Highland Lassies, or the Roua Pass (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. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXH. WEDDINGS IS PROSPECT. A' o' my dreams o' warld's guid Aye were turned wi' thee, I But I leant on a broken reed, Which soon was ta'en frae rrie, Ta'en frae me.--Gaelic. Oh hold your tongue o' your weeping, O' your weeping let me be, I will show you where the lilies grow On the banks o' Italie.--Scott. Glenbenkough and Ishbel welcomed Esme back, each with characteristic warmth; and old Cameron, the butler, testified his approbation of her return by unbiddenly uncorking a bottle of champagne at dinner, and filling the glasses, exultingly nodding with satisfaction when he observed the quiet smile on the laird's face as he proposed, in consequence, the toast of Esm6's health. The post (which arrived irregularly during the winter months) brought a budget of letters with the dessert. There were, amongst others, two from Norah, and one from Lady Lauriston. Some time ago Norah had written an account of Mr. Marchmoram's triumphant return for Lillsdale, and the brilliant ball given in consequence at Brittonberg Castle, where Lady Ida had moved and looked a queen amongst them all. Harold had led Norah through that magnificent scene; for which he had presented her with an exquisite bouquet. Marchmoram, the hero of it, had looked unhappy--alternately excited and gloomy--and left for London the succeeding day. The letters received now, arrived after a long detention, one of seven and the other of five days, on the snowy Highland road. The first contained the routine of her daily life, and of the Lauristons' ever-continued kindness. For weeks past Harold's name had held conspicuous place in Norah's letters: she seemed to meet him constantly, and to see him also very frequently at Fairleigh Hall; but in this his name was scarcely mentioned, and only incident...