CHAPTER IV.
THE FIRST LETTER.
We left Mr. Brown proceeding on his way towards Mr. McKay's residence with his lordship's note. Mounted on a spirited horse, and dressed in his best livery, with his mind meditating on the sensation his appearance would create on the ignorant people he was going to visit. Approaching Mr. McKay's house in a swinging canter, the first person he encountered after springing out of his saddle with a cavalier air, was Mary Grant, who had been wondering what stylish gentleman was coming.
Brown, who was instantly struck with the pretty Highland lassie, brought all his fascinating powers to bear in order to take her tender heart by storm. Approaching her with a theatrical air, he presented Mr. McKay's note, at the same time placing his left hand on his heart, making a low bow, and addressing her in the following strain:—
"Hadorable Hangel, padon my presumption in presenting you with a billet which his lodship has done me the honour to convey to Mr. Maky, the gentleman of this Hestablishment."
Never before having been addressed in such high-flown language, moreover by such a handsome and well-dressed gentleman, Mary tripped away gaily on her mission, delivered the note to Mr. McKay, who, on perusing it, sent her back immediately to conduct the bearer to a room, where he was to be treated to eatables and drink.
On executing her commission, Mary was again besieged with a repetition of Mr. Brown's enconiums on her charms, which raised her vanity to the highest pitch, and sent her up-stairs (she hardly knew whether on her head or heels) to her young mistress' room; and which, on entering, she startled its fair occupant with the following effusion:—
"Darling Miss Bella! such a charming gentleman below with a letter to the master from some lord at the castle. You never heard such fine words as he said to me and such beautiful English. He called me his hadorable hangel, and many other fine things; and such splendid clothes, with a gold band round his hat! If
