acquired in trade. This money was loudly called for by my lord's

necessities; indeed the land was deeply mortgaged; and Miss Alison

was designed accordingly to be the Master's wife, gladly enough on

her side; with how much good-will on his, is another matter. She

was a comely girl, and in those days very spirited and self-willed;

for the old lord having no daughter of his own, and my lady being

long dead, she had grown up as best she might.

To these four came the news of Prince Charlie's landing, and set

them presently by the ears. My lord, like the chimney-keeper that

he was, was all for temporising. Miss Alison held the other side,

because it appeared romantical; and the Master (though I have heard

they did not agree often) was for this once of her opinion. The

adventure tempted him, as I conceive; he was tempted by the

opportunity to raise the fortunes of the house, and not less by the

hope of paying off his private liabilities, which were heavy beyond

all opinion. As for Mr. Henry, it appears he said little enough at

first; his part came later on. It took the three a whole day's

disputation, before they agreed to steer a middle course, one son

going forth to strike a blow for King James, my lord and the other

staying at home to keep in favour with King George. Doubtless this

was my lord's decision; and, as is well known, it was the part

played by many considerable families. But the one dispute settled,

another opened. For my lord, Miss Alison, and Mr. Henry all held

the one view: that it was the cadet's part to go out; and the

Master, what with restlessness and vanity, would at no rate consent

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