cause, I stood there staring like a fool. On her side, as she had

not known there was anyone so near, she looked at me a little

longer, and perhaps with more surprise, than was entirely civil.

It went through my country head she might be wondering at my new

clothes; with that, I blushed to my hair, and at the sight of my

colouring it is to be supposed she drew her own conclusions, for

she moved her gillies farther down the close, and they fell again

to this dispute, where I could hear no more of it.

I had often admired a lassie before then, if scarce so sudden and

strong; and it was rather my disposition to withdraw than to come

forward, for I was much in fear of mockery from the womenkind. You

would have thought I had now all the more reason to pursue my

common practice, since I had met this young lady in the city

street, seemingly following a prisoner, and accompanied with two

very ragged indecent-like Highlandmen. But there was here a

different ingredient; it was plain the girl thought I had been

prying in her secrets; and with my new clothes and sword, and at

the top of my new fortunes, this was more than I could swallow.

The beggar on horseback could not bear to be thrust down so low,

or, at least of it, not by this young lady.

I followed, accordingly, and took off my new hat to her the best

that I was able.

"Madam," said I, "I think it only fair to myself to let you

understand I have no Gaelic. It is true I was listening, for I

have friends of my own across the Highland line, and the sound of

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