Reminiscences of Scottish Life and Characte; In Two Part (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1862 edition. Excerpt: ... as it had risen. "Well, Peter, I am sure you are not afraid to die. You have been a faithful servant, and in every respec good." The answer was--"Ah, Sir Michael, it's Me ye ken. There are mony whaups in the raip in sbty (seventy) lang years, and the warst o 't a' is that we forget them--foiiget our sins, but (pointing to the heavens) they are a."narked down yonder, Sir MichaeL" By the time I came to the parish, most of the old servants at Castlemilk were gone, but there were some note-worthy in my younger days. Saunders Denholm had been servant, I believe, all his days in the house. He used to boast that but for the Bar Sinister that was on his shield, he would have been laird of Coltness. Nevertheless, he counted not a little on his pedigree, and was quite the major-domo. Like others, he had his favourites, and took care to tell them when there was anything good in the house. If a glass of water was asked for, the significant hint was given, "we have famous beer just now." Saunders, however, had his failing--the Scotch failing--and when he was in his cups was sure to quarrel with Lady Stuart. He gave up his place, and was going immediately "to Kilbride." No mortal could ever tell why he fixed on that place as his future residence, for he had been in no way connected with it through life. "I'm awa' to Kilbride, my lady." "Very well, be quick." "I'm awa' to Kilbride." "Ou, are ye no awa' yet?" The door opens for the third time--" Noo mind, it's i' your wyte." "Ou ay, it's a' my wyte." The tears of penitence and humble confession came in the morning. The old labourers about the place would have been denied the privilege of the entre by the domestics, but, happily for them, there was a back stair that lent its influence in their favour. A gentle...