could be acceptable to the humblest among such beauty and attraction; yet I dare hope that there is one among them who, in this instance, will excuse my presumption. I shall, therefore, call on my young and beautiful neighbour, Miss McKay, to accept from the hands of her old playfellow this token of his regard."
The lovely young girl thus called upon tripped down the stairs with, smiles and blushes, and, with becoming modesty, held out her hand to receive the present, and on taking hold of the bridle, raised her eyes for a moment, when hers and Charlie's met, which sent the crimson over their handsome faces, and increased the whisperings among the spectators, and the burning jealousy of Lord Lundy. He now saw all his plans for raising himself in the estimation of Bella McKay, and his vain anticipations frustrated. The very means he adopted, at great expense and trouble, to signalise his achievements, proved the very weapons of his own discomfiture, and the stepping-stones for exalting his rival.
Not wishing to expose his mortification and disappointment, the fete was carried on with as much hilarity as if he were the successful candidate, and his liberality and hospitality were in no degree lessened.
The assembly were now invited to partake of the grand banquet. That for the gentry was laid out in the great hall of the castle, and that for the commoners on the lawn, between the castle and Loch-nan-eal, a beautiful lake, formed by nature, and bordered by plantations. Eatables and drinkables of every description were profusely supplied to all classes, which raised their spirits to the highest pitch for the dancing that followed.
Piles of combustible materials were lit at dusk on the margin of the lake, around which groups of merry dancers were formed into reels stepping out and revolving to the tune of several bagpipes, whose thrilling strains echoed through woods and hills.
The castle hall was brilliantly illuminated, where the higher class held their grand ball, and where equal enthusiasm prevailed.
Although there was no lack of amusement and enjoyment, and all classes of society seemed to be in the
