CalvinU/project-gutenberg · Datasets at Hugging Face

book_id int64 19 72.2k	title stringlengths 2 416	sentence string
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	A rapid and agitated disclosure of her feelings and situation followed.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	Charles, on the spot, resolved, at all hazards, rather to make her his wife at once, and to face the worst that might in consequence happen from his father's displeasure, than allow her to remain exposed to such contumelious treatment.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	Accordingly, it was agreed that they should be married, and on the Monday following, the ceremony was performed, when he conducted her to a lodging which he had provided in the interval.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	CHAPTER XVI
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	On the morning after his marriage, Charles was anxious, doubtful, and diffident.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	His original intention was to go at once to his father, to state what he had done, and to persuade him, if possible, to overlook a step, that, from its suddenness, might be deemed rash, but, from the source and motives from which it proceeded, could, he thought, be regarded only as praiseworthy.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	Still, though this was his own opinion, he, nevertheless, had some idea that the old gentleman would not view it exactly in the same light; and the feeling which this doubt awakened made him hesitate at first, and finally to seek a mediator.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	He had long remarked, that 'the leddy,' his grandmother, sustained a part of great dignity towards his father; and he concluded, from the effect it appeared to produce, that her superiority was fully acknowledged.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	Under this delusion, after some consideration of the bearings and peculiarities of his case, he determined to try her interference, and, for that purpose, instead of going to Grippy, as he had originally intended, when he left Isabella, he proceeded to the house of the old lady, where he found her at home and alone.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	The moment he entered her sitting-room, she perceived that his mind was laden with something which pressed heavily on his feelings; and she said, 'What has vext you, Charlie?
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	has your father been severe upon you for ony misdemeanour, or hae ye done any thing that ye're afeared to tell?'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	In the expression of these sentiments, she had touched the sensitive cord, that, at the moment, was fastened to his heart.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'I'm sure,' was his reply, 'that I hae done no ill, and dinna ken why I should be frightened in thinking on what every bodie that can feel and reflect will approve.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'What is't?' said the leddy, thoughtfully: 'What is't?
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	If it's aught good, let me partake the solace wi' you; and if it's bad speak it out, that a remedy may be, as soon as possible, applied.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'Bell Fatherlans,' was his answer; but he could only articulate her name.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'Poor lassie,' said the venerable gentlewoman, 'her lot's hard, and I'm wae both for your sake and hers, Charlie, that your father's so dure as to stand against your marriage in the way he does.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	But he was ay a bargainer; alack!
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	the world is made up o' bargainers; and a heart wi' a right affection is no an article o' meikle repute in the common market o' man and woman.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	Poor genty Bell!
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	I wish it had been in my power to hae sweetened her lot; for I doubt and fear she's oure thin-skinned to thole long the needles and prins o' Miss Mally Trimmings' short temper; and, what's far waur, the tawpy taunts of her pridefu' customers.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'She could suffer them no longer, nor would I let her,' replied the bridegroom, encouraged by these expressions to disclose the whole extent of his imprudence.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	Mrs. Hypel did not immediately return any answer, but sat for a few moments thoughtful, we might, indeed, say sorrowful--she then said, 'Ye should na, Charlie, speak to me.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	I canna help you, my dear, though I hae the will.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	Gang to your father and tell him a', and if he winna do what ye wish, then, my poor bairn, bravely trust to Providence, that gars the heart beat as it should beat, in spite o' a' the devices o' man.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'I fear,' replied Charles, with simplicity, 'that I hae done that already, for Bell and me were married yesterday.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	I could na suffer to see her snooled and cast down any longer by every fat-pursed wife that would triumph and glory in a new gown.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'Married, Charlie!' said the old lady with an accent of surprise, mingled with sorrow; 'Married!
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	weel, that's a step that canna be untrodden, and your tribulation is proof enough to me that you are awakened to the consequence.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	But what's to be done?'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'Nothing, Mem, but only to speak a kind word for us to my father,' was the still simple answer of the simple young husband.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'I'll speak for you, Charlie, I can do that, and I'll be happy and proud to gie you a' the countenance in my power; but your father, Charlie--the gude forgie me because he is your father--I'm darkened and dubious when I think o' him.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'I hae a notion,' replied Charles, 'that we need be no cess on him: we're content to live in a sma' way; only I would like my wife to be countenanced as becomes her ain family, and mair especially because she is mine, so that, if my father will be pleased to tak her, and regard her as his gude-dochter, I'll ask nothing for the present, but do my part, as an honest and honourable man, to the very uttermost o' my ability.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	The kind and venerable old woman was profoundly moved by the earnest and frank spirit in which this was said; and she assured him, that so wise and so discreet a resolution could not fail to make his father look with a compassionate eye on his generous imprudence.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	So gae your ways home to Bell,' said she, 'and counsel and comfort her; the day's raw, but I'll even now away to the Grippy to intercede for you, and by the gloaming be you here wi' your bonny bride, and I trust, as I wish, to hae glad tidings for you baith.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	Charles, with great ardour and energy, expressed the sense which he felt of the old lady's kindness and partiality, but still he doubted the successful result of the mission she had undertaken.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	Nevertheless, her words inspired hope, and hope was the charm that spread over the prospects of Isabella and of himself, the light, the verdure, and the colours which enriched and filled the distant and future scenes of their expectations with fairer and brighter promises than they were ever destined to enjoy.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	CHAPTER XVII Claud was sitting at the window when he discovered his mother-in-law coming slowly towards the house, and he said to his wife,-- 'In the name o' gude, Girzy, what can hae brought your mother frae the town on sic a day as this?'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'I hope,' replied the Leddy of Grippy, 'that nothing's the matter wi' Charlie, for he promised to be out on Sabbath to his dinner, and never came.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	In saying these words, she went hastily to the door to meet her mother, the appearance of whose countenance at the moment was not calculated to allay her maternal fears.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	Indeed, the old lady scarcely spoke to her daughter, but walking straight into the dining-room where Grippy himself was sitting, took a seat on a chair, and then threw off her cloak on the back of it, before she uttered a word.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'What's wrang, grannie?' said Claud, rising from his seat at the window, and coming towards her.--'What's wrang, ye seem fashed?'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'In truth, Mr. Walkinshaw, I hae cause,' was the reply--'poor Charlie!'-- 'What's happen'd to him?' exclaimed his mother.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'Has he met wi' ony misfortunate accident?'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	inquired the father.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'I hope it's no a misfortune,' said the old lady, somewhat recovering her self-possession.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'At the same time, it's what I jealouse, Grippy, ye'll
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	no be vera content to hear.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'What is't?' cried the father sharply, a little tantalized.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'Has he broken his leg?' said the mother.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'Haud that clavering tongue o' thine, Girzy,' exclaimed the Laird peevishly; 'wilt t'ou ne'er devaul' wi' sca'ding thy lips in other folks' kail?' 'He had amaist met wi' far waur than a broken leg,' interposed the grandmother.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	His heart was amaist broken.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'It maun be unco brittle,' said Claud, with a hem.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	But what's the need o' this summering and wintering anent it?--Tell us what has happened?'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'Ye're a parent, Mr. Walkinshaw,' replied the old lady seriously, 'and I think ye hae a fatherly regard for Charlie; but I'll be plain wi' you.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	I doubt ye hae na a right consideration for the gentle nature of the poor lad; and it's that which gars me doubt and fear that what I hae to say will no be agreeable.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	Claud said nothing in answer to this, but sat down in a chair on the right side of his mother-in-law, his wife having in the meantime taken a seat on the other side.--The old lady continued,-- 'At the same time, Mr. Walkinshaw, ye're a reasonable man, and what I'm come about is a matter that maun just be endured.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	In short, it's nothing less than to say, that, considering Fatherlans' misfortunes, ye ought to hae alloo't
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	Charlie and Isabella to hae been married, for it's a sad situation she was placed in--a meek and gentle creature like her was na fit to bide the flyte and flights o' the Glasgow leddies.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	She paused, in the expectation that Claud would make some answer, but he still remained silent.--Mrs.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	Walkinshaw, however, spoke,-- ''Deed, mither, that's just what I said--for ye
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	ken
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	it's an awfu' thing to thwart a true affection.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	Troth is't, gudeman; and ye should think what would hae been your ain tender feelings had my father stoppit our wedding after a' was settled.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'There was some difference between the twa cases,' said the Dowager of Plealands dryly to her daughter;--'neither
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	you nor Mr. Walkinshaw were so young as Charlie and Miss Fatherlans--that was something--and maybe there was a difference, too, in the character of the parties.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	Hows'ever, Mr. Walkinshaw, marriages are made in heaven; and it's no in the power and faculty of man to controvert the coming to pass o' what is ordained to be.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	Charlie Walkinshaw and Bell Fatherlans were a couple marrowed by their Maker, and it's no right to stand in the way of their happiness.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'I'm sure,' said Claud, now breaking silence, 'it can ne'er be said that I'm ony bar till't.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	I would only fain try a year's probation in case it's but calf-love.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	Mrs. Hypel shook her head as she said,--'It's vera prudent o' you, but ye canna put auld heads on young shouthers.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	In a word, Mr. Walkinshaw, it's no reasonable to expek that young folk, so encouraged in their mutual affection as they were, can thole so lang as ye would wish.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	The days o' sic courtships as Jacob's and Rachel's are lang past.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'I but bade them bide a year,' replied Claud.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'A year's an unco time to love; but to make a lang tale short, what might hae been foreseen has come to pass, the fond young things hae gotten themselves married.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'No possible!' exclaimed Claud, starting from his chair, which he instantly resumed.-- 'Weel,' said Mrs. Walkinshaw,--'if e'er I heard the like o' that!--Our
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	Charlie a married man!
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	the head o' a family!'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	The old lady took no notice of these and other interjections of the same meaning, which her daughter continued to vent, but looking askance and steadily at Claud, who seemed for a minute deeply and moodily agitated, she said,-- 'Ye say nothing, Mr. Walkinshaw.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'What can I say?' was his answer.--'I had a better hope for Charlie,--I thought the year would hae cooled him,--and am sure Miss Betty Bodle would hae been a better bargain.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'Miss Betty Bodle!' exclaimed the grandmother, 'she's a perfect tawpy.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'Weel, weel,' said Grippy, 'it mak's no odds noo what she is,--Charlie has ravelled the skein o' his own fortune, and maun wind it as he can.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'That will be no ill to do, Mr. Walkinshaw, wi' your helping hand.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	He's your first born, and a better-hearted lad never lived.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'Nae doubt I maun help him,--there can be nae doubt o' that; but he canna expek, and the world can ne'er expek, that I'll do for him what I might hae done had he no been so rash and disobedient.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'Very true, Mr. Walkinshaw,' said the gratified old lady, happy to find that the reconciliation was so easily effected; and proud to be the messenger of such glad tidings to the young couple, she soon after returned to Glasgow.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	But scarcely had she left the house, when Claud appeared strangely disturbed,--at one moment he ran hastily towards his scrutoire, and opened it, and greedily seized the title-deeds of his property,--the next he closed it thoughtfully, and retreating to his seat, sat down in silence.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'What's the matter wi' you, gudeman?
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	ye were na sae fashed when my mother was here,' said his wife.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'I'll do nothing rashly--I'll do nothing rashly,' was the mysterious reply.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'Eh, mither, mither,' cried Walter, bolting into the room,--'what would you think, our Charlie's grown a wife's gudeman like my father.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'Out o' my sight, ye ranting cuif,' exclaimed Claud, in a rapture of rage, which so intimidated Walter that he fled in terror.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'It's dreadfu' to be sae tempted,--and a' the gude to gang to sic a haverel,' added Claud, in a low troubled accent, as he turned away and walked towards the window.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'Nae doubt,' said his wife, 'it's an awfu' thing to hear o' sic disobedience as Charlie in his rashness has been guilty o'.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'It is, it is,' replied her husband, 'and many a ane for far less hae disinherited their sons,--cut them off wi' a shilling.'
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'That's true,' rejoined the Leddy of Grippy.
44,573	The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy	'Did na Kilmarkeckle gie his only daughter but the legacy o' his curse, for running away wi' the Englisher captain, and leave a' to his niece Betty Bodle?' '

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

A rapid and agitated disclosure of her feelings and situation followed.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

Charles, on the spot, resolved, at all hazards, rather to make her his wife at once, and to face the worst that might in consequence happen from his father's displeasure, than allow her to remain exposed to such contumelious treatment.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

Accordingly, it was agreed that they should be married, and on the Monday following, the ceremony was performed, when he conducted her to a lodging which he had provided in the interval.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

CHAPTER XVI

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

On the morning after his marriage, Charles was anxious, doubtful, and diffident.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

His original intention was to go at once to his father, to state what he had done, and to persuade him, if possible, to overlook a step, that, from its suddenness, might be deemed rash, but, from the source and motives from which it proceeded, could, he thought, be regarded only as praiseworthy.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

Still, though this was his own opinion, he, nevertheless, had some idea that the old gentleman would not view it exactly in the same light; and the feeling which this doubt awakened made him hesitate at first, and finally to seek a mediator.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

He had long remarked, that 'the leddy,' his grandmother, sustained a part of great dignity towards his father; and he concluded, from the effect it appeared to produce, that her superiority was fully acknowledged.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

Under this delusion, after some consideration of the bearings and peculiarities of his case, he determined to try her interference, and, for that purpose, instead of going to Grippy, as he had originally intended, when he left Isabella, he proceeded to the house of the old lady, where he found her at home and alone.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

The moment he entered her sitting-room, she perceived that his mind was laden with something which pressed heavily on his feelings; and she said, 'What has vext you, Charlie?

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

has your father been severe upon you for ony misdemeanour, or hae ye done any thing that ye're afeared to tell?'

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

In the expression of these sentiments, she had touched the sensitive cord, that, at the moment, was fastened to his heart.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

'I'm sure,' was his reply, 'that I hae done no ill, and dinna ken why I should be frightened in thinking on what every bodie that can feel and reflect will approve.'

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

'What is't?' said the leddy, thoughtfully: 'What is't?

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

If it's aught good, let me partake the solace wi' you; and if it's bad speak it out, that a remedy may be, as soon as possible, applied.'

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

'Bell Fatherlans,' was his answer; but he could only articulate her name.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

'Poor lassie,' said the venerable gentlewoman, 'her lot's hard, and I'm wae both for your sake and hers, Charlie, that your father's so dure as to stand against your marriage in the way he does.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

But he was ay a bargainer; alack!

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

the world is made up o' bargainers; and a heart wi' a right affection is no an article o' meikle repute in the common market o' man and woman.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

Poor genty Bell!

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

I wish it had been in my power to hae sweetened her lot; for I doubt and fear she's oure thin-skinned to thole long the needles and prins o' Miss Mally Trimmings' short temper; and, what's far waur, the tawpy taunts of her pridefu' customers.'

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

'She could suffer them no longer, nor would I let her,' replied the bridegroom, encouraged by these expressions to disclose the whole extent of his imprudence.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

Mrs. Hypel did not immediately return any answer, but sat for a few moments thoughtful, we might, indeed, say sorrowful--she then said, 'Ye should na, Charlie, speak to me.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

I canna help you, my dear, though I hae the will.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

Gang to your father and tell him a', and if he winna do what ye wish, then, my poor bairn, bravely trust to Providence, that gars the heart beat as it should beat, in spite o' a' the devices o' man.'

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

'I fear,' replied Charles, with simplicity, 'that I hae done that already, for Bell and me were married yesterday.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

I could na suffer to see her snooled and cast down any longer by every fat-pursed wife that would triumph and glory in a new gown.'

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

'Married, Charlie!' said the old lady with an accent of surprise, mingled with sorrow; 'Married!

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

weel, that's a step that canna be untrodden, and your tribulation is proof enough to me that you are awakened to the consequence.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

But what's to be done?'

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

'Nothing, Mem, but only to speak a kind word for us to my father,' was the still simple answer of the simple young husband.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

'I'll speak for you, Charlie, I can do that, and I'll be happy and proud to gie you a' the countenance in my power; but your father, Charlie--the gude forgie me because he is your father--I'm darkened and dubious when I think o' him.'

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

'I hae a notion,' replied Charles, 'that we need be no cess on him: we're content to live in a sma' way; only I would like my wife to be countenanced as becomes her ain family, and mair especially because she is mine, so that, if my father will be pleased to tak her, and regard her as his gude-dochter, I'll ask nothing for the present, but do my part, as an honest and honourable man, to the very uttermost o' my ability.'

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

The kind and venerable old woman was profoundly moved by the earnest and frank spirit in which this was said; and she assured him, that so wise and so discreet a resolution could not fail to make his father look with a compassionate eye on his generous imprudence.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

'

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

So gae your ways home to Bell,' said she, 'and counsel and comfort her; the day's raw, but I'll even now away to the Grippy to intercede for you, and by the gloaming be you here wi' your bonny bride, and I trust, as I wish, to hae glad tidings for you baith.'

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

Charles, with great ardour and energy, expressed the sense which he felt of the old lady's kindness and partiality, but still he doubted the successful result of the mission she had undertaken.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

Nevertheless, her words inspired hope, and hope was the charm that spread over the prospects of Isabella and of himself, the light, the verdure, and the colours which enriched and filled the distant and future scenes of their expectations with fairer and brighter promises than they were ever destined to enjoy.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

CHAPTER XVII Claud was sitting at the window when he discovered his mother-in-law coming slowly towards the house, and he said to his wife,-- 'In the name o' gude, Girzy, what can hae brought your mother frae the town on sic a day as this?'

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

'I hope,' replied the Leddy of Grippy, 'that nothing's the matter wi' Charlie, for he promised to be out on Sabbath to his dinner, and never came.'

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

In saying these words, she went hastily to the door to meet her mother, the appearance of whose countenance at the moment was not calculated to allay her maternal fears.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

Indeed, the old lady scarcely spoke to her daughter, but walking straight into the dining-room where Grippy himself was sitting, took a seat on a chair, and then threw off her cloak on the back of it, before she uttered a word.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

'What's wrang, grannie?' said Claud, rising from his seat at the window, and coming towards her.--'What's wrang, ye seem fashed?'

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

'In truth, Mr. Walkinshaw, I hae cause,' was the reply--'poor Charlie!'-- 'What's happen'd to him?' exclaimed his mother.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

'Has he met wi' ony misfortunate accident?'

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

inquired the father.

44,573

The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

'I hope it's no a misfortune,' said the old lady, somewhat recovering her self-possession.

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The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

'At the same time, it's what I jealouse, Grippy, ye'll

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no be vera content to hear.'

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'What is't?' cried the father sharply, a little tantalized.

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'Has he broken his leg?' said the mother.

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'Haud that clavering tongue o' thine, Girzy,' exclaimed the Laird peevishly; 'wilt t'ou ne'er devaul' wi' sca'ding thy lips in other folks' kail?' 'He had amaist met wi' far waur than a broken leg,' interposed the grandmother.

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'

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His heart was amaist broken.'

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'It maun be unco brittle,' said Claud, with a hem.

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The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

'

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But what's the need o' this summering and wintering anent it?--Tell us what has happened?'

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The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

'Ye're a parent, Mr. Walkinshaw,' replied the old lady seriously, 'and I think ye hae a fatherly regard for Charlie; but I'll be plain wi' you.

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The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

I doubt ye hae na a right consideration for the gentle nature of the poor lad; and it's that which gars me doubt and fear that what I hae to say will no be agreeable.'

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The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

Claud said nothing in answer to this, but sat down in a chair on the right side of his mother-in-law, his wife having in the meantime taken a seat on the other side.--The old lady continued,-- 'At the same time, Mr. Walkinshaw, ye're a reasonable man, and what I'm come about is a matter that maun just be endured.

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The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

In short, it's nothing less than to say, that, considering Fatherlans' misfortunes, ye ought to hae alloo't

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Charlie and Isabella to hae been married, for it's a sad situation she was placed in--a meek and gentle creature like her was na fit to bide the flyte and flights o' the Glasgow leddies.'

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She paused, in the expectation that Claud would make some answer, but he still remained silent.--Mrs.

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Walkinshaw, however, spoke,-- ''Deed, mither, that's just what I said--for ye

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ken

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it's an awfu' thing to thwart a true affection.

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The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

Troth is't, gudeman; and ye should think what would hae been your ain tender feelings had my father stoppit our wedding after a' was settled.'

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'There was some difference between the twa cases,' said the Dowager of Plealands dryly to her daughter;--'neither

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you nor Mr. Walkinshaw were so young as Charlie and Miss Fatherlans--that was something--and maybe there was a difference, too, in the character of the parties.

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Hows'ever, Mr. Walkinshaw, marriages are made in heaven; and it's no in the power and faculty of man to controvert the coming to pass o' what is ordained to be.

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The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

Charlie Walkinshaw and Bell Fatherlans were a couple marrowed by their Maker, and it's no right to stand in the way of their happiness.'

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'I'm sure,' said Claud, now breaking silence, 'it can ne'er be said that I'm ony bar till't.

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I would only fain try a year's probation in case it's but calf-love.'

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Mrs. Hypel shook her head as she said,--'It's vera prudent o' you, but ye canna put auld heads on young shouthers.

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In a word, Mr. Walkinshaw, it's no reasonable to expek that young folk, so encouraged in their mutual affection as they were, can thole so lang as ye would wish.

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The days o' sic courtships as Jacob's and Rachel's are lang past.'

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'I but bade them bide a year,' replied Claud.

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'A year's an unco time to love; but to make a lang tale short, what might hae been foreseen has come to pass, the fond young things hae gotten themselves married.'

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'No possible!' exclaimed Claud, starting from his chair, which he instantly resumed.-- 'Weel,' said Mrs. Walkinshaw,--'if e'er I heard the like o' that!--Our

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Charlie a married man!

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the head o' a family!'

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The old lady took no notice of these and other interjections of the same meaning, which her daughter continued to vent, but looking askance and steadily at Claud, who seemed for a minute deeply and moodily agitated, she said,-- 'Ye say nothing, Mr. Walkinshaw.'

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'What can I say?' was his answer.--'I had a better hope for Charlie,--I thought the year would hae cooled him,--and am sure Miss Betty Bodle would hae been a better bargain.'

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'Miss Betty Bodle!' exclaimed the grandmother, 'she's a perfect tawpy.'

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'Weel, weel,' said Grippy, 'it mak's no odds noo what she is,--Charlie has ravelled the skein o' his own fortune, and maun wind it as he can.'

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'That will be no ill to do, Mr. Walkinshaw, wi' your helping hand.

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He's your first born, and a better-hearted lad never lived.'

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'Nae doubt I maun help him,--there can be nae doubt o' that; but he canna expek, and the world can ne'er expek, that I'll do for him what I might hae done had he no been so rash and disobedient.'

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'Very true, Mr. Walkinshaw,' said the gratified old lady, happy to find that the reconciliation was so easily effected; and proud to be the messenger of such glad tidings to the young couple, she soon after returned to Glasgow.

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But scarcely had she left the house, when Claud appeared strangely disturbed,--at one moment he ran hastily towards his scrutoire, and opened it, and greedily seized the title-deeds of his property,--the next he closed it thoughtfully, and retreating to his seat, sat down in silence.

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The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy

'What's the matter wi' you, gudeman?

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ye were na sae fashed when my mother was here,' said his wife.

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'I'll do nothing rashly--I'll do nothing rashly,' was the mysterious reply.

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'Eh, mither, mither,' cried Walter, bolting into the room,--'what would you think, our Charlie's grown a wife's gudeman like my father.'

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'Out o' my sight, ye ranting cuif,' exclaimed Claud, in a rapture of rage, which so intimidated Walter that he fled in terror.

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'It's dreadfu' to be sae tempted,--and a' the gude to gang to sic a haverel,' added Claud, in a low troubled accent, as he turned away and walked towards the window.

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'Nae doubt,' said his wife, 'it's an awfu' thing to hear o' sic disobedience as Charlie in his rashness has been guilty o'.'

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'It is, it is,' replied her husband, 'and many a ane for far less hae disinherited their sons,--cut them off wi' a shilling.'

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'That's true,' rejoined the Leddy of Grippy.

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'Did na Kilmarkeckle gie his only daughter but the legacy o' his curse, for running away wi' the Englisher captain, and leave a' to his niece Betty Bodle?' '