apologise. A bonny figure I would be with a broadsword. Ay! ay!"

she went on, "you're none such a bad lad in your way; I think ye'll

have some redeeming vices. But, O! Davit Balfour, ye're damned

countryfeed. Ye'll have to win over that, lad; ye'll have to

soople your back-bone, and think a wee pickle less of your dainty

self; and ye'll have to try to find out that women-folk are nae

grenadiers. But that can never be. To your last day you'll ken no

more of women-folk than what I do of sow-gelding."

I had never been used with such expressions from a lady's tongue,

the only two ladies I had known, Mrs. Campbell and my mother, being

most devout and most particular women; and I suppose my amazement

must have been depicted in my countenance, for Mrs. Ogilvy burst

forth suddenly in a fit of laughter.

"Keep me!" she cried, struggling with her mirth, "you have the

finest timber face--and you to marry the daughter of a Hieland

cateran! Davie, my dear, I think we'll have to make a match of it-

-if it was just to see the weans. And now," she went on, "there's

no manner of service in your daidling here, for the young woman is

from home, and it's my fear that the old woman is no suitable

companion for your father's son. Forbye that I have nobody but

myself to look after my reputation, and have been long enough alone

with a sedooctive youth. And come back another day for your

saxpence!" she cried after me as I left.

My skirmish with this disconcerting lady gave my thoughts a

boldness they had otherwise wanted. For two days the image of

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