A Highland Chronicle (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. 1892 Excerpt: ...the bud, before it could ripen into mischief. "James," she said, in her stateliest manner, "I wad speak wi' Janet, and winna keep ye langer frae your duties. We can bear each other company for the rest of the afternoon, whiles ye are mindin' mony things that hae fallen into neglect in the past few weeks." There was no resisting this tone without forcing a quarrel in Janet's presence, which could do no good and would only cause her pain and distress. So the old lady froze him out of the room, leaving Janet waiting, in terror, the lingering torture. "Janet," said Mrs. Muir, in icy tones, "I am bound to set matters right in behalf o' my twa sons, wha are baith deceived by you. In the mornin' ye bid me carry your plighted word to my son Thomas, which I did, and in the evening ye pledge your troth to my eldest son. I can tell ye that I winna hae a double-faced daughter, and claim the right to ken what a' this miserable pother means." Janet waited a moment and then answered calmly: "Ye hae right, my Leddy, to ask, and I am unco glad to hae the chance to tell ye the simple truth. I hae plighted my troth to Jamie and to none ither; for I didna gie ye my promise for Thomas in the mornin'." Mrs. Muir looked her fiercely in the face while she said, in a tone of forced restraint: "Wi' me a lie winna serve ony purpose, however willin' Jamie may be to tak' them aff your rosy lips. It is aye better for women to deal plainly wi' ane anither." "I hae told ye the truth, and it is my purpose to hae patience to tell it fully, for this is due to mysel'; but when I hae told ye a', I winna bide, my Leddy, to hear my word put in question," said Janet firmly. "Ye'll hear me speak my mind so lang as ye bide u...