of entrusting with the happiness of my child. If, therefore, as you imagine that my daughter will meet with the reception you anticipate from your relations, and if your own feelings towards her should not change in the interval, I shall be most highly honoured by your addressing her when the term of your minority expires; with this proviso, however (which, pardon me, I do not think likely), that she herself will have no objection, for I would never press her against her will, were the suitor the Prince of Wales."
The last words brought the colour to his Lordship's face; however, he smothered any little disappointment which the remark created, and pressed the speaker's hand with great earnestness and thankfulness.
When Mr. M'Kay was taking his leave, after all the arrangements for their departure next morning were settled, his Lordship gave him instructions to serve a notice on Charlie Stuart, to the effect that the privilege he heretofore held from the former proprietor for shooting and fishing on the estate was now suspended.
CHARTER VII.
HOW TO CURE HIGHLAND GIRLS' LOVE FOR ENGLISHMEN.
The progress which Mr. John Brown, Lord Lundy's valet, made on the susceptible heart of Mary Grant greatly flattered that young man, and alarmed her true and devoted lover, Donald Munro. In order, therefore, to reconquer the fair citadel, the piper resolved on bringing all his ingenuity and forces to bear for the consummation of that object. However, no feasible artifice appeared to him, save the one which the reader has already heard, and which he hinted to his young master the evening of the bonfire. The favourable opportunity for prosecuting his wished-for plan at length arrived.
John Brown, on the other hand, satisfied in his own own mind that his impression on the heart of the pretty, lively Highland girl was quite successful, all he now wished for was an occasional chance of paying her his respects and enjoying her pleasant company; and in
