butler + hurried down stairs, divided betwixt the fear of betraying her secret, and + the desire to throw herself upon her sister’s neck. Effie received her + with a glance at once affectionate and cautionary, and immediately + proceeded to speak. + </p> + <p> + “I have been telling Mr. ———, Captain , this gentleman, + Mrs. Butler, that if you could accommodate me with an apartment in your + house, and a place for Ellis to sleep, and for the two men, it would suit + me better than the Lodge, which his Grace has so kindly placed at my + disposal. I am advised I should reside as near where the goats feed as + possible.” + </p> + <p> + “I have peen assuring my leddy, Mrs. Putler,” said Duncan, “that though it + could not discommode you to receive any of his Grace’s visitors or mine, + yet she had mooch petter stay at the Lodge; and for the gaits, the + creatures can be fetched there, in respect it is mair fitting they suld + wait upon her Leddyship, than she upon the like o’ them.” + </p> + <p> + “By no means derange the goats for me,” said Lady Staunton; “I am certain + the milk must be much better here.” And this she said with languid + negligence, as one whose slightest intimation of humour is to bear down + all argument. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Butler hastened to intimate, that her house, such as it was, was + heartily at the disposal of Lady Staunton; but the Captain continued to + remonstrate.. + </p> + <p> + “The Duke,” he said, “had written” + </p> + <p> + “I will settle all that with his Grace” + </p> + <p> + “And there were the things had been sent down frae Glasco” + </p> + <p> + “Anything necessary might be sent over to the Parsonage—She would + beg the favour of Mrs. Butler to show her an apartment, and of the Captain + to have her trunks, etc., sent over from Roseneath.” + </p> + <p> + So she courtesied off poor Duncan, who departed, saying in his secret + soul, “Cot tamn her English impudence!—she takes possession of the + minister’s house as an it were her ain—and speaks to shentlemens as + if they were pounden servants, and per tamned to her!—And there’s + the deer that was shot too—but we will send it ower to the Manse, + whilk will pe put civil, seeing I hae prought worthy Mrs. Putler sic a + fliskmahoy.”— And with these kind intentions, he went to the shore + to give his orders accordingly. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, the meeting of the sisters was as affectionate as it was + extraordinary, and each evinced her feelings in the way proper to her + character. Jeanie was so much overcome by wonder, and even by awe, that + her feelings were deep, stunning, and almost overpowering. Effie, on the + other hand, wept, laughed, sobbed, screamed, and clapped her hands for + joy, all in the space of five minutes, giving way at once, and without + reserve, to a natural excessive vivacity of temper, which no one, however, + knew better how to restrain under the rules of artificial breeding. + </p> + <p> + After an hour had passed like a moment in their expressions of mutual + affection, Lady Staunton observed the Captain walking with impatient steps + below the window. “That tiresome Highland fool has returned upon our + hands,” she said. “I will pray him to grace us with his absence.” + </p> + <p> + “Hout no! hout no!” said Mrs. Butler, in a tone of entreaty; “ye maunna + affront the Captain.” + </p> + <p> + “Affront?” said Lady Staunton; “nobody is ever affronted at what I do or + say, my dear. However, I will endure him, since you think it proper.” + </p> + <p> + The Captain was accordingly graciously requested by Lady Staunton to + remain during dinner. During this visit his studious and punctilious + complaisance towards the lady of rank was happily contrasted by the + cavalier air of civil familiarity in which he indulged towards the + minister’s wife. + </p> + <p> + “I have not been able to persuade Mrs. Butler,” said Lady Staunton to the + Captain, during the interval when Jeanie had left the parlour, “to let me + talk of making any recompense for storming her house, and garrisoning it + in the way I have done.” + </p> + <p> + “Doubtless, matam,” said the Captain, “it wad ill pecome Mrs. Putler, wha + is a very decent pody, to make any such sharge to a lady who comes from my + house, or his Grace’s, which is the same thing.—And speaking of + garrisons, in the year forty-five, I was poot with a garrison of twenty of + my lads in the house of Inver-Garry, whilk had near been unhappily, for—” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, sir—But I wish I could think of some way of + indemnifying this good lady.” + </p> + <p> + “O, no need of intemnifying at all—no trouble for her, nothing at + all— So, peing in the house of Inver-Garry, and the people about it + being uncanny, I doubted the warst, and—” + </p> + <p> + “Do you happen to know, sir,” said Lady Staunton, “if any of these two + lads, these young Butlers, I mean, show any turn for the army?” + </p> + <p> + “Could not say, indeed, my leddy,” replied Knockdunder—“So, I + knowing the people to pe unchancy, and not to lippen to, and hearing a + pibroch in the wood, I pegan to pid my lads look to their flints, and then—” + </p> + <p> + “For,” said Lady Staunton, with the most ruthless disregard to the + narrative which she mangled by these interruptions, “if that should be the + case, it should cost Sir George but the asking a pair of colours for one + of them at the War-Office, since we have always supported Government, and + never had occasion to trouble ministers.” + </p> + <p> + “And if you please, my leddy,” said Duncan, who began to find some savour + in this proposal, “as I hae a braw weel-grown lad of a nevoy, ca’d Duncan + MacGilligan, that is as pig as paith the Putler pairns putten thegither, + Sir George could ask a pair for him at the same time, and it wad pe put ae + asking for a’.” + </p> + <p> + Lady Staunton only answered this hint with a well-bred stare, which gave + no sort of encouragement. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie, who now returned, was lost in amazement at the wonderful + difference betwixt the helpless and despairing girl, whom she had seen + stretched on a flock-bed in a dungeon, expecting a violent and disgraceful + death, and last as a forlorn exile upon the midnight beach, with the + elegant, well-bred, beautiful woman before her. The features, now that her + sister’s veil was laid aside, did not appear so extremely different, as + the whole manner, expression, look, and bearing. In outside show, Lady + Staunton seemed completely a creature too soft and fair for sorrow to have + touched; so much accustomed to have all her whims complied with by those + around her, that she seemed to expect she should even be saved the trouble + of forming them; and so totally unacquainted with contradiction, that she + did not even use the tone of self-will, since to breathe a wish was to + have it fulfilled. She made no ceremony of ridding herself of Duncan as + soon as the evening approached; but complimented him out of the house + under pretext of fatigue, with the utmost <i>nonchalance.</i> + </p> + <p> + When they were alone, her sister could not help expressing her wonder at + the self-possession with which Lady Staunton sustained her part. + </p> + <p> + “I daresay you are surprised at it,” said Lady Staunton composedly; “for + you, my dear Jeanie, have been truth itself from your cradle upwards; but + you must remember that I am a liar of fifteen years’ standing, and + therefore must by this time be used to my character.” + </p> + <p> + In fact, during the feverish tumult of feelings excited during the two or + three first days, Mrs. Butler thought her sister’s manner was completely + contradictory of the desponding tone which pervaded her correspondence. + She was moved to tears, indeed, by the sight of her father’s grave, marked + by a modest stone recording his piety and integrity; but lighter + impressions and associations had also power over her. She amused herself + with visiting the dairy, in which she had so long been assistant, and was + so near discovering herself to May Hettly, by betraying her acquaintance + with the celebrated receipt for Dunlop cheese, that she compared herself + to Bedreddin Hassan, whom the vizier, his father-in-law, discovered by his + superlative skill in composing cream-tarts with pepper in them. But when + the novelty of such avocations ceased to amuse her, she showed to her + sister but too plainly, that the gaudy colouring with which she veiled her + unhappiness afforded as little real comfort, as the gay uniform of the + soldier when it is drawn over his mortal wound. There were moods and + moments, in which her despondence seemed to exceed even that which she + herself had described in her letters, and which too well convinced Mrs. + Butler how little her sister’s lot, which in appearance was so brilliant, + was in reality to be envied. + </p> + <p> + There was one source, however, from which Lady Staunton derived a pure + degree of pleasure. Gifted in every particular with a higher degree of + imagination than that of her sister, she was an admirer of the beauties of + nature, a taste which compensates many evils to those who happen to enjoy + it. Here her character of a fine lady stopped short, where she ought to + have + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Scream’d at ilk cleugh, and screech’d at ilka how, + As loud as she had seen the worrie-cow. +</pre> + <p> + On the contrary, with the two boys for her guides, she undertook long and + fatiguing walks among the neighbouring mountains, to visit glens, lakes, + waterfalls, or whatever scenes of natural wonder or beauty lay concealed + among their recesses. It is Wordsworth, I think, who, talking of an old + man under difficulties, remarks, with a singular attention to nature, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Whether it was care that spurr’d him, + God only knows; but to the very last, + He had the lightest foot in Ennerdale. +</pre> + <p> + In the same manner, languid, listless, and unhappy, within doors, at times + even indicating something which approached near to contempt of the homely + accommodations of her sister’s house, although she instantly endeavoured, + by a thousand kindnesses, to atone for such ebullitions of spleen, Lady + Staunton appeared to feel interest and energy while in the open air, and + traversing the mountain landscapes in society with the two boys, whose + ears she delighted with stories of what she had seen in other countries, + and what she had to show them at Willingham Manor. And they, on the other + hand, exerted themselves in doing the honours of Dumbartonshire to the + lady who seemed so kind, insomuch that there was scarce a glen in the + neighbouring hills to which they did not introduce her. + </p> + <p> + Upon one of these excursions, while Reuben was otherwise employed, David + alone acted as Lady Staunton’s guide, and promised to show her a cascade + in the hills, grander and higher than any they had yet visited. It was a + walk of five long miles, and over rough ground, varied, however, and + cheered, by mountain views, and peeps now of the firth and its islands, + now of distant lakes, now of rocks and precipices. The scene itself, too, + when they reached it, amply rewarded the labour of the walk. A single + shoot carried a considerable stream over the face of a black rock, which + contrasted strongly in colour with the white foam of the cascade, and, at + the depth of about twenty feet, another rock intercepted the view of the + bottom of the fall. The water, wheeling out far beneath, swept round the + crag, which thus bounded their view, and tumbled down the rocky glen in a + torrent of foam. Those who love nature always desire to penetrate into its + utmost recesses, and Lady Staunton asked David whether there was not some + mode of gaining a view of the abyss at the foot of the fall. He said that + he knew a station on a shelf on the farther side of the intercepting rock, + from which the whole waterfall was visible, but that the road to it was + steep and slippery and dangerous. Bent, however, on gratifying her + curiosity, she desired him to lead the way; and accordingly he did so over + crag and stone, anxiously pointing out to her the resting-places where she + ought to step, for their mode of advancing soon ceased to be walking, and + became scrambling. + </p> + <p> + In this manner, clinging like sea-birds to the face of the rock, they were + enabled at length to turn round it, and came full in front of the fall, + which here had a most tremendous aspect, boiling, roaring, and thundering + with unceasing din, into a black cauldron, a hundred feet at least below + them, which resembled the crater of a volcano. The noise, the dashing of + the waters, which gave an unsteady appearance to all around them, the + trembling even of the huge crag on which they stood, the precariousness of + their footing, for there was scarce room for them to stand on the shelf of + rock which they had thus attained, had so powerful an effect on the senses + and imagination of Lady Staunton, that she called out to David she was + falling, and would in fact have dropped from the crag had he not caught + hold of her. The boy was bold and stout of his age—still he was but + fourteen years old, and as his assistance gave no confidence to Lady + Staunton, she felt her situation become really perilous. The chance was, + that, in the appalling novelty of the circumstances, he might have caught + the infection of her panic, in which case it is likely that both must have + perished. She now screamed with terror, though without hope of calling any + one to her assistance. To her amazement, the scream was answered by a + whistle from above, of a tone so clear and shrill, that it was heard even + amid the noise of the waterfall. + </p> + <p> + In this moment of terror and perplexity, a human face, black, and having + grizzled hair hanging down over the forehead and cheeks, and mixing with + mustaches and a beard of the same colour, and as much matted and tangled, + looked down on them from a broken part of the rock above. + </p> + <p> + “It is the Enemy!” said the boy, who had very nearly become incapable of + supporting Lady Staunton. + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” she exclaimed, inaccessible to supernatural terrors, and + restored to the presence of mind of which she had been deprived by the + danger of her situation, “it is a man—For God’s sake, my friend, + help us!” + </p> + <p> + The face glared at them, but made no answer; in a second or two + afterwards, another, that of a young lad, appeared beside the first, + equally swart and begrimed, but having tangled black hair, descending in + elf-locks, which gave an air of wildness and ferocity to the whole + expression of the countenance. Lady Staunton repeated her entreaties, + clinging to the rock with more energy, as she found that, from the + superstitious terror of her guide, he became incapable of supporting her. + Her words were probably drowned in the roar of the falling stream, for, + though she observed the lips of the young being whom she supplicated move + as he spoke in reply, not a word reached her ear. + </p> + <p> + A moment afterwards it appeared he had not mistaken the nature of her + supplication, which, indeed, was easy to be understood from her situation + and gestures. The younger apparition disappeared, and immediately after + lowered a ladder of twisted osiers, about eight feet in length, and made + signs to David to hold it fast while the lady ascended. Despair gives + courage, and finding herself in this fearful predicament, Lady Staunton + did not hesitate to risk the ascent by the precarious means which this + accommodation afforded; and, carefully assisted by the person who had thus + providentially come to her aid, she reached the summit in safety. She did + not, however, even look around her until she saw her nephew lightly and + actively follow her examples although there was now no one to hold the + ladder fast. When she saw him safe she looked round, and could not help + shuddering at the place and company in which she found herself. They were + on a sort of platform of rock, surrounded on every side by precipices, or + overhanging cliffs, and which it would have been scarce possible for any + research to have discovered, as it did not seem to be commanded by any + accessible position. It was partly covered by a huge fragment of stone, + which, having fallen from the cliffs above, had been intercepted by others + in its descent, and jammed so as to serve for a sloping roof to the + farther part of the broad shelf or platform on which they stood. A + quantity of withered moss and leaves, strewed beneath this rude and + wretched shelter, showed the lairs,—they could not be termed the + beds,—of those who dwelt in this eyrie, for it deserved no other + name. Of these, two were before Lady Staunton. One, the same who had + afforded such timely assistance, stood upright before them, a tall, lathy, + young savage; his dress a tattered plaid and philabeg, no shoes, no + stockings, no hat or bonnet, the place of the last being supplied by his + hair, twisted and matted like the <i>glibbe</i> of the ancient wild Irish, + and, like theirs, forming a natural thick-set stout enough to bear off the + cut of a sword. Yet the eyes of the lad were keen and sparkling; his + gesture free and noble, like that of all savages. He took little notice of + David Butler, but gazed with wonder on Lady Staunton, as a being different + probably in dress, and superior in beauty, to anything he had ever beheld. + The old man, whose face they had first seen, remained recumbent in the + same posture as when he had first looked down on them, only his face was + turned towards them as he lay and looked up with a lazy and listless + apathy, which belied the general expression of his dark and rugged + features. He seemed a very tall man, but was scarce better clad than the + younger. He had on a loose Lowland greatcoat, and ragged tartan trews or + pantaloons. All around looked singularly wild and unpropitious. Beneath + the brow of the incumbent rock was a charcoal fire, on which there was a + still working, with bellows, pincers, hammers, a movable anvil, and other + smith’s tools; three guns, with two or three sacks and barrels, were + disposed against the wall of rock, under shelter of the superincumbent + crag; a dirk and two swords, and a Lochaber axe, lay scattered around the + fire, of which the red glare cast a ruddy tinge on the precipitous foam + and mist of the cascade. The lad, when he had satisfied his curiosity with + staring at Lady Staunton, fetched an earthen jar and a horn-cup, into + which he poured some spirits, apparently hot from the still, and offered + them successively to the lady and to the boy. Both declined, and the young + savage quaffed off the draught, which could not amount to less than three + ordinary glasses. He then fetched another ladder from the corner of the + cavern, if it could be termed so, adjusted it against the transverse rock, + which served as a roof, and made signs for the lady to ascend it, while he + held it fast below. She did so, and found herself on the top of a broad + rock, near the brink of the chasm into which the brook precipitates + itself. She could see the crest of the torrent flung loose down the rock, + like the mane of a wild horse, but without having any view of the lower + platform from which she had ascended. + </p> + <p> + David was not suffered to mount so easily; the lad, from sport or love of + mischief, shook the ladder a good deal as he ascended, and seemed to enjoy + the terror of young Butler, so that, when they had both come up, they + looked on each other with no friendly eyes. Neither, however, spoke. The + young caird, or tinker, or gipsy, with a good deal of attention, assisted + Lady Staunton up a very perilous ascent which she had still to encounter, + and they were followed by David Butler, until all three stood clear of the + ravine on the side of a mountain, whose sides were covered with heather + and sheets of loose shingle. So narrow was the chasm out of which they + ascended, that, unless when they were on the very verge, the eye passed to + the other side without perceiving the existence of a rent so fearful, and + nothing was seen of the cataract, though its deep hoarse voice was still + heard. + </p> + <p> + Lady Staunton, freed from the danger of rock and river, had now a new + subject of anxiety. Her two guides confronted each other with angry + countenances; for David, though younger by two years at least, and much + shorter, was a stout, well-set, and very bold boy. + </p> + <p> + “You are the black-coat’s son of Knocktarlitie,” said the young caird; “if + you come here again, I’ll pitch you down the linn like a foot-ball.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, lad, ye are very short to be sae lang,” retorted young Butler + undauntedly, and measuring his opponent’s height with an undismayed eye; + “I am thinking you are a gillie of Black Donacha; if you come down the + glen, we’ll shoot you like a wild buck.” + </p> + <p> + “You may tell your father,” said the lad, “that the leaf on the timber is + the last he shall see—we will hae amends for the mischief he has + done to us.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope he will live to see mony simmers, and do ye muckle mair,” answered + David. + </p> + <p> + More might have passed, but Lady Staunton stepped between them with her + purse in her hand, and taking out a guinea, of which it contained several, + visible through the net-work, as well as some silver in the opposite end, + offered it to the caird. + </p> + <p> + “The white siller, lady—the white siller,” said the young savage, to + whom the value of gold was probably unknown. Lady Staunton poured what + silver she had into his hand, and the juvenile savage snatched it + greedily, and made a sort of half inclination of acknowledgment and adieu. + </p> + <p> + “Let us make haste now, Lady Staunton,” said David, “for there will be + little peace with them since they hae seen your purse.” + </p> + <p> + They hurried on as fast as they could; but they had not descended the hill + a hundred yards or two before they heard a halloo behind them, and looking + back, saw both the old man and the young one pursuing them with great + speed, the former with a gun on his shoulder. Very fortunately, at this + moment a sportsman, a gamekeeper of the Duke, who was engaged in stalking + deer, appeared on the face of the hill. The bandits stopped on seeing him, + and Lady Staunton hastened to put herself under his protection. He readily + gave them his escort home, and it required his athletic form and loaded + rifle to restore to the lady her usual confidence and courage. + </p> + <p> + Donald listened with much gravity to the account of their adventure; and + answered with great composure to David’s repeated inquiries, whether he + could have suspected that the cairds had been lurking there,—“Inteed, + Master Tavie, I might hae had some guess that they were there, or + thereabout, though maybe I had nane. But I am aften on the hill; and they + are like wasps—they stang only them that fashes them; sae, for my + part, I make a point not to see them, unless I were ordered out on the + preceese errand by MacCallummore or Knockdunder, whilk is a clean + different case.” + </p> + <p> + They reached the Manse late; and Lady Staunton, who had suffered much both + from fright and fatigue, never again permitted her love of the picturesque + to carry her so far among the mountains without a stronger escort than + David, though she acknowledged he had won the stand of colours by the + intrepidity he had displayed, so soon as assured he had to do with an + earthly antagonist. “I couldna maybe hae made muckle o’ a bargain wi’ yon + lang callant,” said David, when thus complimented on his valour; “but when + ye deal wi’ thae folk, it’s tyne heart tyne a’.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0027" id="Alink2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVENTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + What see you there, + That hath so cowarded and chased your blood + Out of appearance? + Henry the Fifth. +</pre> + <p> + We are under the necessity of returning to Edinburgh, where the General + Assembly was now sitting. It is well known, that some Scottish nobleman is + usually deputed as High Commissioner, to represent the person of the King + in this convocation; that he has allowances for the purpose of maintaining + a certain outward show and solemnity, and supporting the hospitality of + the representative of Majesty. Whoever are distinguished by rank, or + office, in or near the capital, usually attend the morning levees of the + Lord Commissioner, and walk with him in procession to the place where the + Assembly meets. + </p> + <p> + The nobleman who held this office chanced to be particularly connected + with Sir George Staunton, and it was in his train that he ventured to + tread the High Street of Edinburgh for the first time since the fatal + night of Porteous’s execution. Walking at the right hand of the + representative of Sovereignty, covered with lace and embroidery, and with + all the paraphernalia of wealth and rank, the handsome though wasted + figure of the English stranger attracted all eyes. Who could have + recognised in a form so aristocratic the plebeian convict, that, disguised + in the rags of Madge Wildfire, had led the formidable rioters to their + destined revenge? There was no possibility that this could happen, even if + any of his ancient acquaintances, a race of men whose lives are so brief, + had happened to survive the span commonly allotted to evil-doers. Besides, + the whole affair had long fallen asleep, with the angry passions in which + it originated. Nothing is more certain than that persons known to have had + a share in that formidable riot, and to have fled from Scotland on that + account, had made money abroad, returned to enjoy it in their native + country, and lived and died undisturbed by the law.* + </p> + <p> + * See Arnot’s <i>Criminal Trials,</i> 4to ed. p. 235. + </p> + <p> + The forbearance of the magistrate was, in these instances, wise, + certainly, and just; for what good impression could be made on the public + mind by punishment, when the memory of the offence was obliterated, and + all that was remembered was the recent inoffensive, or perhaps exemplary + conduct of the offender? + </p> + <p> + Sir George Staunton might, therefore, tread the scene of his former + audacious exploits, free from the apprehension of the law, or even of + discovery or suspicion. But with what feelings his heart that day + throbbed, must be left to those of the reader to imagine. It was an object + of no common interest which had brought him to encounter so many painful + remembrances. + </p> + <p> + In consequence of Jeanie’s letter to Lady Staunton, transmitting the + confession, he had visited the town of Carlisle, and had found Archdeacon + Fleming still alive, by whom that confession had been received. This + reverend gentleman, whose character stood deservedly very high, he so far + admitted into his confidence, as to own himself the father of the + unfortunate infant which had been spirited away by Madge Wildfire, + representing the intrigue as a matter of juvenile extravagance on his own + part, for which he was now anxious to atone, by tracing, if possible, what + had become of the child. After some recollection of the circumstances, the + clergyman was able to call to memory, that the unhappy woman had written a + letter to George Staunton, Esq., younger, Rectory, Willingham, by + Grantham; that he had forwarded it to the address accordingly, and that it + had been returned, with a note from the Reverend Mr. Staunton, Rector of + Willingham, saying, he knew no such person as him to whom the letter was + addressed. As this had happened just at the time when George had, for the + last time, absconded from his father’s house to carry off Effie, he was at + no loss to account for the cause of the resentment, under the influence of + which his father had disowned him. This was another instance in which his + ungovernable temper had occasioned his misfortune; had he remained at + Willingham but a few days longer, he would have received Margaret + Murdockson’s letter, in which were exactly described the person and haunts + of the woman, Annaple Bailzou, to whom she had parted with the infant. It + appeared that Meg Murdockson had been induced to make this confession, + less from any feelings of contrition, than from the desire of obtaining, + through George Staunton or his father’s means, protection and support for + her daughter Madge. Her letter to George Staunton said, “That while the + writer lived, her daughter would have needed nought from any body, and + that she would never have meddled in these affairs, except to pay back the + ill that George had done to her and hers. But she was to die, and her + daughter would be destitute, and without reason to guide her. She had + lived in the world long enough to know that people did nothing for + nothing;—so she had told George Staunton all he could wish to know + about his wean, in hopes he would not see the demented young creature he + had ruined perish for want. As for her motives for not telling them + sooner, she had a long account to reckon for in the next world, and she + would reckon for that too.” + </p> + <p> + The clergyman said that Meg had died in the same desperate state of mind, + occasionally expressing some regret about the child which was lost, but + oftener sorrow that the mother had not been hanged—her mind at once + a chaos of guilt, rage, and apprehension for her daughter’s future safety; + that instinctive feeling of parental anxiety which she had in common with + the she-wolf and lioness, being the last shade of kindly affection that + occupied a breast equally savage. + </p> + <p> + The melancholy catastrophe of Madge Wildfire was occasioned by her taking + the confusion of her mother’s execution, as affording an opportunity of + leaving the workhouse to which the clergyman had sent her, and presenting + herself to the mob in their fury, to perish in the way we have already + seen. When Dr. Fleming found the convict’s letter was returned from + Lincolnshire, he wrote to a friend in Edinburgh, to inquire into the fate + of the unfortunate girl whose child had been stolen, and was informed by + his correspondent, that she had been pardoned, and that, with all her + family, she had retired to some distant part of Scotland, or left the + kingdom entirely. And here the matter rested, until, at Sir George + Staunton’s application, the clergyman looked out, and produced Margaret + Murdockson’s returned letter, and the other memoranda which he had kept + concerning the affair. + </p> + <p> + Whatever might be Sir George Staunton’s feelings in ripping up this + miserable history, and listening to the tragical fate of the unhappy girl + whom he had ruined, he had so much of his ancient wilfulness of + disposition left, as to shut his eyes on everything, save the prospect + which seemed to open itself of recovering his son. It was true, it would + be difficult to produce him, without telling much more of the history of + his birth, and the misfortunes of his parents, than it was prudent to make + known. But let him once be found, and, being found, let him but prove + worthy of his father’s protection, and many ways might be fallen upon to + avoid such risk. Sir George Staunton was at liberty to adopt him as his + heir, if he pleased, without communicating the secret of his birth; or an + Act of Parliament might be obtained, declaring him legitimate, and + allowing him the name and arms of his father. He was indeed already a + legitimate child according to the law of Scotland, by the subsequent + marriage of his parents. Wilful in everything, Sir George’s sole desire + now was to see this son, even should his recovery bring with it a new + series of misfortunes, as dreadful as those which followed on his being + lost. + </p> + <p> + But where was the youth who might eventually be called to the honours and + estates of this ancient family? On what heath was he wandering, and + shrouded by what mean disguise? Did he gain his precarious bread by some + petty trade, by menial toil, by violence, or by theft? These were + questions on which Sir George’s anxious investigations could obtain no + light. Many remembered that Annaple Bailzou wandered through the country + as a beggar and fortune-teller, or spae-wife—some remembered that + she had been seen with an infant in 1737 or 1738,—but for more than + ten years she had not travelled that district; and that she had been heard + to say she was going to a distant part of Scotland, of which country she + was a native. To Scotland, therefore, came Sir George Staunton, having + parted with his lady at Glasgow; and his arrival at Edinburg happening to + coincide with the sitting of the General Assembly of the Kirk, his + acquaintance with the nobleman who held the office of Lord High + Commissioner forced him more into public than suited either his views or + inclinations. + </p> + <p> + At the public table of this nobleman, Sir George Staunton was placed next + to a clergyman of respectable appearance, and well-bred, though plain + demeanour, whose name he discovered to be Butler. It had been no part of + Sir George’s plan to take his brother-in-law into his confidence, and he + had rejoiced exceedingly in the assurances he received from his wife, that + Mrs. Butler, the very soul of integrity and honour, had never suffered the + account he had given of himself at Willingham Rectory to transpire, even + to her husband. But he was not sorry to have an opportunity to converse + with so near a connection without being known to him, and to form a + judgment of his character and understanding. He saw much, and heard more, + to raise Butler very high in his opinion. He found he was generally + respected by those of his own profession, as well as by the laity who had + seats in the Assembly. He had made several public appearances in the + Assembly, distinguished by good sense, candour, and ability; and he was + followed and admired as a sound, and, at the same time, an eloquent + preacher. + </p> + <p> + This was all very satisfactory to Sir George Staunton’s pride, which had + revolted at the idea of his wife’s sister being obscurely married. He now + began, on the contrary, to think the connection so much better than he + expected, that, if it should be necessary to acknowledge it, in + consequence of the recovery of his son, it would sound well enough that + Lady Staunton had a sister, who, in the decayed state of the family, had + married a Scottish clergyman, high in the opinion of his countrymen, and a + leader in the church. + </p> + <p> + It was with these feelings, that, when the Lord High Commissioner’s + company broke up, Sir George Staunton, under pretence of prolonging some + inquiries concerning the constitution of the Church of Scotland, requested + Butler to go home to his lodgings in the Lawnmarket, and drink a cup of + coffee. Butler agreed to wait upon him, providing Sir George would permit + him, in passing, to call at a friend’s house where he resided, and make + his apology for not coming to partake her tea. They proceeded up the High + Street, entered the Krames, and passed the begging-box, placed to remind + those at liberty of the distresses of the poor prisoners. Sir George + paused there one instant, and next day a L20 note was found in that + receptacle for public charity. + </p> + <p> + When he came up to Butler again, he found him with his eyes fixed on the + entrance of the Tolbooth, and apparently in deep thought. + </p> + <p> + “That seems a very strong door,” said Sir George, by way of saying + something. + </p> + <p> + “It is so, sir,” said Butler, turning off and beginning to walk forward, + “but it was my misfortune at one time to see it prove greatly too weak.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment, looking at his companion, he asked him whether he felt + himself ill? and Sir George Staunton admitted, that he had been so foolish + as to eat ice, which sometimes disagreed with him. With kind + officiousness, that would not be gainsaid, and ere he could find out where + he was going, Butler hurried Sir George into the friend’s house, near to + the prison, in which he himself had lived since he came to town, being, + indeed, no other than that of our old friend Bartoline Saddletree, in + which Lady Staunton had served a short noviciate as a shop-maid. This + recollection rushed on her husband’s mind, and the blush of shame which it + excited overpowered the sensation of fear which had produced his former + paleness. Good Mrs. Saddletree, however, bustled about to receive the rich + English baronet as the friend of Mr. Butler, and requested an elderly + female in a black gown to sit still, in a way which seemed to imply a + wish, that she would clear the way for her betters. In the meanwhile, + understanding the state of the case, she ran to get some cordial waters, + sovereign, of course, in all cases of faintishness whatsoever. During her + absence, her visitor, the female in black, made some progress out of the + room, and might have left it altogether without particular observation, + had she not stumbled at the threshold, so near Sir George Staunton, that + he, in point of civility, raised her and assisted her to the door. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Porteous is turned very doited now, puir body,” said Mrs. + Saddletree, as she returned with her bottle in her hand—“She is no + sae auld, but she got a sair back-cast wi’ the slaughter o’ her husband—Ye + had some trouble about that job, Mr. Butler.—I think, sir,” to Sir + George, “ye had better drink out the haill glass, for to my een ye look + waur than when ye came in.” + </p> + <p> + And, indeed, he grew as pale as a corpse, on recollecting who it was that + his arm had so lately supported—the widow whom he had so large a + share in making such. + </p> + <p> + “It is a prescribed job that case of Porteous now,” said old Saddletree, + who was confined to his chair by the gout—“clean prescribed and out + of date.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not clear of that, neighbour,” said Plumdamas, “for I have heard + them say twenty years should rin, and this is but the fifty-ane— + Porteous’s mob was in thretty-seven.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye’ll no teach me law, I think, neighbour—me that has four gaun + pleas, and might hae had fourteen, an it hadna been the gudewife? I tell + ye, if the foremost of the Porteous mob were standing there where that + gentleman stands, the King’s Advocate wadna meddle wi’ him—it fa’s + under the negative prescription.” + </p> + <p> + “Haud your din, carles,” said Mrs. Saddletree, “and let the gentleman sit + down and get a dish of comfortable tea.” + </p> + <p> + But Sir George had had quite enough of their conversation; and Butler, at + his request, made an apology to Mrs. Saddletree, and accompanied him to + his lodgings. Here they found another guest waiting Sir George Staunton’s + return. This was no other than our reader’s old acquaintance, Ratcliffe. + </p> + <p> + This man had exercised the office of turnkey with so much vigilance, + acuteness, and fidelity, that he gradually rose to be governor, or captain + of the Tolbooth. And it is yet to be remembered in tradition, that young + men, who rather sought amusing than select society in their + merry-meetings, used sometimes to request Ratcliffe’s company, in order + that he might regale them with legends of his extraordinary feats in the + way of robbery and escape.* + </p> + <p> + * There seems an anachronism in the history of this person. Ratcliffe, + among other escapes from justice, was released by the Porteous mob when + under sentence of death; and he was again under the same predicament, when + the Highlanders made a similar jail-delivery in 1745. He was too sincere a + whig to embrace liberation at the hands of the Jacobites, and in reward + was made one of the keepers of the Tolbooth. So at least runs constant + tradition. + </p> + <p> + But he lived and died without resuming his original vocation, otherwise + than in his narratives over a bottle. + </p> + <p> + Under these circumstances, he had been recommended to Sir George Staunton + by a man of the law in Edinburgh, as a person likely to answer any + questions he might have to ask about Annaple Bailzou, who, according to + the colour which Sir George Staunton gave to his cause of inquiry, was + supposed to have stolen a child in the west of England, belonging to a + family in which he was interested. The gentleman had not mentioned his + name, but only his official title; so that Sir George Staunton, when told + that the captain of the Tolbooth was waiting for him in his parlour, had + no idea of meeting his former acquaintance, Jem Ratcliffe. + </p> + <p> + This, therefore, was another new and most unpleasant surprise, for he had + no difficulty in recollecting this man’s remarkable features. The change, + however, from George Robertson to Sir George Staunton, baffled even the + penetration of Ratcliffe, and he bowed very low to the baronet and his + guest, hoping Mr. Butler would excuse his recollecting that he was an old + acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + “And once rendered my wife a piece of great service,” said Mr. Butler, + “for which she sent you a token of grateful acknowledgment, which I hope + came safe and was welcome.” + </p> + <p> + “Deil a doubt on’t,” said Ratcliffe, with a knowing nod; “but ye are + muckle changed for the better since I saw ye, Maister Butler.” + </p> + <p> + “So much so, that I wonder you knew me.” + </p> + <p> + “Aha, then!—Deil a face I see I ever forget,” said Ratcliffe while + Sir George Staunton, tied to the stake, and incapable of escaping, + internally cursed the accuracy of his memory. “And yet, sometimes,” + continued Ratcliffe, “the sharpest hand will be ta’en in. There is a face + in this very room, if I might presume to be sae bauld, that, if I didna + ken the honourable person it belangs to, I might think it had some cut of + an auld acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + “I should not be much flattered,” answered the Baronet, sternly, and + roused by the risk in which he saw himself placed, “if it is to me you + mean to apply that compliment.” + </p> + <p> + “By no manner of means, sir,” said Ratcliffe, bowing very low; “I am come + to receive your honour’s commands, and no to trouble your honour wi’ my + poor observations.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir,” said Sir George, “I am told you understand police matters— + So do I.—To convince you of which, here are ten guineas of retaining + fee—I make them fifty when you can find me certain notice of a + person, living or dead, whom you will find described in that paper. I + shall leave town presently—you may send your written answer to me to + the care of Mr. ——” (naming his highly respectable agent), “or + of his Grace the Lord High Commissioner.” Rateliffe bowed and withdrew. + </p> + <p> + “I have angered the proud peat now,” he said to himself, “by finding out a + likeness; but if George Robertson’s father had lived within a mile of his + mother, d—n me if I should not know what to think, for as high as he + carries his head.” + </p> + <p> + When he was left alone with Butler, Sir George Staunton ordered tea and + coffee, which were brought by his valet, and then, after considering with + himself for a minute, asked his guest whether he had lately heard from his + wife and family. Butler, with some surprise at the question, replied, + “that he had received no letter for some time; his wife was a poor + penwoman.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said Sir George Staunton, “I am the first to inform you there has + been an invasion of your quiet premises since you left home. My wife, whom + the Duke of Argyle had the goodness to permit to use Roseneath Lodge, + while she was spending some weeks in your country, has sallied across and + taken up her quarters in the Manse, as she says, to be nearer the goats, + whose milk she is using; but, I believe, in reality, because she prefers + Mrs. Butler’s company to that of the respectable gentleman who acts as + seneschal on the Duke’s domains.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Butler said, “He had often heard the late Duke and the present speak + with high respect of Lady Staunton, and was happy if his house could + accommodate any friend of theirs—it would be but a very slight + acknowledgment of the many favours he owed them.” + </p> + <p> + “That does not make Lady Staunton and myself the less obliged to your + hospitality, sir,” said Sir George. “May I inquire if you think of + returning home soon?” + </p> + <p> + “In the course of two days,” Mr. Butler answered, “his duty in the + Assembly would be ended; and the other matters he had in town being all + finished, he was desirous of returning to Dumbartonshire as soon as he + could; but he was under the necessity of transporting a considerable sum + in bills and money with him, and therefore wished to travel in company + with one or two of his brethren of the clergy.” + </p> + <p> + “My escort will be more safe,” said Sir George Staunton, “and I think of + setting off to-morrow or next day. If you will give me the pleasure of + your company, I will undertake to deliver you and your charge safe at the + Manse, provided you will admit me along with you.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Butler gratefully accepted of this proposal; the appointment was made + accordingly, and, by despatches with one of Sir George’s servants, who was + sent forward for the purpose, the inhabitants of the manse of + Knocktarlitie were made acquainted with the intended journey; and the news + rung through the whole vicinity, “that the minister was coming back wi’ a + braw English gentleman and a’ the siller that was to pay for the estate of + Craigsture.” + </p> + <p> + This sudden resolution of going to Knocktarlitie had been adopted by Sir + George Staunton in consequence of the incidents of the evening. In spite + of his present consequence, he felt he had presumed too far in venturing + so near the scene of his former audacious acts of violence, and he knew + too well, from past experience, the acuteness of a man like Ratcliffe, + again to encounter him. The next two days he kept his lodgings, under + pretence of indisposition, and took leave by writing of his noble friend + the High Commissioner, alleging the opportunity of Mr. Butler’s company as + a reason for leaving Edinburgh sooner than he had proposed. He had a long + conference with his agent on the subject of Annaple Bailzou; and the + professional gentleman, who was the agent also of the Argyle family, had + directions to collect all the information which Ratcliffe or others might + be able to obtain concerning the fate of that woman and the unfortunate + child, and so soon as anything transpired which had the least appearance + of being important, that he should send an express with it instantly to + Knocktarlitie. These instructions were backed with a deposit of money, and + a request that no expense might be spared; so that Sir George Staunton had + little reason to apprehend negligence on the part of the persons intrusted + with the commission. + </p> + <p> + The journey, which the brothers made in company, was attended with more + pleasure, even to Sir George Staunton, than he had ventured to expect. His + heart lightened in spite of himself when they lost sight of Edinburgh; and + the easy, sensible conversation of Butler was well calculated to withdraw + his thoughts from painful reflections. He even began to think whether + there could be much difficulty in removing his wife’s connections to the + rectory of Willingham; it was only on his part procuring some still better + preferment for the present incumbent, and on Butler’s, that he should take + orders according to the English Church, to which he could not conceive a + possibility of his making objection, and then he had them residing under + his wing. No doubt there was pain in seeing Mrs. Butler, acquainted, as he + knew her to be, with the full truth of his evil history; but then her + silence, though he had no reason to complain of her indiscretion hitherto, + was still more absolutely ensured. It would keep his lady, also, both in + good temper and in more subjection; for she was sometimes troublesome to + him by insisting on remaining in town when he desired to retire to the + country, alleging the total want of society at Willingham. “Madam, your + sister is there,” would, he thought, be a sufficient answer to this ready + argument. + </p> + <p> + He sounded Butler on this subject, asking what he would think of an + English living of twelve hundred pounds yearly, with the burden of + affording his company now and then to a neighbour, whose health was not + strong or his spirits equal. “He might meet,” he said, “occasionally, a + very learned and accomplished gentleman, who was in orders as a Catholic + priest, but he hoped that would be no insurmountable objection to a man of + his liberality of sentiment. What,” he said, “would Mr. Butler think of as + an answer, if the offer should be made to him?” + </p> + <p> + “Simply that I could not accept of it,” said Mr. Butler. “I have no mind + to enter into the various debates between the churches; but I was brought + up in mine own, have received her ordination, am satisfied of the truth of + her doctrines, and will die under the banner I have enlisted to.” + </p> + <p> + “What may be the value of your preferment?” said Sir George Staunton, + “unless I am asking an indiscreet question.” + </p> + <p> + “Probably one hundred a-year, one year with another, besides my glebe and + pasture-ground.” + </p> + <p> + “And you scruple to exchange that for twelve hundred a-year, without + alleging any damning difference of doctrine betwixt the two churches of + England and Scotland?” + </p> + <p> + “On that, sir, I have reserved my judgment; there may be much good, and + there are certainly saving means in both; but every man must act according + to his own lights. I hope I have done, and am in the course of doing, my + Master’s work in this Highland parish; and it would ill become me, for the + sake of lucre, to leave my sheep in the wilderness. But, even in the + temporal view which you have taken of the matter, Sir George, this hundred + pounds a-year of stipend hath fed and clothed us, and left us nothing to + wish for; my father-in-law’s succession, and other circumstances, have + added a small estate of about twice as much more, and how we are to + dispose of it I do not know—So I leave it to you, sir, to think if I + were wise, not having the wish or opportunity of spending three hundred + a-year, to covet the possession of four times that sum.” + </p> + <p> + “This is philosophy,” said Sir George; “I have heard of it, but I never + saw it before.” + </p> + <p> + “It is common sense,” replied Butler, “which accords with philosophy and + religion more frequently than pedants or zealots are apt to admit.” + </p> + <p> + Sir George turned the subject, and did not again resume it. Although they + travelled in Sir George’s chariot, he seemed so much fatigued with the + motion, that it was necessary for him to remain for a day at a small town + called Mid-Calder, which was their first stage from Edinburgh. Glasgow + occupied another day, so slow were their motions. + </p> + <p> + They travelled on to Dumbarton, where they had resolved to leave the + equipage and to hire a boat to take them to the shores near the manse, as + the Gare-Loch lay betwixt them and that point, besides the impossibility + of travelling in that district with wheel-carriages. Sir George’s valet, a + man of trust, accompanied them, as also a footman; the grooms were left + with the carriage. Just as this arrangement was completed, which was about + four o’clock in the afternoon, an express arrived from Sir George’s agent + in Edinburgh, with a packet, which he opened and read with great + attention, appearing much interested and agitated by the contents. The + packet had been despatched very soon after their leaving Edinburgh, but + the messenger had missed the travellers by passing through Mid-Calder in + the night, and overshot his errand by getting to Roseneath before them. He + was now on his return, after having waited more than four-and-twenty + hours. Sir George Staunton instantly wrote back an answer, and rewarding + the messenger liberally, desired him not to sleep till he placed it in his + agent’s hands. + </p> + <p> + At length they embarked in the boat, which had waited for them some time. + During their voyage, which was slow, for they were obliged to row the + whole way, and often against the tide, Sir George Staunton’s inquiries ran + chiefly on the subject of the Highland banditti who had infested that + country since the year 1745. Butler informed him that many of them were + not native Highlanders, but gipsies, tinkers, and other men of desperate + fortunes, who had taken advantage of the confusion introduced by the civil + war, the general discontent of the mountaineers, and the unsettled state + of police, to practise their plundering trade with more audacity. Sir + George next inquired into their lives, their habits, whether the violences + which they committed were not sometimes atoned for by acts of generosity, + and whether they did not possess the virtues as well as the vices of + savage tribes? + </p> + <p> + Butler answered, that certainly they did sometimes show sparks of + generosity, of which even the worst class of malefactors are seldom + utterly divested; but that their evil propensities were certain and + regular principles of action, while any occasional burst of virtuous + feeling was only a transient impulse not to be reckoned upon, and excited + probably by some singular and unusual concatenation of circumstances. In + discussing these inquiries, which Sir George pursued with an apparent + eagerness that rather surprised Butler, the latter chanced to mention the + name of Donacha dhu na Dunaigh, with which the reader is already + acquainted. Sir George caught the sound up eagerly, and as if it conveyed + particular interest to his ear. He made the most minute inquiries + concerning the man whom he mentioned, the number of his gang, and even the + appearance of those who belonged to it. Upon these points Butler could + give little answer. The man had a name among the lower class, but his + exploits were considerably exaggerated; he had always one or two fellows + with him, but never aspired to the command of above three or four. In + short, he knew little about him, and the small acquaintance he had had by + no means inclined him to desire more. + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, I should like to see him some of these days.” + </p> + <p> + “That would be a dangerous meeting, Sir George, unless you mean we are to + see him receive his deserts from the law, and then it were a melancholy + one.” + </p> + <p> + “Use every man according to his deserts, Mr. Butler, and who shall escape + whipping? But I am talking riddles to you. I will explain them more fully + to you when I have spoken over the subject with Lady Staunton.—Pull + away, my lads,” he added, addressing himself to the rowers; “the clouds + threaten us with a storm.” + </p> + <p> + In fact, the dead and heavy closeness of the air, the huge piles of clouds + which assembled in the western horizon, and glowed like a furnace under + the influence of the setting sun—that awful stillness in which + nature seems to expect the thunder-burst, as a condemned soldier waits for + the platoon fire which is to stretch him on the earth, all betokened a + speedy storm. Large broad drops fell from time to time, and induced the + gentlemen to assume the boat-cloaks; but the rain again ceased, and the + oppressive heat, so unusual in Scotland in the end of May, inclined them + to throw them aside. “There is something solemn in this delay of the + storm,” said Sir George; “it seems as if it suspended its peal till it + solemnised some important event in the world below.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” replied Butler, “what are we that the laws of nature should + correspond in their march with our ephemeral deeds or sufferings! The + clouds will burst when surcharged with the electric fluid, whether a goat + is falling at that instant from the cliffs of Arran, or a hero expiring on + the field of battle he has won.” + </p> + <p> + “The mind delights to deem it otherwise,” said Sir George Staunton; “and + to dwell on the fate of humanity as on that which is the prime central + movement of the mighty machine. We love not to think that we shall mix + with the ages that have gone before us, as these broad black raindrops + mingle with the waste of waters, making a trifling and momentary eddy, and + are then lost for ever.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>For ever!</i>—we are not—we cannot be lost for ever,” said + Butler, looking upward; “death is to us change, not consummation; and the + commencement of a new existence, corresponding in character to the deeds + which we have done in the body.” + </p> + <p> + While they agitated these grave subjects, to which the solemnity of the + approaching storm naturally led them, their voyage threatened to be more + tedious than they expected, for gusts of wind, which rose and fell with + sudden impetuosity, swept the bosom of the firth, and impeded the efforts + of the rowers. They had now only to double a small headland, in order to + get to the proper landing-place in the mouth of the little river; but in + the state of the weather, and the boat being heavy, this was like to be a + work of time, and in the meanwhile they must necessarily be exposed to the + storm. + </p> + <p> + “Could we not land on this side of the headland,” asked Sir George, “and + so gain some shelter?” + </p> + <p> + Butler knew of no landing-place, at least none affording a convenient or + even practicable passage up the rocks which surrounded the shore. + </p> + <p> + “Think again,” said Sir George Staunton; “the storm will soon be violent.” + </p> + <p> + “Hout, ay,” said one of the boatmen, “there’s the Caird’s Cove; but we + dinna tell the minister about it, and I am no sure if I can steer the boat + to it, the bay is sae fa’ o’ shoals and sunk rocks.” + </p> + <p> + “Try,” said Sir George, “and I will give you half-a-guinea.” + </p> + <p> + The old fellow took the helm, and observed, “That, if they could get in, + there was a steep path up from the beach, and half-an-hour’s walk from + thence to the Manse.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure you know the way?” said Butler to the old man. + </p> + <p> + “I maybe kend it a wee better fifteen years syne, when Dandie Wilson was + in the firth wi’ his clean-ganging lugger. I mind Dandie had a wild young + Englisher wi’ him, that they ca’d—” + </p> + <p> + “If you chatter so much,” said Sir George Staunton, “you will have the + boat on the Grindstone—bring that white rock in a line with the + steeple.” + </p> + <p> + “By G—,” said the veteran, staring, “I think your honour kens the + bay as weel as me.—Your honour’s nose has been on the Grindstone ere + now, I’m thinking.” + </p> + <p> + As they spoke thus, they approached the little cove, which, concealed + behind crags, and defended on every point by shallows and sunken rocks, + could scarce be discovered or approached, except by those intimate with + the navigation. An old shattered boat was already drawn up on the beach + within the cove, close beneath the trees, and with precautions for + concealment. + </p> + <p> + Upon observing this vessel, Butler remarked to his companion, “It is + impossible for you to conceive, Sir George, the difficulty I have had with + my poor people, in teaching them the guilt and the danger of this + contraband trade—yet they have perpetually before their eyes all its + dangerous consequences. I do not know anything that more effectually + depraves and ruins their moral and religious principles.” + </p> + <p> + Sir George forced himself to say something in a low voice about the spirit + of adventure natural to youth, and that unquestionably many would become + wiser as they grew older. + </p> + <p> + “Too seldom, sir,” replied Butler. “If they have been deeply engaged, and + especially if they, have mingled in the scenes of violence and blood to + which their occupation naturally leads, I have observed, that, sooner or + later, they come to an evil end. Experience, as well as Scripture, teaches + us, Sir George, that mischief shall hunt the violent man, and that the + bloodthirsty man shall not live half his days—But take my arm to + help you ashore.” + </p> + <p> + Sir George needed assistance, for he was contrasting in his altered + thought the different feelings of mind and frame with which he had + formerly frequented the same place. As they landed, a low growl of thunder + was heard at a distance. + </p> + <p> + “That is ominous, Mr. Butler,” said Sir George. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Intonuit laevum</i>—it is ominous of good, then,” answered + Butler, smiling. + </p> + <p> + The boatmen were ordered to make the best of their way round the headland + to the ordinary landing-place; the two gentlemen, followed by their + servant, sought their way by a blind and tangled path, through a close + copsewood, to the Manse of Knocktarlitie, where their arrival was + anxiously expected. + </p> + <p> + The sisters in vain had expected their husbands’ return on the preceding + day, which was that appointed by Sir George’s letter. The delay of the + travellers at Calder had occasioned this breach of appointment. The + inhabitants of the Manse began even to doubt whether they would arrive on + the present day. Lady Staunton felt this hope of delay as a brief + reprieve, for she dreaded the pangs which her husband’s pride must undergo + at meeting with a sister-in-law, to whom the whole of his unhappy and + dishonourable history was too well known. She knew, whatever force or + constraint he might put upon his feelings in public, that she herself must + be doomed to see them display themselves in full vehemence in secret,—consume + his health, destroy his temper, and render him at once an object of dread + and compassion. Again and again she cautioned Jeanie to display no tokens + of recognition, but to receive him as a perfect stranger,—and again + and again Jeanie renewed her promise to comply with her wishes. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie herself could not fail to bestow an anxious thought on the + awkwardness of the approaching meeting; but her conscience was ungalled—and + then she was cumbered with many household cares of an unusual nature, + which, joined to the anxious wish once more to see Butler, after an + absence of unusual length, made her extremely desirous that the travellers + should arrive as soon as possible. And—why should I disguise the + truth?—ever and anon a thought stole across her mind that her gala + dinner had now been postponed for two days; and how few of the dishes, + after every art of her simple cuisine had been exerted to dress them, + could with any credit or propriety appear again upon the third; and what + was she to do with the rest?—Upon this last subject she was saved + the trouble of farther deliberation, by the sudden appearance of the + Captain at the head of half-a-dozen stout fellows, dressed and armed in + the Highland fashion. + </p> + <p> + “Goot-morrow morning to ye, Leddy Staunton, and I hope I hae the pleasure + to see you weel—And goot-morrow to you, goot Mrs. Putler—I do + peg you will order some victuals and ale and prandy for the lads, for we + hae peen out on firth and moor since afore daylight, and a’ to no purpose + neither—Cot tam!” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he sate down, pushed back his brigadier wig, and wiped his head + with an air of easy importance; totally regardless of the look of + well-bred astonishment by which Lady Staunton endeavoured to make him + comprehend that he was assuming too great a liberty. + </p> + <p> + “It is some comfort, when one has had a sair tussel,” continued the + Captain, addressing Lady Staunton, with an air of gallantry, “that it is + in a fair leddy’s service, or in the service of a gentleman whilk has a + fair leddy, whilk is the same thing, since serving the husband is serving + the wife, as Mrs. Putler does very weel know.” + </p> + <p> + “Really, sir,” said Lady Staunton, “as you seem to intend this compliment + for me, I am at a loss to know what interest Sir George or I can have in + your movements this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “O, Cot tam!—this is too cruel, my leddy—as if it was not py + special express from his Grace’s honourable agent and commissioner at + Edinburgh, with a warrant conform, that I was to seek for and apprehend + Donacha dhu na Dunaigh, and pring him pefore myself and Sir George + Staunton, that he may have his deserts, that is to say, the gallows, whilk + he has doubtless deserved, py peing the means of frightening your + leddyship, as weel as for something of less importance.” + </p> + <p> + “Frightening me!” said her ladyship; “why, I never wrote to Sir George + about my alarm at the waterfall.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he must have heard it otherwise; for what else can give him sic an + earnest tesire to see this rapscallion, that I maun ripe the haill mosses + and muirs in the country for him, as if I were to get something for + finding him, when the pest o’t might pe a pall through my prains?” + </p> + <p> + “Can it be really true, that it is on Sir George’s account that you have + been attempting to apprehend this fellow?” + </p> + <p> + “Py Cot, it is for no other cause that I know than his honour’s pleasure; + for the creature might hae gone on in a decent quiet way for me, sae lang + as he respectit the Duke’s pounds—put reason goot he suld be taen, + and hangit to poet, if it may pleasure ony honourable shentleman that is + the Duke’s friend—Sae I got the express over night, and I caused + warn half a score of pretty lads, and was up in the morning pefore the + sun, and I garr’d the lads take their kilts and short coats.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder you did that, Captain,” said Mrs. Butler, “when you know the act + of Parliament against wearing the Highland dress.” + </p> + <p> + “Hout, tout, ne’er fash your thumb, Mrs. Putler. The law is put twa-three + years auld yet, and is ower young to hae come our length; and pesides, how + is the lads to climb the praes wi’ thae tamn’d breekens on them? It makes + me sick to see them. Put ony how, I thought I kend Donacha’s haunt gey and + weel, and I was at the place where he had rested yestreen; for I saw the + leaves the limmers had lain on, and the ashes of them; by the same token, + there was a pit greeshoch purning yet. I am thinking they got some word + oat o’ the island what was intended—I sought every glen and clench, + as if I had been deer-stalking, but teil a want of his coat-tail could I + see—Cot tam!” + </p> + <p> + “He’ll be away down the Firth to Cowal,” said David; and Reuben, who had + been out early that morning a-nutting, observed, “That he had seen a boat + making for the Caird’s Cove;” a place well known to the boys, though their + less adventurous father was ignorant of its existence. + </p> + <p> + “Py Cot,” said Duncan, “then I will stay here no longer than to trink this + very horn of prandy and water, for it’s very possible they will pe in the + wood. Donacha’s a clever fellow, and maype thinks it pest to sit next the + chimley when the lum reeks. He thought naebody would look for him sae near + hand! I peg your leddyship will excuse my aprupt departure, as I will + return forthwith, and I will either pring you Donacha in life, or else his + head, whilk I dare to say will be as satisfactory. And I hope to pass a + pleasant evening with your leddyship; and I hope to have mine revenges on + Mr. Putler at backgammon, for the four pennies whilk he won, for he will + pe surely at home soon, or else he will have a wet journey, seeing it is + apout to pe a scud.” + </p> + <p> + Thus saying, with many scrapes and bows, and apologies for leaving them, + which were very readily received, and reiterated assurances of his speedy + return (of the sincerity whereof Mrs. Butler entertained no doubt, so long + as her best greybeard of brandy was upon duty), Duncan left the Manse, + collected his followers, and began to scour the close and entangled wood + which lay between the little glen and the Caird’s Cove. David, who was a + favourite with the Captain, on account of his spirit and courage, took the + opportunity of escaping, to attend the investigations of that great man. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2HCH0028" id="Alink2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHTH. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I did send for thee, + That Talbot’s name might be in thee revived, + When sapless age and weak, unable limbs, + Should bring thy father to his drooping chair. + But—O malignant and ill-boding stars!— + First part of Henry the Sixth. +</pre> + <p> + Duncan and his party had not proceeded very far in the direction of the + Caird’s Cove before they heard a shot, which was quickly followed by one + or two others. “Some tamn’d villains among the roe-deer,” said Duncan; + “look sharp out, lads.” + </p> + <p> + The clash of swords was next heard, and Duncan and his myrmidons, + hastening to the spot, found Butler and Sir George Staunton’s servant in + the hands of four ruffians. Sir George himself lay stretched on the + ground, with his drawn sword in his hand. Duncan, who was as brave as a + lion, instantly fired his pistol at the leader of the band, unsheathed his + sword, cried out to his men, <i>Claymore!</i> and run his weapon through + the body of the fellow whom he had previously wounded, who was no other + thau Donacha dhu na Dunaigh himself. The other banditti were speedily + overpowered, excepting one young lad, who made wonderful resistance for + his years, and was at length secured with difficulty. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Aimage-0010" id="Aimage-0010"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/pb404.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="Death of Sir George Staunton " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + Butler, so soon as he was liberated from the ruffians, ran to raise Sir + George Staunton, but life had wholly left him. + </p> + <p> + “A creat misfortune,” said Duncan; “I think it will pe pest that I go + forward to intimate it to the coot lady.—Tavie, my dear, you hae + smelled pouther for the first time this day—take my sword and hack + off Donacha’s head, whilk will pe coot practice for you against the time + you may wish to do the same kindness to a living shentleman—or + hould! as your father does not approve, you may leave it alone, as he will + pe a greater object of satisfaction to Leddy Staunton to see him entire; + and I hope she will do me the credit to pelieve that I can afenge a + shentleman’s plood fery speedily and well.” + </p> + <p> + Such was the observation of a man too much accustomed to the ancient state + of manners in the Highlands, to look upon the issue of such a skirmish as + anything worthy of wonder or emotion. + </p> + <p> + We will not attempt to describe the very contrary effect which the + unexpected disaster produced upon Lady Staunton, when the bloody corpse of + her husband was brought to the house, where she expected to meet him alive + and well. All was forgotten, but that he was the lover of her youth; and + whatever were his faults to the world, that he had towards her exhibited + only those that arose from the inequality of spirits and temper, incident + to a situation of unparalleled difficulty. In the vivacity of her grief + she gave way to all the natural irritability of her temper; shriek + followed shriek, and swoon succeeded to swoon. It required all Jeanie’s + watchful affection to prevent her from making known, in these paroxysms of + affliction, much which it was of the highest importance that she should + keep secret. + </p> + <p> + At length silence and exhaustion succeeded to frenzy, and Jeanie stole out + to take counsel with her husband, and to exhort him to anticipate the + Captain’s interference, by taking possession, in Lady Staunton’s name, of + the private papers of her deceased husband. To the utter astonishment of + Butler, she now, for the first time, explained the relation betwixt + herself and Lady Staunton, which authorised, nay, demanded, that he should + prevent any stranger from being unnecessarily made acquainted with her + family affairs. It was in such a crisis that Jeanie’s active and undaunted + habits of virtuous exertion were most conspicuous. While the Captain’s + attention was still engaged by a prolonged refreshment, and a very tedious + examination, in Gaelic and English, of all the prisoners, and every other + witness of the fatal transaction, she had the body of her brother-in-law + undressed and properly disposed. It then appeared, from the crucifix, the + beads, and the shirt of hair which he wore next his person, that his sense + of guilt had induced him to receive the dogmata of a religion, which + pretends, by the maceration of the body, to expiate the crimes of the + soul. In the packet of papers which the express had brought to Sir George + Staunton from Edinburgh, and which Butler, authorised by his connection + with the deceased, did not scruple to examine, he found new and + astonishing intelligence, which gave him reason to thank God he had taken + that measure. + </p> + <p> + Ratcliffe, to whom all sorts of misdeeds and misdoers were familiar, + instigated by the promised reward, soon found himself in a condition to + trace the infant of these unhappy parents. The woman to whom Meg + Murdockson had sold that most unfortunate child, had made it the companion + of her wanderings and her beggary, until he was about seven or eight years + old, when, as Ratcliffe learned from a companion of hers, then in the + Correction House of Edinburgh, she sold him in her turn to Donacha dhu na + Dunaigh. This man, to whom no act of mischief was unknown, was + occasionally an agent in a horrible trade then carried on betwixt Scotland + and America, for supplying the plantations with servants, by means of <i>kidnapping,</i> + as it was termed, both men and women, but especially children under age. + Here Ratcliffe lost sight of the boy, but had no doubt but Donacha Dhu + could give an account of him. The gentleman of the law, so often + mentioned, despatched therefore an express, with a letter to Sir George + Staunton, and another covering a warrant for apprehension of Donacha, with + instructions to the Captain of Knockdunder to exert his utmost energy for + that purpose. + </p> + <p> + Possessed of this information, and with a mind agitated by the most gloomy + apprehensions, Butler now joined the Captain, and obtained from him with + some difficulty a sight of the examinations. These, with a few questions + to the elder of the prisoners, soon confirmed the most dreadful of + Butler’s anticipations. We give the heads of the information, without + descending into minute details. + </p> + <p> + Donacha Dhu had indeed purchased Effie’s unhappy child, with the purpose + of selling it to the American traders, whom he had been in the habit of + supplying with human flesh. But no opportunity occurred for some time; and + the boy, who was known by the name of “The Whistler,” made some impression + on the heart and affections even of this rude savage, perhaps because he + saw in him flashes of a spirit as fierce and vindictive as his own. When + Donacha struck or threatened him—a very common occurrence—he + did not answer with complaints and entreaties like other children, but + with oaths and efforts at revenge—he had all the wild merit, too, by + which Woggarwolfe’s arrow-bearing page won the hard heart of his master: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Like a wild cub, rear’d at the ruffian’s feet, + He could say biting jests, bold ditties sing, + And quaff his foaming bumper at the board, + With all the mockery of a little man.* +</pre> + <p> + * Ethwald. + </p> + <p> + In short, as Donacha Dhu said, the Whistler was a born imp of Satan, and + <i>therefore</i> he should never leave him. Accordingly, from his eleventh + year forward, he was one of the band, and often engaged in acts of + violence. The last of these was more immediately occasioned by the + researches which the Whistler’s real father made after him whom he had + been taught to consider as such. Donacha Dhu’s fears had been for some + time excited by the strength of the means which began now to be employed + against persons of his description. He was sensible he existed only by the + precarious indulgence of his namesake, Duncan of Knockdunder, who was used + to boast that he could put him down or string him up when he had a mind. + He resolved to leave the kingdom by means of one of those sloops which + were engaged in the traffic of his old kidnapping friends, and which was + about to sail for America; but he was desirous first to strike a bold + stroke. + </p> + <p> + The ruffian’s cupidity was excited by the intelligence, that a wealthy + Englishman was coming to the Manse—he had neither forgotten the + Whistler’s report of the gold he had seen in Lady Staunton’s purse, nor + his old vow of revenge against the minister; and, to bring the whole to a + point, he conceived the hope of appropriating the money, which, according + to the general report of the country, the minister was to bring from + Edinburgh to pay for his pew purchase. While he was considering how he + might best accomplish his purpose, he received the intelligence from one + quarter, that the vessel in which he proposed to sail was to sail + immediately from Greenock; from another, that the minister and a rich + English lord, with a great many thousand pounds, were expected the next + evening at the Manse; and from a third, that he must consult his safety by + leaving his ordinary haunts as soon as possible, for that the Captain had + ordered out a party to scour the glens for him at break of day. Donacha + laid his plans with promptitude and decision. He embarked with the + Whistler and two others of his band (whom, by the by, he meant to sell to + the kidnappers), and set sail for the Caird’s Cove. He intended to lurk + till nightfall in the wood adjoining to this place, which he thought was + too near the habitation of men to excite the suspicion of Duncan Knock, + then break into Butler’s peaceful habitation, and flesh at once his + appetite for plunder and revenge. When his villany was accomplished, his + boat was to convey him to the vessel, which, according to previous + agreement with the master, was instantly to set sail. + </p> + <p> + This desperate design would probably have succeeded, but for the ruffians + being discovered in their lurking-place by Sir George Staunton and Butler, + in their accidental walk from the Caird’s Cove towards the Manse. Finding + himself detected, and at the same time observing that the servant carried + a casket, or strong-box, Donacha conceived that both his prize and his + victims were within his power, and attacked the travellers without + hesitation. Shots were fired and swords drawn on both sides; Sir George + Staunton offered the bravest resistance till he fell, as there was too + much reason to believe, by the hand of a son, so long sought, and now at + length so unhappily met. + </p> + <p> + While Butler was half-stunned with this intelligence, the hoarse voice of + Knockdunder added to his consternation. + </p> + <p> + “I will take the liperty to take down the pell-ropes, Mr. Putler, as I + must pe taking order to hang these idle people up to-morrow morning, to + teach them more consideration in their doings in future.” + </p> + <p> + Butler entreated him to remember the act abolishing the heritable + jurisdictions, and that he ought to send them to Glasgow or Inverary, to + be tried by the Circuit. Duncan scorned the proposal. + </p> + <p> + “The Jurisdiction Act,” he said, “had nothing to do put with the rebels, + and specially not with Argyle’s country; and he would hang the men up all + three in one row before coot Leddy Staunton’s windows, which would be a + great comfort to her in the morning to see that the coot gentleman, her + husband, had been suitably afenged.” + </p> + <p> + And the utmost length that Butler’s most earnest entreaties could prevail + was, that he would, reserve “the twa pig carles for the Circuit, but as + for him they ca’d the Fustler, he should try how he could fustle in a + swinging tow, for it suldna be said that a shentleman, friend to the Duke, + was killed in his country, and his people didna take at least twa lives + for ane.” + </p> + <p> + Butler entreated him to spare the victim for his soul’s sake. But + Knockdunder answered, “that the soul of such a scum had been long the + tefil’s property, and that, Cot tam! he was determined to gif the tefil + his due.” + </p> + <p> + All persuasion was in vain, and Duncan issued his mandate for execution on + the succeeding morning. The child of guilt and misery was separated from + his companions, strongly pinioned, and committed to a separate room, of + which the Captain kept the key. + </p> + <p> + In the silence of the night, however, Mrs. Butler arose, resolved, if + possible, to avert, at least to delay, the fate which hung over her + nephew, especially if, upon conversing with him, she should see any hope + of his being brought to better temper. She had a master-key that opened + every lock in the house; and at midnight, when all was still, she stood + before the eyes of the astonished young savage, as, hard bound with cords, + he lay, like a sheep designed for slaughter, upon a quantity of the refuse + of flax which filled a corner in the apartment. Amid features sunburnt, + tawny, grimed with dirt, and obscured by his shaggy hair of a rusted black + colour, Jeanie tried in vain to trace the likeness of either of his very + handsome parents. Yet how could she refuse compassion to a creature so + young and so wretched,—so much more wretched than even he himself + could be aware of, since the murder he had too probably committed with his + own hand, but in which he had at any rate participated, was in fact a + parricide? She placed food on a table near him, raised him, and slacked + the cords on his arms, so as to permit him to feed himself. He stretched + out his hands, still smeared with blood perhaps that of his father, and he + ate voraciously and in silence. + </p> + <p> + “What is your first name?” said Jeanie, by way of opening the + conversation. + </p> + <p> + “The Whistler.” + </p> + <p> + “But your Christian name, by which you were baptized?” + </p> + <p> + “I never was baptized that I know of—I have no other name than the + Whistler.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor unhappy abandoned lad!” said Jeanie. “What would ye do if you could + escape from this place, and the death you are to die to-morrow morning?” + </p> + <p> + “Join wi’ Rob Roy, or wi’ Sergeant More Cameron” (noted freebooters at + that time), “and revenge Donacha’s death on all and sundry.” + </p> + <p> + “O ye unhappy boy,” said Jeanie, “do ye ken what will come o’ ye when ye + die?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall neither feel cauld nor hunger more,” said the youth doggedly. + </p> + <p> + “To let him be execute in this dreadful state of mind would be to destroy + baith body and soul—and to let him gang I dare not—what will + be done?— But he is my sister’s son—my own nephew—our + flesh and blood—and his hands and feet are yerked as tight as cords + can be drawn.—Whistler, do the cords hurt you?” + </p> + <p> + “Very much.” + </p> + <p> + “But, if I were to slacken them, you would harm me?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I would not—you never harmed me or mine.” + </p> + <p> + There may be good in him yet, thought Jeanie; I will try fair play with + him. + </p> + <p> + She cut his bonds—he stood upright, looked round with a laugh of + wild exultation, clapped his hands together, and sprung from the ground, + as if in transport on finding himself at liberty. He looked so wild, that + Jeanie trembled at what she had done. + </p> + <p> + “Let me out,” said the young savage. + </p> + <p> + “I wunna, unless you promise” + </p> + <p> + “Then I’ll make you glad to let us both out.” + </p> + <p> + He seized the lighted candle and threw it among the flax, which was + instantly in a flame. Jeanie screamed, and ran out of the room; the + prisoner rushed past her, threw open a window in the passage, jumped into + the garden, sprung over its enclosure, bounded through the woods like a + deer, and gained the seashore. Meantime, the fire was extinguished, but + the prisoner was sought in vain. As Jeanie kept her own secret, the share + she had in his escape was not discovered: but they learned his fate some + time afterwards—it was as wild as his life had hitherto been. + </p> + <p> + The anxious inquiries of Butler at length learned, that the youth had + gained the ship in which his master, Donacha, had designed to embark. But + the avaricious shipmaster, inured by his evil trade to every species of + treachery, and disappointed of the rich booty which Donacha had proposed + to bring aboard, secured the person of the fugitive, and having + transported him to America, sold him as a slave, or indented servant, to a + Virginian planter, far up the country. When these tidings reached Butler, + he sent over to America a sufficient sum to redeem the lad from slavery, + with instructions that measures should be taken for improving his mind, + restraining his evil propensities, and encouraging whatever good might + appear in his character. But this aid came too late. The young man had + headed a conspiracy in which his inhuman master was put to death, and had + then fled to the next tribe of wild Indians. He was never more heard of; + and it may therefore be presumed that he lived and died after the manner + of that savage people, with whom his previous habits had well fitted him + to associate. + </p> + <p> + All hopes of the young man’s reformation being now ended, Mr. and Mrs. + Butler thought it could serve no purpose to explain to Lady Staunton a + history so full of horror. She remained their guest more than a year, + during the greater part of which period her grief was excessive. In the + latter months, it assumed the appearance of listlessness and low spirits, + which the monotony of her sister’s quiet establishment afforded no means + of dissipating. Effie, from her earliest youth, was never formed for a + quiet low content. Far different from her sister, she required the + dissipation of society to divert her sorrow, or enhance her joy. She left + the seclusion of Knocktarlitie with tears of sincere affection, and after + heaping its inmates with all she could think of that might be valuable in + their eyes. But she <i>did</i> leave it; and, when the anguish of the + parting was over, her departure was a relief to both sisters. + </p> + <p> + The family at the Manse of Knocktarlitie, in their own quiet happiness, + heard of the well-dowered and beautiful Lady Staunton resuming her place + in the fashionable world. They learned it by more substantial proofs, for + David received a commission; and as the military spirit of Bible Butler + seemed to have revived in him, his good behaviour qualified the envy of + five hundred young Highland cadets, “come of good houses,” who were + astonished at the rapidity of his promotion. Reuben followed the law, and + rose more slowly, yet surely. Euphemia Butler, whose fortune, augmented by + her aunt’s generosity, and added to her own beauty, rendered her no small + prize, married a Highland laird, who never asked the name of her + grand-father, and was loaded on the occasion with presents from Lady + Staunton, which made her the envy of all the beauties in Dumbarton and + Argyle shires. + </p> + <p> + After blazing nearly ten years in the fashionable world, and hiding, like + many of her compeers, an aching heart with a gay demeanour—after + declining repeated offers of the most respectable kind for a second + matrimonial engagement, Lady Staunton betrayed the inward wound by + retiring to the Continent, and taking up her abode in the convent where + she had received her education. She never took the veil, but lived and + died in severe seclusion, and in the practice of the Roman Catholic + religion, in all its formal observances, vigils, and austerities. + </p> + <p> + Jeanie had so much of her father’s spirit as to sorrow bitterly for this + apostasy, and Butler joined in her regret. “Yet any religion, however + imperfect,” he said, “was better than cold scepticism, or the hurrying din + of dissipation, which fills the ears of worldlings, until they care for + none of these things.” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, happy in each other, in the prosperity of their family, and the + love and honour of all who knew them, this simple pair lived beloved, and + died lamented. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Aimage-0011" id="Aimage-0011"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/pb414.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="Jeanie Dean’s Cottage " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + READER, + + THIS TALE WILL NOT BE TOLD IN VAIN, IF IT SHALL BE FOUND TO + ILLUSTRATE THE GREAT TRUTH, THAT GUILT, THOUGH IT MAY ATTAIN + TEMPORAL SPLENDOUR, CAN NEVER CONFER REAL HAPPINESS; THAT THE + EVIL CONSEQUENCES OF OUR CRIMES LONG SURVIVE THEIR COMMISSION, + AND, LIKE THE GHOSTS OF THE MURDERED, FOR EVER HAUNT THE STEPS + OF THE MALEFACTOR; AND THAT THE PATHS OF VIRTUE, THOUGH SELDOM + THOSE OF WORLDLY GREATNESS, ARE ALWAYS THOSE OF PLEASANTNESS + AND PEACE. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + L’ENVOY, + + BY JEDEDIAH CLEISHBOTHAM. +</pre> + <p> + Thus concludeth the Tale of “The Heart of Mid-Lothian,” which hath filled + more pages than I opined. The Heart of Mid-Lothian is now no more, or + rather it is transferred to the extreme side of the city, even as the + Sieur Jean Baptiste Poquelin hath it, in his pleasant comedy called <i>Le + Me’decin Malgre’ Lui,</i> where the simulated doctor wittily replieth to a + charge, that he had placed the heart on the right side, instead of the + left, “<i>Cela e’tait autrefois ainsi, mais nous avons change’ tout cela.</i>” + Of which witty speech if any reader shall demand the purport, I have only + to respond, that I teach the French as well as the Classical tongues, at + the easy rate of five shillings per quarter, as my advertisements are + periodically making known to the public. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="notes" id="notes"></a> <a + name="note_a" id="note_a"></a> + </p> + <h2> + NOTES TO THE HEART OF MID-LOTHIAN. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + NOTE A—AUTHOR’S CONNECTION WITH QUAKERISM + </h2> + <p> + It is an old proverb, that “many a true word is spoken in jest.” The + existence of Walter Scott, third son of Sir William Scott of Harden, is + instructed, as it is called, by a charter under the great seal, Domino + Willielmo Scott de Harden Militi, et Waltero Scott suo filio legitimo + tertio genito, terrarum de Roberton.* + </p> + <p> + * See Douglas’s <i>Baronage,</i> page 215. + </p> + <p> + The munificent old gentleman left all his four sons considerable estates. + and settled those of Eilrig and Raeburn, together with valuable + possessions around Lessuden, upon Walter, his third son, who is ancestor + of the Scotts of Raeburn, and of the Author of Waverley. He appears to + have become a convert to the doctrine of the Quakers, or Friends, and a + great assertor of their peculiar tenets. This was probably at the time + when George Fox, the celebrated apostle of the sect, made an expedition + into the south of Scotland about 1657, on which occasion, he boasts, that + “as he first set his horse’s feet upon Scottish ground, he felt the seed + of grace to sparkle about him like innumerable sparks of fire.” Upon the + same occasion, probably, Sir Gideon Scott of Highchester, second son of + Sir William, immediate elder brother of Walter, and ancestor of the + author’s friend and kinsman, the present representative of the family of + Harden, also embraced the tenets of Quakerism. This last convert, Gideon, + entered into a controversy with the Rev. James Kirkton, author of the <i>Secret + and True History of the Church of Scotland,</i> which is noticed by my + ingenious friend Mr. Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe, in his valuable and + curious edition of that work, 4to, 1817. Sir William Scott, eldest of the + brothers, remained, amid the defection of his two younger brethren, an + orthodox member of the Presbyterian Church, and used such means for + reclaiming Walter of Raeburn from his heresy, as savoured far more of + persecution than persuasion. In this he was assisted by MacDougal of + Makerston, brother to Isabella MacDougal, the wife of the said Walter, and + who, like her husband, had conformed to the Quaker tenets. + </p> + <p> + The interest possessed by Sir William Scott and Makerston was powerful + enough to procure the two following acts of the Privy Council of Scotland, + directed against Walter of Raeburn as an heretic and convert to Quakerism, + appointing him to be imprisoned first in Edinburgh jail, and then in that + of Jedburgh; and his children to be taken by force from the society and + direction of their parents, and educated at a distance from them, besides + the assignment of a sum for their maintenance, sufficient in those times + to be burdensome to a moderate Scottish estate. + </p> + <p> + “Apud Edin., vigesimo Junii 1665. + </p> + <p> + “The Lords of his Magesty’s Privy Council having receaved information that + Scott of Raeburn, and Isobel Mackdougall, his wife, being infected with + the error of Quakerism, doe endeavour to breid and trains up William, + Walter, and Isobel Scotts, their children, in the same profession, doe + therefore give order and command to Sir William Scott of Harden, the said + Raeburn’s brother, to seperat and take away the saids children from the + custody and society of the saids parents, and to cause educat and bring + them up in his owne house, or any other convenient place, and ordaines + letters to be direct at the said Sir William’s instance against Raeburn, + for a maintenance to the saids children, and that the said Sir Wm. give + ane account of his diligence with all conveniency.” + </p> + <p> + “Edinburgh, 5th July 1666. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +“Anent a petition presented be Sir Wm. Scott of Harden, for himself and +in name and behalf of the three children of Walter Scott of Raeburn, his +brother, showing that the Lords of Councill, by ane act of the 22d day of +Junii 1665, did grant power and warrand to the petitioner, to separat and +take away Raeburn’s children, from his family and education, and to breed +them in some convenient place, where they might be free from all +infection in their younger years, from the principalls of Quakerism, and, +for maintenance of the saids children, did ordain letters to be direct +against Raeburn; and, seeing the Petitioner, in obedience to the said +order, did take away the saids children, being two sonnes and a daughter, +and after some paines taken upon them in his owne family, hes sent them +to the city of Glasgow, to be bread at schooles, and there to be +principled with the knowledge of the true religion, and that it is +necessary the Councill determine what shall be the maintenance for which +Raeburn’s three children may be charged, as likewise that Raeburn +himself, being now in the Tolbooth of Edinburgh, where he dayley +converses with all the Quakers who are prisoners there, and others who +daily resort to them, whereby he is hardened in his pernitious opinions +and principles, without all hope of recovery, unlesse he be separat from +such pernitious company, humbly therefore, desyring that the Councell +might determine upon the soume of money to be payed be Raeburn, for the +education of his children, to the petitioner, who will be countable +therefor; and that, in order to his conversion, the place of his +imprisonment may be changed. The Lords of his Maj. Privy Councell having +at length heard and considered the foresaid petition, doe modifie the +soume of two thousand pounds Scots, to be payed yearly at the terms of +Whitsunday be the said Walter Scott of Raeburn, furth of his estate to +the petitioner, for the entertainment and education of the said children, +beginning the first termes payment therof at Whitsunday last for the half +year preceding, and so furth yearly, at the said terme of Whitsunday in +tym comeing till furder orders; and ordaines the said Walter Scott of +Raeburn to be transported from the tolbooth of Edinburgh to the prison of +Jedburgh, where his friends and others may have occasion to convert him. +And to the effect he may be secured from the practice of other Quakers, +the said Lords doe hereby discharge the magistrates of Jedburgh to suffer +any persons suspect of these principles to have access to him; and in +case any contraveen, that they secure ther persons till they be therfore +puneist; and ordaines letters to be direct heirupon in form, as effeirs.” + + Both the sons, thus harshly separated from their father, proved good +scholars. The eldest, William, who carried on the line of Raeburn, was, +like his father, a deep Orientalist; the younger, Walter, became a good +classical scholar, a great friend and correspondent of the celebrated Dr. +Pitcairn, and a Jacobite so distinguished for zeal, that he made a vow +never to shave his beard till the restoration of the exiled family. This +last Walter Scott was the author’s great-grandfather. +</pre> + <p> + There is yet another link betwixt the author and the simple-minded and + excellent Society of Friends, through a proselyte of much more importance + than Walter Scott of Raeburn. The celebrated John Swinton, of Swinton, + nineteenth baron in descent of that ancient and once powerful family, was, + with Sir William Lockhart of Lee, the person whom Cromwell chiefly trusted + in the management of the Scottish affairs during his usurpation. After the + Restoration, Swinton was devoted as a victim to the new order of things, + and was brought down in the same vessel which conveyed the Marquis of + Argyle to Edinburgh, where that nobleman was tried and executed. Swinton + was destined to the same fate. He had assumed the habit, and entered into + the Society of the Quakers, and appeared as one of their number before the + Parliament of Scotland. He renounced all legal defence, though several + pleas were open to him, and answered, in conformity to the principles of + his sect, that at the time these crimes were imputed to him, he was in the + gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity; but that God Almighty having + since called him to the light, he saw and acknowledged these errors, and + did not refuse to pay the forfeit of them, even though, in the judgment of + the Parliament, it should extend to life itself. + </p> + <p> + Respect to fallen greatness, and to the patience and calm resignation with + which a man once in high power expressed himself under such a change of + fortune, found Swinton friends; family connections, and some interested + considerations of Middleton the Commissioner, joined to procure his + safety, and he was dismissed, but after a long imprisonment, and much + dilapidation of his estates. It is said that Swinton’s admonitions, while + confined in the Castle of Edinburgh, had a considerable share in + converting to the tenets of the Friends Colonel David Barclay, then lying + there in the garrison. This was the father of Robert Barclay, author of + the celebrated <i>Apology for the Quakers.</i> It may be observed among + the inconsistencies of human nature, that Kirkton, Wodrow, and other + Presbyterian authors, who have detailed the sufferings of their own sect + for nonconformity with the established church, censure the government of + the time for not exerting the civil power against the peaceful enthusiasts + we have treated of, and some express particular chagrin at the escape of + Swinton. Whatever might be his motives for assuming the tenets of the + Friends, the old man retained them faithfully till the close of his life. + </p> + <p> + Jean Swinton, grand-daughter of Sir John Swinton, son of Judge Swinton, as + the Quaker was usually termed, was mother of Anne Rutherford, the author’s + mother. + </p> + <p> + And thus, as in the play of the Anti-Jacobin, the ghost of the author’s + grandmother having arisen to speak the Epilogue, it is full time to + conclude, lest the reader should remonstrate that his desire to know the + Author of Waverley never included a wish to be acquainted with his whole + ancestry. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2H_4_0033" id="Alink2H_4_0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTE B.—TOMBSTONE TO HELEN WALKER. + </h2> + <p> + On Helen Walker’s tombstone in Irongray churchyard, Dumfriesshire, there + is engraved the following epitaph, written by Sir Walter Scott: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THIS STONE WAS ERECTED + BY THE AUTHOR OF WAVERLEY + + TO THE MEMORY + OF + HELEN WALKER, + + WHO DIED IN THE YEAR OF GOD 1791. + + THIS HUMBLE INDIVIDUAL PRACTISED IN REAL LIFE + THE VIRTUES + WITH WHICH FICTION HAS INVESTED + + THE IMAGINARY CHARACTER OF + + JEANIE DEANS; + + REFUSING THE SLIGHTEST DEPARTURE + FROM VERACITY, + EVEN TO SAVE THE LIFE OF A SISTER, + + SHE NEVERTHELESS SHOWED HER + KINDNESS AND FORTITUDE, + IN RESCUING HER FROM THE SEVERITY OF THE LAW + AT THE EXPENSE OF PERSONAL EXERTIONS + WHICH THE TIME RENDERED AS DIFFICULT + AS THE MOTIVE WAS LAUDABLE. + + RESPECT THE GRAVE OF POVERTY + WHEN COMBINED WITH LOVE OF TRUTH + AND DEAR AFFECTION. + + <i>Erected October 1831.</i> +</pre> + <p> + <a name="Alink2H_4_0034" id="Alink2H_4_0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTE C.—THE OLD TOLBOOTH. + </h2> + <p> + The ancient Tolbooth of Edinburgh, Situated as described in this CHAPTER, + was built by the citizens in 1561, and destined for the accommodation of + Parliament, as well as of the High Courts of Justice;* and at the same + time for the confinement of prisoners for debt, or on criminal charges. + Since the year 1640, when the present Parliament House was erected, the + Tolbooth was occupied as a prison only. + </p> + <p> + * [This is not so certain. Few persons now living are likely to remember + the interior of the old Tolbooth, with narrow staircase, thick walls, and + small apartments, nor to imagine that it could ever have been used for + these purposes. Robert Chambers, in his <i>Minor Antiquities</i> of + Edinburgh, has preserved ground-plans or sections, which clearly show + this,—the largest hall was on the second floor, and measuring 27 + feet by 20, and 12 feet high. It may have been intended for the meetings + of Town Council, while the Parliament assembled, after 1560, in what was + called the Upper Tolbooth, that is the south-west portion of the + Collegiate Church of St. Giles, until the year 1640, when the present + Parliament House was completed. Being no longer required for such a + purpose, it was set apart by the Town Council on the 24th December 1641 as + a distinct church, with the name of the Tolbooth parish, and therefore + could not have derived the name from its vicinity to the Tolbooth, as + usually stated.] + </p> + <p> + Gloomy and dismal as it was, the situation in the centre of the High + Street rendered it so particularly well-aired, that when the plague laid + waste the city in 1645, it affected none within these melancholy + precincts. The Tolbooth was removed, with the mass of buildings in which + it was incorporated, in the autumn of the year 1817. At that time the + kindness of his old schoolfellow and friend, Robert Johnstone, Esquire, + then Dean of Guild of the city, with the liberal acquiescence of the + persons who had contracted for the work, procured for the Author of + Waverley the stones which composed the gateway, together with the door, + and its ponderous fastenings, which he employed in decorating the entrance + of his kitchen-court at Abbotsford. “To such base offices may we return.” + The application of these relies of the Heart of Mid-Lothian to serve as + the postern-gate to a court of modern offices, may be justly ridiculed as + whimsical; but yet it is not without interest, that we see the gateway + through which so much of the stormy politics of a rude age, and the vice + and misery of later times, had found their passage, now occupied in the + service of rural economy. Last year, to complete the change, a tomtit was + pleased to build her nest within the lock of the Tolbooth,—a strong + temptation to have committed a sonnet, had the Author, like Tony Lumpkin, + been in a concatenation accordingly. + </p> + <p> + It is worth mentioning, that an act of beneficence celebrated the + demolition of the Heart of Mid-Lothian. A subscription, raised and applied + by the worthy Magistrate above mentioned, procured the manumission of most + of the unfortunate debtors confined in the old jail, so that there were + few or none transferred to the new place of confinement. + </p> + <p> + [The figure of a Heart upon the pavement between St. Giles’s Church and + the Edinburgh County Hall, now marks the site of the Old Tolbooth.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2H_4_0035" id="Alink2H_4_0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTE D—THE PORTEOUS MOB. + </h2> + <p> + The following interesting and authentic account of the inquiries made by + Crown Counsel into the affair of the Porteous Mob, seems to have been + drawn up by the Solicitor-General. The office was held in 1737 by Charles + Erskine, Esq. + </p> + <p> + I owe this curious illustration to the kindness of a professional friend. + It throws, indeed, little light on the origin of the tumult; but shows how + profound the darkness must have been, which so much investigation could + not dispel. + </p> + <p> + “Upon the 7th of September last, when the unhappy wicked murder of Captain + Porteus was committed, His Majesty’s Advocate and Solicitor were out of + town; the first beyond Inverness, and the other in Annandale, not far from + Carlyle; neither of them knew anything of the reprieve, nor did they in + the least suspect that any disorder was to happen. + </p> + <p> + “When the disorder happened, the magistrates and other persons concerned + in the management of the town, seemed to be all struck of a heap; and + whether, from the great terror that had seized all the inhabitants, they + thought ane immediate enquiry would be fruitless, or whether, being a + direct insult upon the prerogative of the crown, they did not care rashly + to intermeddle; but no proceedings was had by them. Only, soon after, ane + express was sent to his Majestie’s Solicitor, who came to town as soon as + was possible for him; but, in the meantime, the persons who had been most + guilty, had either ran off, or, at least, kept themselves upon the wing + until they should see what steps were taken by the Government. + </p> + <p> + “When the Solicitor arrived, he perceived the whole inhabitants under a + consternation. He had no materials furnished him; nay, the inhabitants + were so much afraid of being reputed informers, that very few people had + so much as the courage to speak with him on the streets. However, having + received her Majestie’s orders, by a letter from the Duke of New castle, + he resolved to sett about the matter in earnest, and entered upon ane + enquiry, gropeing in the dark. He had no assistance from the magistrates + worth mentioning, but called witness after witness in the privatest + manner, before himself in his own house, and for six weeks time, from + morning to evening, went on in the enquiry without taking the least + diversion, or turning his thoughts to any other business. + </p> + <p> + “He tried at first what he could do by declarations, by engaging secresy, + so that those who told the truth should never be discovered; made use of + no clerk, but wrote all the declarations with his own hand, to encourage + them to speak out. After all, for some time, he could get nothing but ends + of stories which, when pursued, broke off; and those who appeared and knew + anything of the matter, were under the utmost terror, lest it should take + air that they had mentioned any one man as guilty. + </p> + <p> + “During the course of the enquiry, the run of the town, which was strong + for the villanous actors, begun to alter a little, and when they saw the + King’s servants in earnest to do their best, the generality, who before + had spoke very warmly in defence of the wickedness, began to be silent, + and at that period more of the criminals began to abscond. + </p> + <p> + “At length the enquiry began to open a little, and the Sollicitor was + under some difficulty how to proceed. He very well saw that the first + warrand that was issued out would start the whole gang; and as he had not + come at any of the most notorious offenders, he was unwilling, upon the + slight evidence he had, to begin. However, upon notice given him by + Generall Moyle, that one King, a butcher in the Canongate, had boasted, in + presence of Bridget Knell, a soldier’s wife, the morning after Captain + Porteus was hanged, that he had a very active hand in the mob, a warrand + was issued out, and King was apprehended, and imprisoned in the Canongate + Tolbooth. + </p> + <p> + “This obliged the Sollicitor immediately to take up those against whom he + had any information. By a signed declaration, William Stirling, apprentice + to James Stirling, merchant in Edinburgh, was charged as haveing been at + the Nether-Bow, after the gates were shutt, with a Lochaber-ax or halbert + in his hand, and haveing begun a huzza, marched upon the head of the mob + towards the Guard. + </p> + <p> + “James Braidwood, son to a candlemaker in town, was, by a signed + declaration, charged as haveing been at the Tolbooth door, giveing + directions to the mob about setting fire to the door, and that the mob + named him by his name, and asked his advice. + </p> + <p> + “By another declaration, one Stoddart, a journeyman smith, was charged of + having boasted publickly, in a smith’s shop at Leith, that he had assisted + in breaking open the Tolbooth door. + </p> + <p> + “Peter Traill, a journeyman wright, (by one of the declarations) was also + accused of haveing lockt the Nether-Bow Port, when it was shutt by the + mob. + </p> + <p> + “His Majestie’s Sollicitor having these informations, implored privately + such persons as he could best rely on, and the truth was, there were very + few in whom he could repose confidence. But he was, indeed, faithfully + served by one Webster, a soldier in the Welsh fuzileers, recommended him + by Lieutenant Alshton, who, with very great address, informed himself, and + really run some risque in getting his information, concerning the places + where the persons informed against used to haunt, and how they might be + seized. In consequence of which, a party of the Guard from the Canongate + was agreed on to march up at a certain hour, when a message should be + sent. The Sollicitor wrote a letter and gave it to one of the town + officers, ordered to attend Captain Maitland, one of the town Captains, + promoted to that command since the unhappy accident, who, indeed, was + extremely diligent and active throughout the whole; and haveing got + Stirling and Braidwood apprehended, dispatched the officer with the letter + to the military in the Canongate, who immediately begun their march, and + by the time the Sollicitor had half examined the said two persons in the + Burrow-room, where the Magistrates were present, a party of fifty men, + drums beating, marched into the Parliament close, and drew up, which was + the first thing that struck a terror, and from that time forward, the + insolence was succeeded by fear. + </p> + <p> + “Stirling and Braidwood were immediately sent to the Castle and + imprisoned. That same night, Stoddart, the smith, was seized, and he was + committed to the Castle also; as was likewise Traill, the journeyman + wright, who were all severally examined, and denyed the least accession. + </p> + <p> + “In the meantime, the enquiry was going on, and it haveing cast up in one + of the declarations, that a hump’d backed creature marched with a gun as + one of the guards to Porteus when he went up to the Lawn Markett, the + person who emitted this declaration was employed to walk the streets to + see if he could find him out; at last he came to the Sollicitor and told + him he had found him, and that he was in a certain house. Whereupon a + warrand was issued out against him, and he was apprehended and sent to the + Castle, and he proved to be one Birnie, a helper to the Countess of + Weemys’s coachman. + </p> + <p> + “Thereafter, ane information was given in against William M’Lauchlan, + ffootman to the said Countess, he haveing been very active in the mob; + ffor sometime he kept himself out of the way, but at last he was + apprehended and likewise committed to the Castle. + </p> + <p> + “And these were all the prisoners who were putt under confinement in that + place. + </p> + <p> + “There were other persons imprisoned in the Tolbooth of Edinburgh, and + severalls against whom warrands were issued, but could not be apprehended, + whose names and cases shall afterwards be more particularly taken notice + of. + </p> + <p> + “The ffriends of Stirling made an application to the Earl of Islay, Lord + Justice-Generall, setting furth, that he was seized with a bloody fflux; + that his life was in danger; and that upon ane examination of witnesses + whose names were given in, it would appear to conviction, that he had not + the least access to any of the riotous proceedings of that wicked mob. + </p> + <p> + “This petition was by his Lordship putt in the hands of his Majestie’s + Sollicitor, who examined the witnesses; and by their testimonies it + appeared, that the young man, who was not above eighteen years of age, was + that night in company with about half a dozen companions, in a public + house in Stephen Law’s closs, near the back of the Guard, where they all + remained untill the noise came to the house, that the mob had shut the + gates and seized the Guard, upon which the company broke up, and he, and + one of his companions, went towards his master’s house; and, in the course + of the after examination, there was a witness who declared, nay, indeed + swore (for the Sollicitor, by this time, saw it necessary to put those he + examined upon oath), that he met him [Stirling] after he entered into the + alley where his master lives, going towards his house; and another + witness, fellow-prentice with Stirling, declares, that after the mob had + seized the Guard, he went home, where he found Stirling before him; and, + that his master lockt the door, and kept them both at home till after + twelve at night: upon weighing of which testimonies, and upon + consideration had, That he was charged by the declaration only of one + person, who really did not appear to be a witness of the greatest weight, + and that his life was in danger from the imprisonment, he was admitted to + baill by the Lord Justice-Generall, by whose warrand he was committed. + </p> + <p> + “Braidwood’s friends applyed in the same manner; but as he stood charged + by more than one witness, he was not released—tho’, indeed, the + witnesses adduced for him say somewhat in his exculpation—that he + does not seem to have been upon any original concert; and one of the + witnesses says he was along with him at the Tolbooth door, and refuses + what is said against him, with regard to his having advised the burning of + the Tolbooth door. But he remains still in prison. + </p> + <p> + “As to Traill, the journeyman wright, he is charged by the same witness + who declared against Stirling, and there is none concurrs with him and, to + say the truth concerning him, he seemed to be the most ingenuous of any of + them whom the Solicitor examined, and pointed out a witness by whom one of + the first accomplices was discovered, and who escaped when the warrand was + to be putt in execution against them. He positively denys his having shutt + the gate, and ‘tis thought Traill ought to be admitted to baill. + </p> + <p> + “As to Birnie, he is charged only by one witness, who had never seen him + before, nor knew his name; so, tho’ I dare say the witness honestly + mentioned him, ‘tis possible he may be mistaken; and in the examination of + above 200 witnesses there is no body concurrs with him, and he is ane + insignificant little creature. + </p> + <p> + “With regard to M’Lauchlan, the proof is strong against him by one + witness, that he acted as a serjeant, or sort of commander, for some time, + of a Guard, that stood cross between the upper end of the Luckenbooths and + the north side of the street, to stop all but friends from going towards + the Tolbooth; and by other witnesses, that he was at the Tolbooth door + with a link in his hand, while the operation of beating and burning it was + going on; that he went along with the mob with a halbert in his hand, + untill he came to the gallows stone in the Grassmarket, and that he stuck + the halbert into the hole of the gallows stone: that afterwards he went in + amongst the mob when Captain Porteus was carried to the dyer’s tree; so + that the proof seems very heavy against him. + </p> + <p> + “To sum up this matter with regard to the prisoners in the Castle, ‘tis + believed there is strong proof against M’Lauchlan; there is also proof + against Braidwood. But, as it consists only in emission of words said to + have been had by him while at the Tolbooth door, and that he is ane + insignificant pitifull creature, and will find people to swear heartily in + his favours, ‘tis at best doubtfull whether a jury will be got to condemn + him. + </p> + <p> + “As to those in the Tolbooth of Edinburgh, John Crawford, who had for some + time been employed to ring the bells in the steeple of the New Church of + Edinburgh, being in company with a soldier accidentally, the discourse + falling in concerning the Captain Porteus and his murder, as he appears to + be a light-headed fellow, he said, that he knew people that were more + guilty than any that were putt in prison. Upon this information, Crawford + was seized, and being examined, it appeared, that when the mob begun, as + he was comeing down from the steeple, the mob took the keys from him; that + he was that night in several corners, and did indeed delate severall + persons whom he saw there, and immediately warrands were despatched, and + it was found they had absconded and fled. But there was no evidence + against him of any kind. Nay, on the contrary, it appeared, that he had + been with the Magistrates in Clerk’s, the vintner’s, relating to them what + he had seen in the streets. Therefore, after haveing detained him in + prison ffor a very considerable time, his Majestie’s Advocate and + Sollicitor signed a warrand for his liberation. + </p> + <p> + “There was also one James Wilson incarcerated in the said Tolbooth, upon + the declaration of one witness, who said he saw him on the streets with a + gun; and there he remained for some time, in order to try if a concurring + witness could be found, or that he acted any part in the tragedy and + wickedness. But nothing farther appeared against him; and being seized + with a severe sickness, he is, by a warrand signed by his Majestie’s + Advocate and Sollicitor, liberated upon giveing sufficient baill. + </p> + <p> + “As to King, enquiry was made, and the ffact comes out beyond all + exception, that he was in the lodge at the Nether-Bow with Lindsay the + waiter, and several other people, not at all concerned in the mob. But + after the affair was over, he went up towards the guard, and having met + with Sandie the Turk and his wife, who escaped out of prison, they + returned to his house at the Abbey, and then ‘tis very possible he may + have thought fitt in his beer to boast of villany, in which he could not + possibly have any share for that reason; he was desired to find baill and + he should be set at liberty. But he is a stranger and a fellow of very + indifferent character, and ‘tis believed it won’t be easy for him to find + baill. Wherefore, it’s thought he must be sett at liberty without it. + Because he is a burden upon the Government while kept in confinement, not + being able to maintain himself. + </p> + <p> + “What is above is all that relates to persons in custody. But there are + warrands out against a great many other persons who had fled, particularly + against one William White, a journeyman baxter, who, by the evidence, + appears to have been at the beginning of the mob, and to have gone along + with the drum, from the West-Port to the Nether-Bow, and is said to have + been one of those who attacked the guard, and probably was as deep as any + one there. + </p> + <p> + “Information was given that he was lurking at Falkirk, where he was born. + Whereupon directions were sent to the Sheriff of the County, and a warrand + from his Excellency Generall Wade, to the commanding officers at Stirling + and Linlithgow, to assist, and all possible endeavours were used to catch + hold of him, and ‘tis said he escaped very narrowly, having been concealed + in some outhouse; and the misfortune was, that those who were employed in + the search did not know him personally. Nor, indeed, was it easy to trust + any of the acquaintances of so low, obscure a fellow with the secret of + the warrand to be putt in execution. + </p> + <p> + “There was also strong evidence found against Robert Taylor, servant to + William and Charles Thomsons, periwig-makers, that he acted as ane officer + among the mob, and he was traced from the guard to the well at the head of + Forester’s Wynd, where he stood and had the appellation of Captain from + the mob, and from that walking down the Bow before Captain Porteus, with + his Lochaber axe; and, by the description given of one who hawl’d the rope + by which Captain Porteus was pulled up, ‘tis believed Taylor was the + person; and ‘tis farther probable, that the witness who debated Stirling + had mistaken Taylor for him, their stature and age (so far as can be + gathered from the description) being the same. + </p> + <p> + “A great deal of pains were taken, and no charge was saved, in order to + have catched hold of this Taylor, and warrands were sent to the country + where he was born; but it appears he had shipt himself off for Holland, + where it is said he now is. + </p> + <p> + “There is strong evidence also against Thomas Burns, butcher, that he was + ane active person from the beginning of the mob to the end of it. He lurkt + for some time amongst those of his trade; and artfully enough a train was + laid to catch him, under pretence of a message that had come from his + father in Ireland, so that he came to a blind alehouse in the Flesh-market + close, and, a party being ready, was, by Webster the soldier, who was upon + this exploit, advertised to come down. However, Burns escaped out at a + back-window, and hid himself in some of the houses which are heaped + together upon one another in that place, so that it was not possible to + catch him. ‘Tis now said he is gone to Ireland to his father who lives + there. + </p> + <p> + “There is evidence also against one Robert Anderson, journeyman and + servant to Colin Alison, wright; and against Thomas Linnen and James + Maxwell, both servants also to the said Colin Alison, who all seem to have + been deeply concerned in the matter. Anderson is one of those who putt the + rope upon Captain Porteus’s neck. Linnen seems also to have been very + active; and Maxwell (which is pretty remarkable) is proven to have come to + a shop upon the Friday before, and charged the journeymen and prentices + there to attend in the Parliament close on Tuesday night, to assist to + hang Captain Porteus. These three did early abscond, and, though warrands + had been issued out against them, and all endeavours used to apprehend + them, could not be found. + </p> + <p> + “One Waldie, a servant to George Campbell, wright, has also absconded, and + many others, and ‘tis informed that numbers of them have shipt themselves + off ffor the Plantations; and upon an information that a ship was going + off ffrom Glasgow, in which severall of the rogues were to transport + themselves beyond seas, proper warrands were obtained, and persons + despatched to search the said ship, and seize any that can be found. + </p> + <p> + “The like warrands had been issued with regard to ships from Leith. But + whether they had been scard, or whether the information had been + groundless, they had no effect. + </p> + <p> + “This is a summary of the enquiry, ffrom which it appears there is no + prooff on which one can rely, but against M’Lauchlan. There is a prooff + also against Braidwood, but more exceptionable. His Majestie’s Advocate, + since he came to town, has join’d with the Sollicitor, and has done his + utmost to gett at the bottom of this matter, but hitherto it stands as is + above represented. They are resolved to have their eyes and their ears + open, and to do what they can. But they laboured exceedingly against the + stream; and it may truly be said, that nothing was wanting on their part. + Nor have they declined any labour to answer the commands laid upon them to + search the matter to the bottom.” + </p> + <p> + THE PORTEOUS MOB. + </p> + <p> + In the preceding CHAPTERs (I. to VI.) the circumstances of that + extraordinary riot and conspiracy, called the Porteous Mob, are given with + as much accuracy as the author was able to collect them. The order, + regularity, and determined resolution with which such a violent action was + devised and executed, were only equalled by the secrecy which was observed + concerning the principal actors. + </p> + <p> + Although the fact was performed by torch-light, and in presence of a great + multitude, to some of whom, at least, the individual actors must have been + known, yet no discovery was ever made concerning any of the perpetrators + of the slaughter. + </p> + <p> + Two men only were brought to trial for an offence which the Government + were so anxious to detect and punish. William M’Lauchlan, footman to the + Countess of Wemyss, who is mentioned in the report of the + Solicitor-General, against whom strong evidence had been obtained, was + brought to trial in March 1737, charged as having been accessory to the + riot, armed with a Lochaber axe. But this man (who was at all times a + silly creature) proved, that he was in a state of mortal intoxication + during the time he was present with the rabble, incapable of giving them + either advice or assistance, or, indeed, of knowing what he or they were + doing. He was also able to prove, that he was forced into the riot, and + upheld while there by two bakers, who put a Lochaber axe into his hand. + The jury, wisely judging this poor creature could be no proper subject of + punishment, found the panel Not Guilty. The same verdict was given in the + case of Thomas Linning, also mentioned in the Solicitor’s memorial, who + was tried in 1738. In short, neither then, nor for a long period + afterwards, was anything discovered relating to the organisation of the + Porteous Plot. + </p> + <p> + The imagination of the people of Edinburgh was long irritated, and their + curiosity kept awake, by the mystery attending this extraordinary + conspiracy. It was generally reported of such natives of Edinburgh as, + having left the city in youth, returned with a fortune amassed in foreign + countries, that they had originally fled on account of their share in the + Porteous Mob. But little credit can be attached to these surmises, as in + most of the cases they are contradicted by dates, and in none supported by + anything but vague rumours, grounded on the ordinary wish of the vulgar, + to impute the success of prosperous men to some unpleasant source. The + secret history of the Porteous Mob has been till this day unravelled; and + it has always been quoted as a close, daring, and calculated act of + violence, of a nature peculiarly characteristic of the Scottish people. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, the author, for a considerable time, nourished hopes to have + found himself enabled to throw some light on this mysterious story. An old + man, who died about twenty years ago, at the advanced age of ninety-three, + was said to have made a communication to the clergyman who attended upon + his death-bed, respecting the origin of the Porteous Mob. This person + followed the trade of a carpenter, and had been employed as such on the + estate of a family of opulence and condition. His character in his line of + life and amongst his neighbours, was excellent, and never underwent the + slightest suspicion. His confession was said to have been to the following + purpose: That he was one of twelve young men belonging to the village of + Pathhead, whose animosity against Porteous, on account of the execution of + Wilson, was so extreme, that they resolved to execute vengeance on him + with their own hands, rather than he should escape punishment. With this + resolution they crossed the Forth at different ferries, and rendezvoused + at the suburb called Portsburgh, where their appearance in a body soon + called numbers around them. The public mind was in such a state of + irritation, that it only wanted a single spark to create an explosion; and + this was afforded by the exertions of the small and determined band of + associates. The appearance of premeditation and order which distinguished + the riot, according to his account, had its origin, not in any previous + plan or conspiracy, but in the character of those who were engaged in it. + The story also serves to show why nothing of the origin of the riot has + ever been discovered, since though in itself a great conflagration, its + source, according to this account, was from an obscure and apparently + inadequate cause. + </p> + <p> + I have been disappointed, however, in obtaining the evidence on which this + story rests. The present proprietor of the estate on which the old man + died (a particular friend of the author) undertook to question the son of + the deceased on the subject. This person follows his father’s trade, and + holds the employment of carpenter to the same family. He admits that his + father’s going abroad at the time of the Porteous Mob was popularly + attributed to his having been concerned in that affair; but adds that, so + far as is known to him, the old man had never made any confession to that + effect; and, on the contrary, had uniformly denied being present. My kind + friend, therefore, had recourse to a person from whom he had formerly + heard the story; but who, either from respect to an old friend’s memory, + or from failure of his own, happened to have forgotten that ever such a + communication was made. So my obliging correspondent (who is a fox-hunter) + wrote to me that he was completely <i>planted;</i> and all that can be + said with respect to the tradition is, that it certainly once existed, and + was generally believed. + </p> + <p> + [<i>N.B.</i>—The Rev. Dr. Carlyle, minister of Inveresk, in his <i>Autobiography,</i> + gives some interesting particulars relating to the Porteous Mob, from + personal recollections. He happened to be present in the Tolbooth Church + when Robertson made his escape, and also at the execution of Wilson in the + Grassmarket, when Captain Porteous fired upon the mob, and several persons + were killed. Edinburgh 1860, 8vo, pp. 30-42.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2H_4_0036" id="Alink2H_4_0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTE E.—CARSPHARN JOHN. + </h2> + <p> + John Semple, called Carspharn John, because minister of the parish in + Galloway so called, was a Presbyterian clergyman of singular piety and + great zeal, of whom Patrick Walker records the following passage: “That + night after his wife died, he spent the whole ensuing night in prayer and + meditation in his garden. The next morning, one of his elders coming to + see him, and lamenting his great loss and want of rest, he replied,—‘I + declare I have not, all night, had one thought of the death of my wife, I + have been so taken up in meditating on heavenly things. I have been this + night on the banks of Ulai, plucking an apple here and there.’”— <i>Walker’s + Remarkable Passages of the Life and Death of Mr. John Semple.</i> + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2H_4_0037" id="Alink2H_4_0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTE F.—PETER WALKER. + </h2> + <p> + This personage, whom it would be base ingratitude in the author to pass + over without some notice, was by far the most zealous and faithful + collector and recorder of the actions and opinions of the Cameronians. He + resided, while stationary, at the Bristo Port of Edinburgh, but was by + trade an itinerant merchant, or pedlar, which profession he seems to have + exercised in Ireland as well as Britain. He composed biographical notices + of Alexander Peden, John Semple, John Welwood, and Richard Cameron, all + ministers of the Cameronian persuasion, to which the last mentioned member + gave the name. + </p> + <p> + It is from such tracts as these, written in the sense, feeling, and spirit + of the sect, and not from the sophisticated narratives of a later period, + that the real character of the persecuted class is to be gathered. Walker + writes with a simplicity which sometimes slides into the burlesque, and + sometimes attains a tone of simple pathos, but always expressing the most + daring confidence in his own correctness of creed and sentiments, + sometimes with narrow-minded and disgusting bigotry. His turn for the + marvellous was that of his time and sect; but there is little room to + doubt his veracity concerning whatever he quotes on his own knowledge. His + small tracts now bring a very high price, especially the earlier and + authentic editions. The tirade against dancing, pronounced by David Deans, + is, as intimated in the text, partly borrowed from Peter Walker. He + notices, as a foul reproach upon the name of Richard Cameron, that his + memory was vituperated, “by pipers and fiddlers playing the Cameronian + march—carnal vain springs, which too many professors of religion + dance to; a practice unbecoming the professors of Christianity to dance to + any spring, but somewhat more to this. Whatever,” he proceeds, “be the + many foul blots recorded of the saints in Scripture, none of them is + charged with this regular fit of distraction. We find it has been + practised by the wicked and profane, as the dancing at that brutish, base + action of the calf-making; and it had been good for that unhappy lass, who + danced off the head of John the Baptist, that she had been born a cripple, + and never drawn a limb to her. Historians say, that her sin was written + upon her judgment, who some time thereafter was dancing upon the ice, and + it broke, and snapt the head off her; her head danced above, and her feet + beneath. There is ground to think and conclude, that when the world’s + wickedness was great, dancing at their marriages was practised; but when + the heavens above, and the earth beneath, were let loose upon them with + that overflowing flood, their mirth was soon staid; and when the Lord in + holy justice rained fire and brimstone from heaven upon that wicked people + and city Sodom, enjoying fulness of bread and idleness, their + fiddle-strings and hands went all in a flame; and the whole people in + thirty miles of length, and ten of breadth, as historians say, were all + made to fry in their skins and at the end, whoever are giving in marriages + and dancing when all will go in a flame, they will quickly change their + note. + </p> + <p> + “I have often wondered thorow my life, how any that ever knew what it was + to bow a knee in earnest to pray, durst crook a hough to fyke and fling at + a piper’s and fiddler’s springs. I bless the Lord that ordered my lot so + in my dancing days, that made the fear of the bloody rope and bullets to + my neck and head, the pain of boots, thumikens, and irons, cold and + hunger, wetness and weariness, to stop the lightness of my head, and the + wantonness of my feet. What the never-to-be-forgotten Man of God, John + Knox, said to Queen Mary, when she gave him that sharp challenge, which + would strike our mean-spirited, tongue-tacked ministers dumb, for his + giving public faithful warning of the danger of the church and nation, + through her marrying the Dauphine of France, when he left her bubbling and + greeting, and came to an outer court, where her Lady Maries were fyking + and dancing, he said, ‘O brave ladies, a brave world, if it would last, + and heaven at the hinder end! But fye upon the knave Death, that will + seize upon those bodies of yours; and where will all your fiddling and + flinging be then?’ Dancing being such a common evil, especially amongst + young professors, that all the lovers of the Lord should hate, has caused + me to insist the more upon it, especially that foolish spring the + Cameronian march!”—<i>Life and Death of Three Famous Worthies,</i> + etc., collected and printed for Patrick Walker, Edin. 1727, 12mo, p. 59. + </p> + <p> + It may be here observed, that some of the milder class of Cameronians made + a distinction between the two sexes dancing separately, and allowed of it + as a healthy and not unlawful exercise; but when men and women mingled in + sport, it was then called <i>promiscuous dancing,</i> and considered as a + scandalous enormity. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2H_4_0038" id="Alink2H_4_0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTE G.—MUSCHAT’S CAIRN. + </h2> + <p> + Nichol Muschat, a debauched and profligate wretch, having conceived a + hatred against his wife, entered into a conspiracy with another brutal + libertine and gambler, named Campbell of Burnbank (repeatedly mentioned in + Pennycuick’s satirical poems of the time), by which Campbell undertook to + destroy the woman’s character, so as to enable Muschat, on false pretences + to obtain a divorce from her. The brutal devices to which these worthy + accomplices resorted for that purpose having failed, they endeavoured to + destroy her by administering medicine of a dangerous kind, and in + extraordinary quantities. + </p> + <p> + This purpose also failing, Nichol Muschat, or Muschet, did finally, on the + 17th October 1720, carry his wife under cloud of night to the King’s Park, + adjacent to what is called the Duke’s Walk, near Holyrood Palace, and + there took her life by cutting her throat almost quite through, and + inflicting other wounds. He pleaded guilty to the indictment, for which he + suffered death. His associate, Campbell, was sentenced to transportation, + for his share in the previous conspiracy. See <i>MacLaurin’s Criminal + Cases,</i>pp. 64 and 738. + </p> + <p> + In memory, and at the same time execration, of the deed, a <i>cairn,</i> + or pile of stones, long marked the spot. It is now almost totally removed, + in consequence of an alteration on the road in that place. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2H_4_0039" id="Alink2H_4_0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTE H.—HANGMAN, OR LOCKMAN. + </h2> + <p> + <i>Lockman,</i> so called from the small quantity of meal (Scottice, <i>lock</i>) + which he was entitled to take out of every boll exposed to market in the + city. In Edinburgh, the duty has been very long commuted; but in Dumfries, + the finisher of the law still exercises, or did lately exercise, his + privilege, the quantity taken being regulated by a small iron ladle, which + he uses as the measure of his perquisite. The expression <i>lock,</i> for + a small quantity of any readily divisible dry substance, as corn, meal, + flax, or the like, is still preserved, not only popularly, but in a legal + description, as the <i>lock</i> and <i>gowpen,</i> or small quantity and + handful, payable in thirlage cases, as in town multure. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2H_4_0040" id="Alink2H_4_0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTE I.—THE FAIRY BOY OF LEITH, + </h2> + <p> + This legend was in former editions inaccurately said to exist in Baxter’s + “World of Spirits;” but is, in fact, to be found, in “Pandaemonium, or the + Devil’s Cloyster; being a further blow to Modern Sadduceism,” by Richard + Bovet, Gentleman, 12mo, 1684. The work is inscribed to Dr. Henry More. The + story is entitled, “A remarkable passage of one named the Fairy Boy of + Leith, in Scotland, given me by my worthy friend, Captain George Burton, + and attested under his hand;” and is as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “About fifteen years since, having business that detained me for some time + in Leith, which is near Edenborough, in the kingdom of Scotland, I often + met some of my acquaintance at a certain house there, where we used to + drink a glass of wine for our refection. The woman which kept the house + was of honest reputation amongst the neighbours, which made me give the + more attention to what she told me one day about a Fairy Boy (as they + called him) who lived about that town. She had given me so strange an + account of him, that I desired her I might see him the first opportunity, + which she promised; and not long after, passing that way, she told me + there was the Fairy Boy but a little before I came by; and casting her eye + into the street, said, ‘Look you, sir, yonder he is at play with those + other boys,’ and designing him to me. I went, and by smooth words, and a + piece of money, got him to come into the house with me; where, in the + presence of divers people, I demanded of him several astrological + questions, which he answered with great subtility, and through all his + discourse carried it with a cunning much beyond his years, which seemed + not to exceed ten or eleven. He seemed to make a motion like drumming upon + the table with his fingers, upon which I asked him, whether he could beat + a drum, to which he replied, ‘Yes, sir, as well as any man in Scotland; + for every Thursday night I beat all points to a sort of people that use to + meet under yon hill” (pointing to the great hill between Edenborough and + Leith). ‘How, boy,’ quoth I; ‘what company have you there?’—‘There + are, sir,’ said he, ‘a great company both of men and women, and they are + entertained with many sorts of music besides my drum; they have, besides, + plenty variety of meats and wine; and many times we are carried into + France or Holland in a night, and return again; and whilst we are there, + we enjoy all the pleasures the country doth afford.’ I demanded of him, + how they got under that hill? To which he replied, ‘that there were a + great pair of gates that opened to them, though they were invisible to + others, and that within there were brave large rooms, as well accommodated + as most in Scotland.’ I then asked him, how I should know what he said to + be true? upon which he told me he would read my fortune, saying I should + have two wives, and that he saw the forms of them sitting on my shoulders; + that both would be very handsome women. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +“As he was thus speaking, a woman of the neighbourhood, coming into the +room, demanded of him what her fortune should be? He told her that she +had two bastards before she was married; which put her in such a rage, +that she desired not to hear the rest. The woman of the house told me +that all the people in Scotland could not keep him from the rendezvous on +Thursday night; upon which, by promising him some more money, I got a +promise of him to meet me at the same place, in the afternoon of the +Thursday following, and so dismissed him at that time. The boy came again +at the place and time appointed, and I had prevailed with some friends to +continue with me, if possible, to prevent his moving that night; he was +placed between us, and answered many questions, without offering to go +from us, until about eleven of the clock, he was got away unperceived of +the company; but I suddenly missing him, hasted to the door, and took +hold of him, and so returned him into the same room; we all watched him, +and on a sudden he was again out of the doors. I followed him close, and +he made a noise in the street as if he had been set upon; but from that +time I could never see him. + “GEORGE BURTON.” + </pre> + <p> + [A copy of this rare little volume is in the library at Abbotsford.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2H_4_0041" id="Alink2H_4_0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTE J.—INTERCOURSE OF THE COVENANTERS WITH THE INVISIBLE WORLD. + </h2> + <p> + The gloomy, dangerous, and constant wanderings of the persecuted sect of + Cameronians, naturally led to their entertaining with peculiar credulity + the belief that they were sometimes persecuted, not only by the wrath of + men, but by the secret wiles and open terrors of Satan. In fact, a flood + could not happen, a horse cast a shoe, or any other the most ordinary + interruption thwart a minister’s wish to perform service at a particular + spot, than the accident was imputed to the immediate agency of fiends. The + encounter of Alexander Peden with the Devil in the cave, and that of John + Sample with the demon in the ford, are given by Peter Walker almost in the + language of the text. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2H_4_0042" id="Alink2H_4_0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTE K.—CHILD-MURDER. + </h2> + <p> + The Scottish Statute Book, anno 1690, CHAPTER 21, in consequence of the + great increase of the crime of child-murder, both from the temptations to + commit the offence and the difficulty of discovery enacted a certain set + of presumptions, which, in the absence of direct proof, the jury were + directed to receive as evidence of the crime having actually been + committed. The circumstances selected for this purpose were, that the + woman should have concealed her situation during the whole period of + pregnancy; that she should not have called for help at her delivery; and + that, combined with these grounds of suspicion, the child should be either + found dead or be altogether missing. Many persons suffered death during + the last century under this severe act. But during the author’s memory a + more lenient course was followed, and the female accused under the act, + and conscious of no competent defence, usually lodged a petition to the + Court of Justiciary, denying, for form’s sake, the tenor of the + indictment, but stating, that as her good name had been destroyed by the + charge, she was willing to submit to sentence of banishment, to which the + crown counsel usually consented. This lenity in practice, and the + comparative infrequency of the crime since the doom of public + ecclesiastical penance has been generally dispensed with, have led to the + abolition of the Statute of William, and Mary, which is now replaced by + another, imposing banishment in those circumstances in which the crime was + formerly capital. This alteration took place in 1803. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2H_4_0043" id="Alink2H_4_0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTE L.—CALUMNIATOR OF THE FAIR SEX. + </h2> + <p> + The journal of Graves, a Bow Street officer, despatched to Holland to + obtain the surrender of the unfortunate William Brodie, bears a reflection + on the ladies somewhat like that put in the mouth of the police-officer + Sharpitlaw. It had been found difficult to identify the unhappy criminal; + and when a Scotch gentleman of respectability had seemed disposed to give + evidence on the point required, his son-in-law, a clergyman in Amsterdam, + and his daughter, were suspected by Graves to have used arguments with the + witness to dissuade him from giving his testimony. On which subject the + journal of the Bow Street officer proceeds thus:— + </p> + <p> + “Saw then a manifest reluctance in Mr. ———-, and had no + doubt the daughter and parson would endeavour to persuade him to decline + troubling himself in the matter, but judged he could not go back from what + he had said to Mr. Rich.—Nota Bene. <i>No mischief but a woman or a + priest in it</i>—here both.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2H_4_0044" id="Alink2H_4_0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTE M.—Sir William Dick of Braid. + </h2> + <p> + This gentleman formed a striking example of the instability of human + prosperity. He was once the wealthiest man of his time in Scotland, a + merchant in an extensive line of commerce, and a farmer of the public + revenue; insomuch that, about 1640, he estimated his fortune at two + hundred thousand pounds sterling. Sir William Dick was a zealous + Covenanter; and in the memorable year 1641, he lent the Scottish + Convention of Estates one hundred thousand merks at once, and thereby + enabled them to support and pay their army, which must otherwise have + broken to pieces. He afterwards advanced L20,000 for the service of King + Charles, during the usurpation; and having, by owning the royal cause, + provoked the displeasure of the ruling party, he was fleeced of more + money, amounting in all to L65,000 sterling. + </p> + <p> + Being in this manner reduced to indigence, he went to London to try to + recover some part of the sums which had been lent on Government security. + Instead of receiving any satisfaction, the Scottish Croesus was thrown + into prison, in which he died, 19th December 1655. It is said his death + was hastened by the want of common necessaries. But this statement is + somewhat exaggerated, if it be true, as is commonly said, that though he + was not supplied with bread, he had plenty of pie-crust, thence called + “Sir William Dick’s Necessity.” + </p> + <p> + The changes of fortune are commemorated in a folio pamphlet, entitled, + “The Lamentable Estate and distressed Case of Sir William Dick” [Lond. + 1656]. It contains three copper-plates, one representing Sir William on + horseback, and attended with guards as Lord Provost of Edinburgh, + superintending the unloading of one of his rich argosies. A second + exhibiting him as arrested, and in the hands of the bailiffs. A third + presents him dead in prison. The tract is esteemed highly valuable by + collectors of prints. The only copy I ever saw upon sale, was rated at + L30. (In London sales, copies have varied in price from L15 to L52: 10s.) + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2H_4_0045" id="Alink2H_4_0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTE N.—Doomster, or Dempster, of Court. + </h2> + <p> + The name of this officer is equivalent to the pronouncer of doom or + sentence. In this comprehensive sense, the Judges of the Isle of Man were + called Dempsters. But in Scotland the word was long restricted to the + designation of an official person, whose duty it was to recite the + sentence after it had been pronounced by the Court, and recorded by the + clerk; on which occasion the Dempster legalised it by the words of form, “<i>And + this I pronounce for doom.</i>” For a length of years, the office, as + mentioned in the text, was held in commendam with that of the executioner; + for when this odious but necessary officer of justice received his + appointment, he petitioned the Court of Justiciary to be received as their + Dempster, which was granted as a matter of course. + </p> + <p> + The production of the executioner in open court, and in presence of the + wretched criminal, had something in it hideous and disgusting to the more + refined feelings of later times. But if an old tradition of the Parliament + House of Edinburgh may be trusted, it was the following anecdote which + occasioned the disuse of the Dempster’s office. + </p> + <p> + It chanced at one time that the office of public executioner was vacant. + There was occasion for some one to act as Dempster, and, considering the + party who generally held the office, it is not wonderful that a locum + tenens was hard to be found. At length, one Hume, who had been sentenced + to transportation, for an attempt to burn his own house, was induced to + consent that he would pronounce the doom on this occasion. But when + brought forth to officiate, instead of repeating the doom to the criminal, + Mr. Hume addressed himself to their lordships in a bitter complaint of the + injustice of his own sentence. It was in vain that he was interrupted, and + reminded of the purpose for which he had come hither; “I ken what ye want + of me weel eneugh,” said the fellow, “ye want me to be your Dempster; but + I am come to be none of your Dempster, I am come to summon you, Lord T, + and you, Lord E, to answer at the bar of another world for the injustice + you have done me in this.” In short, Hume had only made a pretext of + complying with the proposal, in order to have an opportunity of reviling + the Judges to their faces, or giving them, in the phrase of his country, + “a sloan.” He was hurried off amid the laughter of the audience, but the + indecorous scene which had taken place contributed to the abolition of the + office of Dempster. The sentence is now read over by the clerk of court, + and the formality of pronouncing doom is altogether omitted. + </p> + <p> + [The usage of calling the Dempster into court by the ringing of a + hand-bell, to repeat the sentence on a criminal, is said to have been + abrogated in March 1773.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2H_4_0046" id="Alink2H_4_0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTE O.—John Duke of Argyle and Greenwich. + </h2> + <p> + This nobleman was very dear to his countrymen, who were justly proud of + his military and political talents, and grateful for the ready zeal with + which he asserted the rights of his native country. This was never more + conspicuous than in the matter of the Porteous Mob, when the ministers + brought in a violent and vindictive bill, for declaring the Lord Provost + of Edinburgh incapable of bearing any public office in future, for not + foreseeing a disorder which no one foresaw, or interrupting the course of + a riot too formidable to endure opposition. The same bill made provision + for pulling down the city gates, and abolishing the city guard,—rather + a Hibernian mode of enabling their better to keep the peace within burgh + in future. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of Argyle opposed this bill as a cruel, unjust, and fanatical + proceeding, and an encroachment upon the privileges of the royal burghs of + Scotland, secured to them by the treaty of Union. “In all the proceedings + of that time,” said his Grace, “the nation of Scotland treated with the + English as a free and independent people; and as that treaty, my Lords, + had no other guarantee for the due performance of its articles, but the + faith and honour of a British Parliament, it would be both unjust and + ungenerous, should this House agree to any proceedings that have a + tendency to injure it.” + </p> + <p> + Lord Hardwicke, in reply to the Duke of Argyle, seemed to insinuate, that + his Grace had taken up the affair in a party point of view, to which the + nobleman replied in the spirited language quoted in the text. Lord + Hardwicke apologised. The bill was much modified, and the clauses + concerning the dismantling the city, and disbanding the guard, were + departed from. A fine of L2000 was imposed on the city for the benefit of + Porteous’s widow. She was contented to accept three-fourths of the sum, + the payment of which closed the transaction. It is remarkable, that, in + our day, the Magistrates of Edinburgh have had recourse to both those + measures, hold in such horror by their predecessors, as necessary steps + for the improvement of the city. + </p> + <p> + It may be here noticed, in explanation of another circumstance mentioned + in the text, that there is a tradition in Scotland, that George II., whose + irascible temper is said sometimes to have hurried him into expressing his + displeasure <i>par voie du fait,</i> offered to the Duke of Argyle in + angry audience, some menace of this nature, on which he left the presence + in high disdain, and with little ceremony. Sir Robert Walpole, having met + the Duke as he retired, and learning the cause of his resentment and + discomposure, endeavoured to reconcile him to what had happened by saying, + “Such was his Majesty’s way, and that he often took such liberties with + himself without meaning any harm.” This did not mend matters in + MacCallummore’s eyes, who replied, in great disdain, “You will please to + remember, Sir Robert, the infinite distance there is betwixt you and me.” + Another frequent expression of passion on the part of the same monarch, is + alluded to in the old Jacobite song— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The fire shall get both hat and wig, + As oft-times they’ve got a’ that. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="Alink2H_4_0047" id="Alink2H_4_0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTE P.—Expulsion of the Bishops from the Scottish Convention. + </h2> + <p> + For some time after the Scottish Convention had commenced its sittings, + the Scottish prelates retained their seats, and said prayers by rotation + to the meeting, until the character of the Convention became, through the + secession of Dundee, decidedly Presbyterian. Occasion was then taken on + the Bishop of Ross mentioning King James in his prayer, as him for whom + they watered their couch with tears. On this the Convention exclaimed, + they had no occasion for spiritual Lords, and commanded the Bishops to + depart and return no more, Montgomery of Skelmorley breaking at the same + time a coarse jest upon the scriptural expression used by the prelate. + Davie Deans’s oracle, Patrick Walker, gives this account of their + dismission. + </p> + <p> + “When they came out, some of the Convention said they wished the honest + lads knew they were put out, for then they would not get away with haill + (whole) gowns. All the fourteen gathered together with pale faces, and + stood in a cloud in the Parliament Close; James Wilson, Robert Neilson, + Francis Hislop, and myself, were standing close by them; Francis Hislop + with force thrust Robert Neilson upon them, their heads went hard on one + another. But there being so many enemies in the city fretting and gnashing + the teeth, waiting for an occasion to raise a mob, when undoubtedly blood + would have been shed, and having laid down conclusions amongst ourselves + to avoid giving the least occasion to all mobs, kept us from tearing off + their gowns. + </p> + <p> + “Their graceless Graces went quickly off, and there was neither bishop nor + curate seen in the street—this was a surprising sudden change not to + be forgotten. Some of us would have rejoiced near them in large sums to + have seen these Bishops sent legally down the Bow that they might have + found the weight of their tails in a tow to dry their tow-soles; that they + might know what hanging was, they having been active for themselves and + the main instigators to all the mischiefs, cruelties, and bloodshed of + that time, wherein the streets of Edinburgh and other places of the land + did run with the innocent precious dear blood of the Lord’s people.”—<i>Life + and Death of three famous Worthies</i> (Semple, etc.), by Patrick Walker. + Edin. 1727, pp. 72, 73. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2H_4_0048" id="Alink2H_4_0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTE Q.—Half-hanged Maggie Dickson. + </h2> + <p> + [In the Statistical Account of the Parish of Inveresk (vol. xvi. p. 34), + Dr. Carlyle says, “No person has been convicted of a capital felony since + the year 1728, when the famous Maggy Dickson was condemned and executed + for child-murder in the Grassmarket of Edinburgh, and was restored to life + in a cart on her way to Musselburgh to be buried . . . . . She kept an + ale-house in a neighbouring parish for many years after she came to life + again, which was much resorted to from curiosity.” After the body was cut + down and handed over to her relatives, her revival is attributed to the + jolting of the cart, and according to Robert Chambers,—taking a + retired road to Musselburgh, “they stopped near Peffer-mill to get a dram; + and when they came out from the house to resume their journey, Maggie was + sitting up in the cart.” Among the poems of Alexander Pennecuick (who died + in 1730), is one entitled “The Merry Wives of Musselburgh’s Welcome to Meg + Dickson;” while another broadside, without any date or author’s name, is + called “Margaret Dickson’s Penitential Confession,” containing these lines + referring to her conviction:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Who found me guilty of that barbarous crime, + And did, by law, end this wretched life of mine; + But God . . . . did me preserve,” etc. +</pre> + <p> + In another of these ephemeral productions hawked about the streets, + called, “A Ballad by J—n B—s,” are the following lines:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Please peruse the speech + Of ill-hanged Maggy Dickson. + Ere she was strung, the wicked wife + Was sainted by the Flamen (priest), + But now, since she’s retum’d to life, + Some say she’s the old samen.” + </pre> + <p> + In his reference to Maggie’s calling salt after her recovery, the Author + would appear to be alluding to another character who went by the name of + “saut <i>Maggie,</i>” and is represented in one or more old etchings about + 1790.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2H_4_0049" id="Alink2H_4_0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTE R.—Madge Wildfire. + </h2> + <p> + In taking leave of the poor maniac, the Author may here observe that the + first conception of the character, though afterwards greatly altered, was + taken from that of a person calling herself, and called by others, + Feckless Fannie (weak or feeble Fannie), who always travelled with a small + flock of sheep. The following account, furnished by the persevering + kindness of Mr. Train, contains, probably, all that can now be known of + her history, though many, among whom is the Author, may remember having + heard of Feckless Fannie in the days of their youth. + </p> + <p> + “My leisure hours,” says Mr. Train, “for some time past have been mostly + spent in searching for particulars relating to the maniac called Feckless + Fannie, who travelled over all Scotland and England, between the years + 1767 and 1775, and whose history is altogether so like a romance, that I + have been at all possible pains to collect every particular that can be + found relative to her in Galloway, or in Ayrshire. + </p> + <p> + “When Feckless Fannie appeared in Ayrshire, for the first time, in the + summer of 1769, she attracted much notice, from being attended by twelve + or thirteen sheep, who seemed all endued with faculties so much superior + to the ordinary race of animals of the same species, as to excite + universal astonishment. She had for each a different name, to which it + answered when called by its mistress, and would likewise obey in the most + surprising manner any command she thought proper to give. When travelling, + she always walked in front of her flock, and they followed her closely + behind. When she lay down at night in the fields, for she would never + enter into a house, they always disputed who should lie next to her, by + which means she was kept warm, while she lay in the midst of them; when + she attempted to rise from the ground, an old ram, whose name was Charlie, + always claimed the sole right of assisting her; pushing any that stood in + his way aside, until he arrived right before his mistress; he then bowed + his head nearly to the ground that she might lay her hands on his horns, + which were very large; he then lifted her gently from the ground by + raising his head. If she chanced to leave her flock feeding, as soon as + they discovered she was gone, they all began to bleat most piteously, and + would continue to do so till she returned; they would then testify their + joy by rubbing their sides against her petticoat and frisking about. + </p> + <p> + “Feckless Fannie was not, like most other demented creatures, fond of fine + dress; on her head she wore an old slouched hat, over her shoulders an old + plaid, and carried always in her hand a shepherd’s crook; with any of + these articles she invariably declared she would not part for any + consideration whatever. When she was interrogated why she set so much + value on things seemingly so insignificant, she would sometimes relate the + history of her misfortune, which was briefly as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “‘I am the only daughter of a wealthy squire in the north of England, but + I loved my father’s shepherd, and that has been my ruin; for my father, + fearing his family would be disgraced by such an alliance, in a passion + mortally wounded my lover with a shot from a pistol. I arrived just in + time to receive the last blessing of the dying man, and to close his eyes + in death. He bequeathed me his little all, but I only accepted these + sheep, to be my sole companions through life, and this hat, this plaid, + and this crook, all of which I will carry until I descend into the grave.’ + </p> + <p> + “This is the substance of a ballad, eighty-four lines of which I copied + down lately from the recitation of an old woman in this place, who says + she has seen it in print, with a plate on the title-page, representing + Fannie with her sheep behind her. As this ballad is said to have been + written by Lowe, the author of <i>Mary’s Dream,</i> I am surprised that it + has not been noticed by Cromek in his <i>Remains of Nithsdale and Galloway + Song;</i> but he perhaps thought it unworthy of a place in his collection, + as there is very little merit in the composition; which want of room + prevents me from transcribing at present. But if I thought you had never + seen it, I would take an early opportunity of doing so. + </p> + <p> + “After having made the tour of Galloway in 1769, as Fannie was wandering + in the neighbourhood of Moffat, on her way to Edinburgh, where, I am + informed, she was likewise well known, Old Charlie, her favourite ram, + chanced to break into a kale-yard, which the proprietor observing, let + loose a mastiff, that hunted the poor sheep to death. This was a sad + misfortune; it seemed to renew all the pangs which she formerly felt on + the death of her lover. She would not part from the side of her old friend + for several days, and it was with much difficulty she consented to allow + him to be buried; but still wishing to pay a tribute to his memory, she + covered his grave with moss, and fenced it round with osiers, and annually + returned to the same spot, and pulled the weeds from the grave and + repaired the fence. This is altogether like a romance; but I believe it is + really true that she did so. The grave of Charlie is still held sacred + even by the school-boys of the present day in that quarter. It is now, + perhaps, the only instance of the law of Kenneth being attended to, which + says, ‘The grave where anie that is slaine lieth buried, leave untilled + for seven years. Repute every grave holie so as thou be well advised, that + in no wise with thy feet thou tread upon it.’ + </p> + <p> + “Through the storms of winter, as well as in the milder seasons of the + year, she continued her wandering course, nor could she be prevented from + doing so, either by entreaty or promise of reward. The late Dr. Fullarton + of Rosemount, in the neighbourhood of Ayr, being well acquainted with her + father when in England, endeavoured, in a severe season, by every means in + his power, to detain her at Rosemount for a few days until the weather + should become more mild; but when she found herself rested a little, and + saw her sheep fed, she raised her crook, which was the signal she always + gave for the sheep to follow her, and off they all marched together. + </p> + <p> + “But the hour of poor Fannie’s dissolution was now at hand, and she seemed + anxious to arrive at the spot where she was to terminate her mortal + career. She proceeded to Glasgow, and while passing through that city a + crowd of idle boys, attracted by her singular appearance, together with + the novelty of seeing so many sheep obeying her command, began to ferment + her with their pranks, till she became so irritated that she pelted them + with bricks and stones, which they returned in such a manner, that she was + actually stoned to death between Glasgow and Anderston. + </p> + <p> + “To the real history of this singular individual credulity has attached + several superstitious appendages. It is said that the farmer who was the + cause of Charlie’s death shortly afterwards drowned himself in a peat-hag; + and that the hand with which a butcher in Kilinarnock struck one of the + other sheep became powerless, and withered to the very bone. In the summer + of 1769, when she was passing by New Cumnock, a young man, whose name was + William Forsyth, son of a farmer in the same parish, plagued her so much + that she wished he might never see the morn; upon which he went home and + hanged himself in his father’s barn. And I doubt not that many such + stories may yet be remembered in other parts where she had been.” + </p> + <p> + So far Mr. Train. The Author can only add to this narrative that Feckless + Fannie and her little flock were well known in the pastoral districts. In + attempting to introduce such a character into fiction, the Author felt the + risk of encountering a comparison with the Maria of Sterne; and, besides, + the mechanism of the story would have been as much retarded by Feckless + Fannie’s flock as the night march of Don Quixote was delayed by Sancho’s + tale of the sheep that were ferried over the river. + </p> + <p> + The Author has only to add, that notwithstanding the preciseness of his + friend Mr. Train’s statement, there may be some hopes that the outrage on + Feckless Fannie and her little flock was not carried to extremity. There + is no mention of any trial on account of it, which, had it occurred in the + manner stated, would have certainly taken place; and the Author has + understood that it was on the Border she was last seen, about the skirts + of the Cheviot hills, but without her little flock. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2H_4_0050" id="Alink2H_4_0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTE S.—Death of Francis Gordon. + </h2> + <p> + This exploit seems to have been one in which Patrick Walker prided himself + not a little; and there is reason to fear, that that excellent person + would have highly resented the attempt to associate another with him in + the slaughter of a King’s Life-Guardsman. Indeed, he would have had the + more right to be offended at losing any share of the glory, since the + party against Gordon was already three to one, besides having the + advantage of firearms. The manner in which he vindicates his claim to the + exploit, without committing himself by a direct statement of it, is not a + little amusing. It is as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “I shall give a brief and true account of that man’s death, which I did + not design to do while I was upon the stage; I resolve, indeed (if it be + the Lord’s will), to leave a more full account of that and many other + remarkable steps of the Lord’s dispensations towards me through my life. + It was then commonly said, that Francis Gordon was a volunteer out of + wickedness of principles, and could not stay with the troop, but was still + raging and ranging to catch hiding suffering people. Meldrum and Airly’s + troops, lying at Lanark upon the first day of March 1682, Mr. Gordon and + another wicked comrade, with their two servants and four horses, came to + Kilcaigow, two miles from Lanark, searching for William Caigow and others, + under hiding. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Gordon, rambling throw the town, offered to abuse the women. At + night, they came a mile further to the Easter-Seat, to Robert Muir’s, he + being also under hiding. Gordon’s comrade and the two servants went to + bed, but he could sleep none, roaring all night for women. When day came, + he took only his sword in his hand, and came to Moss-platt, and some new + men (who had been in the fields all night) seeing him, they fled, and he + pursued. James Wilson, Thomas Young, and myself, having been in a meeting + all night, were lying down in the morning. We were alarmed, thinking there + were many more than one; he pursued hard, and overtook us. Thomas Young + said, ‘Sir, what do ye pursue us for?’ He said, ‘he was come to send us to + hell.’ James Wilson said, ‘that shall not be, for we will defend + ourselves.’ He said, ‘that either he or we should go to it now.’ He run + his sword furiously throw James Wilson’s coat. James fired upon him, but + missed him. All this time he cried, ‘Damn his soul!’ He got a shot in his + head out of a pocket-pistol, rather fit for diverting a boy than killing + such a furious, mad, brisk man, which, notwithstanding, killed him dead. + The foresaid William Caigow and Robert Muir came to us. We searched him + for papers, and found a long scroll of sufferers’ names, either to kill or + take. I tore it all in pieces. He had also some Popish books and bonds of + money, with one dollar, which a poor man took off the ground; all which we + put in his pocket again. Thus, he was four miles from Lanark, and near a + mile from his comrade, seeking his own death and got it. And for as much + as we have been condemned for this, I could never see how any one could + condemn us that allows of self-defence, which the laws both of God and + nature allow to every creature. For my own part, my heart never smote me + for this. When I saw his blood run, I wished that all the blood of the + Lord’s stated and avowed enemies in Scotland had been in his veins. Having + such a clear call and opportunity, I would have rejoiced to have seen it + all gone out with a gush. I have many times wondered at the greater part + of the indulged, lukewarm ministers and professors in that time, who made + more noise of murder, when one of these enemies had been killed even in + our own defence, than of twenty of us being murdered by them. None of + these men present was challenged for this but myself. Thomas Young + thereafter suffered at Mauchline, but was not challenged for this; Robert + Muir was banished; James Wilson outlived the persecution; Williarn Caigow + died in the Canongate Tolbooth, in the beginning of 1685. Mr. Wodrow is + misinformed, who says that he suffered unto death.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="Alink2H_4_0051" id="Alink2H_4_0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTE T.—Tolling to Service in Scotland. + </h2> + <p> + In the old days of Scotland, when persons of property (unless they + happened to be non-jurors) were as regular as their inferiors in + attendance on parochial worship, there was a kind of etiquette, in waiting + till the patron or acknowledged great man of the parish should make his + appearance. This ceremonial was so sacred in the eyes of a parish beadle + in the Isle of Bute, that the kirk bell being out of order, he is said to + have mounted the steeple every Sunday, to imitate with his voice the + successive summonses which its mouth of metal used to send forth. The + first part of this imitative harmony was simply the repetition of the + words <i>Bell bell, bell bell,</i> two or three times in a manner as much + resembling the sound as throat of flesh could imitate throat of iron. <i>Bellu’m! + bellu’m!</i> was sounded forth in a more urgent manner; but he never sent + forth the third and conclusive peal, the varied tone of which is called in + Scotland the ringing-in, until the two principal heritors of the parish + approached, when the chime ran thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Bellu’m Belle’llum, + Bernera and Knockdow’s coming! + Bellu’m Belle’llum, + Bernera and Knockdow’s coming! +</pre> + <p> + Thereby intimating that service was instantly to proceed. + </p> + <p> + [Mr. Mackinlay of Borrowstounness, a native of Bute, states that Sir + Walter Scott had this story from Sir Adam Ferguson; but that the gallant + knight had not given the lairds’ titles correctly—the bellman’s + great men being “Craich, Drumbuie, and Barnernie!”—1842.] + </p> + +<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HEART OF MID-LOTHIAN ***</div> +<div style='text-align:left'> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will +be renamed. +</div> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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